During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to balance the cost and risk of such exposure. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationship. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and are reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. We may also enter into contracts that qualify for the normal purchases and normal sale (NPNS) exception. When a contract meets the criteria to qualify as NPNS, we apply such exception. Income recognition and realization related to NPNS contracts generally coincide with the physical delivery of the commodity. For contracts qualifying for the NPNS exception, no recognition of the contract’s fair value in the consolidated financial statements is required until settlement of the contract as long as the transaction remains probable of occurring.

In February 2020, we entered into interest rate locks, designated as cash flow hedges on the related interest payments, totaling $300,000,000 to hedge the risk of higher interest rates prior to an anticipated debt issuance. We terminated and settled the interest rate locks in March 2020 for a cash payment of $19,863,000. While the related debt issuance remains probable of occurring in the near term, the timing is uncertain. As such, at least 1/20^th of the hedge is deemed ineffective and $993,000 of the settlement has been recorded to interest expense in the first quarter. The remainder of the settlement was deferred and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and is anticipated to be amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt.

In 2007 and 2018, we entered into interest rate locks of future debt issuances to hedge the risk of higher interest rates. These interest rate locks were designated as cash flow hedges. The gain/loss upon settlement of these interest rate hedges is deferred (recorded in AOCI) and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt.

This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:



		Three Months Ended
	Location on	March 31
in thousands	Statement	2020	2019
Interest Rate Hedges
Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
(effective portion)	expense	$ (1,074)	$ (75)

For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2021, we estimate that $2,324,000 of the $24,839,000 net of tax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to interest expense.