Capital management

The aim of the capital management strategy of METRO is to secure the company’s continued business operations, to enhance its enterprise value, to create solid capital resources to finance future growth and to provide for attractive dividend payments and capital service.

The capital management strategy of METRO has remained unchanged compared with the previous year.

Equity, liabilities and net debt in the consolidated financial statements

Equity amounts to €3,207 million (30/9/2016: €2,924 million), while debt amounts to €12,572 million (30/9/2016: €13,068 million). Net debt amounts to €3,142 million compared with €3,051 million as of 30/9/2016.

XLS

€ million

 

30/9/2016

 

30/9/2017

1

Shown in the balance sheet under other financial and non-financial assets (current).

Equity

 

2,924

 

3,207

Liabilities

 

13,068

 

12,572

Net debt

 

3,051

 

3,142

Financial liabilities (incl. finance leases)

 

4,740

 

4,706

Cash and cash equivalents according to the balance sheet

 

1,599

 

1,559

Short-term financial investments1

 

90

 

5

Local capital requirements

The capital market strategy of METRO consistently aims to ensure that the group companies’ capital resources comply with local requirements. During financial year 2016/17, all external capital requirements were fulfilled. This includes, for example, adherence to a defined level of indebtedness or a fixed equity ratio.