Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Company uses financial instruments, including derivatives such as foreign currency forward and options contracts, to reduce the foreign exchange risk on cash flows from firm and highly probable commitments denominated in euros. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized directly as other comprehensive income (loss) in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is immediately accounted for in financial results in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Amounts recognized as other comprehensive income (loss) are transferred to the Consolidated Statement of Operations when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss. If the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in equity is transferred to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in current earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative is designated as a hedge, its effectiveness as a hedge, and the type of hedge transaction. Any change in the fair value of the derivatives deemed ineffective as a hedge is immediately recognized in earnings.
