Notes on financial instruments

The following table compares the carrying amounts to the fair values for each class of financial assets and liabilities:

The carrying amount of the financial assets and liabilities represents a reasonable approximation of fair value.

The financial liabilities measured at amortized cost, excluding bonds issued, fall under Level 2. Valuation is performed according to the mark-to-market method, whereby the input parameters for the calculation of the market values are the foreign exchange rates, interest rates, and credit spreads observable on the market. Based on the input parameters, fair values are calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows at typical market interest rates.

Bonds issued are measured using Level 1 inputs according to the quoted price as of the reporting date.

The table below analyzes financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These measurements are based on a fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs for the valuation methods used to measure fair value into three levels. The three levels are defined as follows:

The underlying assets of the fund of funds are reported as part of the “fair value option.” The designation of fair value was selected to convey more useful information because this group of financial assets is managed according to their fair value, as documented in the risk management and investment strategy, and performance is observed and reported by means of fair value.

The derivative transactions (Level 2) are marked to market by determining the value that would be realized if the hedging position were closed out (liquidation method). The observable currency exchange rates and raw materials prices as well as the interest rates are the input for the calculation of fair values. Fair values are calculated based on the inputs by discounting expected future cash flows at typical market interest rates.

voestalpine recognizes reclassifications between different levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period in which the change occurred. As of March 31, 2017, own bonds with a carrying amount of EUR 1,313.3 million were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 since the quoted prices on the Frankfurt stock exchange as the principal market now represent the more appropriate basis of observation for calculating fair value. Apart from this reclassification, there were no other reclassifications in the period from April 1 to September 30, 2016, and from April 1 to September 30, 2017.

The reconciliation of Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value from the opening balance to the closing balance is depicted as follows:

Level 3 includes the non-consolidated investment in Energie AG Oberösterreich that is measured at fair value as “available for sale at fair value.” The fair value of this company can be reliably determined based on the valuation report performed once a year for Energie AG Oberösterreich as a whole and taking into account all relevant information.

Significant sensitivities in the determination of fair values can result from changes in the underlying market data of comparable entities and the input factors used to determine net present value (in particular discount rates, long-term forecasts, plan data, etc.).