Cash flow from operating activities is calculated using the indirect method, which adjusts the relevant changes in statement-of-financial-position items for any exchange-rate effects and effects of changes in the scope of consolidation. This means that changes to the relevant statement-of-financial-position items cannot be reconciled with the corresponding values based on the published consolidated statements of financial position.

In the case of cash flow from investing activities, the actual outflows of funds are recognized. As a result, it is also not possible to reconcile these figures with the additions to investments in the consolidated statement of financial position. If subsidiaries or business activities are acquired or sold, the effects of these transactions are shown as separate items in the statement of cash flows. Investment in securities falling due in more than three months is reported separately under cash flow from investing activities because, in economic terms, these transactions are considered an element of liquidity.

The Group is financed mainly by bank loans granted in the form of loan commitments. Within the defined approval limits for loan commitments, our utilization of credit may be subject to considerable fluctuations both within a given year and over several years. The raising and repayment of loans in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate prevailing as of the time of transaction, with the result that here, too, it is not possible to reconcile all the inflows and outflows with the changes in financial liabilities in the statement of financial position.

For more details on the composition of funds made up of cash and cash equivalents, see Note 11

Other Non-Cash Expenses and Income