38. Information on financial instruments

The measurement categories used in accordance with IFRS 9 are presented in the tables below. In line with IFRS 7, the tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets and liabilities. Derivative financial instruments that are part of a formally documented hedge are not assigned to any of the IFRS 9 measurement categories. Lease receivables and liabilities from procurement leases fall within the scope of IFRS 16 and are therefore also not assigned to any of the IFRS 9 measurement categories.

The net gains and losses on financial instruments are broken down by IFRS 9 category as shown in the table below. Net gains and losses on financial instruments do not include gains/losses arising on hedging transactions that are part of a formally documented hedge (see note [40]).

In 2025, the net gains and losses included interest income of €16.7 million (2024: €10.2 million) and interest expense of €279.7 million (2024: €295.1 million) that resulted from financial instruments measured at amortized cost (AC category) and are recognized within net financial income/expenses. Currency translation gains and losses, dividends, valuation allowances for expected and incurred losses, the marking-to-market of derivatives that are not part of a formally documented hedge, and other measurement effects were also included in the net gains and losses.

Fair value measurement

The majority of the cash and cash equivalents, financial receivables, trade receivables and trade payables recognized at amortized cost, sundry financial assets and liabilities, and liabilities from accrued interest have short remaining terms to maturity. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments are therefore roughly equal to their fair values.

For financial liabilities and for liabilities from the lease and short-term rental business, the fair value in each case corresponds to the present value of the outstanding payments, taking account of the current interest-rate curve and the Group’s own default risk. This fair value, calculated for the purposes of disclosure in the notes to the financial statements, is classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, whereas the fair value of the bonds is based on prices observed in the market and is thus assigned to Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

For lease receivables and liabilities from procurement leases, the fair value in each case corresponds to the present value of the net lease payments, taking account of the current market interest rate for similar leases.

The following tables show the assignment of fair values to the individual levels as defined by IFRS 13 for financial instruments measured at fair value.

Level 1 comprised the financial investment in Zhejiang EP Equipment Co., Ltd., for which the fair value was calculated using prices quoted in an active market.

The fair value of other financial investments was determined using prices quoted in an active market and other observable inputs. They were assigned to Level 2.

Trade receivables recognized at fair value through profit or loss were assigned to Level 2. Their fair value was calculated using the transaction price, the biggest influence on which is the default risk of the counterparty.

Derivatives (foreign-currency forwards and interest-rate swaps) were also classified as Level 2. Their fair value was determined using appropriate valuation methods on the basis of the observable market information at the reporting date. The default risk for the Group and for the counterparty was taken into account on the basis of gross figures. The fair value of the foreign-currency forwards was calculated using the present value method based on forward rates. The fair value of interest-rate swaps was calculated as the present value of the future cash flows. Both contractually agreed payments and forward interest rates were used to calculate the cash flows, which were then discounted on the basis of a yield curve that is observable in the market. In order to eliminate default risk to the greatest possible extent, the KION Group only enters into derivatives with investment-grade counterparties.

As at December 31, 2025, Level 3 comprised the financial investment in Wuxi Quicktron Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (formerly Shanghai Quicktron Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.), which was recognized under other financial assets. The fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow method. The changes in value compared with the end of 2024 were attributable to the subsequent measurement of this financial investment. The material measurement parameters were a WACC after taxes of 8.8 percent (2024: 9.1 percent) and a long-term growth rate of 1.3 percent (2024: 1.3 percent). A sensitivity analysis of the financial investment’s fair value as at the reporting date did not lead to a material change in value.

If events or changes in circumstances make it necessary to reclassify financial instruments to a different level, this is done at the end of a reporting period.