Disclosures on financial instruments

Trade receivables include receivables amounting to EUR 2.3 billion (December 31, 2020: EUR 2.0 billion) due in more than one year. The fair value generally equals the carrying amount.

Financial instruments measured at fair value

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. If quoted prices on liquid markets are not available at the reporting date for the respective financial instrument, but the instrument can be measured using other inputs that are observable on the market at the reporting date, a Level 2 measurement will be applied. 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 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, and other interest-bearing 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 comprise 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.

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 474 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 proximity of the relevant transaction to the reporting date, and the question of whether it was conducted at arm’s length, are relevant for deciding which information is 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. For the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting period, please refer to the table above. At the reporting date, investments with a carrying amount of EUR 33 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 323 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 March 31, 2021. In the case of investments with a carrying amount of EUR 39 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 95 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 3.0 and 12.7) were taken. The 25 % quantile, the median, or the 75 % 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 17 million (when translated into euros) are included with differences in value of minor relevance.

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 524 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 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. Risk-free interest rates and spreads were simulated separately from each other. At the current reporting date, the following interest rate volatility and spreads were used for the various rating levels of the bonds:

For the mean reversion input, which is unobservable, 3 % 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 below. If the risk-free interest rate had been 50 basis points higher (lower) at the reporting date, the fair value of the options would have been EUR 143 million lower (EUR 170 million higher). In the reporting period, a net expense of EUR 205 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 period, one option was exercised and the relevant bond canceled prematurely. At the time of termination, the option and its total carrying amount of EUR 223 million when translated into euros was expensed and derecognized. Please refer to the table above for the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting period. The changes in value recognized in profit or loss in the reporting period were mainly attributable to fluctuations in the interest rates and historical interest rate volatilities in absolute terms that are relevant for measurement. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments constitute a separate class of financial instruments.

With a carrying amount of EUR -109 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 assets with a carrying amount of EUR 138 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 contracts have been entered into with energy producers since 2017 and run for terms of between 12 and 15 years from the commencement of commercial operation. In the case of five energy forward agreements, commercial operations have already begun; with the others, commercial operations are set to begin between 2021 and 2023. The respective settlement period of the energy forward agreement, which is accounted for separately as a derivative, 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 4,057 gigawatt hours per year at the reporting date. The value of the derivatives is also significantly influenced by future energy prices on the relevant markets. Market prices are generally observable for a period of around five years, beyond that market liquidity is low. 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 19.68/MWh and EUR 71.43/MWh when translated into euros and off-peak prices of between EUR 11.83/MWh and EUR 47.23/MWh when translated into euros. An average on-peak/off-peak ratio of 52 % was used. In our opinion, the values used constitute the best estimate in each case. At the reporting date, the calculated fair value for the assets amounted to EUR 186 million when translated into euros and EUR ‑8 million for the liabilities. 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 above. In the reporting period, net income of EUR 77 million (when translated into euros) was recognized under the Level 3 measurement in other operating income/expense for unrealized gains for the derivatives. Please refer to the corresponding table for the development of the carrying amounts in the reporting period. The market-price changes in the reporting period were largely attributable to changes in observable and unobservable energy prices and to interest rate effects. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments constitute a separate class of financial instruments. 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 – with the exception of the agreements concluded by Sprint that are explained below – 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 12 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 development of the amount yet to be amortized in the income statement in the reporting period is shown in the following table. Unobservable inputs also have a material influence on the measurement of the derivatives for the agreements concluded before the business combination of T‑Mobile US and Sprint. However, under the requirements for business combinations, the respective amounts resulting from the measurement are recognized as derivative financial assets, as a result of which there are no amounts yet to be amortized for these agreements. On the following reporting dates, the effects from the periodic measurement of the derivatives will be recorded in full in the income statement (other operating expenses or other operating income).

The financial assets assigned to Level 3 include derivative financial assets with a carrying amount of EUR 596 million when translated into euros, resulting from the acquired stock options to buy shares in T‑Mobile US. The stock options, which can be exercised at any time, mature in 2024, can be exercised partially at fixed and partially at variable purchase prices, and are measured using an option pricing model. In addition to the share price observable on the market and the risk-free interest rates, average share price volatilities of T‑Mobile US and comparable companies are calculated based on historic and current figures, since these provide a more reliable estimate for these inputs at the reporting date than exclusively using the current market volatilities. The absolute figure used for the share price volatility at the current reporting date was 26.5 % which, in our opinion, constitutes the best estimate. At the reporting date, the calculated fair value for the stock option amounted to EUR 1,372 million. If another value had been used for the share price volatility, the fair value calculated would have been different. These hypothetical deviations (sensitivities) are shown in the table above. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments constitute a separate class of financial instruments. The transaction price at inception was zero. Since the unobservable inputs have a material influence on the measurement of the options, the fair value resulting from initial measurement of EUR 1,005 million when translated into euros (before deduction of transaction costs) was not immediately recognized. Instead, this amount will be amortized in profit or loss over the lifetime of the options. This amortization adjusts the effects from measuring the options on an ongoing basis using the valuation model and updated parameters. All amounts from the measurement of the options are presented in net terms in the statement of financial position (other derivative financial assets) and in the income statement (other financial income/expense). The market-price changes in the reporting period are largely attributable to fluctuations in the share price and the risk-free interest rate. The development of the amount yet to be amortized in the income statement in the reporting period is shown in the following table.

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 % higher (lower) with no change in the reference variables, the fair values of the instruments would have been 1 % lower (higher).

The financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss and assigned to Level 3 include derivative financial assets with a carrying amount of EUR 14 million when translated into euros and derivative financial liabilities with a carrying amount of EUR -8 million, resulting from options purchased from or granted to third parties for the purchase of company shares. No notable fluctuations in value are expected from these individual items. Due to their distinctiveness, these instruments each constitute a separate class of financial instruments.

Disclosures on credit risk

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, Deutsche Telekom received unrestricted cash collateral from counterparties pursuant to collateral contracts in the amount of EUR 1,059 million (December 31, 2020: EUR 1,530 million). The credit risk was thus reduced by EUR 1,046 million (December 31, 2020: EUR 1,516 million) because, on the reporting date, the collateral received was offset by corresponding net derivative positions in the same amount. On the basis of these contracts, derivatives with a positive fair value and a total carrying amount of EUR 1,549 million as of the reporting date (December 31, 2020: EUR 2,253 million) had a maximum credit risk of EUR 14 million as of March 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020: EUR 44 million).

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 in the amount of EUR 30 million as of the reporting date (December 31, 2020: EUR 34 million) to counterparties pursuant to collateral agreements. The cash collateral paid is offset by corresponding net derivative positions of EUR 27 million at the reporting date (December 31, 2020: EUR 34 million), which is why it was not exposed to any credit risks in this amount.

On account of its close connection to the corresponding derivatives, the collateral received (paid) constitutes a separate class of financial liabilities (assets). There were no other significant agreements reducing the maximum exposure to the credit risk of financial assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk of the other financial assets thus corresponds to their carrying amounts.

In accordance with the terms of the bonds issued by T‑Mobile US, T‑Mobile US has the right to terminate the majority of bonds prematurely under specific conditions. The rights of early 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. Please refer to the explanations above for more information on the energy forward agreements for which no collateral is provided. There is also no credit risk on embedded derivatives held. No collateral is provided for the options acquired from third parties for shares in a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom or shares in other companies (see above).

At the reporting date, cash and cash equivalents of EUR 65 million (December 31, 2020: EUR 63 million) when translated into euros were pledged as collateral for liabilities issued by Sprint with the right of creditors to priority repayment in the event of default. This cash collateral is not exposed to any significant credit risk.