Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

We account for derivative financial instruments by recording the fair value as either an asset or liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize the resulting gains or losses as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) in stockholders’ equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions.

In the second quarter of 2019, to hedge the business exposure to rising interest rates on a portion of our variable rate debt, we entered into a 5-year, zero-cost interest rate collar, with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. This instrument hedges interest rate risk related to a portion of our $1.6 billion of non-trade floor plan notes payable.

The gains and losses from the cash flow hedge are recorded in AOCI and released to interest expense in the same period that the hedged interest expense on the floor plan is recognized. As of December 31, 2019, we had a loss of $1.0 million recorded associated with the fair value of our derivative instrument, included as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities with the offset in AOCI. As of December 31, 2019, the amount of net losses we expect to reclassify from AOCI into interest expense in earnings within the next twelve months is immaterial. However, the actual amount reclassified could vary due to future changes in the fair value of these derivatives. No amounts were reclassified from AOCI in the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

See Note 13 for information on the fair value of the derivative contract. We did not have any activity related to the effect of derivative instruments in 2018 or 2017.