7 Financial instruments and fair values

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities

Apart from lease liabilities, the carrying amounts of all other financial instruments measured at amortised cost differ only insignificantly from the fair values. This is why the corresponding fair values have not been disclosed.

Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments

At the reporting date, the Alpiq Group measured the following assets and liabilities at their fair value or disclosed a fair value. The fair value hierarchy shown below was used to classify the financial instruments:

Level 1:
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2:
Valuation model based on prices quoted in active markets that have a significant effect on the fair value

Level 3:
Valuation models utilising inputs which are not based on quoted prices in active markets and which have a significant effect on fair value

Both in the first half of 2021 and during the 2020 financial year, no significant reclassifications were applied between Levels 1 and 2. The reclassification from Level 2 to Level 3 mentioned below relates to energy derivatives with a significantly increased credit risk. Alpiq always applies reclassifications between Level 2 and Level 3 at the end of the reporting period.

The energy, currency and interest rate derivatives comprise OTC products, the majority of which are to be classified as Level 2. Fair value of energy derivatives is determined using a price curve model. The observable input factors in the price curve model (market prices) are supplemented by hourly forward prices, which are arbitrage-free and compared with external price benchmarking on a monthly basis.

The fair value of the loans payable corresponds to the contractually agreed interest and amortisation payments discounted at market rates.

Level 3 energy derivatives

Energy derivatives disclosed under Level 3 are measured using methods that in some cases utilise input factors, such as long-term energy prices or discount rates, which cannot be derived directly from an active market. In complex cases, a discounted cash flow method is used for the measurement. Apart from the credit risk, a realistic change in unobservable input factors would not have a significant impact on Alpiq’s total comprehensive income or equity. More information about the credit risk associated with Level 3 energy derivatives can be found in note 6. Level 3 items were not disclosed separately in the previous year on the grounds of immateriality. The previous year has now been adjusted for comparative purposes.

The following table shows the development of Level 3 energy derivatives:

Development of day one gains and losses

Measuring financial instruments with valuation inputs that are not entirely based on quoted prices in active markets may result in deviations between the fair value and the transaction price if measured at the time of entering into the contract. These deviations are recognised as day one gains or losses and are amortised on a straight-line basis until the underlying markets of the valuation inputs become active.

The following table shows the reconciliation of the change in deferred day one gains and losses. These items relate entirely to Level 3 energy derivatives.