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Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements  
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

13. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

        We use derivative and non-derivative financial instruments to manage certain exposures to foreign currency, interest rate, investment, and commodity risks.

        The effects of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations were immaterial for fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Foreign Exchange Risks and Hedges of Net Investment

        As part of managing the exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we utilize cross-currency swap contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, and foreign currency swap contracts, a portion of which are designated as cash flow hedges. The objective of these contracts is to minimize impacts to cash flows and profitability due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany and other cash transactions. We expect that significantly all of the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with the cash flow hedge-designated instruments addressing foreign exchange risks will be reclassified into the Consolidated Statement of Operations within the next twelve months.

        During fiscal 2015, we entered into cross-currency swap contracts with an aggregate notional value of €1,000 million to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk associated with certain intercompany loans. Under the terms of these contracts, which have been designated as cash flow hedges, we make quarterly interest payments in euros at 3.50% per annum and receive interest in U.S. dollars at a weighted-average rate of 5.33% per annum. Upon the maturities of these contracts in fiscal 2022, we will pay the principal amount of the loans in euros and receive U.S. dollars from our counterparties.

        We hedge our net investment in certain foreign operations using intercompany non-derivative financial instruments denominated in the same currencies. The aggregate notional value of these hedges was $3,480 million and $3,880 million at fiscal year end 2016 and 2015, respectively. Foreign exchange losses of $45 million and foreign exchange gains of $353 million and $156 million in fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, were recorded as currency translation, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), offsetting foreign exchange gains and losses attributable to the translation of the net investment. See Note 19 for additional information.

Interest Rate and Investment Risk Management

        We issue debt, as needed, to fund our operations and capital requirements. Such borrowings can result in interest rate exposure. To manage the interest rate exposure, we use interest rate swaps to convert a portion of fixed-rate debt into variable-rate debt. We use forward starting interest rate swaps and options to enter into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate exposure in periods prior to the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt. We also utilize investment swaps to manage earnings exposure on certain nonqualified deferred compensation liabilities.

Commodity Hedges

        As part of managing the exposure to certain commodity price fluctuations, we utilize commodity swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges. The objective of these contracts is to minimize impacts to cash flows and profitability due to changes in prices of commodities used in production.

        At fiscal year end 2016 and 2015, our commodity hedges had notional values of $232 million and $260 million, respectively. We expect that significantly all of the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with the commodity hedges will be reclassified into the Consolidated Statement of Operations within the next twelve months.

Fair Value Measurements

        Financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, which consist of derivative instruments and marketable securities, were immaterial at fiscal year end 2016 and 2015.