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Derivatives and Hedging Activities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Note 16 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities

 

We are exposed to market risks as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other, and changes to the credit risk of the derivative counterparties. We attempt to minimize these risks by primarily using foreign currency forward contracts and by maintaining counter-party credit limits. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against currency exchange and credit risks. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of our hedging programs include currency markets and availability of hedging instruments and liquidity of the credit markets. All foreign currency forward contracts that we enter into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated currency exposure. We do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes and we manage our credit risks by diversifying our counterparties, maintaining a strong balance sheet and having multiple sources of capital.

 

During 2019 we entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of our euro-denominated foreign operations which are designated as net investment hedges. These net investment hedges offset the change in the U.S dollar value of our investment in certain euro-functional currency subsidiaries due to fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Gains and losses related to these net investment hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are included in interest expense within our Consolidated Statement of Income. The aggregate notional value of this net investment hedge, which matures on November 16, 2023, is €200 million. During December 28, 2019 we recognized approximately $0.6 million of interest savings as a result of this net investment hedge.

 

Fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect our revenues, gross margins, operating expenses and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in U.S. dollars. Where we deem it prudent, we engage in hedging programs using primarily foreign currency forward contracts aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on earnings. We purchase short-term (i.e., generally 18 months or less) foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with intercompany loans due from our international subsidiaries and the payment of merchandise purchases to our foreign suppliers. We do not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into U.S. dollars, as we regard this as an accounting exposure, not an economic exposure. Our hedging activities have historically not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, additional disclosures related to derivatives and hedging activities required by ASC 815 have been omitted.