Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Derivative Instruments

 v2.3.0.11
Derivative Instruments
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments  
Derivative Instruments

NOTE 6: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

In May 2009, we entered into a forward interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that qualifies as a cash flow hedge. We enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to variable rate interest risk. We do not purchase derivatives for speculation. We record our cash flow hedges at fair value in accordance with GAAP, based on various discounted cash flow methodologies and observable inputs. We record the effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income. This change in fair value of cash flow hedges is the only activity in other comprehensive income (loss) during the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements. We record the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges in earnings in the period affected. We assess the effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. We deemed the hedges to be effective for the 2011 and 2010 Quarters and Periods, as applicable.

The fair value and balance sheet locations of the interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions):

 

                 
     June 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     Fair Value      Fair Value  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

    $ 0.6       $ 1.5   

 

The interest rate swap has been effective since inception. The gain or loss on the effective swaps is recognized in other comprehensive income, as follows (in millions):

 

                                 
     Quarters Ended June 30,      Periods Ended June 30,  
     2011      2010      2011      2010  
     Fair
Value		      Fair
Value		      Fair
Value		      Fair
Value		  

Change in other comprehensive income (loss)

    $ 0.4       $ 0.1       $ 0.8       ($ 0.2 ) 

Derivative instruments expose us to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparty under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreement. We believe that we minimize our credit risk on these transactions by dealing with major, creditworthy financial institutions. As part of our on-going control procedures, we monitor the credit ratings of counterparties and our exposure to any single entity, thus minimizing our credit risk concentration.