NOTE 13 DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our variable interest rate debt, and we manage this risk by utilizing interest rate derivatives. To add stability to interest costs by reducing our exposure to interest rate movements, 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 our 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. Our interest rate caps are not currently designated as hedges, and therefore, any gain or loss is recognized in current period earnings. These derivatives are recorded on a gross basis at fair value.

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 ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings in Other (loss) income, net. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the ineffective portion is $0.7 million. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the ineffective portion recorded in earnings was insignificant.

Assessments of hedge effectiveness are performed quarterly using regression analysis and the measurement of hedge ineffectiveness is based on the hypothetical derivative method. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by our derivative counterparties. We evaluate counterparty credit risk through monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties, which includes review of debt ratings and financial performance. To mitigate its credit risk, we enter into agreements with counterparties we consider credit-worthy, such as large financial institutions with favorable credit ratings. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no termination events or events of default related to the interest rate swaps.

If the derivative contracts 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 following table summarizes details related to our derivative contracts:


					Fixed				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
			Notional		Interest		Effective	Maturity	December 31,		December 31,
(In thousands)		Balance Sheet Location	Amount		Rate		Date	Date	2017		2016
Currently-paying contracts:
Interest Rate Swap	(a)	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	18,926	2.96	%	5/10/2011	10/31/2019	$	(286)	$	(740)
Interest Rate Swap	(a)	Prepaid expenses and other assets, net		40,000	1.66		5/6/2015	5/1/2020		299		(143)
Interest Rate Swap	(a)	Prepaid expenses and other assets, net		119,359	1.14		10/3/2016	9/12/2021		4,007		3,368
Interest Rate Cap	(b)	Prepaid expenses and other assets, net		75,000	5.00		9/1/2017	8/31/2019		—		—
Interest Rate Cap	(c)	Prepaid expenses and other assets, net		230,000	2.50		12/22/2016	12/23/2019		164		768
Interest Rate Swap	(a) (d)	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		50,000	2.65		12/31/2017	12/31/2027		(1,124)		(610)
Interest Rate Swap	(a) (d)	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		100,000	2.68		12/31/2017	12/31/2027		(2,509)		(1,479)
Interest Rate Swap	(a) (d)	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		100,000	2.62		12/31/2017	12/31/2027		(2,042)		(1,015)
Total fair value derivative assets									$	4,470	$	4,136
Total fair value derivative liabilities									$	(5,961)	$	(3,987)

(a)

Denotes derivatives designated as hedging instruments.

(b)

As of December 31, 2016, our $100.0 million interest rate cap with a 5.00% interest rate and an August 31, 2017 maturity date was in place and matured as scheduled. A new interest rate cap was entered into as detailed above and is not currently designated as a hedging instrument. Interest (income) expense included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to this contract is not material.

(c)

Denotes derivative contract that is not designated as a hedging instrument as of December 31, 2017. Interest (income) expense of $(0.6) million is included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, related to this contract.

(d)

Forward starting swaps were entered into in December 2015 and became effective as of December 31, 2017.

The tables below present the effect of our derivative financial instrument on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:


	Amount of Loss Recognized
	in AOCI on Derivative
	(Effective Portion)
	Year Ended December 31,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2017		2016		2015
Interest rate swaps	$	(726)	$	831	$	(1,705)


	Amount of Loss Reclassified from
	AOCI into Operations
	(Effective Portion)
	Year Ended December 31,
Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Operations	2017		2016		2015
Interest expense	$	(905)	$	(1,364)	$	(1,745)