DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

NOTE 8 DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are primarily exposed to interest rate risks related to our variable interest debt, and we seek to manage this risk by utilizing interest rate derivatives. Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest costs by reducing our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective and predictability, we use interest rate swaps and caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The outstanding derivatives as of March 31, 2013 were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the ineffective portion recorded in earnings was insignificant.

Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. Over the next 12 months, we estimate that an additional $2.3 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

As of March 31, 2013, we had gross notional amounts of $172.0 million for interest rate swaps and a $100.0 million interest rate cap that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The fair value of the interest rate cap derivative was insignificant.

If the interest rate swap agreements are terminated prior to their maturity, the amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized into earnings over the period that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. If the hedging relationship is discontinued because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized in earnings immediately.

The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	6,691	$	7,183
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	6,691	$	7,183

The table below presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Three months ended March 31,							Three months ended March 31,
	2013			2012			Location of Gain	2013			2012
Cash Flow Hedges	Amount of (Loss) Recognized in OCI			Amount of (Loss) Recognized in OCI			(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings	Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings			Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
	(In thousands)							(In thousands)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(98	)	$	(391	)	Interest Expense	$	(519	)	$	(493	)
	$	(98	)	$	(391	)		$	(519	)	$	(493	)