Off-balance-sheet financing instruments and non-recognized assets
In addition to the assets shown in the consolidated balance sheet, DB Group also uses off-balance-sheet financing instruments and assets that are not recognized in the balance sheet.
- We also lease assets of low value on a short-term basis (≤1 year) or with a variable fee structure, for which no right-of-use asset or lease liability must be taken into account under IFRS 16.
- To a lesser extent we have sold trade receivables (about € 0.4 billion), where the main opportunities and risks are split between DB Group and the purchasing bank. The factoring agreements relate exclusively to DB Schenker. As a result of the reclassification of DB Schenker as of December 31, 2024, the previous disclosures in the notes are no longer reported.
- With regard to the company pension scheme for employees, the liabilities under each retirement scheme are, to some extent, covered and netted by plan assets which are capable of being netted. As of December 31, 2024, total obligations amounted to € 5,013 million (as of December 31, 2023: € 5,643 million) and the fair value of plan assets was € 1,797 million (as of December 31, 2023: € 2,310 million). The balancing process leads to a reduction in total assets. The net obligation recognized as of December 31, 2024, on the balance sheet was € 3,318 million (as of December 31, 2023: € 3,492 million).
Additional information is available in the basic principles and methods section of the consolidated financial statements.