Note 6. Derivative Instruments

Interest Rate Swaps

Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we used interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative designated and that qualifies as a cash flow hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt.

Foreign Currency Forward

Our objectives in using foreign currency derivatives are to add stability to potential fluctuations in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar and to manage our exposure to exchange rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we use foreign currency forwards as part of our exchange rate risk management strategy. A foreign currency forward contract is a commitment to deliver a certain amount of currency at a certain price on a specific date in the future. By entering into the forward contract and holding it to maturity, we are locked into a future currency exchange rate in an amount equal to and for the term of the forward contract. We have designated the foreign currency forward as a net investment hedge and changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes the terms of our derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2017:

 

 

On February 1, 2017, to hedge our net investment related to the Toronto Merger, we entered into a foreign currency forward contract with a notional amount of $58.5 million CAD, and a forward rate of approximately 1.3058. During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, we settled our two foreign currency forward contracts which resulted in us receiving a net settlement of approximately $1.4 million, and simultaneously entered into a third foreign currency forward contract with a notional amount of $101 million CAD, and a forward rate of approximately 1.3439. During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, we settled our third foreign currency forward contract, which resulted in us paying a net settlement of approximately $5.5 million, and simultaneously entered into a fourth foreign currency forward contract as noted in the table above. Our gain (loss) from our settled hedges is recorded net in foreign currency forward contract gain (loss) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

The following table summarizes the terms of our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2016:

 

 

The following table presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: