E2. Financial assets, cash and cash equivalents

AP Accounting principles

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and bank balances as well as current investments with a maturity of less than three months from the acquisition date. Restricted deposits are not included in cash and cash equivalents. Loan receivables are recognized at amortized cost.

Financial assets measured at amortized cost are continuously reviewed to assess the need for credit loss provisions.

Financial assets measured at fair value through comprehensive income relate to an equity instrument which on transition to IFRS 9 was irrevocably classified in this category without any option of recirculation due to the long-term nature of the holding. The holding relates to shares in pension assets attributable to certain pension obligations. These assets are not included in the normal pension calculations, as set out in Note C5 Remuneration after termination of employment. For 2017 and 2016, this asset was recognized in Available-for-sale financial assets. Changes in value excluding exchange gains and losses are recognized in equity under other comprehensive income, while exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 include SEK 2,260m (1,974; 1,672) that is not fully available for use by Essity or for which other limitations exist, primarily cash and cash equivalents in countries that are subject to exchange restrictions and other legal restrictions. Accordingly, it is not possible to immediately use these cash and cash equivalents in other areas of the Group, although it is normally possible to use them in the operations of the respective country. These cash and cash equivalents can also be used to repay local debts in the respective countries. Such liabilities in these countries amounts to SEK 1,045m (821; 1,361).