Cash flow from operating activities of €289,780 thousand (previous year: €558,151 thousand) is derived indirectly from earnings before taxes. The indirect calculation takes into account the financial earnings, depreciation and amortisation and other non-cash expenses and income as well as the change in selected material balance sheet items and other net assets.
As in the prior year, other non-cash expenses and income include changes in provisions and impairments.
Changes to balance sheet items are adjusted for assets and liabilities taken over in acquisitions and for currency translation effects.