DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS |
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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS |
NOTE 13. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. We actively monitor these fluctuations and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we may use derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management. Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of our earnings.
Under FASB Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, the effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument shall be reported as a component of other comprehensive income (outside earnings) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, shall be recognized currently in earnings.
On March 27, 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that began on March 28, 2014 with a notional principal amount of $150.0 million. The agreement was entered to offset risks associated with the variable interest rate on our Term Loan B. Payments on the swap are due on a quarterly basis with a LIBOR floor of 0.625%. The swap expires on March 28, 2019 at a fixed rate of 1.645%. The interest rate swap agreement was not designated as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of this non-cash flow hedge are recognized in the current period statement of operations rather than through other comprehensive income. We recorded a long-term liability of $2.0 million as of September 30, 2015, representing the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement. The swap was valued based on observable inputs for similar assets and liabilities and other observable inputs for interest rates and yield curves, which are classified within Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 14.
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