Ørsted A/S – Annual report – 31 December 2022
Industry: utilities, energy
5.3 Hybrid capital
We have issued hybrid capital which is subordinate to our other creditors. The purpose of issuing hybrid capital is to strengthen our capital base and fund our investments. We have issued EUR hybrid bonds with a total nominal value of EUR 2,194 million and GBP 425 million, equivalent to DKK 19,877 million (2021: EUR 1,950 million and GBP 425 million, equivalent to DKK 18,269 million).
In 2022, we have issued a new green hybrid bond with a nominal value of EUR 500 million (DKK 3,718 million). Part of the proceeds was used to repay the 3013 hybrid bond.
For all our hybrid bonds, we have the right to defer coupon payments and ultimately decide not to pay them at maturity. Deferred coupon payments become payable, however, if we decide to pay dividends to our shareholders or pay coupon payments on other hybrid bonds.
As a consequence of the special terms regarding the hybrid bonds, these are classified as equity, and therefore coupon payments are recognised in equity.
Accounting policies
Hybrid capital comprises issued bonds that qualify for treatment in accordance with the rules on compound financial instruments due to the special characteristics of the bonds. The notional amount, which constitutes a liability, is recognised at present value, and equity has been increased by the difference between the net proceeds received and the present value of the discounted liability. The carrying amount of the liability component amounted to nil on initial recognition as the only payment obligation is the repayment of the nominal value in 1000 years.
Coupon payments are accounted for as dividends, which are recognised directly in equity at the time the payment obligation arises. This is because the coupon is discretionary, and therefore any deferred coupon lapses upon maturity of the hybrid capital. Coupon payments are recognised in the statement of cash flows within financing activities.
On redemption of hybrid capital, the payment will be distributed between liability and equity, applying the same ratio as when the hybrid capital was issued. This means that the difference between the payment on redemption and the net proceeds received on issue is recognised directly in equity, as the liability portion of the existing hybrid issues will be nil during the first part of the life of the hybrid capital.
Accounts examples 