Fair Value of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Spectrum Brands utilizes valuation techniques that attempt to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets and liabilities are valued on a recurring basis using internal models, which are based on market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities, which are generally based on quoted or observed market prices and classified as Level 2. The fair value of certain derivatives is estimated using pricing models based on contracts with similar terms and risks. Modeling techniques assume market correlation and volatility, such as using prices of one delivery point to calculate the price of the contract’s different delivery point. The nominal value of interest rate transactions is discounted using applicable forward interest rate curves. In addition, by applying a credit reserve which is calculated based on credit default swaps or published default probabilities for the actual and potential asset value, the fair value of Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets reflects the risk that the counterparties to these contracts may default on the obligations. Likewise, by assessing the requirements of a reserve for non-performance which is calculated based on the probability of default by Spectrum Brands, it adjusts its derivative liabilities to reflect the price at which a potential market participant would be willing to assume Spectrum Brands’ liabilities. Spectrum Brands has not changed its valuation techniques in measuring the fair value of any derivative assets and liabilities during the quarter.

The Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described as follows:



	March 31, 2018								September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Derivative Assets	$	—	$	3.7	$	—	$	3.7	$	—	$	1.5	$	—	$	1.5
Derivative Liabilities	—		1.1		—		1.1		—		3.3		—		3.3

See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments, for additional detail.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets are tested annually or more frequently if an event occurs that indicates an impairment loss may have been incurred using fair value measurements with unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The carrying amount, estimated fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments which are not measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:



	March 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Carrying Amount
Total debt	$	—	$	5,441.5	$	—	$	5,441.5	$	5,318.7



	September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Carrying Amount
Total debt	$	—	$	5,839.0	$	92.0	$	5,931.0	$	5,705.1

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above. The fair value of debt set forth above is generally based on quoted or observed market prices.

- 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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