FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities. We are required to separately disclose assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, from those measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are intangible assets and goodwill, which are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred. Determining which hierarchical level an asset or liability falls within requires significant judgment. The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:



Balance at December 31, 2014	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets	($ in millions)
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	3.5	$	—	$	3.5
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	—		4.5		—		4.5
Commodity forward contracts	—		8.6		—		8.6
Balance at December 31, 2013
Assets
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	5.9	$	—	$	5.9
Commodity forward contracts	—		1.3		—		1.3
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	—		7.3		—		7.3
Earn out	—		—		26.7		26.7

For the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2.

The following table summarizes the activity for our earn out liability measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs:



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	($ in millions)
Beginning balance	$	26.7		$	42.0
Settlements	(26.7		)	(23.2		)
Unrealized losses included in other income (expense)	—			7.9
Ending balance	$	—		$	26.7

Interest Rate Swaps

The fair value of the interest rate swaps was included in other assets and long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. These financial instruments were valued using the “income approach” valuation technique. This method used valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount. The measurement was based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. We use interest rate swaps as a means of managing interest expense and floating interest rate exposure to optimal levels.

Commodity Forward Contracts

The fair value of the commodity forward contracts was classified in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and other current assets as of December 31, 2013, with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of applicable taxes. These financial instruments were valued primarily based on prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities including both forward and spot prices for commodities. We use commodity forward contracts for certain raw materials and energy costs such as copper, zinc, lead and natural gas to provide a measure of stability in managing our exposure to price fluctuations.

Foreign Currency Contracts

We had no fair value of foreign currency contracts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. We enter into forward sales and purchase contracts to manage currency risk resulting from purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies (principally Canadian dollar and Australian dollar).

Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined based on current market rates for debt of similar risk and maturities. The following table summarizes the fair value measurements of debt and the actual debt recorded on our balance sheets:



	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Amount recorded on balance sheets
	($ in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—	$	531.9	$	153.0	$	684.9	$	675.1
Balance at December 31, 2013	—		561.4		153.0		714.4		691.0

Earn Out

On February 11, 2011 we acquired PolyOne’s 50% interest in SunBelt. With this acquisition, we agreed to a three-year earn out, which had no guaranteed minimum or maximum, based on the performance of SunBelt. The fair value of the earn out was estimated using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. This fair value measurement was based on significant inputs not observed in the market. Key assumptions in determining the fair value of the earn out included the discount rate and cash flow projections. The final earn out payment was made in 2014.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we paid $26.7 million and $23.2 million, respectively, for the earn out related to the 2013 and 2012 SunBelt performance. The earn out payments for 2014 and 2013 included $14.8 million and $17.1 million, respectively, that were recognized as part of the original purchase price. The $14.8 million and $17.1 million are included as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by ASC 820. There were no assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

- 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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