Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities |
Note L Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of doing business, we are exposed to global market risks, including the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to such risks and formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. We recognize all derivatives in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) at fair value. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.
At October2, 2009, we had open foreign exchange contracts with a notional amount of $61.4 million, of which $50.5million were classified as cash flow hedges and $10.9million were classified as fair value hedges. This compares with open foreign exchange contracts with a notional amount of $47.6million at July3, 2009, of which $20.2million were classified as cash flow hedges and $27.4million were classified as fair value hedges. At October2, 2009, contract expiration dates ranged from less than one month to 9months with a weighted average contract life of 4 months.
Balance Sheet Hedges
To manage the exposure in our balance sheet to risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we implement fair value hedges. We use foreign currency forward contracts and options to hedge certain balance sheet items, including foreign currency denominated accounts receivable and inventory. Changes in the value of the derivatives and the related hedged items are reflected in earnings, in the Cost of product sales and services line item in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited). As of October2, 2009, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts denominated in the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar to hedge certain balance sheet items. The net gains on foreign exchange contracts designated as fair value hedges for the quarter ended October2, 2009 were not material. In addition, no amounts were recognized in earnings in the quarter ended October2, 2009 related to hedged firm commitments that no longer qualify as fair value hedges.
Cash Flow Hedges
To manage our exposure to currency risk and market fluctuation risk associated with anticipated or forecasted cash flows that are probable of occurring in the future, we implement cash flow hedges. More specifically, we use foreign currency forward contracts and options to hedge off-balance sheet future foreign currency commitments, including purchase commitments from suppliers, future committed sales to customers and intercompany transactions. These derivatives are primarily being used to hedge currency exposures from cash flows anticipated in our RF Communications segment related to programs in the U.K., the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada and China. We also have hedged U.S. dollar payments to suppliers to maintain our anticipated profit margins in our international operations. As of October2, 2009, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts and options denominated in the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar and Ch |