Árfolyamveszteség

Árfolyamveszteség, often translated as exchange rate loss or currency loss, refers to the financial detriment incurred when the value of an asset or liability denominated in one currency decreases relative to another currency. This occurs in foreign exchange transactions or when a company holds assets or liabilities in foreign currencies. For instance, if a Hungarian company has a receivable in US dollars, and the Hungarian forint strengthens against the dollar, the forint-denominated value of that receivable will decrease. Upon conversion back to forints, the company will receive less than initially anticipated, resulting in an árfolyamveszteség.

Conversely, an árfolyamnyereség (exchange rate gain) occurs when the foreign currency strengthens relative to the domestic currency, leading to a higher domestic value of the foreign-denominated asset or liability. Businesses operating internationally are particularly susceptible to these fluctuations. They often employ hedging strategies, such as forward contracts or options, to mitigate the risk of adverse currency movements and protect their profitability. Accounting standards typically require companies to recognize these gains and losses on their income statements, reflecting the impact of currency fluctuations on their financial performance. The magnitude of árfolyamveszteség depends on the size of the foreign currency position, the duration it is held, and the extent of the currency movement.