40 Financial instruments and risk management

When determining the fair value, it is important to maximize the use of current inputs observable in liquid markets for the financial instrument in question and minimize the use of other inputs (e.g., historical prices, prices for similar instruments, prices on illiquid markets). A three-level measurement hierarchy is defined for these purposes. If prices quoted in liquid markets are available at the reporting date for the respective financial instrument, these will be used unadjusted for the measurement (Level 1 measurement). Other input parameters are then irrelevant for the measurement. One such example is shares and bonds that are actively traded on a stock exchange. Even if quoted prices on liquid markets are not available at the reporting date for the respective financial instrument, the instrument can be measured using other inputs that are observable on the market at the reporting date (Level 2 measurement). The conditions for this are that no major adjustments have been made to the observable inputs and no unobservable inputs are used. Examples of Level 2 measurements are collateralized interest rate swaps, currency forwards, and cross-currency swaps that can be measured using current interest rates or exchange rates. If the conditions for a Level 1 or Level 2 measurement are not met, a Level 3 measurement is applied. In such cases, major adjustments must be made to observable inputs or unobservable inputs must be used.

Of the equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income and recognized under other financial assets, the instruments presented in the different levels constitute separate classes of financial instruments. In each case, the fair values of the total volume of equity instruments recognized as Level 1 are the price quotations at the reporting date. The total volume of instruments recognized as Level 1 in the prior year included a strategic financial stake of 12 percent in BT with a carrying amount equivalent to around EUR 3.7 billion. In the reporting year, this stake was transferred to plan assets.

The listed bonds and other securitized liabilities are assigned to Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the market liquidity of the relevant instrument. Consequently, issues denominated in euros or U.S. dollars with relatively large nominal amounts are to be classified as Level 1, the rest as Level 2. The fair values of the instruments assigned to Level 1 equal the nominal amounts multiplied by the price quotations at the reporting date. The fair values of the instruments assigned to Level 2 are calculated as the present values of the payments associated with the debts, based on the applicable yield curve and Deutsche Telekom’s credit spread curve for specific currencies.

The fair values of liabilities to banks, liabilities to non-banks from promissory notes, other interest-bearing liabilities, and finance lease liabilities are calculated as the present values of the payments associated with the debts, based on the applicable yield curve and Deutsche Telekom’s credit spread curve for specific currencies.

Since there are no market prices available for the derivative financial instruments in the portfolio assigned to Level 2 due to the fact that they are not listed on the market, the fair values are calculated using standard financial valuation models, based entirely on observable inputs. The fair value of derivatives is the price that Deutsche Telekom would receive or have to pay if the financial instrument were transferred at the reporting date. Interest rates of contractual partners relevant as of the reporting date are used in this respect. The middle rates applicable as of the reporting date are used as exchange rates. In the case of interest-bearing derivatives, a distinction is made between the clean price and the dirty price. In contrast to the clean price, the dirty price also includes the interest accrued. The fair values carried correspond to the full fair value or the dirty price.

The equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income contain a large number of investments in strategic, unlisted individual positions. Deutsche Telekom considers the chosen measurement through other comprehensive income without recycling to profit or loss to be appropriate because there are no plans to use the investments for short-term profit-taking. At the date of disposal of an investment, the total cumulative gain or loss is reclassified to retained earnings. Acquisitions and disposals are based on business policy investment decisions.

Furthermore, the financial stake of 12 percent in BT was transferred to plan assets in the reporting year, at which point it was derecognized. Upon derecognition, the fair value was the equivalent of around EUR 3.1 billion. Upon initial recognition in 2016, the carrying amount stood at the equivalent of around EUR 7.4 billion. Due to the impairment losses already recognized in profit or loss in prior years in accordance with IAS 39, the total other comprehensive income amounted to EUR 0 and the carrying amount equivalent to around EUR 3.7 billion as of December 31, 2017. The decline in value equivalent to around EUR 0.7 billion that occurred in the reporting year before the transfer was recognized in other comprehensive income and reclassified to retained earnings upon the transfer.

The equity instruments assigned to Level 3 that are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income and carried under other financial assets are equity investments with a carrying amount of EUR 354 million measured using the best information available at the reporting date. As a rule, Deutsche Telekom considers transactions involving shares in those companies to have the greatest relevance. Transactions involving shares in comparable companies are also considered. The closeness of the transaction in question to the reporting date and the question of whether the transaction was at arm’s length are relevant for the decision on which information will ultimately be used for the measurement. Furthermore, the degree of similarity between the object being measured and comparable companies must be taken into consideration. Based on Deutsche Telekom’s own assessment, the fair values of the equity investments at the reporting date could be determined with sufficient reliability. Please refer to the table on the previous page for the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting year. At the reporting date, investments with a carrying amount of EUR 34 million were held for sale, while there were no plans to sell the remaining investments. In the case of investments with a carrying amount of EUR 252 million, transactions involving shares in these companies took place at arm’s length sufficiently close to the reporting date, which is why the share prices agreed in the transactions were to be used without adjustment for the measurement as of December 31, 2018. In the case of investments with a carrying amount of EUR 78 million, an analysis of operational indicators (especially revenue, EBIT and liquidity) revealed that the carrying amounts were equivalent to current fair values. Due to better comparability, previous arm’s-length transactions involving shares in these companies are preferable to more recent transactions involving shares in similar companies. In the case of investments with a carrying amount of EUR 24 million, for which the last arm’s length transactions relating to shares in these companies took place some time ago, a measurement performed more recently relating to shares in similar companies provides the most reliable representation of the fair values. Here, multiples to the reference variable of expected revenue (ranging between 3.2 and 11.2) were taken. The 25 percent quantile, the median, or the 75 percent quantile was used for the multiples depending on the specific circumstances. If other values had been used for the multiples and for the expected revenue amounts, the fair values calculated would have been different. These hypothetical deviations (sensitivities) are shown in the table below. In addition, non-material individual items with a carrying amount of EUR 4 million are included with differences in value of minor relevance. For the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting year, please refer to the corresponding table on this page.

The derivatives without a hedging relationship assigned to Level 3 and carried under derivative financial assets relate to options embedded in bonds issued by T-Mobile US with a carrying amount of EUR 99 million when translated into euros. The options, which can be exercised by T-Mobile US at any time, allow early redemption of the bonds at fixed exercise prices. Observable market prices are available regularly and also at the reporting date for the bonds as entire instruments, but not for the options embedded therein. The termination rights are measured using an option pricing model. Historical interest rate volatilities of bonds issued by T-Mobile US and comparable issuers are used for the measurement because these provide a more reliable estimate at the reporting date than current market interest rate volatilities. The absolute figure used for the interest rate volatility at the current reporting date was between 1.1 and 2.0 percent. The spread curve, which is also unobservable, was derived on the basis of current market prices of bonds issued by T-Mobile US and debt instruments of comparable issuers. The spreads used at the current reporting date were between 3.6 and 4.2 percent for the maturities of the bonds and between 1.6 and 3.4 percent for shorter terms. For the mean reversion input, which is likewise unobservable, 10 percent was used. In our opinion, the values used constitute the best estimate in each case. If other values had been used for interest rate volatility, spread curve or mean reversion, the fair values calculated would have been different. These hypothetical deviations (sensitivities) are shown in the table on the next page. In the reporting year, a net expense of EUR 108 million when translated into euros was recognized under the Level 3 measurement in other financial income/expense for unrealized losses for the options in the portfolio at the reporting date. In the reporting year, several options were exercised and the relevant bonds canceled prematurely. At the time of termination, the options and their total carrying amount of EUR 118 million when translated into euros were expensed and derecognized. The changes in value recognized in profit or loss in the reporting year were mainly attributable to fluctuations in the interest rates and historical interest rate volatilities in absolute terms that are relevant for measurement. For the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting year, please refer to the corresponding table on this page. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments constitute a separate class of financial instruments.

With a carrying amount of EUR 52 million when translated into euros, the derivatives without a hedging relationship assigned to Level 3 and carried under derivative financial liabilities relate to energy forward agreements embedded in contracts entered into by T-Mobile US. The same applies to derivative financial instruments with a carrying amount of EUR 12 million when translated into euros. These agreements consist of two components: the energy forward agreement and the acquisition of renewable energy credits by T-Mobile US. The agreements were entered into with energy producers in 2017 and 2018, and will run for terms of between 12 and 20 years from the commencement of commercial operations. In the case of one energy forward agreement, commercial operations began at the end of 2017; with the others, commercial operations are set to begin between 2019 and 2020. The respective settlement period of the energy forward agreements, which are accounted for separately as derivatives, also starts when the facility begins commercial operation. Under the energy forward agreements, T-Mobile US receives variable amounts based on the facility’s actual energy output and the then current energy prices, and pays fixed amounts per unit of energy generated throughout the term of the contract. The energy forward agreements are measured using valuation models because no observable market prices are available. The value of the derivatives is materially influenced by the facility’s future energy output, for which T-Mobile US estimated a value of 2,207 gigawatt hours per year at the reporting date. The value of the derivatives is also significantly influenced by future energy prices, which are not observable for the period beyond five years. Further, the value of the derivatives is materially influenced by the future prices for renewable energy credits, which are also not observable. For the unobservable portion of the term, T-Mobile US used on-peak energy prices of between EUR 25.75/MWh and EUR 40.34/MWh when translated into euros and off-peak prices of between EUR 16.63/MWh and EUR 28.90/MWh when translated into euros. An average on-peak/off-peak ratio of 52 percent was used. In our opinion, the values used constitute the best estimate in each case. If other values had been used for future energy prices, future energy output or future prices of renewable energy credits, the fair values calculated would have been different. These hypothetical deviations (sensitivities) are shown in the table on the previous page. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments constitute a separate class of financial instruments. In the reporting year, net income of EUR 7 million (when translated into euros) was recognized under the Level 3 measurement in other operating income/expense for unrealized gains for the derivatives. For the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting year, please refer to the corresponding table on this page. The market-price changes in the reporting year were largely attributable to changes in observable and unobservable energy prices and to interest rate effects. A contract whose fair value was still negative at the beginning of the reporting year now has a positive fair value from Deutsche Telekom’s perspective, which is why it has to be disclosed as a financial asset. In the view of T-Mobile US, the contracts were entered into at current market conditions, and the most appropriate parameters for the unobservable inputs were used for measurement purposes. The transaction price at inception was zero in each case. Since the unobservable inputs have a material influence on the measurement of the derivatives, the respective amount resulting from initial measurement was not carried on initial recognition. Instead, these amounts are amortized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of commercial energy generation (for a total amount of EUR 11 million per year when translated into euros).

This amortization adjusts the effects from measuring the derivatives in each accounting period using the respective valuation models and updated parameters. All amounts from the measurement of the derivatives are presented in net terms per contract in the statement of financial position (derivative financial assets/liabilities) and in the income statement (other operating income/expenses). The difference yet to be amortized in the income statement developed as follows during the reporting year:

For the trade receivables, loans issued and other receivables assigned to Level 3, which are measured either at fair value through other comprehensive income or at fair value through profit or loss, the main factor in determining fair value is the credit risk of the relevant counterparties. If the default rates applied as of the reporting date had been 1 percent higher (lower) with no change in the reference variables, the fair values of the instruments would have been 1 percent lower (higher).

The financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss and assigned to Level 3 include derivative financial liabilities with a carrying amount of EUR 10 million resulting from an option granted to third parties in the prior-year period for the purchase of shares in an associate of Deutsche Telekom. The option was granted in connection with a sale of shares in this associate, and no notable fluctuations in value are expected. Due to its distinctiveness, this instrument constitutes a separate class of financial instruments.

Interest from financial instruments is recognized in finance costs, dividends in other financial income/expense (please also refer to Note 27 “Finance costs”, and Note 29 “Other financial income/expense”). The other components of the net gain/loss are recognized in other financial income/expense, except for allowances on trade receivables (see Note 2 “Trade and other receivables”) that are classified as debt instruments measured at amortized cost and debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, which are reported under other operating expenses. The net loss from the subsequent measurement for financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (EUR 382 million) also includes interest and currency translation effects. The net currency translation gains on financial assets classified as debt instruments measured at amortized cost (EUR 1,059 million) are primarily attributable to the Group-internal transfer of foreign-currency loans taken out by Deutsche Telekom’s financing company, Deutsche Telekom International Finance B.V., on the capital market. These were offset by corresponding currency translation losses on capital market liabilities of EUR 963 million. These include currency translation gains from derivatives that Deutsche Telekom used as hedges for hedge accounting in foreign currency (EUR 143 million; 2017: currency translation loss of EUR 544 million). Finance costs from financial liabilities measured at amortized cost (expense of EUR 1,820 million) primarily consist of interest expense on bonds and other (securitized) financial liabilities. The item also includes interest expenses from the accumulation of interest added back and interest income from interest discounted from trade payables. However, it does not include the interest expense and interest income from interest rate derivatives Deutsche Telekom used in the reporting year to hedge the fair value risk of financial liabilities (please also refer to Note 27 “Finance costs”).

Principles of risk management. Deutsche Telekom is exposed in particular to risks from changes in exchange rates, interest rates, and market prices that affect its assets, liabilities, and forecast transactions. Financial risk management aims to limit these market risks through ongoing operational and finance activities. Selected derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments (hedging transactions) are used for this purpose, depending on the risk assessment. However, Deutsche Telekom only hedges the risks that affect the Group’s cash flow. Derivatives are exclusively used as hedging instruments, i.e., not for trading or other speculative purposes. To reduce the credit risk, hedging instruments are generally only concluded with leading financial institutions whose credit rating is at least BBB+/Baa1. In addition, the credit risk for derivatives with a positive market value is generally minimized through collateral agreements with all core banks. Furthermore, the limits for deposits are also set and monitored on a daily basis depending on the rating, share price performance, and credit default swap level of the respective counterparty.

The fundamentals of Deutsche Telekom’s financial policy are established by the Board of Management and overseen by the Supervisory Board. Group Treasury is responsible for implementing the financial policy and for ongoing risk management. Certain transactions require the prior approval of the Board of Management, which is also regularly briefed on the severity and amount of the current risk exposure.

Group Treasury regards effective management of the market risk as one of its main tasks. The main risks relate to foreign currencies and interest rates.

Currency risks. Deutsche Telekom is exposed to currency risks from its investing, financing, and operating activities. Risks from foreign currencies are hedged to the extent that they influence the Group’s cash flows. Foreign-currency risks that do not influence the Group’s cash flows (i.e., the risks resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign operations into the Group’s reporting currency) are generally not hedged, however. Deutsche Telekom may nevertheless also hedge this foreign-currency risk under certain circumstances.

Foreign-currency risks in the area of investment result, for example, from the acquisition and disposal of investments in foreign companies. Deutsche Telekom hedges these risks. If the risk position exceeds EUR 100 million, the Board of Management must make a special decision on how the risk shall be hedged. If the risk position is below EUR 100 million, Group Treasury performs the currency hedging itself. At the reporting date, Deutsche Telekom was not exposed to any significant risks from foreign-currency transactions in the field of investments.

Foreign-currency risks in the financing area are caused by financial liabilities in foreign currency and loans in foreign currency that are extended to Group entities for financing purposes. Group Treasury hedges these risks in full. Cross-currency swaps and currency derivatives are used to convert financial obligations and intragroup loans denominated in foreign currencies into the Group entities’ functional currencies.

At the reporting date, the foreign-currency liabilities for which currency risks were hedged mainly consisted of bonds in Australian dollars, pounds sterling, Hong Kong dollars, Japanese yen, Norwegian kroner, and U.S. dollars. On account of these hedging activities, Deutsche Telekom was not exposed to any significant currency risks in the area of financing at the reporting date.

The Group entities predominantly execute their operating activities in their respective functional currencies. Payments made in a currency other than the respective functional currency result in foreign-currency risks in the Group. These relate in particular to payments for the procurement of network equipment and mobile handsets as well as payments to international telecommunications companies for the provision of access services. Deutsche Telekom generally uses currency derivatives for hedging purposes. On account of these hedging activities, Deutsche Telekom was not exposed to any significant exchange rate risks from its operating activities at the reporting date.

For the presentation of market risks, IFRS 7 requires sensitivity analyses that show the effects of hypothetical changes of relevant risk variables on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity. In addition to currency risks, Deutsche Telekom is exposed to interest rate risks and price risks in its investments. The periodic effects are determined by relating the hypothetical changes in the risk variables to the balance of financial instruments at the reporting date. It is assumed that the balance at the reporting date is representative for the year as a whole.

Currency risks as defined by IFRS 7 arise on account of financial instruments being denominated in a currency that is not the functional currency and being of a monetary nature; differences resulting from the translation of financial statements into the Group’s presentation currency are not taken into consideration. Relevant risk variables are generally all non-functional currencies in which Deutsche Telekom has contracted financial instruments.

The currency sensitivity analyses are based on the following assumptions: Major non-derivative monetary financial instruments (liquid assets, receivables, interest-bearing securities and/or debt instruments held, interest-bearing liabilities, finance lease liabilities, non-interest-bearing liabilities) are either directly denominated in the functional currency or are transferred to the functional currency through the use of derivatives. Exchange rate fluctuations therefore have no effects on profit or loss, or shareholders’ equity.

Non-interest-bearing securities or equity instruments held are of a non-monetary nature and therefore are not exposed to a currency risk as defined by IFRS 7.

Interest income and interest expense from financial instruments are also either recorded directly in the functional currency or transferred to the functional currency using derivatives. For this reason, there can be no effects on the variables considered in this connection.

In the case of fair value hedges designed to hedge currency risks, the changes in the fair values of the hedged item and the hedging transaction attributable to exchange rate movements balance out almost completely in the income statement in the same period. As a consequence, these financial instruments are not exposed to currency risks with an effect on profit or loss, or shareholders’ equity, either.

In the case of net investment hedges designed to hedge currency risks, the changes in the fair values of the hedged item and the hedging instrument attributable to exchange rate movements balance out completely in shareholders’ equity in the same period. As a consequence, these financial instruments are not exposed to currency risks with an effect on profit or loss, or shareholders’ equity, either.

Cross-currency swaps are always assigned to non-derivative hedged items, so these instruments do not have any currency effects, either.

Deutsche Telekom is therefore only exposed to currency risks from specific currency derivatives. Some of these are currency derivatives that are part of an effective cash flow hedge for hedging payment fluctuations resulting from exchange rate movements in accordance with IFRS 9. Exchange rate fluctuations of the currencies on which these transactions are based affect the hedging reserves in shareholders’ equity and the fair value of these hedging instruments. Others are currency derivatives that are neither part of one of the hedges defined in IFRS 9 nor part of a natural hedge. These derivatives are used to hedge planned transactions. Exchange rate fluctuations of the currencies on which such financial instruments are based affect other financial income or expense (net gain/loss from remeasurement of financial assets and liabilities to fair value).

If the euro had gained (lost) 10 percent against all currencies at December 31, 2018, the hedging reserves in shareholders’ equity and the fair values of the hedging instruments before taxes would have been EUR 14 million higher (lower) (December 31, 2017: EUR 80 million higher (lower)). The hypothetical effect of EUR 14 million on profit or loss primarily results from the currency sensitivities EUR/USD: EUR 23 million and EUR/GBP: EUR -9 million. If the euro had gained (lost) 10 percent against all currencies at December 31, 2018, other financial income and the fair value of the hedging instruments before taxes would have been EUR 40 million lower (higher) (December 31, 2017: EUR 90 million higher (lower)). The hypothetical effect on profit or loss of EUR -40 million primarily results from the currency sensitivities EUR/HRK: EUR -14 million; EUR/USD: EUR -13 million; EUR/HUF: EUR -8 million and EUR/INR: EUR -4 million.

Interest rate risks. Deutsche Telekom is exposed to interest rate risks, mainly in the euro zone and in the United States. The interest rate risks are managed as part of the interest rate management activities, in the course of which the maximum percentage of gross debt with a variable interest rate is determined. The composition of the liabilities portfolio (ratio of fixed to variable and average fixed-interest period) is managed by issuing primary (non-derivative) financial instruments and, where necessary, also deploying derivative financial instruments. Regular reports are submitted to the Board of Management and Supervisory Board.

Including derivative hedging instruments, an average of 37 percent (2017: 37 percent) of gross debt denominated in euros had a fixed rate of interest in 2018. In U.S. dollars, the fixed-rate percentage decreased compared with 2017 from around 100 percent to an average 83 percent. There were no significant fluctuations in the course of the reporting year.

Interest rate risks are presented by way of sensitivity analyses in accordance with IFRS 7. These show the effects of changes in market interest rates on interest payments, interest income and expense, other income components, and, if appropriate, shareholders’ equity. The interest rate sensitivity analyses are based on the following assumptions: Changes in the market interest rates of non-derivative financial instruments with fixed interest rates only affect income if these are measured at their fair value. As such, all financial instruments with fixed interest rates that are carried at amortized cost are not subject to interest rate risk as defined in IFRS 7.

In the case of fair value hedges designed for hedging interest rate risks, the changes in the fair values of the hedged item and the hedging instrument attributable to interest rate movements balance out almost completely in the income statement in the same period. This means that interest-rate-based changes in the measurement of the hedged item and the hedging instrument largely do not affect income and are therefore not subject to interest rate risk.

In the case of interest rate derivatives in fair value hedges, however, changes in market interest rates affect the amount of interest payments. As a consequence, they have an effect on interest income and are therefore included in the calculation of income-related sensitivities.

Changes in the market interest rate regarding financial instruments that were designated as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge to hedge payment fluctuations resulting from interest rate movements affect the hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity and are therefore taken into consideration in the equity-related sensitivity calculations.

Changes in market interest rates affect the interest income or expense of non-derivative variable-interest financial instruments, the interest payments of which are not designated as hedged items of cash flow hedges against interest rate risks. As a consequence, they are included in the calculation of income-related sensitivities.

In addition, changes in the market interest rate had an impact on the carrying amount of trade receivables recognized at fair value and originated loans and other receivables. However, these changes in value are not managed.

Changes in the market interest rate regarding interest rate derivatives (interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps) that are not part of a hedging relationship as set out in IFRS 9 affect other financial income or expense and are therefore taken into consideration in the income-related sensitivity calculations. Currency derivatives are not exposed to interest rate risks and therefore do not affect the interest rate sensitivities.

If the market interest rates had been 100 basis points higher at December 31, 2018, profit or loss before taxes would have been EUR 23 million (December 31, 2017: EUR 134 million) lower. If the market interest rates had been 100 basis points lower at December 31, 2018, profit or loss before taxes would have been EUR 70 million (December 31, 2017: EUR 209 million) higher. This simulation includes the effects from the financial instruments assigned to Level 3 described above. The hypothetical effect of EUR 70 million/EUR -23 million on income primarily results from the potential effects of EUR 16 million/EUR 30 million from interest rate derivatives, and EUR 45 million/EUR -45 million from non-derivative, variable-interest financial liabilities. Potential effects from interest rate derivatives are partially balanced out by the contrasting performance of non-derivative financial instruments, which cannot, however, be shown as a result of applicable accounting standards. If the market interest rates had been 100 basis points higher (lower) at December 31, 2018, the hedging and revaluation reserves in equity before taxes would have been EUR 673 million higher (EUR 672 million lower) (December 31, 2017: EUR 32 million lower (higher)).

Other price risks. As part of the presentation of market risks, IFRS 7 also requires disclosures on how hypothetical changes in risk variables affect the price of financial instruments. Important risk variables are stock exchange prices or indexes.

Aside from the value-creating factors in the financial instruments assigned to Level 3 described above, there were no other price risks at the reporting date. In the prior year, in addition to the price risks resulting from Level 3, there were also equity instruments assigned to Level 1. If the price of these instruments had been 10 percent lower (higher) on December 31, 2017, other comprehensive income and the fair value of the equity instruments before taxes would have been EUR 366 million lower (higher).

Deutsche Telekom is exposed to a credit risk from its operating activities and certain financing activities. As a rule, transactions with regard to financing activities are only concluded with counterparties that have at least a credit rating of BBB+/Baa1, in connection with an operational credit management system. At the level of operations, the outstanding debts are continuously monitored in each area, i.e., locally. Credit risks are taken into account through individual allowances and allowances calculated at portfolio level. The solvency of the business with corporate customers, especially international carriers, is monitored separately. In terms of the overall risk exposure from the credit risk, however, the receivables from these counterparties are not so extensive as to justify extraordinary concentrations of risk.

The following table shows the maximum credit risk for each class of financial assets, taking collateral held and other loan collateral into account (net credit risk).

The allowances of financial assets measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income developed as follows:

The financial assets measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income show the following credit ratings:

The following table presents expenses for the full write-off of trade receivables as well as income from recoveries on trade receivables written off:

Offsetting is applied in particular to receivables and liabilities at Deutsche Telekom AG and Telekom Deutschland GmbH for the routing of international calls via the fixed network and for roaming fees in the mobile network.

In line with the contractual provisions, in the event of insolvency all derivatives with a positive or negative fair value that exist with the respective counterparty are offset against each other, leaving a net receivable or liability. The net amounts are normally recalculated every bank working day and offset against each other. When the netting of the positive and negative fair values of all derivatives was positive from Deutsche Telekom’s perspective, the counterparty provided Deutsche Telekom with cash pursuant to the collateral contracts mentioned in Note 1 “Cash and cash equivalents”. The credit risk was thus further reduced.

When the netting of the positive and negative fair values of all derivatives was negative from Deutsche Telekom’s perspective, Deutsche Telekom provided cash collateral to counterparties pursuant to collateral agreements. The net amounts are normally recalculated every bank working day and offset against each other. The cash collateral paid (please also refer to Note 10 “Other financial assets”) is offset by corresponding negative net derivative positions of EUR 285 million at the reporting date, which is why it was not exposed to any credit risks in this amount as of the reporting date. The collateral paid is reported under originated loans and other receivables within other financial assets. On account of its close connection to the corresponding derivatives, the collateral paid constitutes a separate class of financial assets. Likewise, the collateral received, which is reported as other interest-bearing liabilities under financial liabilities, constitutes a separate class of financial liabilities on account of its close connection to the corresponding derivatives.

According to agreement, no cash collateral was provided for interest rate swaps concluded by T-Mobile US with a nominal value of EUR 8.4 billion (when translated into euros). The fair values at the reporting date were negative in each case from the perspective of T-Mobile US (total value of EUR -391 million (when translated into euros)).

In accordance with the terms of bonds issued by T-Mobile US, T-Mobile US has the right to terminate the bonds prematurely under specific conditions. The rights of termination constitute embedded derivatives and are presented separately as derivative financial assets in the consolidated statement of financial position. Since they are not exposed to any credit risk, they constitute a separate class of financial instruments.

There were no other significant agreements reducing the maximum exposure to the credit risks of financial assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk of the other financial assets thus corresponds to their carrying amounts.

Liquidity risk. See also Note 12 “Financial liabilities”.

Fair value hedges. To hedge the fair value risk of fixed-interest liabilities, Deutsche Telekom primarily uses interest rate swaps and forward interest rate swaps (pay variable, receive fixed) denominated in EUR, GBP, and USD. Fixed-income bonds denominated in EUR, GBP, and USD were designated as hedged items. The changes in the fair values of the hedged items resulting from changes in the Euribor, GBP Libor, or USD Libor swap rate are offset against the changes in the value of these interest rate swaps. In addition, cross-currency swaps (EUR/AUD), (EUR/GBP), (EUR/HKD), (EUR/NOK) and (EUR/USD) are designated as fair value hedges, which convert fixed-income foreign currency bonds into variable-interest EUR securities to hedge the interest rate and currency risk. The changes in the fair value of the hedged items resulting from changes in the AUD LIBOR, GBP LIBOR, HKD HIBOR, NOK OIBOR, and USD LIBOR swap rate as well as the AUD, GBP, HKD, NOK, and USD exchange rate are offset against the changes in the value of these cross-currency and interest rate swaps. The aim of the fair value hedges is thus to transform the fixed-income bonds into variable-interest debt, thus hedging the fair value (interest rate risk and currency risk) of these financial liabilities. Credit risks are not part of the hedging.

Cash flow hedges – interest rate risks. Deutsche Telekom mainly uses payer interest rate swaps and forward payer interest rate swaps (pay fixed, receive variable) to hedge the cash flow risk of existing and future debt. The interest payments to be made in the hedging period are the hedged items and are recognized in profit or loss in the same period. The changes in the cash flows of the hedged items resulting from changes in the USD LIBOR rate are offset against the changes in the cash flows of the interest rate swaps. The aim of this hedging is to transform the variable-interest bonds into fixed-income debt, thus hedging the cash flows of the financial liabilities. Credit risks are not part of the hedging.

Cash flow hedges – currency risks. Deutsche Telekom entered into currency derivative and cross-currency swap agreements (pay fixed, receive variable) to hedge cash flows not denominated in functional currency. The payments in foreign currency to be made in the hedging period are the hedged items and are recognized in profit or loss in the same period. The terms of the hedging relationships will end in the years 2018 through 2033. In the case of rolling cash flow hedges for currency risks, short-term currency forwards are entered into, which are then extended by means of follow-up transactions.

At each reporting date, the effectiveness of the fair value and cash flow hedges is reviewed prospectively based on the main contract features and determined retrospectively in the form of a statistical regression analysis; rolling foreign currency hedges are reviewed using the dollar offset test. All hedging relationships were sufficiently effective as of the reporting date.

Hedging of a net investment. The hedges of the net investment in T-Mobile US against fluctuations in the U.S. dollar spot rate de-designated in prior periods did not generate any effects in 2018. The amounts recognized in total other comprehensive income would be reclassified in the event of the disposal of T-Mobile US.

The table below sets out the conditions of the derivative financial instruments designated in hedging relationships as of the reporting date:

The nominal and carrying amounts of the derivative financial instruments designated in existing hedging relationships are shown in the following table:

The hedged items are as follows:

Gains or losses from designated hedging relationships are presented in the following table:

The recorded ineffectiveness in the income statement mainly results from the different discount rates of the hedged items (fixed-income) and designated hedging instruments (fixed-income and variable-interest). Furthermore, cross-currency interest rate hedges are impacted by effects from cross currency basis spreads, which are included in the hedging instruments, but not in the hedged items. The relative scope of the ineffectiveness is not expected to increase significantly in the future. Furthermore, there are no other potential sources of ineffectiveness.

Total other comprehensive income from hedging relationships developed as follows in the reporting year: