Other financial assets

Other financial assets are comprised of shares in non-consolidated subsidiaries and in joint ventures/associates not accounted for using the equity method Glossary, as well as other investments and non-current marketable securities; these assets are nearly exclusively shown in the category “available for sale”. Financial instruments which are neither loans or receivables, nor financial investments held to maturity, and which are not measured at fair value through profit or loss are allocated to this category. Initially and in the following periods, they are measured at fair value as long as such can be determined reliably. They are initially valued on their settlement date. Unrealized gains and losses are stated as other comprehensive income, with due consideration of any deferred taxes. Gains or losses are recognized in the income statement upon sale of the financial instruments. If there are objective, material indications of a reduction in the value of an asset, an impairment loss is recognized with an effect on income. Indications of impairment can include significant financial difficulties of the debtor, default or delinquency on payments of interest or principal, or the disappearance of an active market for a financial asset as a result of problems in the financial system.