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Derivatives
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
DerivativeInstrumentsandHedging  
Derivative Instrument sand Hedging

(3) Derivative Financial Instrument

 

We utilize the British pound sterling and the Euro as the functional currency in certain of our foreign operations. As a result, we have exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. From time to time, we may use derivative instruments to protect our investment in these foreign operations by limiting our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates.

 

In 2012, we entered into a forward contract to sell 45.0 million Euros for U.S. dollars in September 2013. Through June 30, 2013, this transaction was designated and qualified as a hedge of a portion of our net investment in a subsidiary that has the Euro as its functional currency. Changes in the fair value of the forward contract, net of the related deferred income tax effect, were recognized in our foreign currency translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. This amount offset changes in the value of the net investment being hedged, as the cumulative translation adjustment related to the foreign subsidiary, representing the effect of translating the subsidiary's assets and liabilities from Euros to U.S. dollars, is also reported in our foreign currency translation adjustment.

 

The fair value of the forward contract was a liability of $2.3 million at June 30, 2013, compared to $3.2 million at December 31, 2012. The liability is reported in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. At inception of the hedge and quarterly thereafter through June 30, 2013, we assessed whether the hedge transaction was effective. Any ineffectiveness would have been recognized immediately as other operating expense in our consolidated statements of earnings. There was no ineffectiveness on the forward contract during 2013 or 2012.

 

In July 2013, we entered into a forward contract to buy 45.0 million Euros for U.S. dollars in September 2013, effectively offsetting the contract entered into in 2012. Beginning in July 2013, we have discontinued hedge accounting and any subsequent changes in the fair value of the two forward contracts will be recognized in our consolidated statements of earnings. Because the contracts offset, the net change in fair value and the impact on pretax earnings, if any, should be immaterial in the third quarter of 2013.