Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The primary risks that the Company manages through its derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity pricing risk. Accordingly, we have instituted hedging programs that are accounted for in accordance with Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”

• Our foreign currency hedging program is a cash flow hedge program designed to limit the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. The Company uses foreign currency forward agreements and currency options, all of which mature within two years, to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates. These contracts are designated as hedging instruments in accordance with Topic 815.

• Our commodity price hedging program is designed to mitigate the risks associated with market fluctuations in the price of commodities. The Company uses commodity options, which are classified as economic hedges, to manage this risk. All economic hedges are recorded at fair value through earnings, as the Company does not qualify to use the hedge accounting designation as prescribed by Topic 815.

Although certain of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, we do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We monitor our derivative positions using techniques including market valuations and sensitivity analyses. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability. These changes in fair value are attributable to the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.

We consider the classification of the underlying hedged item’s cash flows in determining the classification for the designated derivative instrument’s cash flows. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance are classified within investing activities. We classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of changes in foreign currency as operating activities due to the nature of the hedged item. Cash flows from derivative instruments not designated under hedge accounting, such as our aluminum price options, are classified as investing activities.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

To minimize foreign currency exposure, the Company had a foreign currency forward with a notional amount of $5,600,000 at September 30, 2014. This derivative instrument matures in December 2014.

This foreign currency forward is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and the related gains or losses are deferred in shareholders' equity as a component of other comprehensive income. These deferred gains and losses are reclassified into earnings and reported in net sales in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. However, to the extent that the forward is not effective in offsetting the change in the value of the revenue being hedged, the ineffective portions of these contracts are recognized in earnings immediately. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the ineffective portions of any hedges were immaterial.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

To minimize commodity price exposure, the Company had commodity options with notional amounts of $12,600,000 at September 30, 2014. These derivative instruments mature at various times through January 2016.

To minimize foreign currency exposure, the Company had foreign currency forwards with notional amounts of $11,200,000 and foreign currency options with notional amounts of $94,000,000 at September 30, 2014. These derivative instruments mature at various times through February 2016.

These commodity options, foreign exchange forward and forward exchange options are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and the resulting gains or losses are recorded to other income in the consolidated statement of operations. The (gains) losses recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   September 30,					Nine Months Ended   September 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	2014			2013		2014			2013
Commodity options	$	(153	)	$	—	$	119		$	—
Foreign exchange forwards	(237		)	—		(237		)	—
Foreign exchange options (1)	(303		)	—		(303		)	—
Total non-designated derivative realized (gain) loss, net	$	(693	)	$	—	$	(421	)	$	—

(1) Includes a loss of $321,000 for the discontinuation of cash flow hedges for which the forecasted transactions are not expected to occur within the originally forecasted time frame.

Summary of Derivatives

Derivatives consist of the following (in thousands):

		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Classification	Fair Value		Fair Value
Foreign exchange forward	Other current assets	$	82	$	—
	Total assets	$	82	$	—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity options	Other current assets	$	941	$	—
Commodity options	Other assets	582		—
Foreign exchange forwards	Other current assets	165		—
Foreign exchange options	Other current assets	786		—
Foreign exchange options	Other assets	684		—
	Total assets	$	3,158	$	—