Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

(12) Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

We are exposed to various risks relating to our ongoing business operations. Among these risks are foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk, which can be managed through the use of derivative instruments. In certain circumstances, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates on our cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt obligations. We have historically managed interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed and variable rate borrowings and interest rate swap agreements. In accordance with current accounting guidance on derivative instruments and hedging activities, we record all of our derivative instruments as either an asset or liability measured at their fair value.

A portion of the €350.0 ($375.5) notes due June 2018 were designated as an economic hedge of our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries with a Euro functional currency as of March 31, 2015. For derivatives designated as an economic hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, the gain or loss associated with foreign currency translation is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of taxes. As of March 31, 2015 we had an unrealized translation gain of $5.7, and as of December 31, 2014 we had an unrealized translation loss of $24.5, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, as the net investment hedge was deemed effective.

For our forward contracts that are not designated as hedges, any gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value is recognized in the current period earnings. These gains or losses are offset by the exposure related to receivables and payables with our foreign subsidiaries and to interest due on our Euro-denominated notes, which is paid annually in June. We recorded a gain in interest and other expenses of $0.2 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and an immaterial gain for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, associated with those forward contracts, which offset the loss and gain recorded for the items noted above.

On occasion, forward contracts are designated as an economic hedge of our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2015 we had a translation loss of $0.1 included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as the net investment hedge was deemed effective.

The fair value measurements of those items recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	March 31, 2015		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	85.7	$	85.7	$	-	$	-
Foreign currency forward contracts		0.2		-		0.2		-
	$	85.9	$	85.7	$	0.2	$	-

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	81.4	$	81.4	$	-	$	-
Foreign currency forward contracts		0.1		-		0.1		-
	$	81.5	$	81.4	$	0.1	$	-

We determine the fair value of our deferred compensation plan assets, comprised of publicly traded securities, by using market quotes as of the last day of the period. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts is measured at the value from either directly or indirectly observable third parties.

The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value, except for the Euro-denominated notes. The fair value of the Euro-denominated notes, as observable at commonly quoted intervals (level 2 inputs), was $419.1 and $471.6 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $375.5 and $423.4, respectively.

- Definition

This element can be used to disclose the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities disclosure as a single block of text. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Also includes the complete disclosure regarding the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, 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 Company 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 risk is 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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