Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Note 8 — Fair Value Measurements

The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value, into three broad levels, which are described below:

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Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

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Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

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Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value.

We have no assets or liabilities that utilize Level 1 inputs. However, we have derivative instruments classified as liabilities and assets which utilize Level 2 inputs, and one liability that utilizes Level 3 inputs.

For derivative assets and liabilities that utilize Level 2 inputs, we prepare estimates of future cash flows of our derivatives, which are discounted to a net present value. The estimated cash flows and the discount factors used in the valuation model are based on observable inputs, and incorporate non-performance risk (the credit standing of the counterparty when the derivative is in a net asset position, and the credit standing of Hexcel when the derivative is in a net liability position). The fair value of these assets and liabilities was approximately $6.0 million and $8.9 million, respectively, at September 30, 2018. In addition, the fair value of these derivative contracts, which are subject to a master netting arrangement under certain circumstances, is presented on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Below is a summary of valuation techniques for all Level 2 financial assets and liabilities:

•	Interest rate swaps — valued using LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date. Fair value was an asset of $0.8 million and a liability of $0.3 million at September 30, 2018.

•	Foreign exchange derivative assets and liabilities — valued using quoted forward prices at the reporting date. Fair value of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2018 was $5.2 million and $8.6 million, respectively.

Counterparties to the above contracts are highly rated financial institutions, none of which experienced any significant downgrades in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 that would reduce the receivable amount owed, if any, to the Company.

Liabilities classified as Level 3— we have a liability for $3.0 million, which represented contingent consideration, that was recognized in connection with an acquisition completed during the prior year. This amount was estimated based on certain contractual stipulations which requires payments to be made to the seller in the future based upon the achievement of certain results. We used forecasted results which were discounted using an internally derived discount rate. Future amounts payable may differ from this estimate by the difference between the actual and forecasted results. The amount of interest related to this liability accreted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, was not material.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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