(e) Foreign currency transactions and derivative financial instruments

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency, the US dollar, at the exchange rate applicable on the transaction date. At the closing date, monetary assets and liabilities stated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing on that date. Resulting exchange gains or losses are directly recorded in the income statement. At the closing date, non-monetary assets and liabilities stated in foreign currency remain translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Translation of foreign currency income statements of foreign operations (except for foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies) into US dollars is converted at the average exchange rate prevailing during the year. Statements of financial position are translated at the exchange rate at the closing date. Differences arising in the translation of financial statements of foreign operations are recorded in other comprehensive income as foreign currency translation reserve. On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities, and borrowings of such investments, are taken to Company equity. On disposal or partial disposal of a foreign operation, any corresponding cumulative exchange differences are transferred from equity to profit or loss.

Derivative financial instruments held by the Company are aimed at hedging risks associated with market risk fluctuations. The Company uses primarily forward currency contracts, interest rate swaps and commodity contracts to hedge foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. Further information about the financial risk management objectives and policies is included in note 4.3.27 Financial Instruments − Fair Values and Risk Management.

A derivative instrument (cash flow hedge) qualifies for hedge accounting when all relevant criteria are met. A cash flow hedge aims at reducing risks incurred by variations in the value of future cash flows that may impact net income. In order for a derivative to be eligible for hedge accounting, the following criteria must be met:

  • There is an economic relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item.
  • The effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes resulting from that economic relationship.
  • The hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that used for risk management purposes.

All derivative instruments are recorded and disclosed in the statement of financial position at fair value. Purchases and sales of derivatives are accounted for at trade date. Where a portion of a financial derivative is expected to be realized within twelve months of the reporting date, that portion is presented as current; the remainder of the financial derivative as non-current.

Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge relationships are recognized as follows:

  • The effective portion of the gain or loss of the hedging instrument is recorded directly in other comprehensive income, and the ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recorded in the income statement. The gain or loss which is deferred in equity, is reclassified to the net income in the period(s) in which the specified hedged transaction affects the income statement.
  • The changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify as hedging in accounting standards are directly recorded in the income statement.

The sources of hedge ineffectiveness are:

  • The non-occurrence of the hedged item;
  • The change in the principal terms of the hedged item;
  • The severe change of the credit risk of the Company and, or the derivative counterparty.

When measuring the fair value of a financial instrument, the Company uses market observable data as much as possible. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques. Further information about the fair value measurement of financial derivatives is included in note 4.3.27 Financial Instruments − Fair Values and Risk Management.