Capital structure

As of 30 September 2022, the METRO balance sheet reports equity in the amount of €2.4 billion (30/9/2021: €1.8 billion).

Equity increased mainly due to the development of currency translation differences in the amount of €744 million, to which the development of the rouble’s value contributed significantly. The remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans resulted in equity-increasing effects including deferred taxes in the amount of €108 million. The profit or loss for the period had an opposite effect of €−331 million on equity.

The equity ratio stands at 18.4% (30/9/2021: 14.4%).

• For more information about our equity, see the notes to the consolidated financial statements no. 31 – equity.

Net debt decreased by €0.2 billion and amounts to €3.3 billion as of 30 September 2022 (30/9/2021: €3.5 billion). Cash and cash equivalents decreased by €0.6 billion to €0.8 billion (30/9/2021: €1.5 billion). Moreover, financial liabilities decreased by €0.8 billion to €4.1 billion (30/9/2021: €5.0 billion).

• For more information about the maturity, currency and interest rate structure of financial liabilities as well as the credit facilities, see the notes to the consolidated financial statements in no. 36 – financial liabilities (excluding liabilities from leases) as well as no. 41 – notes to the cash flow statement.

As of 30 September 2022, METRO’s non-current liabilities amount to €3.8 billion (30/9/2021: €4.6 billion). Financial liabilities decreased by €0.7 billion to €3.1 billion, since many of them came due. Provisions for post-employment benefits plans and similar obligations decreased by €0.2 billion to €0.4 billion, mainly due to changes in interest rates.

As of 30 September 2022, METRO’s current liabilities amount to €6.7 billion (30/9/2021: €6.3 billion). Financial liabilities decreased by €0.1 billion to €1.1 billion, since many of them came due and had to be paid back. Trade liabilities increased by €0.4 billion to €3.9 billion, mainly due to increased business activities and higher purchase prices.

Compared to 30 September 2021, the debt ratio decreased from 85.6% by 4.0 percentage point to 81.6%.

• For more information about the development of liabilities, see the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the numbers listed in the table. Information about contingent liabilities and other financial liabilities can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in no. 45 – contingent liabilities and no. 46 – other financial commitments.