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Financial Risk Factors and Risk Management
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Risk Factors and Risk Management  
Financial Risk Factors and Risk Management

Section F — Management of Financial Risk Factors

This section discusses financial risk factors and risk management regarding foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. Further, it contains information about  financial instruments, including the adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments.’

(F.1) Financial Risk Factors and Risk Management

Accounting policies

We use derivatives to hedge foreign currency risk or interest rate risk and designate them as cash flow or fair value hedges if they qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9, which involves judgment.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Many transactions constitute economic hedges, and therefore contribute effectively to the securing of financial risks but do not qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. To hedge currency risks inherent in foreign-currency denominated and recognized monetary assets and liabilities, we do not designate our held-for-trading derivative financial instruments as accounting hedges, because the profits and losses from the underlying transactions are recognized in profit or loss in the same periods as the profits or losses from the derivatives.

In addition, we occasionally have contracts that contain foreign currency embedded derivatives that are required to be accounted for separately.

Fair value fluctuations in the spot component of such derivatives at FVTPL are included in Other non-operating income/expense, net while the forward element is shown in Financial income, net.

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

a) Cash Flow Hedge

In general, we apply cash flow hedge accounting to the foreign currency risk of highly probable forecasted transactions. With regard to foreign currency risk, hedge accounting relates to the spot price and the intrinsic values of the derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of these components determined on a present value basis is recorded in other comprehensive income. The forward element and time element as well as foreign currency basis spreads excluded from the hedging relationship are recorded as cost of hedging in a separate position in other comprehensive income. As the amounts are not material, they are presented together with the effective portion of the cash flow hedges in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of changes in equity. All other components including counterparty credit risk adjustments of the derivative and the ineffective portion are immediately recognized in Financial Income, net in profit and loss. Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit and loss to Other non-operating income/expense, net and Financial income, net in the same period when the hedged item affects profit and loss.

 

b) Fair Value Hedge

We apply fair value hedge accounting for certain of our fixed-rate financial liabilities and show the fair value fluctuations in Financial income, net.

 

c) Valuation and Testing of Effectiveness

At inception of a designated hedging relationship, we document our risk management strategy and the economic relationship between hedged item and hedging instrument. The existence of an economic relationship is demonstrated as well as the effectiveness of the hedging relationship tested prospectively by applying the critical terms match for our foreign currency hedges, since currencies, maturities, and the amounts are closely aligned for the forecasted transactions and for the spot element of the forward exchange rate contract or intrinsic value of the currency options, respectively. For interest rate swaps, effectiveness is tested prospectively using statistical methods in the form of a regression analysis, by which the validity and extent of the relationship between the change in value of the hedged items as the independent variable and the fair value change of the derivatives as the dependent variable is determined. The main sources of ineffectiveness are:

–   The effect of the counterparty and our own credit risk on the fair value of the forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, which is not reflected in the respective hedged item, and

–   Differences in the timing of hedged item and hedged transaction in our cash flow hedges.

 

We are exposed to various financial risks, such as market risks (that is, foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, and equity price risk), credit risk, and liquidity risk.

We manage market risks, credit risk, and liquidity risk on a Group-wide basis through our global treasury department, global risk management, and global credit management. Risk management policies are established to identify risks, to set appropriate risk limits, and to monitor risks. Risk management policies and hedging strategies are laid out in our internal guidelines (for example, treasury guideline and other internal guidelines), and are subject to continuous internal review and analysis to reflect changes in market conditions and our business.

We only purchase derivative financial instruments to reduce risks and not for speculation, which is defined as entering into derivative instruments without a corresponding underlying transaction.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Factors

As we are active worldwide, our ordinary operations are subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currencies. Since the Group’s entities mainly conduct their operating business in their own functional currencies, our risk of exchange rate fluctuations from ongoing ordinary operations is not considered significant. However, we occasionally generate foreign-currency-denominated receivables, payables, and other monetary items by transacting in a currency other than the functional currency. To mitigate the extent of the associated foreign currency exchange rate risk, the majority of these transactions are hedged as described below.

In rare circumstances, transacting in a currency other than the functional currency also leads to embedded foreign currency derivatives being separated and measured at fair value through profit or loss.

In addition, the intellectual property (IP) holders in the SAP Group are exposed to risks associated with forecasted intercompany cash flows in foreign currencies. These cash flows arise out of royalty payments from subsidiaries to the respective IP holder. The royalties are linked to the subsidiaries’ external revenue. This arrangement leads to a concentration of the foreign currency exchange rate risk with the IP holders, as the royalties are mostly denominated in the subsidiaries’ local currencies, while the functional currency of the IP holders with the highest royalty volume is the euro. The highest foreign currency exchange rate exposure of this kind relates to the currencies of subsidiaries with significant operations, for example the U.S. dollar, the pound sterling, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc, and the Australian dollar.

Generally, we are not exposed to any significant foreign currency exchange rate risk with regard to our investing and financing activities, as such activities are normally conducted in the functional currency of the investing or borrowing entity.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Management

We continuously monitor our exposure to currency fluctuation risks based on monetary items and forecasted transactions and pursue a Group-wide strategy to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, using derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange forward contracts, as appropriate, with the primary aim of reducing profit or loss volatility. Most of the hedging instruments are not designated as being in a hedge accounting relationship.

Currency Hedges Designated as Hedging Instruments (Cash Flow Hedges)

We enter into derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange forward contracts, to hedge significant forecasted cash flows (royalties) from foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies with a hedge ratio of 1:1 and a hedge horizon of up to 12 months, which is also the maximum maturity of the foreign exchange derivatives we use.

For all years presented, no previously highly-probable transaction designated as a hedged item in a foreign currency cash flow hedge relationship ceased to be probable. Therefore, we did not discontinue any of our cash flow hedge relationships. Also, ineffectiveness was either not material or non-existent in all years reported. Generally, the cash flows of the hedged forecasted transactions are expected to occur and to be recognized in profit or loss monthly within a time frame of 12 months from the date of the statement of financial position.

The amounts as at December 31, 2018, relating to items designated as hedged items were as follows:

Designated Hedged Items in Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

    

Forecasted License Payments

 

 

2018

Change in value used for calculating hedge ineffectiveness

 

 

-4

Cash flow hedge

 

 

-4

Cost of hedging

 

 

-2

Balances remaining in cash flow hedge reserve for which hedge accounting is no longer applied

 

 

 0

 

The amounts as at December 31, 2018, designated as hedging instruments were as follows:

Designated Hedging Instruments in Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

€ millions

    

Forecasted License Payments

 

 

2018

Nominal amount

 

533

Carrying amount

 

 

Other financial assets

 

 2

Other financial liabilities

 

-9

Change in value recognized in OCI

 

 4

Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in Finance income, net

 

 0

Cost of hedging recognized in OCI

 

 2

Amount reclassified from cash flow hedge in OCI to Other non-operating income, net

 

22

Amount reclassified from cost of hedging in OCI to Finance income, net

 

-5

 

On December 31, 2018, we held the following instruments to hedge exposures to changes in foreign currency:

Details on Hedging Instruments in Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity

 

 

2018

 

    

1 to 6 months

    

6 to 12 months

Forward exchange contracts

 

  

    

  

Net exposure in € millions

 

337

 

195

Average EUR:GBP forward rate

 

89.42

 

90.21

Average EUR:JPY forward rate

 

130.91

 

130.06

Average EUR:CHF forward rate

 

1.15

 

1.14

Average EUR:AUD forward rate

 

1.61

 

1.62

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Exposure

Our risk exposure is based on the following assumptions:

–      The SAP Group’s entities generally operate in their functional currencies. In exceptional cases and limited economic environments, operating transactions are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, leading to a foreign currency exchange rate risk for the related monetary instruments. Where material, this foreign currency exchange rate risk is hedged. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have a significant impact neither on profit nor on other comprehensive income with regard to our non-derivative monetary financial instruments and related income or expenses.

–      Our free-standing derivatives designed for hedging foreign currency exchange rate risks almost completely balance the changes in the fair values of the hedged item attributable to exchange rate movements in the Consolidated Income Statements in the same period. As a consequence, the hedged items and the hedging instruments are not exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, and thereby have no effect on profit.Consequently, we are only exposed to significant foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations with regard to the following:

–     The spot component of derivatives held within a designated cash flow hedge relationship affecting other comprehensive income

–      Foreign currency embedded derivatives affecting other non-operating expense, net

–      The foreign currency option held in connection with the planned acquisition of Qualtrics affecting other non-operating expense, net

Thus, our foreign currency exposure (and our average/high/low exposure) as at December 31 was as follows:

Foreign Currency Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ billions

    

2018

    

2017

Year-end exposure toward all our major currencies

 

6.3

 

0.9

Average exposure

 

2.1

 

0.9

Highest exposure

 

6.3

 

1.0

Lowest exposure

 

0.7

 

0.9

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Sensitivity

We calculate our sensitivity on an upward/downward shift of +/–10% of the foreign currency exchange rate between the euro and all major currencies (2017: +/–10% of the foreign currency exchange rate between the euro and all other major currencies; 2016: upward/downward shift of +/–25% of the foreign currency exchange rate between the euro and Brazilian real; +/–10% of the foreign currency exchange rate between the euro and all other major currencies). If, on December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the foreign currency exchange rates had been higher/lower as described above, this would have the following effects on other non-operating expense, net and other comprehensive income:

Foreign Currency Sensitivity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

Effects on Other Non-Operating Expense, Net

 

Effects on Other Comprehensive Income

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

Derivatives held within a designated cash flow hedge relationship

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

All major currencies -10% (2017: all major currencies -10%; 2016: Brazil real: –25%; all other major currencies –10%)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

62

 

71

 

79

All major currencies +10% (2017: all major currencies +10%; 2016: Brazil real: +25%; all other major currencies +10%)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

-62

 

-71

 

-79

Embedded derivatives

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

All currencies –10%

 

11

 

15

 

23

 

  

 

  

 

  

All currencies +10%

 

-11

 

-15

 

-23

 

  

 

  

 

  

FX option held in connection with the acquisition of Qualtrics

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

USD –10%

 

-29

 

 0

 

 0

 

  

 

  

 

  

USD +10%

 

559

 

 0

 

 0

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Interest Rate Risk

Interest Rate Risk Factors

We are exposed to interest rate risk as a result of our investing and financing activities mainly in euros and U.S. dollars, since a large part of our investments are based on variable rates and/or short maturities (2018: 48%; 2017: 79%) and most of our financing transactions are based on fixed rates and long maturities (2018: 83%; 2017: 71%).

Interest Rate Risk Management

The aim of our interest rate risk management is to reduce profit or loss volatility and optimize our interest result by creating a balanced structure of fixed and variable cash flows. We therefore manage interest rate risks by adding interest-rate-related derivative instruments to a given portfolio of investments and debt financing. The desired fixed-floating mix of our net debt is set by the Treasury Committee.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (Fair Value Hedges)

To match the interest rate risk from our financing transactions to our investments, we use receiver interest rate swaps to convert certain fixed-rate financial liabilities to floating, and by this means secure the fair value of the swapped financing transactions in a 1:1 ratio. Including interest rate swaps, 71% (2017: 49%) of our total interest-bearing financial liabilities outstanding as at December 31, 2018, had a fixed interest rate.

The amounts as at December 31, 2018, relating to items designated as hedged items were as follows:

Designated Hedged Items in Interest Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

2018

 

 

Fixed-Rate

 

Fixed-Rate

 

    

Borrowing in EUR

    

Borrowing in USD

Notional amount

 

750

 

535

Carrying amount

 

749

 

534

Accumulated fair value adjustments in Other financial liabilities

 

10

 

-32

Change in fair value used for measuring ineffectiveness

 

10

 

 1

Accumulated amount of fair value hedge adjustments for hedged items ceased to be adjusted for hedging gains / losses

 

 0

 

-33

 

The amounts as at December 31, 2018, designated as hedging instruments were as follows:

Designated Hedging Instruments in Interest Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

2018

 

 

Interest Rate

 

Interest Rate

 

 

Swaps for

 

Swaps for

 

    

EUR Borrowing

    

USD Borrowing

Notional amount

 

750

 

535

Carrying amount

 

 

 

 

Other financial assets

 

10

 

 1

Other financial liabilities

 

 0

 

-3

Change in fair value used for measuring ineffectiveness

 

10

 

-2

 

As at December 31, 2018, we held the following instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates:

Details on Hedging Instruments in Interest Rate Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity

 

 

    

2019

    

2020

    

2022

    

2024

 

EUR interest rate swaps

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Nominal amounts

 

750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average variable interest rate

 

0.613

%   

 

 

 

 

 

 

USD interest rate swaps

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Nominal amounts

 

 

 

253

 

194

 

88

 

Average variable interest rate

 

 

 

3.366

%   

3.341

%   

3.220

%

 

None of the fair value adjustment from the receiver swaps, the basis adjustment on the underlying hedged items held in fair value hedge relationships, and the difference between the two recognized in financial income, net, is material in any of the years presented.

Interest Rate Exposure

Our interest rate exposure (and our average/high/low exposure) as at December 31 was as follows:

Interest Rate Risk Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ billions

 

2018

 

2017

 

    

Year-End

    

Average

    

High

    

Low

    

Year-End

    

Average

    

High

    

Low

Fair value interest rate risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From investments

 

0.08

 

0.09

 

0.10

 

0.08

 

0.04

 

0.12

 

0.31

 

0.03

Cash flow interest rate risk

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

From investments (including cash)

 

4.24

 

4.16

 

5.65

 

3.50

 

3.80

 

3.78

 

4.10

 

3.52

From financing

 

1.96

 

2.08

 

2.32

 

1.45

 

1.81

 

1.94

 

2.31

 

1.80

From interest rate swaps

 

1.28

 

1.31

 

1.36

 

1.27

 

1.35

 

1.75

 

2.22

 

1.35

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

A sensitivity analysis is provided to show the impact of our interest rate risk exposure on profit or loss and equity in accordance with IFRS 7, considering the following:

–      Changes in interest rates only affect the accounting for non-derivative fixed-rate financial instruments if they are recognized at fair value. Therefore, such interest rate changes do not change the carrying amounts of our non-derivative fixed-rate financial liabilities, as we account for them at amortized cost. Investments in fixed-rate financial assets classified as available-for-sale were not material at each year end reported. Thus, we do not consider any fixed-rate instruments in the equity-related sensitivity calculation.

–      Income or expenses recorded in connection with non-derivative financial instruments with variable interest rates are subject to interest rate risk if they are not hedged items in an effective hedge relationship. Thus, we take into consideration interest rate changes relating to our variable-rate financing and our investments in money market instruments in the profit-related sensitivity calculation.

–     The designation of interest rate receiver swaps in a fair value hedge relationship leads to interest rate changes affecting financial income, net. The fair value movements related to the interest rate swaps are not reflected in the sensitivity calculation, as they offset the fixed interest rate payments for the bonds and private placements as hedged items. However, changes in market interest rates affect the amount of interest payments from the interest rate swap. As a consequence, we include those effects of market interest rates on interest payments in the profit-related sensitivity calculation.

Due to the different interest rate expectations for the U.S. dollar and the euro area, we base our sensitivity analyses on a yield curve upward shift of +100/+30 basis points (bps) for the U.S. dollar/euro area (2017: +100/+25bps for the U.S. dollar/euro area; 2016: + 100/+50bps for the U.S. dollar/euro area), and a yield curve downward shift of –25/-10bps for the U.S. dollar/euro area (2017: –25bps; 2016: –50bps).

If, on December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, interest rates had been higher/lower as described above, this would not have had a material effect on financial income, net, for our variable interest rate investments and would have had the following effects on financial income, net.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

Effects on Financial Income, Net

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

Derivatives held within a designated fair value hedge relationship

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rates +100 bps for U.S. dollar area/+30 bps for euro area (2017: +100/+25 bps for U.S. dollar/euro area; 2016: +100/+50 bps for U.S. dollar/euro area)

 

-20

 

-26

 

-46

Interest rates -25 bps for U.S. dollar/-10 bps for euro area (2017: -25 bps for U.S. dollar/euro area; 2016: -50 bps for U.S. dollar/euro area)

 

 5

 

 9

 

29

Variable-rate financing

 

 

 

  

 

  

Interest rates +100 bps for U.S. dollar area/+25 bps for euro area (2017: +25 bps for euro area; 2016: +50 bps for euro area)

 

-24

 

-5

 

-21

Interest rates -25 bps for U.S. dollar/–10 bps for for euro area (2017: -25 bps for euro area; 2016: -50 bps for euro area)

 

 4

 

 0

 

 0

 

Equity Price Risk

Equity Price Risk Factors

We are exposed to equity price risk with regard to our investments in equity securities and our share-based payments plans.

Equity Price Risk Management

Our listed equity investments are monitored based on the current market value that is affected by the fluctuations in the volatile stock markets worldwide. Unlisted equity investments are monitored based on detailed financial information provided by the investees. The fair value of our listed equity investments depends on the equity prices, while the fair value of the unlisted equity investments is influenced by various unobservable input factors.

We also monitor the exposure with regard to our share-based payment plans. To reduce resulting profit or loss volatility, we hedge certain cash flow exposures associated with these plans by purchasing derivative instruments, but we do not establish a designated hedge relationship.

Equity Price Exposure

Our exposure from our investments in equity securities was €1,248 million (2017: €827 million; 2016: €952 million).

For information about the exposure from our share-based payments plans, see Note (B.3).

Equity Price Sensitivity

In our sensitivity analysis for our share-based payments plans, we include the hedging instruments and the underlying share-based payments even though the latter are scoped out of IFRS 7, as we believe that taking only the derivative instrument into account would not properly reflect our equity price risk exposure.

Our sensitivity towards a fluctuation in equity prices is as follows:

Equity Price Sensitivity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

Investments in equity securities

 

 

 

  

 

  

Increase in equity prices and respective unobservable inputs of 10% - increase of Financial income, net by

 

65

 

56

 

84

Decrease in equity prices and respective unobservable inputs of 10% - decrease of Financial income, net by

 

-65

 

-56

 

-81

Share-based payments

 

 

 

  

 

  

Increase in equity prices of 20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Increase of share-based payment expenses by

 

-279

 

-371

 

-333

- Increase of offsetting gains from hedging instruments by

 

57

 

65

 

52

Decrease in equity prices of 20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Decrease of share-based payment expenses by

 

262

 

337

 

296

- Decrease of offsetting gains from hedging instruments by

 

-44

 

-46

 

-44

 

Credit Risk

Credit Risk Factors

To reduce the credit risk in investments, we arrange to receive rights to collateral for certain investing activities in the full amount of the investment volume, which we would be allowed to make use of only in the case of default of the counterparty to the investment. In the absence of other significant agreements to reduce our credit risk exposure, the total amounts recognized as cash and cash equivalents, current investments, loans, and other financial receivables, trade receivables, and derivative financial assets represent our maximum exposure to credit risks, except for the agreements mentioned above.

Credit Risk Management

Cash at Banks, Time Deposits, and Debt Securities

To mitigate the credit risk from our investing activities and derivative financial assets, we conduct all our activities only with approved major financial institutions and issuers that carry high external ratings, as required by our internal treasury guideline. Among its stipulations, the guideline requires that we invest only in assets from issuers with a minimum rating of at least “BBB flat.” We only invest in issuers with a lower rating in exceptional cases. Such investments were not material in 2018 and 2017. The weighted average rating of our financial assets is in the range A to A--. We pursue a policy of cautious investments characterized by predominantly current investments, standard investment instruments, as well as a wide portfolio diversification by doing business with a variety of counterparties.

To further reduce our credit risk, we require collateral for certain investments in the full amount of the investment volume, which we would be allowed to make use of in the case of default of the counterparty to the investment. As such collateral, we only accept bonds with at least investment-grade rating level.

In addition, the concentration of credit risk that exists when counterparties are involved in similar activities by instrument, sector, or geographic area is further mitigated by diversification of counterparties throughout the world and adherence to an internal limit system for each counterparty. This internal limit system stipulates that the business volume with individual counterparties is restricted to a defined limit that depends on the lowest official long-term credit rating available by at least one of the major rating agencies, the Tier 1 capital of the respective financial institution, or participation in the German Depositors’ Guarantee Fund or similar protection schemes. We continuously monitor strict compliance with these counterparty limits. As the premium for credit default swaps mainly depends on market participants’ assessments of the creditworthiness of a debtor, we also closely observe the development of credit default swap spreads in the market to evaluate probable risk developments and react in a timely manner to changes should these manifest.

For cash at banks, time deposits, and debt securities such as acquired bonds or commercial paper, we apply the general impairment approach. As it is our policy to only invest in high-quality assets of issuers with a minimum rating of at least investment grade so as to minimize the risk of credit losses, we use the low credit risk exception. Thus, these assets are always allocated to stage 1 of the three-stage credit loss model and we record a loss allowance for an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses. This loss allowance is calculated based on our exposure as at the respective reporting date, the loss given default for this exposure, and the credit default swap spread as a measure for the probability of default. To ensure that during their lifetime our investments always fulfill the requirement of being investment-grade, we monitor changes in credit risk by tracking published external credit ratings. Among other things, we consider cash at banks, time deposits, and debt securities to be in default when the counterparty is unlikely to pay its obligations in full, when there is information about a counterparty’s financial difficulties, or in case of a drastic increase in the credit default swap spread of a counterparty for a prolonged time period while the overall market environment remains rather stable. Such financial assets are written off either partially or in full if the likelihood of recovery is considered remote, which might be evidenced, for example, by the bankruptcy of a counterparty of such financial assets.

Trade Receivables

The default risk of our trade receivables is managed separately, mainly based on assessing the creditworthiness of customers through external ratings and on our past experience with the customers concerned. Based on this assessment, individual credit limits are established for each customer and deviations from such credit limits need to be approved by management.

We apply the simplified impairment approach using a provision matrix for all trade receivables and contract assets to take into account any lifetime expected credit losses already at initial recognition. For the purpose of the provision matrix, customers are clustered into different risk classes, mainly based on market information such as the country risk assessment of their country of origin. Loss rates used to reflect lifetime expected credit losses are determined using a roll-rate method based on the probability of a receivable progressing through different stages of being overdue and on our actual credit loss experience over the past  years. These loss rates are enhanced by forward-looking information to reflect differences between economic conditions during the period over which the historical data has been collected, current conditions, and the expected changes in the economic conditions over the expected life of the receivables. Forward-looking information is based on changes in country risk ratings, or fluctuations in credit default swaps of countries of the customers we do business with. We continuously monitor outstanding receivables locally to assess whether there is objective evidence that our trade receivables and contract assets are credit-impaired. Evidence that trade receivables and contract assets are credit-impaired include, among the trade receivables being past due, information about significant financial difficulty of the customer or non-adherence to a payment plan. We consider receivables to be in default when the counterparty is unlikely to pay its obligations in full, However, a delay of payments(for example, more than 90 days past due) in the normal course of business alone does not necessarily indicate a customer default. We write off account balances either partially or in full if we judge that the likelihood of recovery is remote, which might be evidenced, for example, when bankruptcy proceedings for a customer are finalized or when all enforcement efforts have been exhausted.

The impact of default on our trade receivables from individual customers is mitigated by our large customer base and its distribution across many different industries, company sizes, and countries worldwide. For more information about our trade receivables, see Note (A.2.).

Credit Risk Exposure

Cash, Time Deposits, and Debt Securities

As at December 31, 2018, our exposure to credit risk from cash, time deposits and debt securities was as follows:

Credit Risk Exposure from Cash, Time Deposits, and Debt Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Equivalent to External

    

Weighted Average Loss Rate

    

Gross Carrying Amount Not

    

Gross Carrying Amount

    

ECL Allowance

 

 

Rating

 

 

 

Credit-Impaired

 

Credit-Impaired

 

 

Risk class 1 - low risk

 

AAA to BBB-

 

-0.1

%  

7,406

 

 0

 

-5

Risk class 2 - high risk

 

BB to D

 

0.0

%  

34

 

 0

 

 0

Risk class 3 - unrated

 

NA

 

-3.3

%  

30

 

 0

 

-1

Total

 

 

 

-0.1

%  

7,470

 

 0

 

-6

 

As at December 31, 2017, the major part of our time deposits, other loans, and other financial receivables was concentrated in Germany. There were no time deposits, loans, or other financial receivables past due but not impaired and we had no indications of impairments of such assets that were not past due and not impaired as at that date.

Trade Receivables and Contract Assets

As at December 31, 2018, our exposure to credit risk from trade receivables was as follows:

Credit Risk Exposure from Trade Receivables and Contract Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Weighted Average Loss Rate

    

Gross Carrying Amount Not

    

Gross Carrying Amount Credit-

    

ECL Allowance

 

 

 

 

Credit-Impaired

 

Impaired

 

 

AR not due and due

 

-0.3

%  

4,288

 

 0

 

-13

AR overdue 1 to 30 days

 

-0.3

%  

749

 

15

 

-2

AR overdue 30 to 90 days

 

-0.5

%  

551

 

 8

 

-3

AR overdue more than 90 days

 

-13.0

%  

558

 

125

 

-89

Total

 

-1.7

%  

6,146

 

148

 

-107

 

For 2018, the movement in the ECL allowance (2017: movement in bad debt allowance according IAS 39) for trade receivables and contract assets is as follows:

Movement in ECL Allowance for Trade Receivables and Contract Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

ECL Allowance

 

Bad Debt Allowance

Balance as at 01/01 under IAS 39

 

-74

 

-89

Adoption of IFRS 9

 

-25

 

 0

Balance as at 01/01 under IFRS 9

 

-99

 

-89

Net credit losses recognized

 

-18

 

 4

Amounts written off

 

10

 

11

Balance as at 12/31

 

-107

 

-74

 

An analysis of trade receivables that were neither past due nor impaired and their aging as at December 31, 2017, was as follows:

Aging of Trade Receivables

 

 

 

 

€ millions

    

2017

Not past due and not individually impaired

 

4,185

Past due but not individually impaired

 

 

Past due 1 to 30 days

 

695

Past due 31 to 120 days

 

459

Past due 121 to 365 days

 

266

Past due over 365 days

 

95

Total past due but not individually impaired

 

1,515

Individually impaired, net of allowances

 

110

Carrying amount of trade receivables, net

 

5,810

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity Risk Factors

We are exposed to liquidity risk from our obligations towards suppliers, employees, and financial institutions.

Liquidity Risk Management

Our liquidity is managed by our global treasury department with the primary aim of maintaining liquidity at a level that is adequate to meet our financial obligations.

Generally, our primary source of liquidity is funds generated from our business operations. Our global treasury department manages liquidity centrally for all subsidiaries. Where possible, we pool their cash surplus so that we can use liquidity centrally for our business operations, for subsidiaries’ funding requirements, or to invest any net surplus in the market. With this strategy, we seek to optimize yields, while ensuring liquidity, by investing only with counterparties and issuers of high credit quality, as explained before. Hence, high levels of liquid assets and marketable securities provide a strategic reserve, helping keep SAP flexible, sound, and independent.

Apart from effective working capital and cash management, we have reduced the liquidity risk inherent in managing our day-to-day operations and meeting our financing responsibilities by arranging an adequate volume of available credit facilities with various financial institutions on which we can draw if necessary.

In order to retain high financial flexibility, on November 20, 2017, SAP SE entered into a €2.5 billion syndicated credit facility agreement with an initial term of five years plus two one-year extension options.  In 2018, the initial term of this facility was extended for an additional period of one year until November 2023. The use of the facility is not restricted by any financial covenants. Borrowings under the facility bear interest of EURIBOR or LIBOR for the respective currency plus a margin of 17bps. We are also required to pay a commitment fee of 5.95bps per annum on the unused available credit. We have not drawn on the facility.

In financing the planned acquisition of Qualtrics, we arranged for a €2.5 billion acquisition facility to partially finance the purchase price payment. The facility has a lifetime of three years and can be flexibly repaid with SAP’s free cash flow or further refinancing transactions on the capital markets. For more information about drawings under the facility, see Note (G.9.).

Additionally, as at December 31, 2018, and 2017, we had available lines of credit totaling €445 million and €510 million, respectively. There were immaterial borrowings outstanding under these lines of credit in all years presented.

Liquidity Risk Exposure

The table below is an analysis of the remaining contractual maturities of all our financial liabilities held as at December 31, 2018. Financial liabilities for which repayment can be requested by the contract partner at any time are assigned to the earliest possible period. Variable interest payments were calculated using the latest relevant interest rate fixed as at December 31, 2018. As we generally settle our derivative contracts gross, we show the pay and receive legs separately for all our currency and interest rate derivatives, whether or not the fair value of the derivative is negative. The cash outflows for the currency derivatives are translated using the applicable spot rate.

Contractual Maturities of Non-Derivative Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

Carrying

 

Contractual Cash Flows

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

    

12/31/2018

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

    

2022

    

2023

    

Thereafter

Non-derivative financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

-1,265

 

-1,265

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

Financial liabilities

 

-11,602

 

-1,149

 

-1,585

 

-622

 

-1,410

 

-1,097

 

-6,689

Total of non-derivative financial liabilities

 

-12,866

 

-2,414

 

-1,585

 

-622

 

-1,410

 

-1,097

 

-6,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

Carrying

 

Contractual Cash Flows

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

    

12/31/2017

    

2018

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

    

2022

    

Thereafter

Non-derivative financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

-952

 

-952

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

 

 0

Financial liabilities

 

-6,508

 

-1,554

 

-834

 

-957

 

-58

 

-429

 

-3,102

Total of non-derivative financial liabilities

 

-7,460

 

-2,506

 

-834

 

-957

 

-58

 

-429

 

-3,102

 

Contractual Maturities of Derivative Financial Liabilities and Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€ millions

 

Carrying

 

Contractual Cash Flows

 

Carrying

 

Contractual Cash Flows

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

    

12/31/2018

    

2019

    

Thereafter

    

12/31/2017

    

2018

    

Thereafter

Derivative financial liabilities and assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial liabilities

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

-64

 

  

 

  

 

-84

 

  

 

  

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-2,111

 

-11

 

 

 

-3,909

 

-309

Cash inflows

 

 

 

2,062

 

 0

 

 

 

3,857

 

292

Currency derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

-9

 

 

 

 

 

-1

 

 

 

 

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-340

 

 0

 

 

 

-75

 

 0

Cash inflows

 

 

 

330

 

 0

 

 

 

74

 

 0

Interest rate derivatives without designated hedge relationship

 

 0

 

 

 

 

 

 0

 

 

 

 

Cash outflows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash inflows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

-3

 

 

 

 

 

-1

 

 

 

 

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-15

 

-27

 

 

 

-8

 

-15

Cash inflows

 

 

 

13

 

26

 

 

 

 8

 

14

Total of derivative financial liabilities

 

-76

 

-61

 

-12

 

-86

 

-53

 

-18

Derivative financial assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

100

 

  

 

  

 

41

 

  

 

  

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-4,025

 

 0

 

 

 

-2,799

 

 0

Cash inflows

 

 

 

4,076

 

 0

 

 

 

2,831

 

 0

Currency derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 2

 

 

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-203

 

 0

 

 

 

-634

 

 0

Cash inflows

 

 

 

202

 

 0

 

 

 

654

 

 0

Interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

 

Cash outflows

 

 

 

-8

 

-14

 

 

 

-12

 

-43

Cash inflows

 

 

 

19

 

15

 

 

 

25

 

56

Total of derivative financial assets

 

113

 

61

 

 1

 

93

 

65

 

13

Total of derivative financial liabilities and assets

 

37

 

 0

 

-11

 

 8

 

12

 

-5