DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 1.25% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.00%. As a result of two interest rate swap agreements, we are subject to interest rate risk on debt in excess of $50 million drawn on our Credit Facility.

In 2014, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $50 million to hedge changes in the variable rate interest expense on $50 million of our existing or replacement LIBOR-priced debt. Under the first swap agreement of $25 million, we have fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 1.73% through August 29, 2019, and under the second swap agreement of $25 million, we have fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 2.5% through August 29, 2024. Each swap is measured at fair value and recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as an asset or liability. They are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments and are highly effective. Unrealized losses are deferred to shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and are recognized in income as an increase to interest expense in the period in which the related cash flows being hedged are recognized in expense.

At March 31, 2018, we had fixed rate long-term debt aggregating $200 million and variable rate long-term debt aggregating $36 million, after taking into account the effect of the swaps.

The fair values of outstanding derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands):



	Fair Value of Derivatives
	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017			Balance Sheet Classification
Derivatives designated as hedges:
5 year interest rate swap	$	180	$	70		Other long-term assets
10 year interest rate swap	108		(492		)	Other long-term assets (liabilities)
	$	288	$	(422	)

The fair value of all outstanding derivatives was determined using a model with inputs that are observable in the market (Level 2) or can be derived from or corroborated by observable data.

The effect of the interest rate swaps on the Consolidated Statement of Operations was as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017		Income Statement Classification
Derivatives designated as hedges:
5 year interest rate swap	$	8	$	59	Increase to interest expense
10 year interest rate swap	56		108		Increase to interest expense
	$	64	$	167