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**ITEM 7 A.** | **_QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK_ ** ---|--- The Corporations primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates will impact the amount of interest income and expense the Corporation receives or pays on a significant portion of its assets and liabilities and the market value of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, excluding those which have a very short term until maturity. The Corporation does not subject itself to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk due to the current nature of its operations. The Corporation did not have any outstanding hedging transactions, such as interest rate swaps, floors or caps, at December 31, 2008.
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We currently have operations in North America, Asia, and Europe and substantially all of our sales transactions are made in U.S. dollars. As a result, we have relatively little exposure to currency exchange risks and foreign exchange losses have been minimal to date. While we expect our international revenues to continue to be denominated predominately in U.S. dollars, an increasing portion of our international revenues may be denominated in foreign currencies in the future. As a result, our operating results may become subject to significant fluctuations based upon changes in exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. We currently have not entered into forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure denominated in foreign currencies or any other derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We will analyze our exposure to currency fluctuations and may engage in financial hedging techniques in the future to attempt to minimize the effect of these potential fluctuations; however, exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our financial results in the future. As of December 31, 2003, a fluctuation in exchange rates of 10% in the foreign currencies to which we are exposed would not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or statement of cash flows.
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Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its risks associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Derivative instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The Company formally documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific forecasted transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedges inception and monthly thereafter, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the anticipated cash flows of the hedged item. If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective, or it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively and immediately recognizes the gains and losses associated with those hedges. There were no material adjustments as a result of ineffectiveness to the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined through market-based valuations and may not be representative of the actual gains or losses that will be recorded when these instruments mature due to future fluctuations in the markets in which they are traded. The effects of derivative financial instruments are not expected to be material to the Companys financial position or results of operations when considered together with the underlying exposure being hedged. Use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Company to credit risk with its counterparties when the fair value of a derivative contract is an asset. The Company mitigates this risk by entering into derivative contracts with highly rated counterparties. The maximum amount of loss due to counterparty credit risk is limited to the asset value of derivative financial instruments.
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In the normal course of business, we are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, the value of foreign currencies and the cost of commodities. A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures. Our objective in managing these exposures is to better control these elements of cost and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in the applicable rates and prices. We have established policies and procedures that encompass risk-management philosophy and objectives, guidelines for derivative-instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. We do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation.
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We are exposed to foreign currency rate fluctuations because a significant part of our development, test, and selling and administrative costs are incurred in foreign currencies. The U.S. dollar has fluctuated significantly compared to other foreign currencies and this trend may continue. To protect against reductions in value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign exchange rates, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts. The contracts reduce, but do not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements. In addition, this foreign currency risk management policy may not be effective in addressing long-term fluctuations since our contracts do not extend beyond a 12-month maturity.
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Mid American Energy is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Mid American Energy is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather; market liquidity; generating facility availability; customer usage; storage; and transmission and transportation constraints. Commodity price risk for Mid American Energy's regulated retail electricity and natural gas operations is significantly mitigated by the inclusion of energy costs in energy cost rider mechanisms, which permit the current recovery of such costs from its retail customers. Mid American Energy uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements to mitigate price volatility on behalf of its customers. Mid American Energy does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities, and following the January 1, 2016 transfer of Mid American Energy's unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE, Mid American Energy no longer provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets.
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We utilize derivative instruments to manage a portion of our risk related to fluctuations in interest rates, gas prices and foreign exchange rates. The derivative instruments we use are typically in the form of interest rate and commodity swaps and foreign exchange forwards. Periodically, we are required to determine the change in fair value, called the mark to market, of these derivative instruments, which can result in a non-cash charge or gain being recognized in our financial results for a period preceding the period or periods in which settlement occurs under the derivative instruments and, for example, interest payments are made. Changes or shifts in interest rates, gas prices and foreign exchange rates can significantly impact the valuation of our derivatives and therefore could expose us to substantial mark-to-market losses or gains if such rates or prices fluctuate materially from the time the derivatives were entered into. Accordingly, a fluctuation in such rates or prices may impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, volatility in rates and prices can also impact the cost and effectiveness of our derivative instruments in managing our risks. To the extent any of our derivatives were to result in a gain upon settlement, we would be exposed to credit risk of the counterparties to such derivatives, which are typically large financial institutions.
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Sierra Pacific is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Sierra Pacific is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Sierra Pacific's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Sierra Pacific's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Sierra Pacific does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Sierra Pacific uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Sierra Pacific does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Sierra Pacific's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.
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Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Nevada Power uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Nevada Power does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Nevada Power's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.
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Our products are sold in over 100 countries around the world. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the U.S. dollar. Certain of our assets, liabilities, expenses, revenues and earnings are denominated in other countries currencies, including the Euro, British Pound and Australian dollar. Those assets, liabilities, expenses, revenues and earnings are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates to prepare our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, increases or decreases in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and those other currencies affect the value of those items as reflected in our consolidated financial statements, even if their value remains unchanged in their original currency. Due to the continued volatility of foreign currency exchange rates to the U.S. dollar, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may have an impact on the accuracy of our financial guidance. Such fluctuations in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar may cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our guidance and have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. We note that the upcoming withdrawal of the U.K. from the E.U. may negatively impact the value of the British Pound as compared to the U.S. dollar and other currencies as the U.K. negotiates and executes its exit from the E.U., which is scheduled to occur in 2019. We assess foreign currency risk based on transactional cash flows, identify naturally offsetting positions and purchase hedging instruments to partially offset anticipated exposures.
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The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain energy-related commodity prices, and, occasionally, currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. Company policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques that include market valuation and sensitivity analysis.
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Risk management is a fundamental aspect of our business. Anticipating market developments and engaging in the hedging of risk exposure is critical to protect and maximize our return on assets. We engage in commodity price hedging to reduce the impact of volatility in the prices of the principal agricultural commodities we purchase, produce and sell. Our operations use substantial amounts of energy, including natural gas, steam and fuel oil, including bunker fuel for ocean freight vessels. We engage in energy cost hedging to reduce our exposure to volatility in energy costs. We also engage in foreign currency and interest rate hedging. In addition, we enter into freight forward agreements, which may be traded over the counter or on an exchange in order to reduce our exposure to volatility in ocean freight costs. Our risk management decisions take place in various locations but exposure limits are centrally set and monitored. Commodity exposure limits are designed to consider notional exposure to price and relative price (or "basis") volatility as well as value-at-risk in any given market. For foreign exchange, interest rate, energy and transportation risk, our positions are hedged in accordance with applicable company policies. Credit and counterparty risk is managed locally within our operating companies and is monitored centrally. We have a centralized risk management group, headed by our chief risk officer, which oversees management of our risk exposures globally. The finance and risk policy committee of our board of directors supervises and reviews our overall risk management policies and risk limits. We also periodically review our risk management policies, procedures and systems with outside consultants. See "Item 7 A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." **Operating Segments and Geographic Areas**
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Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of the financial instruments traded by the Master due to market changes, including interest and foreign exchange rate movements and fluctuations in commodity or security prices. Market risk is directly impacted by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The Master is exposed to a market risk equal to the value of futures and forward contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short.
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Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of the financial instruments traded by the Partnership due to market changes, including interest rate movements and fluctuations in commodity or security prices. Market risk is directly impacted by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The Partnership is exposed to market risk equal to the value of futures contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short.
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Interest rate risk is one of the principal market exposures of each Series. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of interest rate futures positions held and indirectly the value of a Trading Companys stock index and currency positions. Interest rate movements in one country as well as relative interest rate movements between countries materially impact profitability. The primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the United States and the other G-7 countries. However, the Trading Companies also may take futures positions on the government debt of smaller nations. The Managing Owner anticipates that G-7 interest rates will remain the primary market exposure of each Trading Company and accordingly of each Series for the foreseeable future. The changes in interest rates which are expected to have the most effect on the Series are changes in long-term, as opposed to short-term rates. Most of the speculative positions to be held by the Trading Companies will be in medium- to long-term instruments. Consequently, even a material change in short-term rates is expected to have little effect on the Series if the medium- to long-term rates remain steady. Aggregate interest income from all sources, including assets held at clearing brokers, up to 2% (annualized) is paid to the Managing Owner by the Balanced Series (Class 1 and Class 2 only), Winton Series, Campbell/Graham/Tiverton Series, Currency Series and Winton/Graham Series. For the Frontier Diversified Series, Frontier Dynamic Series, Frontier Long/Short Commodity Series, Frontier Masters, Series, Balanced Series (Class 1 a and Class 2 a only), Long Only Commodity Series and Managed Futures Index Series, 20% of the total interest allocated to each Series is paid to the Managing Owner. In addition, if interest rates fall below 0.75%, the Managing Owner is paid the difference between the Trusts annualized interest income that is allocated to each of such Series and 0.75%. Interest income above what is paid to the Managing Owner is retained by the Series.
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We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk, in particular the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar versus the New Israeli Shekels ("NIS") in Israel and the Euro. Risks attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates can arise when we or any of our foreign subsidiaries borrow funds or incur operating or other expenses in one type of currency but receive revenues in another. In such cases, an adverse change in exchange rates can reduce such subsidiarys ability to meet its debt service obligations, reduce the amount of cash and income we receive from such foreign subsidiary, or increase such subsidiarys overall expenses. In Kenya, the tax related asset and liability are recorded in Kenyan Shillings ("KES"), therefore, any change in the exchange rate in the KES versus the U.S. dollar has an impact on our financial results. Risks attributable to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates can also arise when the currency denomination of a particular contract is not U.S. dollar. Substantially all of our PPAs in the international markets are either U.S. dollar-denominated or linked to the U.S. dollar except for our operations on Guadeloupe, where we own and operate the Bouillante power plant which sells its power under a Euro-denominated PPA with Electricite de France S.A. Our construction contracts from time to time contemplate costs which are incurred in local currencies. The way we often mitigate such risk is to receive part of the proceeds from the contract in the currency in which the expenses are incurred. Currently, we have forward and cross-currency swap contracts in place to reduce our NIS/U.S. dollar currency exposure and expect to continue to use currency exchange and other derivative instruments to the extent we deem such instruments to be the appropriate tool for managing such exposure.
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##### Table of Contents --- We historically have maintained insurance coverage and obtained contractual indemnities that protect us from some, but not all, of the risks associated with our non-U.S. operations such as nationalization, deprivation, confiscation, political and war risks. However, there can be no assurance that any particular type of contractual or insurance protection will be available in the future or that we will be able to purchase our desired level of insurance coverage at commercially feasible rates. In circumstances where we have insurance protection for some or all of the risks associated with non-U.S. operations, such insurance may be subject to cancellation on short notice, and it is unlikely that we will be able to remove our rig or rigs from the affected area within the notice period. Accordingly, a significant event for which we are uninsured or underinsured, or for which we have not received an enforceable contractual indemnity from a customer, could cause a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows. We are subject to various tax laws and regulations in substantially all of the non-U.S. countries in which we operate or have a legal presence. We evaluate applicable tax laws and employ various business structures and operating strategies in non-U.S. countries to obtain the optimal level of taxation on our revenues, income, assets and personnel. Actions by international tax authorities that impact our business structures and operating strategies, such as changes to tax treaties, laws and regulations, or the interpretation or repeal of same, adverse rulings in connection with audits or otherwise or other challenges, may substantially increase our tax expense. Our international operations also face the risk of fluctuating currency values, which can impact our revenues, operating costs and capital expenditures. In addition, some of the countries in which we operate have occasionally enacted exchange controls. Historically, these risks have been limited by invoicing and receiving payment in U.S. dollars or freely convertible international currency and, to the extent possible, by limiting acceptance of foreign currency to amounts which approximate our expenditure requirements in such currencies. However, there is no assurance that our contracts will contain such terms in the future. We currently conduct contract drilling operations in certain countries that have experienced substantial fluctuations in the value of their currency compared to the U.S. dollar. Our drilling contracts generally stipulate payment wholly or substantially in U.S. dollars, which reduces the impact currency fluctuations have on our earnings and cash flows. However, there is no assurance that our contracts will contain such payment terms in the future. A substantial amount of the costs and expenditures incurred by our international operations, including a portion of the construction payments for the ENSCO 8500 Series rigs, are settled in the local currencies of the countries in which we operate, exposing us to risks associated with fluctuation in the value of these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. We use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce this exposure. However, the relative weakening in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the local currencies in these countries may increase our costs and expenditures. Our international operations are also subject to various laws and regulations in countries in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to the operation of drilling rigs and the requirement for equipment thereon. Governments in some non-U.S. countries have become increasingly active in regulating and controlling the ownership of oil, natural gas and mineral concessions and companies holding concessions, the exploration of oil and natural gas and other aspects of the oil and gas industry in their countries. In addition, government action, including initiatives by OPEC, may continue to cause oil and/or natural gas price volatility. In some areas of the world, government activity has adversely affected the amount of exploration and development work performed by major international oil companies and may continue to do so. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations or activities will not have a material adverse effect on our future operations. --- 8
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Interest Rate Risk. As of December 31, 2022, we held variable-rate debt, the exposure to which we manage with our interest-rate-related derivative instruments. We held no derivative instruments that increased our exposure to market risks for foreign currency rates, commodity prices or other market price risks. We are exposed to changes in interest rates on our floating rate borrowings under our 2019 ABL Facility and 2018 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2022, we had no debt outstanding under our 2019 ABL Facility and $334.3 million aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan. The impact of a 1.0% increase in interest rates under the terms of the 2019 ABL Facility would have no impact on interest expense for the 2022 year, and a 1.0% increase in interest rates under the terms of the 2018 Term Loan would have a $3.4 million impact on interest expense for the 2022 year.
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If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may borrow under a credit facility in currencies selected to minimize our foreign currency exposure or use instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions caused by these risks does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline for other reasons. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Our ability to engage in hedging transactions may also be adversely affected by recent rules adopted by the CFTC unless we register as a commodity pool operator. While we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in
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** _Primary Market Risk Exposures and Market Risk Management_** _._ During fiscal 2002, the Company had exposures to a wide range of interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates and commodity pricesand associated implied volatilities and spreadsrelated to the global markets in which it conducts its trading activities. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of its market-making activities and proprietary trading in interest rate sensitive financial instruments (e.g., risk arising from changes in the level or implied volatility of interest rates, the timing of mortgage prepayments, the shape of the yield curve and credit spreads). The Company is exposed to equity price and implied volatility risk as a result of making markets in equity securities and derivatives and maintaining proprietary positions. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate and implied volatility risk as a result of making markets in foreign currencies and foreign currency options and from maintaining foreign exchange positions. The Company is exposed to commodity price and implied volatility risk as a result of trading in physical commodities (such as crude and refined oil products, natural gas, electricity, and precious and base metals) and related derivatives.
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We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in investment, equity and commodity prices and changes in corporate tax rates. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of a variety of derivatives including cross currency swaps, forward starting interest rate swaps, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, treasury rate locks and foreign exchange forwards. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.
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Interest rate risk is one of the principal market exposures of each Series. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of interest rate futures positions held and indirectly the value of a Trading Companys stock index and currency positions. Interest rate movements in one country as well as relative interest rate movements between countries materially impact profitability. The primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. However, the Trading Companies and Galaxy Plus entities also may take futures positions on the government debt of smaller nations. The Managing Owner anticipates that G-7 interest rates will remain the primary market exposure of each Trading Company and Galaxy Plus entities and accordingly of each Series for the foreseeable future. The changes in interest rates which are expected to have the most effect on the Series are changes in long-term, as opposed to short-term rates. Most of the speculative positions to be held by the Trading Companies and Galaxy Plus entities will be in medium- to long-term instruments. Consequently, even a material change in short term rates is expected to have little effect on the Series if the medium- to long-term rates remain steady. Aggregate interest income from all sources, including assets held at clearing brokers, of up to 2% (annualized) is paid to the Managing Owner by the Frontier Balanced Fund (Class 1 and Class 2 only), Frontier Global Fund (Formerly Frontier Winton Fund), Frontier Select Fund and Frontier Heritage Fund. For the Frontier Diversified Fund, Frontier Long/Short Commodity Fund (Class 1 a, Class 2 a, Class 3 a only), Frontier Masters Fund and Frontier Balanced Fund (Class 1 AP, Class 2 a and Class 3 a), 20% of the total interest allocated to each Series was paid to the Managing Owner from January 1, 2017 through April 28, 2017; thereafter 100% of the interest is retained by the respective Series.
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PEF is exposed to the effects of market fluctuations in the price of natural gas, coal, fuel oil, electricity and other energy-related products marketed and purchased as a result of its ownership of energy-related assets. PEFs exposure to these fluctuations is significantly limited by its cost-based regulation. The FPSC allows PEF to recover certain fuel and purchased power costs to the extent the FPSC determines that such costs are prudent. Therefore, while there may be a delay in the timing between when these costs are incurred and when these costs are recovered from the ratepayers, changes from year to year have no material impact on operating results. See Commodity Price Risk discussion under Progress Energy above and Note 17 for additional information with regard to PEFs commodity contracts and use of derivative financial instruments.
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We are exposed to the impact of fluctuations in the market price of oil, natural gas and NGLs, as well as other market factors, such as market volatility and energy commodity price correlations. We are exposed to these risks in connection with our owned energy-related assets, our long-term energy-related contracts and our marketing trading activities. We manage the risks associated with these market fluctuations using various derivatives and nonderivative energy-related contracts. The fair value of derivative contracts is subject to many factors, including changes in energy commodity market prices, the liquidity and volatility of the markets in which the contracts are transacted and changes in interest rates. See Notes 15 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of up to 36 months, to hedge exposures resulting from portions of our forecasted intercompany revenues that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The purpose of the hedges of intercompany revenue is to reduce the volatility of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results and to increase the visibility of the foreign exchange impact on forecasted revenues. Further, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of approximately 30 days, designed to limit the balance sheet exposure of monetary assets and liabilities. We enter into these hedges to reduce the impact of fluctuating exchange rates on our operating results. Gains and losses on these hedge transactions are designed to offset gains and losses on underlying balance sheet exposures. While we attempt to hedge certain currency risks, currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which we do business have caused foreign currency transaction gains and losses in the past and will likely do so in the future. Likewise, past currency fluctuations have at times resulted in foreign currency transaction gains, and there can be no assurance that these gains can be reproduced. See also Footnote 7, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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To manage commodity price risk, we enter into swap contracts for future forecasted purchases of copper. This reduces the impact of commodity price volatility on gross profit. To manage the interest rate risks, we use a combination of fixed and variable rate debt. This reduces the impact of short-term fluctuations in interest rates. To manage foreign currency exchange rate risks, we use forward exchange contracts to hedge firm commitments up to twelve months and all such contracts are marked to market with the recognition of a gain or loss at each reporting period.
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The possible events or factors include the following: the Corporation's loan growth is dependent on general economic conditions as well as various discretionary factors such as decisions to securitize, sell, or purchase certain loans or loan portfolios; syndications or participations of loans; retention of residential mortgage loans; and the management of borrower, industry, product and geographic concentrations and the mix of the loan portfolio. The level of nonperforming assets, charge-offs and provision expense can be affected by local, regional and international economic and market conditions, including the concentrations of borrowers, industries, products and geographic locations, the mix of the loan portfolio and management's judgments regarding the collectibility of loans. Liquidity requirements may change as a result of fluctuations in assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures, which will impact the capital and debt financing needs of the Corporation and the mix of funding sources. Decisions to purchase, hold or sell securities are also dependent on liquidity requirements and market volatility, as well as on- and off-balance sheet positions. Factors that may impact interest rate risk include local, regional and international economic conditions, levels, mix, maturities, yields or rates of assets and liabilities, utilization and effectiveness of interest rate contracts and the wholesale and retail funding sources of the Corporation. The Corporation is also exposed to the potential of losses arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices which can adversely impact the value of financial products, including securities, loans, deposits, debt and derivative financial instruments, such as futures, forwards, swaps, options and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. The Corporation is also exposed to potential litigation liabilities, including costs, expenses, settlements and judgments, that may adversely affect the Corporation.
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Fair value for many cash instruments and OTC derivative contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, creditworthiness of the Company, option volatility and currency rates. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality, model uncertainty and concentration risk. Adjustments for liquidity risk adjust model-derived mid-market levels of Level 2 and Level 3 financial instruments for the bid-mid or mid-ask spread required to properly reflect the exit price of a risk position. Bid-mid and mid-ask spreads are marked to levels observed in trade activity, broker quotes or other external third-party data. Where these spreads are unobservable for the particular position in question, spreads are derived from observable levels of similar positions. The Company applies credit-related valuation adjustments to its short-term and long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes) for which the fair value option was elected and to OTC derivatives. The Company considers the impact of changes in its own credit spreads based upon observations of the Companys secondary bond market spreads when measuring the fair value for short-term and long-term borrowings. For OTC derivatives, the impact of changes in both the Companys and the counterpartys credit standing is considered when measuring fair value. In determining the expected exposure, the Company simulates the distribution of the future exposure to a counterparty, then applies market-based default probabilities to the future exposure, leveraging external third-party credit default swap (CDS) spread data. Where CDS spread data are unavailable for a specific counterparty, bond market spreads, CDS spread data based on the counterpartys credit rating or CDS spread data that reference a comparable counterparty may be utilized. The Company also considers collateral held and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate the Companys exposure to each counterparty. Adjustments for model uncertainty are taken for positions whose underlying models are reliant on significant inputs that are neither directly nor indirectly observable, hence requiring reliance on established theoretical concepts in their derivation. These adjustments are derived by making assessments of the possible degree of variability using statistical approaches and market-based information where possible. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter. The Company may apply a concentration adjustment to certain of its OTC derivatives portfolios to reflect the additional cost of closing out a particularly large risk exposure. Where possible, these adjustments are based on observable
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The company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, domestic and foreign interest rates, and commodity prices, which can impact its operating results and overall financial condition. The company manages its exposure to these market risks through its operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and are not used for speculation or for trading purposes. Derivative financial instruments are entered into with a diversified group of investment grade counterparties to reduce the company's exposure to nonperformance on such instruments. The company's sensitivity analysis reflects the effects of changes in market risk but does not factor in potential business risks.
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We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and exchange rate risks as a result of our foreign operations and when we construct vessels abroad. To minimize the financial impact of these risks, we attempt to match the currency of our debt and operating costs with the currency of the revenue streams. We occasionally enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge specific exposures, which include exposures related to firm contractual commitments in the form of future vessel payments, but we do not speculate in foreign currencies. Because we conduct a large portion of our operations in foreign currencies, any increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar in relation to the value of applicable foreign currencies could potentially adversely affect our operating revenue or construction costs when translated into U.S. Dollars.
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Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our Consolidated Financial Statements through adverse changes in financial market prices and rates and inflation. Our market risk exposure results primarily from fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities and, in certain instances, through the use of derivative financial instruments. These derivative instruments are used to manage risks of volatility in interest and foreign exchange rate movements on certain assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions and create a relationship in which gains or losses on derivative instruments are expected to counter-balance the losses or gains on the assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions exposed to such market risks.
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The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign currency rate changes. The Company has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce its exposure to foreign currency rate changes on receivables, payables and intercompany balances denominated in a nonfunctional currency. The objective of these contracts is to neutralize the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements on the Companys operating results. The Company manages its foreign currency exchange rate risk by entering into contracts to sell or buy foreign currency to reduce its exposure to currency fluctuations involving anticipated and current foreign currency exposures. These contracts require the Company to exchange currencies at rates agreed upon at the inception of the contracts. These contracts reduce the exposure to fluctuations in exchange rate movements because the gains and losses associated with foreign currency balances and transactions are generally offset with the gains and losses of the foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company does not designate its foreign exchange forward contracts as accounting hedges as defined by SFAS No. 133, _Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities_ and, accordingly, adjusts these instruments to fair value through operations. Net foreign exchange gains (losses) included in Other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations totaled $1.3 million, $(1.7) million, and $0.5 million for the years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of June 30, 2007, the Company had the following forward contracts (in 000s):
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We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our risks relate to the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency denominated operating sales and expenses and exchange rate translation losses (or gains) associated with economic interests that are denominated in a foreign currency. The risk of translation losses due to foreign exchange volatility is partially mitigated by the use of foreign exchange forward contracts with maturities of less than three months. These derivative transactions are not designated as hedges and are adjusted to fair value through income each period. The principal exposures mitigated were the Euro, Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, Danish krone and Japanese yen currencies. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded a loss of $0.1 million, a gain of $0.1 million, and a loss of $0.3 million, respectively, on derivative settlements within "Other income (expense), net". We held no open foreign exchange forward contracts at December 31, 2013 and the notional amount of holdings at December 31, 2012 was $1.9 million. The gain (loss) on derivative settlements and the notional amounts held at the respective year ends are not material when compared to our net income (loss) and our overall cash and cash equivalents reported for the respective periods.
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As a regulated utility, Nicor Gas exposure to market risk caused by changes in commodity prices is substantially mitigated because of Illinois rate regulation allowing for the recovery of prudently incurred natural gas supply costs from customers. However, substantial changes in natural gas prices may impact Nicor Gas earnings by increasing or decreasing the cost of gas used by the company, storage-related gas costs, and other operating and financing expenses. The company expects to purchase in 2011 about 2 Bcf of natural gas for its own use and to cover storage-related gas costs. The volume of natural gas purchased by the company, which is exposed to market risk, has declined over the last two years as a result of certain changes approved in the 2009 rate orders. The level of natural gas prices may also impact customer gas consumption and therefore margin. The actual impact of natural gas price fluctuations on Nicor Gas earnings is dependent upon several factors, including the companys hedging practices. The company generally hedges its forecasted company use and storage-related gas costs through the use of swap agreements.
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We may be exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of long-term debt used to maintain liquidity, fund capital expenditures and expand our investment portfolio and operations. Market fluctuations in real estate financing may affect the availability and cost of funds needed to expand our investment portfolio. In addition, restrictions upon the availability of real estate financing or high interest rates for real estate loans could adversely affect our ability to dispose of real estate in the future. We seek to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. We may use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates on loans secured by our assets. Also, we are exposed to credit, market and currency risk.
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Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of the financial instruments traded by the Partnership due to market changes, including interest rate movements and fluctuations in commodity or security prices. Market risk is directly impacted by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The Partnership is exposed to a market risk equal to the value of futures contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short.
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We have operations both within the United States and Australia, and we are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. These risks primarily include foreign exchange rate and inflation risks. Our Australian operations purchase key components from our U.S. operations, as well as other U.S. based suppliers, and pay for these purchases in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar have resulted in a gain of $0.2 million in foreign currency translation in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. We had a gain of $0.1 million in foreign currency translation for fiscal year 2020 and were flat for fiscal year 2019. We are also subject to risks relating to changes in the general economic conditions in the countries where we conduct business. To reduce certain of these risks to our Australian operations, we monitor, on a regular basis, the financial condition and position of the subsidiary. We do not use derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of our foreign exchange rate risk exposures.
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Closely related to the concept of liquidity is the concept of interest rate sensitivity (i.e., the extent to which assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates). As a financial institution, the Companys potential interest rate volatility is a primary component of its market risk. Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact the level of income and expense recorded on a large portion of the Companys assets and liabilities, and the market value of all interest-earning assets, other than those which possess a short term to maturity. Based upon the Companys nature of operations, the Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk. The Company does not own any trading assets and does not have any off balance sheet hedging transactions in place, such as interest rate swaps and caps.
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Commodity Price Risk. The Partnership is a net seller of NGLs, condensate and natural gas as a result of its gathering and processing operations. The prices of these commodities are impacted by changes in the supply and demand as well as market focus. Both the Partnerships profitability and cash flow are affected by the inherent volatility of these commodities which could adversely affect its ability to make distributions to its unitholders. The Partnership manages this commodity price exposure through an integrated strategy that includes management of its contract portfolio, matching sales prices of commodities with purchases, optimization of its portfolio by monitoring basis and other price differentials in operating areas, and the use of derivative contracts. In some cases, the Partnership may not be able to match pricing terms or to cover its risk to price exposure with financial hedges, and it may be exposed to commodity price risk. Speculative positions with derivative contracts are prohibited under the Partnerships policies.
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Commodity Price Risk. We are a net seller of NGLs, condensate and natural gas as a result of our gathering and processing operations. The prices of these commodities are impacted by changes in supply and demand as well as market forces. Our profitability and cash flow are affected by the inherent volatility of these commodities, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. We manage this commodity price exposure through an integrated strategy that includes management of our contract portfolio, matching sales prices of commodities with purchases, optimization of our portfolio by monitoring basis and other price differentials in operating areas, and the use of derivative contracts. In some cases, we may not be able to match pricing terms or to cover our risk to price exposure with financial hedges, and we may be exposed to commodity price risk. Speculative positions are prohibited under our risk management policy.
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Interest rate risk is one of the principal market exposures of each Series. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of interest rate futures positions held and indirectly the value of a Trading Companys stock index and currency positions. Interest rate movements in one country as well as relative interest rate movements between countries materially impact profitability. The primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. However, the Trading Companies and Galaxy Plus entities also may take futures positions on the government debt of smaller nations. The Managing Owner anticipates that G-7 interest rates will remain the primary market exposure of each Trading Company and Galaxy Plus entities and accordingly of each Series for the foreseeable future. The changes in interest rates which are expected to have the most effect on the Series are changes in long-term, as opposed to short-term rates. Most of the speculative positions to be held by the Trading Companies and Galaxy Plus entities will be in medium- to long-term instruments. Consequently, even a material change in short-term rates is expected to have little effect on the Series if the medium- to long-term rates remain steady. Aggregate interest income from all sources, including assets held at clearing brokers, of up to 2% (annualized) is paid to the Managing Owner by the Equinox Frontier Balanced Fund (Class 1 and Class 2 only), Equinox Frontier Winton Fund, Equinox Frontier Select Fund, and Equinox Frontier Heritage Fund. For the Equinox Frontier Diversified Fund, Equinox Frontier Long/Short Commodity Fund (Class 1 a, Class 2 a, Class 3 a only), Equinox Frontier Masters Fund and Equinox Frontier Balanced Fund (Class 1 AP, Class 2 a and Class 3 a only), 20% of the total interest allocated to each Series was paid to the Managing Owner from January 1, 2016 through April 28, 2016; thereafter 100% of the interest is retained by the respective Series. In addition, if interest rates fall below 0.75%, the Managing Owner is paid the difference between the Trusts annualized interest income that is allocated to each of such Series and 0.75%. Interest income above what is paid to the Managing Owner is retained by the Series. The amounts reflected in the financial statements for the Trust and Series are disclosed on a net basis. Due to some classes not exceeding the 2% paid to the Managing Owner, amounts earned by those classes may be zero.
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QEP's primary market risks arise from changes in the market price for oil, gas and NGL and volatility in interest rates. These risks can affect revenues and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. Commodity prices have historically been volatile and are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. If commodity prices fluctuate significantly, revenues and cash flow may significantly decrease or increase. QEP has long-term contracts for pipeline capacity and is obligated to pay for transportation services with no guarantee that it will be able to fully utilize the contractual capacity of these transportation commitments. In addition, additional non-cash impairment expense of the Company's oil and gas properties may be required if future oil and gas commodity prices experience a significant decline. Furthermore, the Company's revolving credit facility has a floating interest rate, which exposes QEP to interest rate risk if QEP has borrowings outstanding. To partially manage the Company's exposure to these risks, QEP enters into commodity derivative contracts in the form of fixed-price and basis swaps and collars to manage commodity price risk and periodically enters into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk.
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We are exposed to risks associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations due to our international sales and operating activities. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition. We began using foreign currency forward contract derivatives in the fourth quarter of 2008 to partially offset our business exposure to foreign exchange risk on our foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2009 we began entering into certain foreign currency forward contracts that have been designated as cash flow hedges under the authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging to partially offset our business exposure to foreign exchange risk on portions of our anticipated foreign currency revenue, costs of revenue, and certain operating expenses. The objective of these foreign currency forward contracts is to reduce the impact of currency exchange rate movements on our operating results by offsetting gains and losses on the forward contracts with increases or decreases in foreign currency transactions. The contracts are marked-to-market on a monthly basis with gains and losses included in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and in cumulative other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not use foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes. Hedging of our balance sheet and anticipated cash flow exposures may not always be effective to protect us against currency exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, we do not fully hedge our balance sheet and anticipated cash flow exposures, leaving us at risk to foreign exchange gains and losses on the un-hedged exposures. If there were an adverse movement in exchange rates, we might suffer significant losses. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure on our foreign currency contracts, which are hereby incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 7 A.
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We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the activities of our branch office located in Mexico. Currently, we do not hedge our exchange rate exposure through any currency forward contracts, currency options, or currency swaps as all of our revenues, and substantially all of our expenses and capital expenditures are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, certain operating expenditures and capital purchases related to our Mexico branch office are incurred within or exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. Based on 2021 expenditures denominated in pesos, a 10% decrease in the exchange rate would increase our annual operating expenses by approximately $0.2 million.**** Foreign currency exchange rates did not have a material impact to our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020.
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The Company generally conducts its business in U.S. dollars with some business conducted in a variety of foreign currencies and, therefore, is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions. The gains and losses on derivative foreign exchange contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had purchased foreign exchange contracts totaling $2.4 million and $9.0 million, respectively, to mitigate foreign currency fluctuation risks associated with short-term U.S. dollar denominated obligations. The differences between the face amount of the foreign exchange contracts and their estimated fair values were not material at December 31, 2009 and 2008\. All of the forward exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2009 expire in 2010.
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We generally conduct our business in United States dollars. However, as our international business is conducted in a variety of foreign currencies, it is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions. As of December 31, 2009, we had an estimated $17.7 million of foreign currency denominated receivables and payables outstanding, of which $2.4 million had hedge contracts in place to partially mitigate foreign currency risk. The differences between the face amount of the foreign exchange contracts and their estimated fair values were not material as of December 31, 2009.
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As a multinational company with diverse product offerings, we are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We evaluate exposures on a centralized basis to take advantage of natural exposure correlation and netting. To the extent we choose to manage volatility associated with the net exposures, we enter into various financial transactions that we account for using the applicable accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. These financial transactions are governed by our policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices.
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The Companys market risk is impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and certain commodity prices. Financial exposures to these risks are monitored as an integral part of the Companys risk management program, which seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effect that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company does not regularly engage in speculative transactions, nor does it regularly hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company did not have any derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
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Our revenue, earnings, cash flows, receivables, and payables are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our risk management strategy utilizes foreign currency contracts to manage our exposure to foreign currency volatility that exists as part of our ongoing business operations. We utilize cash flow hedge contracts to reduce the exchange rate impact on a portion of the net revenue or operating expense of certain anticipated transactions. In addition, we use balance sheet hedge contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. As of January 31, 2021 and 2020, we had open cash flow and balance sheet hedge contracts with future settlements generally within one to 12 months. Contracts were primarily denominated in euros, Japanese yen, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Singapore dollars, Swiss francs, Swedish krona, and Czech koruna. We do not enter into foreign exchange derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The notional amount of our option and forward contracts was $1.57 billion and $1.72 billion at January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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The fluctuations of currencies in which we conduct business can both increase and decrease our overall revenue and expenses for any given period. Although our foreign currency cash flow hedge program extends beyond the current quarter in order to reduce our exposure to foreign currency volatility, we do not attempt to completely mitigate this risk, and in any case, will incur transaction fees in adopting such hedging programs. Such volatility, even when it increases our revenues or decreases our expenses, impacts our ability to accurately predict our future results and earnings.
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In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Companys objective is to reduce earnings volatility by offsetting gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or any speculative purpose.
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We operate internationally and thus are exposed to potentially adverse movements in foreign currency rate changes. We have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency rate changes on receivables, payables and intercompany balances denominated in a nonfunctional currency. The objective of these contracts is to neutralize the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements on our operating results. These contracts require us to exchange currencies at rates agreed upon at the inception of the contracts. These contracts reduce the exposure to fluctuations in exchange rate movements because the gains and losses associated with foreign currency balances and transactions are generally offset with the gains and losses of the foreign exchange forward contracts. Because the impact of movements in currency exchange rates on forward contracts offsets the related impact on the underlying items being hedged, these financial instruments help alleviate the risk that might otherwise result from changes in currency exchange rates. We do not designate our foreign exchange forward contracts as hedges and, accordingly, we adjust these instruments to fair value through earnings in the period of change in their fair value.
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We are exposed to, among other risks, the impact of changes in aluminum prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates in the normal course of business. In order to manage the exposure and volatility arising from these risks, we utilize derivative financial instruments to offset a portion of these risks. We use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to hedge identified business risks, and do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes and are not a party to leveraged derivatives.
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Our sales to customers located outside of the Americas, which generated approximately 61% of our revenues in fiscal year 2023, are invoiced and received in several foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, Pound Sterling and Chinese Yuan. Therefore, our results of operations and financial condition are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar, both for purposes of actual conversion and for financial reporting purposes. In addition, we are exposed to exchange risk associated with our purchases of materials and components for our Taiwan manufacturing operations, which are primarily made in the New Taiwan Dollar and the Euro. We hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposure with the purchase of forward exchange contracts. These hedge contracts only mitigate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates that occur during the term of the related contract period and carry risks of counterparty failure. There can be no assurance that our hedges will have their intended effects.
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2004 of approximately $500 million and maturities ranging from two to 19 years do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133 and, consequently, were recorded at fair value on the transition date by a pre-tax charge of approximately $20 million to earnings in 2001 upon adoption of SFAS No. 133. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the change in fair value of these swaps was immaterial. The remainder of International Papers interest rate swap agreements qualify as fully effective fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, outstanding notional amounts for its interest rate swap fair value hedges amounted to approximately $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. The fair values of these swaps were net assets of approximately $70 million and $113 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In 2004, International Paper cash settled interest rate swaption contracts for a loss of $10 million, which was recorded in earnings. In April 2004, interest rate swaps with a notional value of $500 million were terminated in connection with the early retirement of International Papers $1.0 billion notes due in July 2005. The resulting gain of approximately $14 million is included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations (see Note 6). In November 2002, interest rate swaps with a notional value of $550 million were terminated in connection with the early retirement of International Papers $1.2 billion notes due in July 2003. The resulting gain of approximately $6 million is included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations (see Note 6). During 2002, International Paper entered into agreements to fix interest rates on an anticipated $1.15 billion issuance of debt. Upon issuance of the debt in the fourth quarter of 2002, these agreements generated a pre-tax loss of $2.8 million that was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI). This amount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the bonds through October 30, 2012, yielding an effective interest rate of 5.94%. _**Commodity Risk**_ To minimize volatility in earnings due to large fluctuations in the price of commodities, International Paper has used swap and option contracts to manage risks associated with market fluctuations in energy prices. Such cash flow hedges are accounted for by deferring the after-tax quarterly change in fair value of the outstanding contracts in OCI. On the date a contract matures, the gain or loss is reclassified into cost of products sold concurrently with the recognition of the | | commodity purchased. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the reclassification from OCI to earnings was immaterial. For the years ended 2003 and 2002, the reclassifications to earnings were after-tax gains of $24 million and after-tax losses of $10 million, respectively. These amounts represent the after-tax cash settlements on the maturing energy hedge contracts. Unrealized after-tax losses of $2 million and after-tax gains of $12 million and $24 million were recorded to OCI during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no outstanding energy hedge contracts as of December 31, 2004. _**Foreign Currency Risk**_ International Papers policy has been to hedge certain investments in non-U.S. operations with borrowings denominated in the same currency as the operations functional currency, or by entering into long-term cross- currency and interest rate swaps or short-term foreign exchange contracts. These financial instruments are effective as a hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Gains or losses from changes in the fair value of these instruments, which are offset in whole or in part by translation gains and losses on the non-U.S. operations net assets hedged, are recorded as translation adjustments in OCI. Upon liquidation or sale of the foreign investments, the accumulated gains or losses from the revaluation of the hedging instruments, together with the translation gains and losses on the net assets, are included in earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, net losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment on derivative and debt instruments hedging foreign net investments amounted to $74 million, $89 million and $46 million after taxes and minority interest, respectively. Cumulative after-tax losses of $50 million on net investment hedges were included in the loss on sale of Weldwood in Discontinued operations in 2004. Long-term cross-currency and interest rate swaps and short- term currency swaps have been used to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign exchange rates, affecting the fair value of debt denominated in a foreign currency. In 2004, CHH paid $180 million to settle these hedges concurrent with the repayment of the related debt. Prior to the settlement, the impact on earnings from the derivative revaluations were substantially offset by the earnings impact from remeasuring the foreign currency debt each period. Foreign exchange contracts (including forward, swap and purchase option contracts) are also used to hedge certain transactions, primarily trade receipts and payments denominated in foreign currencies, to manage volatility associated with these transactions and to protect International Paper from currency fluctuations between the contract date and ultimate settlement. These contracts, most of which have ---|---|--- **70**
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_**Interest Rate Risk**_ Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to short- and long-term debt obligations and investments in marketable securities. We invest in investment grade securities of financial institutions and industrial companies and limit exposure to any one issuer. Our investments in marketable securities at December 31, 2004 are stated at cost, which approximates market due to their short-term nature. Our interest rate risk exposure related to these investments was immaterial. We issue fixed and floating rate debt in a proportion consistent with International Papers optimal capital structure, while at the same time taking advantage of market opportunities to reduce interest expense as appropriate. Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, may be used to implement the optimal capital structure. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk was approximately $11.3 billion and $11.8 billion, respectively. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse shift in quoted interest rates would be approximately $419 million and $430 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively. _**Commodity Price Risk**_ The objective of our commodity exposure management is to minimize volatility in earnings due to large fluctuations in the price of commodities. Commodity swap and option contracts have been used to manage risks associated with market fluctuations in energy prices. There are no outstanding energy hedge contracts as of December 31, 2004. As of December 31, 2003, the net fair value of such contracts was a $5 million asset. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices would have been immaterial for 2003. _**Foreign Currency Risk**_ International Paper transacts business in many currencies and is also subject to currency exchange rate risk through investments and businesses owned and operated in foreign countries. Our objective in managing the associated foreign currency risks is to minimize the effect of adverse exchange rate fluctuations on our after-tax cash flows. We address these risks on a limited basis through financing a portion of our investments in overseas operations with borrowings denominated in the same currency as the operations functional currency, or by entering into long-term cross-currency and interest rate swaps, or short-term foreign exchange contracts. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency risk was approximately $510 million and $540 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for | | such financial instruments from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be immaterial for both 2004 and 2003. **ITEM 7 A.** **QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK** See the discussion under Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 31 and 32, and under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 69 through 71. ---|---|--- **32**
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We are principally exposed to market risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, bunker fuel prices and interest rates. We seek to minimize foreign currency and interest rate risks through our normal operating and financing activities, including netting certain exposures to take advantage of any natural offsets, through our long-term investment and debt portfolio strategies and, when considered appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. The financial impacts of these hedging instruments are offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged. Our policy is to not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
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Purpose \- Alliant Energy periodically uses derivative instruments for risk management purposes to mitigate exposures to fluctuations in interest rates, certain commodity prices, transmission congestion costs and currency exchange rates. Alliant Energys, IPLs and WPLs current derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. IPLs and WPLs derivative instruments include electric physical forward purchase contracts and swap contracts to mitigate pricing volatility for the electricity purchased to supply to their customers, electric physical forward sale contracts to offset long positions created by reductions in electricity demand forecasts, natural gas swap contracts to mitigate pricing volatility for the fuel used to supply to the natural gas-fired electric generating facilities they operate, natural gas options to mitigate price increases during periods of high demand or lack of supply, FTRs acquired to manage transmission congestion costs, natural gas swap contracts to mitigate pricing volatility for natural gas supplied to their retail customers and embedded foreign currency derivatives related to Euro-denominated payment terms included in the wind turbine supply contract with Vestas. Resources derivative instruments include oil contracts, which are used to mitigate pricing volatility for anticipated purchases of diesel fuel to fuel standby generators owned by its Non-regulated Generation business.
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Silicon Image is a global company that is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business. The Company has operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, however, a majority of its revenue, costs of revenue, expense and capital purchasing activities are being transacted in U.S. Dollars. As a corporation with international as well as domestic operations, the Company is exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates. These exposures may change over time and could have a material adverse impact on the Companys financial results. Periodically, the Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency transactions relating to operating expenses. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures to foreign currency fluctuations on forecasted cash flows and balances primarily denominated in Euro. The Companys primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges and have maturities of less than one year.
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We are exposed to fluctuations in market prices of raw materials and energy sources, as well as from the effect of market prices on the sale of certain commodity steel (hot roll carbon steel coils). We may use cash-settled commodity price swaps and options (including collars) to hedge the market risk associated with the purchase of certain of our raw materials and energy requirements and the sale of hot roll carbon steel coils. For input commodities, these derivatives are typically used for a portion of our natural gas, nickel, iron ore, aluminum, zinc and electricity requirements. Our hedging strategy is to reduce the effect on earnings from the price volatility of these various commodity exposures. Independent of any hedging activities, price changes in any of these commodity markets could negatively affect operating costs or selling prices.
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We are exposed to certain financial risks, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.
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We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, and changes in foreign exchange rates could increase the cost of purchasing products and impact our foreign sales. Because the functional currency related to most of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business. Fluctuations in the relative strength of foreign economies and their related currencies could adversely impact our ability to procure products overseas at competitive prices and our foreign sales. Historically, our primary exchange rate exposure has been with the Canadian dollar. There can be no assurance that currency exchange rate fluctuations with the Canadian dollar and other foreign currencies will not adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. While the use of currency hedging instruments may provide us with protection from adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, we are not currently using these instruments and we have not historically hedged this exposure. If we decide to do so in the future, we could potentially forego the benefits that might result from favorable fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
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We are exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that we manage by using hedging instruments are foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. Our subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the exchange risk associated with their forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales for the next year. From time to time, we may also enter into other foreign currency exchange contracts or foreign-denominated debt issuances to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations associated with specific balance sheet exposures, including net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries. We may also enter into interest rate swaps to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations associated with borrowings under our variable-rate Credit Facility.
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As we expand, we could be exposed to exchange rate fluctuation in other currencies. Exchange rates between foreign currencies and U.S. Dollars have fluctuated significantly in recent years and may do so in the future. Commencing in the third quarter of 2010, we established a foreign currency hedging program. The objective of the program is to mitigate the foreign exchange risk arising from transactions or cash flows that have a direct or underlying exposure in non-U.S. Dollar denominated currencies in order to reduce volatility in our cash flow and earnings. Currently, we hedge a certain portion of our foreign currency exchange rate exposure with options, typically no more than one year into the future. These derivative instruments, which include derivative instruments that have been designated as hedges under ASC 815,_Derivatives and Hedging,_ are intended to reduce the effects of variations in our cash flow resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. However, in certain circumstances, these derivative instruments may expose us to the risk of financial loss. Our cash flows are denominated in U.S. Dollars.
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The Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and currency exchange rates from its financial instruments. The Company actively monitors its exposure to risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce the impact of these risks. See the Significant Accounting Policies Derivative financial instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
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The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. The Company sells its products globally and in most markets outside the U.S. those sales are made in the foreign countrys local currency. As a result, a weakening in those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar can adversely affect the Company's revenue and margin, and cause volatility in its results of operations. Furthermore, many competitors headquartered outside the U.S. experience a financial benefit from a strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to their home currency that can enable them to reduce prices to U.S. consumers. The Company is also subject to risks associated with changes in prices of commodities. Earnings from the Companys financial services business are affected by changes in interest rates. Although the Company uses derivative financial instruments to some extent attempt to manage a portion of its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rate risks, the Company does not attempt to manage its entire expected exposure, and these derivative financial instruments generally do not extend beyond one year and may expose the Company to credit risk in the event of counterparty default to the derivative financial instruments. There can be no assurance that in the future the Company will successfully manage these risks.
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We may experience interest rate volatility in connection with mortgage loans on our properties or other variable-rate debt that we may obtain from time to time. The interest rate on our existing line of credit is variable, and, although we seek to mitigate this risk by structuring such provisions to contain a minimum interest rate or escalation rate, as applicable, these features do not eliminate this risk. We are also exposed to the effects of interest rate changes as a result of holding cash and cash equivalents in short-term, interest-bearing investments. We have not entered into any derivative contracts to attempt to further manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Additionally, increases in interest rates, or reduced access to credit markets due, among other things, to more stringent lending requirements or a high level of leverage, may make it difficult for us to refinance our mortgage debt as it matures or limit the availability of mortgage debt, thereby limiting our acquisition and/or refinancing activities. Even in the event that we are able to secure mortgage debt on, or otherwise finance our mortgage debt, due to increased costs associated with securing financing and other factors beyond our control, we may be unable to refinance the entire mortgage debt as it matures or be subject to unfavorable terms (such as higher loan fees, interest rates, and periodic payments) if we do refinance the mortgage debt. A significant change in interest rates could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
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We purchase certain of our new boat and parts inventories from foreign manufacturers and some of these transactions are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our business is subject to foreign exchange rate risk that may influence manufacturers ability to provide their products at competitive prices in the United States. From time to time we may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures to lessen, but not completely eliminate, the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on our financial results. To the extent that we cannot recapture this volatility in prices charged to customers or if this volatility negatively impacts consumer demand for our products, this volatility could adversely affect our future operating results.
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The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price fluctuations. Forward exchange contracts on various currencies are entered into in order to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain product sourcing activities and intercompany sales. Interest rate swaps are entered into from time to time in order to manage interest rate risk associated with the Companys variable-rate borrowings. Commodity hedging contracts are entered into in order to manage fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodities and raw materials that are integrated into the Companys end products.
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We are exposed to various market risks, including the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We seek to mitigate the underlying foreign currency exposures with gains and losses on derivative contracts hedging these exposures. We seek to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates by matching the terms of new investments with new long-term fixed rate borrowings to the extent possible. We may or may not elect to use financial derivative instruments to hedge interest rate exposure. These decisions are principally based on our policy to match our variable rate investments with comparable borrowings, but are also based on the general trend in interest rates at the applicable dates and our perception of the future volatility of interest rates. This section is presented to provide a discussion of the risks associated with potential fluctuations in interest rates.
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We manufacture and sell our products in a number of countries throughout the world and, as a result, are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our major foreign currency exposures involve the markets in Western Europe, South America and Asia. Many of our sales and purchase contracts are written contemplating this risk and therefore contain embedded derivatives, which we take into consideration as part of our risk management policy. The purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to manage the economic impact of exchange rate volatility associated with anticipated foreign currency purchases and sales made in the normal course of business. We primarily utilize forward foreign exchange contracts with maturities of less than 2 years. We do not apply hedge accounting for these forward foreign exchange contracts. As of December 31, 2013, we held forward foreign exchange contracts with an aggregate notional value of $440.9 million.
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We are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates on our floating rate indebtedness. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, we periodically enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments. Our objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency rates and interest rates. The derivative contracts contain credit risk to the extent that our bank counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. The amount of such credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized gains, if any, in such contracts. Such risk is minimized by limiting those counterparties to major financial institutions of high credit quality.
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Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of the financial instruments traded by the Funds due to market changes, including interest and foreign exchange rate movements and fluctuations in commodity or security prices. Market risk is directly impacted by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The Funds are exposed to a market risk equal to the value of futures and forward contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short.
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The Companys worldwide operational scope exposes it to risks associated with foreign currencies. Most of the Companys business is transacted in U.S. dollars, and therefore the Company and most of its subsidiaries are U.S. dollar functional entities for accounting purposes. However, the Canadian dollar is the functional currency for all Canadian operations. This exposure to currencies other than the U.S. dollar functional currency can lead to impacts on consolidated financial results from foreign currency translation. On occasions, the Canadian business may hold assets or incur liabilities denominated in a currency which is not Canadian dollars which could lead to exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. See also Note K for additional information on derivative contracts.
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We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk, in particular the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar versus the NIS in Israel and the Euro. Risks attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates can arise when we or any of our foreign subsidiaries borrow funds or incur operating or other expenses in one type of currency but receive revenues in another. In such cases, an adverse change in exchange rates can reduce such subsidiarys ability to meet its debt service obligations, reduce the amount of cash and income we receive from such foreign subsidiary, or increase such subsidiarys overall expenses. In Kenya, the tax asset is recorded in KES similar to the tax liability, however any change in the exchange rate in the KES versus the USD has an impact on our financial results. Risks attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can also arise when the currency denomination of a particular contract is not the U.S. dollar. Substantially all of our PPAs in the international markets are either U.S. dollar-denominated or linked to the U.S. dollar except for our operations on Guadeloupe, where we own and operate the Bouillante power plant which sells its power under a Euro-denominated PPA with Electricite de France S.A. Our construction contracts from time to time contemplate costs which are incurred in local currencies. The way we often mitigate such risk is to receive part of the proceeds from the contract in the currency in which the expenses are incurred. Currently, we have forward and cross-currency swap contracts in place to reduce our NIS/USD currency exposure and expect to continue to use currency exchange and other derivative instruments to the extent we deem such instruments to be the appropriate tool for managing such exposure.
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The Company actively monitors its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks and uses derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of certain of these risks. The Company uses derivatives only for purposes of managing risk associated with underlying exposures. The Company does not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on the interest rate or exchange rate fluctuations alone, nor does the Company use derivative instruments where there are not underlying exposures. Complex instruments involving leverage or multipliers are not used. The Company manages its hedging position and monitors the credit ratings of counterparties and does not anticipate losses due to counterparty nonperformance. Management believes that its use of derivative instruments to manage risk is in the Companys best interest. However, the Companys use of derivative financial instruments may result in short-term gains or losses and increased earnings volatility.
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**ITEM 7 A.** | ******_Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk_****.** ---|--- We actively monitor our exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks and use derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of certain of these risks. We use derivatives only for purposes of managing risk associated with underlying exposures. We do not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on the interest rate or exchange rate fluctuations alone, nor do we use instruments where there are no underlying cash exposures. Complex instruments involving leverage or multipliers are not used. We manage our hedging positions and monitor the credit ratings of counterparties and do not anticipate losses due to counterparty nonperformance. Management believes that our use of derivative instruments to manage risk is in our best interest. However, our use of derivative financial instruments may result in short-term gains or losses and increased earnings volatility.
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Commodity Price - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the price and transportation costs of commodities they procure and market. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL employ established policies and procedures to mitigate their risks associated with these market fluctuations including the use of various commodity derivatives and contracts of various durations for the forward sale and purchase of these commodities. Specifically, IPL and WPL have entered into several commodity derivative instruments to substantially hedge their open positions related to electric supply in 2010. However, IPL and WPL still have some exposure to commodity risk as a result of changes in their forecasted electric demand, expected availability of their generating units and the limitations of WPLs Electric Risk Management Plan (ERMP) discussed below. Alliant Energys exposure to commodity price risks in its utility business is also significantly mitigated by current rate making structures in place for recovery of its electric production fuel and purchased energy expenses (fuel-related costs) as well as its cost of natural gas purchased for resale. IPLs electric and gas tariffs and WPLs gas and wholesale electric tariffs provide for subsequent adjustments to its rates for changes in prudently incurred commodity costs. IPLs and WPLs rate mechanisms, combined with commodity derivatives, significantly reduce commodity risk associated with their electric and gas margins.
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In the normal course of business, we are subject to risks from adverse fluctuations in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We manage these risks through a combination of an appropriate mix between variable rate and fixed rate borrowings, interest rate swaps and natural offsets of foreign currency receipts and payments, supplemented by forward foreign currency exchange contracts and commodity derivatives. Derivative contracts are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The extent to which we use derivative instruments is dependent upon our access to them in the financial markets, the costs associated with entering into such arrangements and our use of other risk management methods, such as netting exposures for foreign currency exchange risk and establishing sales arrangements that permit the pass-through of changes in commodity prices to customers. Our objective in managing our exposure to market risk is to limit the impact on earnings and cash flow.
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CASH FLOW HEDGES Currency A portion of our operations consists of investments in foreign subsidiaries. Our exposure to market risk for changes in foreign exchange rates arises from these investments, inter-company loans utilized to finance these subsidiaries, trade receivables and payables, and firm commitments arising from international transactions. We manage our foreign exchange transaction risk to reduce the volatility of cash flows caused by currency fluctuations through natural offsets, where appropriate, and foreign exchange contracts. These contracts are designated as hedges of transactions that will settle in future periods, and otherwise would expose us to foreign currency risk.
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The translated values of revenue and expense from the Companys international operations are subject to fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. The non-U.S. based revenue that is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations is approximately 53% of total revenue. We periodically use forward contracts and options to limit foreign currency exchange rate exposure on net income and cash flows for specific, clearly defined transactions arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the Company has significant revenue generated in foreign locations which is subject to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, in most cases both the foreign currency revenue and expenses are in the functional currency of the foreign location. As such, under normal circumstances, the U.S. dollar translation of both the revenues and expenses, as well as the potentially offsetting movements of various currencies against the U.S. dollar, generally tends to mitigate the impact on net operating income of foreign currency risk. However, there have been periods where the impact was not mitigated due to external market factors, and external macroeconomic events, such as the impact of "Brexit" in the United Kingdom, may result in greater foreign exchange rate fluctuations in the future. If foreign exchange rates of major currencies (Euro, Sterling, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar) moved 10% in the same direction against the U.S. dollar compared with the foreign exchange rates in 2019, the Company estimates net operating income would increase or decrease by approximately $53 million. The Company has exposure to approximately 85 foreign currencies overall. In Continental Europe, the largest amount of revenue from renewals for the Risk & Insurance Services segment occurs in the first quarter.
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**Item 7 A.** | **Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.** ---|--- The company is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company uses interest swap agreements to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Based on December 31, 2008 debt levels, a 1% change in interest rates would impact interest expense by approximately $50,000. Additionally, the company operates internationally and, as a result, is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. Specifically, the exposure results from intercompany loans and third party sales or payments. In an attempt to reduce this exposure, foreign currency forward contracts are utilized. The company does not believe that any potential loss related to these financial instruments would have a material adverse effect on the companys financial condition or results of operations.
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| | The Company is exposed to market risks for changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company's primary foreign currency exchange exposure relates to the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The Company does not believe that a 10% fluctuation in foreign exchange rates would have had a material impact on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. The exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates relates to the Companys short-term investment portfolio. This investment portfolio is managed in accordance with guidelines issued by the Company. These guidelines are designed to establish a high quality fixed income portfolio of government and highly rated corporate debt securities with a maximum weighted maturity of less than one year. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. Based on the average anticipated maturity of the investment portfolio at the end of the 2012 fiscal year, a 10% increase in short-term interest rates would not have had a material impact on the consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Company. ---|---|--- Item 8\. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Global is exposed to foreign currency risk and other foreign operations risk that arise from investments in foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. A key component of its risks is that some of its foreign subsidiaries and affiliates have functional currencies other than the consolidated reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar. Additionally, Global and certain of its foreign subsidiaries and affiliates have entered into monetary obligations and maintain receipts/receivables in U.S. Dollars or currencies other than their own functional currencies. Global, a U.S. Dollar functional currency entity, is primarily exposed to changes in the Peruvian Nuevo Sol and the Chilean Peso and to a lesser extent, the Euro. Changes in valuation of these currencies can impact the value of Globals investments, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Global has attempted to limit potential foreign exchange exposure by entering into revenue contracts that adjust for changes in foreign exchange rates. Global also uses foreign currency forward, swap and option agreements to manage risk related to certain foreign currency fluctuations.
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The operations of PSEG, PSE&G, Power and Energy Holdings are exposed to market risks from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices that could affect their results of operations and financial conditions. PSEG, PSE&G, Power and Energy Holdings manage exposure to these market risks through their regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, hedge these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments. PSEG, PSE&G, Power and Energy Holdings use the term hedge to mean a strategy designed to manage risks of volatility in prices or rate movements on certain assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions and by creating a relationship in which gains or losses on derivative instruments are expected to counterbalance the gains or losses on the assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions exposed to such market risks. Each of PSEG, PSE&G, Power and Energy Holdings uses derivative instruments as risk management tools consistent with its respective business plan and prudent business practices.
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(i) Financial Instruments - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL periodically use financial instruments to hedge exposures to fluctuations in certain commodity prices, volatility in a portion of electricity and natural gas sales volumes due to weather, transmission congestion costs, currency exchange rates and interest rates. The fair value of those financial instruments that are determined to be derivatives are recorded as assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative instruments representing unrealized gain positions are reported as derivative assets and derivative instruments representing unrealized loss positions are reported as derivative liabilities at the end of each reporting period. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also have certain commodity purchase and sales contracts that have been designated, and qualify for, the normal purchase and sale exception and based on this designation, these contracts are accounted for on the accrual basis of accounting. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL do not offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payable) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. Refer to Note 1(b) for discussion of the recognition of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to the unrealized losses and unrealized gains on IPLs and WPLs derivative instruments. Refer to Notes 11 and 12(f) for further discussion of derivatives and related credit risk, respectively.
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Historically, fuel prices have fluctuated widely depending primarily on international market conditions, geopolitical and environmental events, and currency exchange rates. The cost of fuel represents a major expense to airlines that is not within their control, and significant increases in fuel costs or hedges that inaccurately assess the direction of fuel costs can materially and adversely affect their operating results. Due to the competitive nature of the aviation industry, operators may be unable to pass on increases in fuel prices to their customers by increasing fares in a manner that fully offsets increased fuel costs. In addition, they may not be able to manage this risk by appropriately hedging their exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Airlines that do hedge their fuel costs can also be adversely affected by swift movements in fuel prices if such airlines are required as a result to post cash collateral under hedge agreements. Therefore, if fuel prices materially increase or show significant volatility, our lessees are likely to incur higher costs or generate lower revenues, which may affect their ability to meet their obligations to us. A sustained period of lower fuel costs may also adversely affect regional economies that depend on oil revenue, including those in which certain of our lessees operate. Should changes in fuel costs negatively affect our lessees or demand for our aircraft, our ability to execute our long-term strategy may be impacted.
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The Company records derivatives and hedging activities on the balance sheet at their respective fair values. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts largely to manage its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its foreign currency denominated receivables and payables and interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to future interest rate volatility associated with its variable rate borrowings. The Company has not elected to utilize hedge accounting for these instruments; therefore, any change in fair value is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. However, the fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally offset the impact of changes in the value of the underlying risk that they are intended to economically hedge. See Note 16, "Risk Management and Fair Value of Financial Instruments", for further discussion.
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We face exposure to financial market risks, including adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. Our primary exposure has been related to local currency revenue and operating expenses in Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Historically, we have hedged currency exposures associated with certain accounts receivable denominated in local currencies and certain anticipated foreign currency revenue transactions. The goal of our hedging activity is to offset the impact of currency fluctuations on certain local currency accounts receivable and foreign currency revenue transactions. The success of this activity depends upon forecasts of transaction activity denominated in various currencies. To the extent that these forecasts are overstated or understated during periods of currency volatility, we could experience unanticipated currency gains or losses. Outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at September 30, 1998 matured within one month, and did not have a material impact on our financial results.
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We have significant international operations, and we frequently earn our revenues and incur our costs in various foreign currencies. Our international service revenues were $285.8 million for 2009. Doing business in these foreign currencies exposes us to foreign currency risks in numerous areas, including revenues and receivables, purchases, payroll and investments. We also have a significant amount of foreign currency operating income and net asset exposures. Certain foreign currency exposures, to some extent, are naturally offset within an international business unit, because revenues and costs are denominated in the same foreign currency, and certain cash balances are held in U.S. dollar denominated accounts. However, due to the increasing size and importance of our international operations, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could materially impact our financial results. Our GDD model also subjects us to increased currency risk because we incur a significant portion of our project costs in Indian rupees and earn revenue from our clients in other currencies. While we have entered into foreign currency offsetting option positions that allow the Company partially to hedge certain short-term translation exposures in Indian rupee and British pound sterling currency, and may in the future enter into foreign currency exchanges swaps and purchases as well as sales of foreign currency options, we will continue to experience foreign currency gains and losses in certain instances where it is not possible or cost effective to hedge foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that such hedging activity will be effective or that our financial condition will not be negatively impacted by the currency exchange rate fluctuations of the Indian rupee versus the U.S. dollar. Costs for our delivery of services, including labor, could increase as a result of the decrease in value of the U.S. dollar against the Indian rupee, affecting our reported results.
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Although it is impossible to hedge against all currency, commodity or interest risk, we use derivative financial instruments in order to reduce the substantial effects of currency and commodity fluctuations and interest rate exposure on our cash flow and financial condition. These instruments may include foreign currency and commodity forward contracts, currency swap agreements and currency option contracts, as well as interest rate swap agreements. We have entered into, and expect to continue to enter into, such hedging arrangements. As with all hedging instruments, there are risks associated with the use of such instruments. While limiting to some degree our risk fluctuations in currency exchange, commodity price and interest rates by utilizing such hedging instruments, we potentially forgo benefits that might result from other fluctuations in currency exchange, commodity and interest rates. We also are exposed to the risk that its counterparties to hedging contracts will default on their obligations. We manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by limiting the counterparties to major international banks and financial institutions meeting established credit guidelines. However, any default by such counterparties might have an adverse effect on us.
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We use derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and precious metal prices. The accounting for derivative financial instruments can be complex and can require significant judgment. Generally, the derivative financial instruments that we use are not complex, and observable market-based inputs are available to measure their fair value. We do not engage in speculative transactions for trading purposes. Financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, expose us to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through minimum credit standards and procedures to monitor concentrations of credit risk. We enter into these derivative financial instruments with major, reputable, multinational financial institutions. Accordingly, we do not anticipate counter-party default. We continuously evaluate the effectiveness of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges to ensure that they are highly effective. In the event the hedge becomes ineffective, we discontinue hedge treatment. Except as noted below, we do not expect any changes in our risk policies or in the nature of the transactions we enter into to mitigate those risks.
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Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including market valuation, sensitivity analysis and value-at-risk modeling. The tests for interest rate, currency rate and commodity derivative positions discussed below are based on the Risk ManagerTM value-at-risk model using a one-year horizon and a 95% confidence level. The model incorporates the impact of correlation (the degree to which exposures move together over time) and diversification (from holding multiple currency, commodity and interest rate instruments) and assumes that financial returns are normally distributed. Estimates of volatility and correlations of market factors are drawn from the Risk MetricsTM dataset as of June 30, 2020. In cases where data is unavailable in Risk MetricsTM, a reasonable proxy is included.
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As a multinational company with diverse product offerings, we are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We evaluate exposures on a centralized basis to take advantage of natural exposure correlation and netting. We leverage the Company's diversified portfolio of exposures as a natural hedge and prioritize operational hedging activities over financial market instruments. To the extent we choose to further manage volatility within our financing operations, as discussed below, we enter into various financial transactions which we account for using the applicable accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. These financial transactions are governed by our policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our accounting policies for derivative instruments.
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Grid Sense has operations in both the U.S. and Australia. Its Australian operations are subject to the volatility of the Australian dollar vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar (in 2012, the Australian dollar strengthened by 2.2%, in 2011 the Australian dollar was virtually unchanged vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar while in 2010, the Australian dollar strengthened by 13.3%). While risks are somewhat mitigated by the fact that Grid Senses Australian operations sales and expenses are primarily denominated in Australian dollars, currency fluctuations may impact the translation of certain balance sheet items, affect the economics of manufacturing and ultimately affect its financial performance. During 2012, Grid Sense transferred substantially all of its production lines to the U.S. in order to minimize costs in Australian dollars. Grid Sense does not employ specific strategies, such as the use of derivative instruments or hedging, to manage its foreign currency exchange rate exposures.
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Derivative financial instruments We use derivative instruments principally to reduce our exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not enter into or hold derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into foreign currency hedges such as forward and option contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change. Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the British pound sterling, the euro, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar. These contracts hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions in order to mitigate fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We designate foreign currency hedges as cash flow hedges. We also are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. For fixed rate borrowings, we may use variable interest rate swaps, effectively converting fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings in order to hedge changes in the fair value of the debt. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. For variable rate borrowings, we may use fixed interest rate swaps, effectively converting variable rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings in order to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings. These swaps are
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Possible events or factors that could affect our future financial results and performance include the following: the restrictions imposed by the Supervisory Agreement between the OTS and our savings bank subsidiary, United Fidelity Bank; the dependence of our loan growth and funding on economic conditions, as well as various discretionary factors, such as decisions to sell or purchase certain loans or loan portfolios; participations of loans; retention of residential mortgage loans; and the management of a borrower. The rate of charge-offs and loan and letter of credit loss provisions can be affected by local, regional and international economic and market conditions, concentrations of borrowers, industries, products and geographic locations, the mix of the loan portfolio and management's judgments regarding the collectibility of loans. Liquidity requirements may change as a result of fluctuations in assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures, which will impact our capital and debt financing needs and the mix of funding sources. Decisions to purchase, hold or sell securities are also dependent on liquidity requirements and market volatility, as well as on and off-balance sheet positions. Factors that may impact interest rate risk include local, regional and international economic conditions, levels, mix, maturities, yields or rates of assets and liabilities, and the wholesale and retail funding sources of United Fidelity Bank. We are also exposed to the potential of losses arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices which can adversely impact the value of financial products, including securities, loans, deposits, debt and derivative financial instruments, such as futures, forwards, swaps, options, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics.
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We use derivative instruments principally to reduce our exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not enter into or hold derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into foreign currency hedges such as forward and option contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change. Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the British pound sterling, the euro, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar. These contracts hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions in order to mitigate fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. As a result, we do not have material foreign currency transaction exposure, including exposure to the pound sterling or euro should there be material foreign currency fluctuations due to the United Kingdom departing from the European Union (commonly referred to as Brexit). We designate foreign currency hedges as cash flow hedges. We also are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. For fixed rate borrowings, we may use variable interest rate swaps, effectively converting fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings in order to hedge changes in the fair value of the debt. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. For variable rate borrowings, we may use fixed interest rate swaps, effectively converting variable rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings in order to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. We also may enter into derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting, which are intended to mitigate certain economic exposures.
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* * * --- The losses our plan assets have experienced, along with the decrease in discount rates, have largely contributed to an unrecognized actuarial loss of $225 million in our plans as of September 30, 2004. For purposes of determining 2004 expense, our funded status was such that we recognized $19 million of unrecognized actuarial loss in 2004. We will recognize approximately $22 million of unrecognized actuarial loss in 2005. Given no change to the assumptions at our September 30, 2004 measurement date, actuarial loss recognition will remain at an amount near that to be recognized in 2005 over the next few years before it begins to gradually decline. _Income Tax Valuation Allowances and Tax Reserves_ At December 25, 2004, we have a valuation allowance of $351 million primarily to reduce our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of $231 million and our other deferred tax assets to amounts that will more likely than not be realized. The net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards exist in many state and foreign jurisdictions and have varying carryforward periods and restrictions on usage. The estimation of future taxable income in these state and foreign jurisdictions and our resulting ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards can significantly change based on future events, including our determinations as to the feasibility of certain tax planning strategies. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to material future changes. As a matter of course, we are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We provide reserves for potential exposures when we consider it probable that a taxing authority may take a sustainable position on a matter contrary to our position. We evaluate these reserves, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to insure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, that may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures. See Note 22 for a further discussion of our income taxes. **Item 7 A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.** The Company is exposed to financial market risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. In the normal course of business and in accordance with our policies, we manage these risks through a variety of strategies, which may include the use of derivative financial and commodity instruments to hedge our underlying exposures. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes, and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use. _Interest Rate Risk_ We have a market risk exposure to changes in interest rates, principally in the United States. We attempt to minimize this risk and lower our overall borrowing costs through the utilization of derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps. These swaps are entered into with financial institutions and have reset dates and critical terms that match those of the underlying debt. Accordingly, any change in market value associated with interest rate swaps is offset by the opposite market impact on the related debt. At December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would result, over the following twelve-month period, in a reduction of approximately $6 million and $3 million, respectively, in income before income taxes. The estimated reductions are based upon the level of variable rate debt and assume no changes in the volume or composition of debt. In addition, the fair value of our derivative financial instruments at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 would decrease approximately $51 million and $5 million, respectively. The fair value of our Senior Unsecured Notes at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 would decrease approximately $76 million and $87 million, respectively. Fair value was determined by discounting the projected cash flows. --- 42
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We are exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity costs in the normal course of business and to market price fluctuations related to our marketable securities and other investments. We have limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and use such instruments to the extent necessary to manage exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and from time to time commodity fluctuations. See Note F to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.
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