Note 13 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

(13) Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company operates internationally and is exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates in the normal course of business.  The Company, from time to time, uses derivatives to reduce exposure to market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.  

All financial instruments involve market and credit risks.  The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts.  While there can be no assurance, the Company does not anticipate non-performance by these counterparties.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency fluctuations of forecasted cash flows and existing balance sheet exposures at its foreign operations, as deemed appropriate.  The Company may or may not elect to designate certain forward contracts for hedge accounting treatment.

For derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value are immediately recognized in earnings. This treatment has the potential to increase volatility of the Company’s earnings.

None of the foreign currency forward contracts entered into during 2018 or 2017 were designated for hedge accounting treatment.  The notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts were $35,734, $32,781 and $20,896 at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  The Company does not hold or purchase any foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes and no contractual term is greater than twelve months.

The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was a loss of $430 and a gain of $83 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Losses are reflected under the caption “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and a gain is reflected under the caption “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the Company’s balance sheet and “Other revenues, net” on the Company’s income statement.