ASC 815-20
Hedging—General
815 Derivatives and Hedging
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ASC 815-20 sets the general "gatekeeping" rules for hedge accounting that apply to all three hedge types — fair value, cash flow, and net investment hedges. It requires formal designation and documentation at hedge inception (risk management objective, hedging instrument, hedged item, hedged risk, and the effectiveness assessment method), and it specifies which items and transactions may be designated as hedged items, which risks may be designated as the hedged risk, which instruments may be hedging instruments, and how effectiveness must be assessed. Items outside those criteria (e.g., equity method investments, most intra-entity transactions, an entity's own equity) simply cannot be hedged for accounting purposes.
Key points (7)
- Hedge accounting requires concurrent, formal documentation at inception of the hedging relationship, the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the hedged risk, and the method of assessing effectiveness (815-20-25-3(b)); without it an entity could retroactively engineer a desired accounting result.
- An initial prospective effectiveness assessment must be quantitative (dollar-offset or regression) unless an exception applies — e.g., shortcut method, matched critical terms, the private-company simplified approach, or spot/forward-rate net investment methods (815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01)) — and is deemed concurrent if completed by the earliest of the dates listed in (02).
- For fair value hedges the hedged item must be a specifically identified recognized asset or liability, unrecognized firm commitment, or portfolio of similar items sharing the hedged risk, and must present an exposure that could affect earnings (815-20-25-12); a 'specific portion' may be a percentage, selected contractual cash flows, an embedded put/call, or a lessor's residual value.
- For financial items the hedged risk may be overall fair value, benchmark interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, or credit risk (or combinations), while for nonfinancial items generally only overall fair value or FX may be hedged — crude oil price cannot be the hedged risk for gasoline (815-20-25-12(e)–(f)).
- Cash flow hedges require the forecasted transaction to be specifically identified, probable, with an external party (limited intra-entity FX exceptions), and to present cash flow variability that could affect earnings (815-20-25-15); 'probable' requires significantly greater likelihood than 'more likely than not' (815-20-25-16(e)).
- The portfolio layer method permits designating a hedged layer of a closed portfolio of financial assets or beneficial interests if the entity documents an analysis supporting that the layer will be outstanding for the hedge period, assuming prepayments and defaults are applied first to the unhedged portion (815-20-25-12A).
- Certain items are specifically ineligible as hedged items: equity method investments, noncontrolling interests, transactions with stockholders as stockholders (treasury stock purchases, dividends), most intra-entity transactions, the entity's own equity instruments, and interest rate risk on held-to-maturity securities (815-20-25-43).
For students. This is the qualification checklist for hedge accounting — most failures in practice are documentation failures, not economic ones, because documentation must be complete and concurrent at inception and cannot be created after the fact. A common misunderstanding is that any economic hedge qualifies: the hedged risk must be one the Codification specifically permits (for nonfinancial items, generally total price or FX risk, not an ingredient's price), and some items (equity method investees, own equity, dividends, most intra-entity transactions) are flatly ineligible.
hedge designation and documentationhedge effectiveness assessmenthedged item eligibilityforecasted transaction probabilitybenchmark interest rateportfolio layer methodcontractually specified componentfunctional currency exposure
Machine-generated study aid for ASC 815-20. Check the source paragraphs below.
815-20-00Status
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815-20-00-1
The following table identifies the changes made to this Subtopic.
815-20-05Overview and Background
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815-20-05-2
This Subtopic provides general guidance applicable to all three types of hedging relationships: fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation. This Subtopic includes the basic guidance for qualifying for hedge accounting such as hedge documentation requirements, which types of risks are eligible for hedge accounting, and which items may or may not be designated as hedged items and hedging instruments. This Subtopic also provides guidance on hedge effectiveness criteria and assessments of hedge effectiveness. Financial statement presentation of the change in the fair value of a qualifying hedging instrument also is covered in this Subtopic. such as subsequent measurement and dedesignation of a hedging relationship. Implementation guidance and examples specific to fair value, cash flow, and net investment hedges are included in both Subtopic 815-20 and the specific Subtopics for each type of hedging relationship. Disclosure guidance for all hedging relationships is included in Section 815-10-50, and disclosure examples are included in Section 815-10-55. Incremental disclosure guidance for cash flow hedges is provided in Section 815-30-50.
815-20-10Objectives
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815-20-10-1
Paragraph 815-10-10-1 states that one cornerstone underlying the guidance in this Topic is that special accounting for items designated as being hedged should be provided only for qualifying items. That paragraph explains that one aspect of qualification should be an assessment of the expectation of effective offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows during the term of the hedge for the risk being hedged.
815-20-15Scope and Scope Exceptions
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Entities
815-20-15-1
The guidance in this Subtopic applies to all entities, with the following exceptions:
- aEntities that do not report earnings separately are not permitted to use cash flow hedge accounting as described in this Subtopic or Subtopic 815-30 on cash flow hedges.
- bEntities that do not report earnings separately are not permitted to elect the amortization approach for amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness under fair value hedge accounting in accordance with paragraphs 815-20-25-83A and 815-25-35-1(a).
815-20-25Recognition
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815-20-25-1
This Section sets forth criteria that must be met for designated hedging instruments and hedged items or transactions to qualify for fair value hedge accounting, cash flow hedge accounting, and accounting for a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The criteria are organized as follows:
- aFormal designation and documentation at hedge inception
- bEligibility of hedged items and transactions
- cEligibility of hedging instruments
- dHedge effectiveness.
- eHedge accounting provisions applicable to certain private companies
- fHedge accounting provisions applicable to certain not-for-profit entities.
815-20-25-2
The guidance in this Section specifies whether a criterion applies to one or more types of hedging relationships. For example, paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(1) is specified as a criterion that applies to fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and net investment hedges.
Formal Designation and Documentation at Hedge Inception
815-20-25-3
Concurrent designation and documentation of a hedge is critical; without it, an entity could retroactively identify a hedged item, a hedged transaction, or a method of assessing effectiveness to achieve a desired accounting result. To qualify for hedge accounting, there shall be, at inception of the hedge, formal documentation of all of the following:
- a
- bDocumentation requirement applicable to fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and net investment hedges:
- 1The hedging relationship
- 2The entity's risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, including identification of all of the following:
- iThe hedging instrument.
- iiThe hedged item or transaction.
- iiiThe nature of the risk being hedged.
- ivThe method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item's fair value (if a fair value hedge) or hedged transaction's variability in cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) attributable to the hedged risk. There shall be a reasonable basis for how the entity plans to assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness.
- 01An entity shall perform an initial prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis (using either a dollar-offset test or a statistical method such as regression analysis) unless one of the following applies:
- AIn a cash flow or fair value hedge, the entity applies the shortcut method in accordance with paragraphs
- BIn a cash flow or fair value hedge, the entity determines that the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item match in accordance with paragraphs .
- CIn a cash flow hedge, the hedging instrument is an option, and the conditions in paragraphs 815-20-25-126 and 815-20-25-129 through 25-129A are met.
- DIn a cash flow hedge, a private company that is not a financial institution as described in paragraph 942-320-50-1 applies the simplified hedge accounting approach in paragraphs .
- EIn a cash flow hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness under the change in variable cash flows method in accordance with paragraphs , and all of the conditions in paragraph 815-30-35-22 are met.
- FIn a cash flow hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness under the hypothetical derivative method in accordance with paragraphs , and all of the critical terms of the hypothetical derivative and hedging instrument are the same.
- GIn a net investment hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness using a method based on changes in spot exchange rates, and the conditions in paragraph 815-35-35-5 (for derivative instruments) or 815-35-35-12 (for nonderivative instruments) are met.
- HIn a net investment hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness using a method based on changes in forward exchange rates, and the conditions in paragraph 815-35-35-17A are met.
- A
- 02The initial prospective quantitative hedge effectiveness assessment using information applicable as of the date of hedge inception is considered to be performed concurrently at hedge inception if it is completed by the earliest of the following:
- AThe first quarterly hedge effectiveness assessment date
- BThe date that financial statements that include the hedged transaction are available to be issued
- CThe date that any criterion in Section 815-20-25 no longer is met
- DThe date of expiration, sale, termination, or exercise of the hedging instrument
- EThe date of dedesignation of the hedging relationship
- FFor a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction (in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-13(b)), the date that the forecasted transaction occurs.
- A
- 03An entity also shall document at hedge inception whether it elects to perform subsequent retrospective and prospective hedge effectiveness assessments on a qualitative basis and how it intends to carry out that qualitative assessment. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of effectiveness. In addition, the entity shall document which quantitative method it will use if facts and circumstances of the hedging relationship change and the entity must quantitatively assess hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-35-2D. An entity must document that it will perform the same quantitative assessment method for both initial and subsequent prospective hedge effectiveness assessments. The guidance in paragraphs applies if the entity wants to change its quantitative method of assessing effectiveness after the initial quantitative effectiveness assessment.
- 04An entity that applies the shortcut method in paragraphs may elect to document at hedge inception a quantitative method to assess hedge effectiveness and measure hedge results if the entity determines at some point during the term of the hedging relationship that the use of the shortcut method was not or no longer is appropriate. See paragraphs .
- 01
- v
- viIf the entity is hedging foreign currency risk on an after-tax basis, that the assessment of effectiveness will be on an after-tax basis (rather than on a pretax basis).
- i
- 1
- cDocumentation requirement applicable to fair value hedges only:
- 1For a fair value hedge of a firm commitment, a reasonable method for recognizing in earnings the asset or liability representing the gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment.
- 2For one or more interest rate risk hedging relationships designated under the portfolio layer method, an analysis to support the entity's expectation that the hedged layer or layers is anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedge period (see paragraph 815-20-25-12A for additional guidance).
- 1
- dDocumentation requirement applicable to cash flow hedges only:
- 1For a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction, documentation shall include all relevant details, including all of the following:
- iThe date on or period within which the forecasted transaction is expected to occur.
- iiThe specific nature of asset or liability involved (if any).
- iiiEither of the following:
- 01The expected currency amount for hedges of foreign currency exchange risk; that is, specification of the exact amount of foreign currency being hedged
- 02The quantity of the forecasted transaction for hedges of other risks; that is, specification of the physical quantity (that is, the number of items or units of measure) encompassed by the hedged forecasted transaction.
- 01
- ivIf a forecasted sale or purchase is being hedged for price risk, the hedged transaction shall not be specified in either of the following ways:
- 01Solely in terms of expected currency amounts
- 02As a percentage of sales or purchases during a period.
- 01
- vThe current price of a forecasted transaction shall be identified to satisfy the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-75(b) for offsetting cash flows.
- viThe hedged forecasted transaction shall be described with sufficient specificity so that when a transaction occurs, it is clear whether that transaction is or is not the hedged transaction. Thus, a forecasted transaction could be identified as the sale of either the first 15,000 units of a specific product sold during a specified 3-month period or the first 5,000 units of a specific product sold in each of 3 specific months, but it could not be identified as the sale of the last 15,000 units of that product sold during a 3-month period (because the last 15,000 units cannot be identified when they occur, but only when the period has ended).
- viiIf the hedged risk is the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component in a forecasted purchase or sale of a nonfinancial asset, identification of the contractually specified component.
- viiiIf the hedged risk is the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified interest rate for forecasted interest receipts or payments on a variable-rate financial asset or liability, identification of the contractually specified interest rate.
- i
- 1
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Concurrent designation and documentation of a hedge is critical; without it, an entity could retroactively identify a hedged item, a hedged transaction, or a method of assessing effectiveness to achieve a desired accounting result. To qualify for hedge accounting, there shall be, at inception of the hedge, formal documentation of all of the following: - a
- bDocumentation requirement applicable to fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and net investment hedges:
- 1The hedging relationship
- 2The entity's risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, including identification of all of the following:
- iThe hedging instrument.
- iiThe hedged item or transaction.
- iiiThe nature of the risk being hedged (also see the requirements in (d)(1)(viii)).
- ivThe method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item's fair value (if a fair value hedge) or hedged transaction's variability in cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) attributable to the hedged risk. There shall be a reasonable basis for how the entity plans to assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness.
- 01An entity shall perform an initial prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis (using either a dollar-offset test or a statistical method such as regression analysis) unless one of the following applies:
- AIn a cash flow or fair value hedge, the entity applies the shortcut method in accordance with paragraphs
- BIn a cash flow or fair value hedge, the entity determines that the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item match in accordance with paragraphs .
- CIn a cash flow hedge, the hedging instrument is an option, and the conditions in paragraphs 815-20-25-126 and 815-20-25-129 through 25-129A are met.
- DIn a cash flow hedge, a private company that is not a financial institution as described in paragraph 942-320-50-1 applies the simplified hedge accounting approach in paragraphs .
- EIn a cash flow hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness under the change in variable cash flows method in accordance with paragraphs , and all of the conditions in paragraph 815-30-35-22 are met.
- FIn a cash flow hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness under the hypothetical derivative method in accordance with paragraphs , and all of the critical terms of the hypothetical derivative and hedging instrument are the same.
- GIn a net investment hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness using a method based on changes in spot exchange rates, and the conditions in paragraph 815-35-35-5 (for derivative instruments) or 815-35-35-12 (for nonderivative instruments) are met.
- HIn a net investment hedge, the entity assesses hedge effectiveness using a method based on changes in forward exchange rates, and the conditions in paragraph 815-35-35-17A are met.
- A
- 02The initial prospective quantitative hedge effectiveness assessment using information applicable as of the date of hedge inception is considered to be performed concurrently at hedge inception if it is completed by the earliest of the following:
- AThe first quarterly hedge effectiveness assessment date
- BThe date that financial statements that include the hedged transaction are available to be issued
- CThe date that any criterion in Section 815-20-25 no longer is met
- DThe date of expiration, sale, termination, or exercise of the hedging instrument
- EThe date of dedesignation of the hedging relationship
- FFor a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction (in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-13(b)), the date that the forecasted transaction occurs.
- A
- 03An entity also shall document at hedge inception whether it elects to perform subsequent retrospective and prospective hedge effectiveness assessments on a qualitative basis and how it intends to carry out that qualitative assessment. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of effectiveness. In addition, the entity shall document which quantitative method it will use if facts and circumstances of the hedging relationship change and the entity must quantitatively assess hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-35-2D. An entity must document that it will perform the same quantitative assessment method for both initial and subsequent prospective hedge effectiveness assessments. The guidance in paragraphs applies if the entity wants to change its quantitative method of assessing effectiveness after the initial quantitative effectiveness assessment.
- 04An entity that applies the shortcut method in paragraphs may elect to document at hedge inception a quantitative method to assess hedge effectiveness and measure hedge results if the entity determines at some point during the term of the hedging relationship that the use of the shortcut method was not or no longer is appropriate. See paragraphs .
- 01
- v
- viIf the entity is hedging foreign currency risk on an after-tax basis, that the assessment of effectiveness will be on an after-tax basis (rather than on a pretax basis).
- i
- 1
- cDocumentation requirement applicable to fair value hedges only:
- 1For a fair value hedge of a firm commitment, a reasonable method for recognizing in earnings the asset or liability representing the gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment.
- 2For one or more interest rate risk hedging relationships designated under the portfolio layer method, an analysis to support the entity's expectation that the hedged layer or layers is anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedge period (see paragraph 815-20-25-12A for additional guidance).
- 1
- dDocumentation requirement applicable to cash flow hedges only:
- 1For a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction, documentation shall include all relevant details, including all of the following:
- iThe date on or period within which the forecasted transaction is expected to occur.
- iiThe specific nature of asset or liability involved (if any).
- iiiEither of the following:
- 01The expected currency amount for hedges of foreign currency exchange risk; that is, specification of the exact amount of foreign currency being hedged
- 02The quantity of the forecasted transaction for hedges of other risks; that is, specification of the physical quantity (that is, the number of items or units of measure) encompassed by the hedged forecasted transaction.
- 01
- ivIf a forecasted sale or purchase is being hedged for price risk, the hedged transaction shall not be specified in either of the following ways:
- 01Solely in terms of expected currency amounts
- 02As a percentage of sales or purchases during a period.
- 01
- vThe current price of a forecasted transaction shall be identified to satisfy the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-75(b) for offsetting cash flows.
- viThe hedged forecasted transaction shall be described with sufficient specificity so that when a transaction occurs, it is clear whether that transaction is or is not the hedged transaction. Thus, a forecasted transaction could be identified as the sale of either the first 15,000 units of a specific product sold during a specified 3-month period or the first 5,000 units of a specific product sold in each of 3 specific months, but it could not be identified as the sale of the last 15,000 units of that product sold during a 3-month period (because the last 15,000 units cannot be identified when they occur, but only when the period has ended).
- viiIf the hedged risk is the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component of the price of a nonfinancial asset (or a subcomponent as described in paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(2))in a forecasted purchase or sale of a nonfinancial asset that meets the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-15(i)(3), identification of the component (or subcomponent).
- viiiIf the hedged risk is the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified interest rate for forecasted interest receipts or payments on a variable-rate financial asset or liability, identification of the contractually specified interest rate. See paragraphs for guidance on changing the contractually specified interest rate for a hedge of forecasted interest payments on a variable-rate debt instrument that permits the borrower to select at each reset period the interest rate index from a list of contractual options (including the interest rate tenor) upon which interest is accrued (this debt instrument is referred to throughout Topic 815 as “choose-your-rate” debt).
- i
- 2For a cash flow hedge of a group of forecasted transactions, the method that will be used to determine whether a group of individual forecasted transactions have a similar risk exposure in accordance with paragraph 815-20-55-23A.
- 1
815-20-25-3A
See paragraphs for guidance on the timing of completing the hedge documentation required by paragraph 815-20-25-3 for a private company that is not a financial institution. The guidance in paragraphs applies to hedging relationships in which the simplified hedge accounting approach is applied. The guidance in paragraphs applies to all hedging relationships other than those in which the simplified hedge accounting approach is applied. The guidance in paragraphs also applies to not-for-profit entities (except for not-for-profit entities that have issued, or are a conduit bond obligor for, securities that are traded, listed, or quoted on an exchange or an over-the-counter market) in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-143.
Eligibility of Hedged Items and Transactions
815-20-25-4
The eligibility criteria for hedged items and transactions are organized as follows:
- aHedged item and transaction criteria applicable to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges
- bHedged item criteria applicable to fair value hedges only
- cHedged transaction criteria applicable to cash flow hedges only
- dHedged items involving foreign exchange risk
- eItems specifically ineligible for designation as a hedged item or transaction.
815-20-25-5
Incremental eligibility criteria applicable to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges are organized as follows:
- aHedged items involving interest rate risk
- bNormal purchase or normal sale contract as a hedged item or transaction
- cDifferent proportions of the same asset as a hedged item.
815-20-25-6
Hedges involving a benchmark interest rate are addressed in paragraphs 815-20-25-12(f) and 815-20-25-12A (for fair value hedges) and paragraph 815-20-25-15(j) (for cash flow hedges). Hedges involving a contractually specified interest rate are addressed in 815-20-25-15(j) (for cash flow hedges). The benchmark interest rate or the contractually specified interest rate being hedged in a hedge of interest rate risk shall be specifically identified as part of the designation and documentation at the inception of the hedging relationship. Paragraphs provide guidance on the interest rate risk designation of hedges of forecasted issuances or purchases of debt instruments. An entity shall not simply designate prepayment risk as the risk being hedged for a financial asset. However, it can designate the option component of a prepayable instrument as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of the entity's exposure to changes in the overall fair value of that prepayment option, perhaps thereby achieving the objective of its desire to hedge prepayment risk. The effect of an embedded derivative of the same risk class shall be considered in designating a hedge of an individual risk. For example, the effect of an embedded prepayment option shall be considered in designating a hedge of interest rate risk.
815-20-25-6A
In the United States, the interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rate, the Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Rate, and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rateare considered to be benchmark interest rates. In each financial market, generally only the most widely used and quoted rates may be considered benchmark interest rates.
815-20-25-6B
An entity may designate a fair value hedge of interest rate risk in which the hedged item is a prepayable instrument in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-6. The entity may consider only how changes in the benchmark interest rate affect the decision to settle the hedged item before its scheduled maturity (for example, an entity may consider only how changes in the benchmark interest rate affect an obligor's decision to call a debt instrument when it has the right to do so). The entity need not consider other factors that would affect this decision (for example, credit risk) when assessing hedge effectiveness. Paragraph 815-25-35-13A discusses the measurement of the hedged item.
815-20-25-7
A contract that is not subject to the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 because it qualifies for the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception may be designated as a hedged item in a fair value hedge, if the provisions of this Section are met. As the hedged item, the contract would be accounted for under fair value hedge accounting. Similarly, the purchase under that contract may be the hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge, if the provisions of paragraph 815-20-25-15 are met. For cash flow hedges, the special accounting applies to the hedging instrument, not to the purchase contract that is related to the hedged forecasted transaction.
815-20-25-8
In emphasizing the conditions in the definition of a derivative instrument in paragraphs , paragraphs essentially exempt contracts that meet the definition of a derivative instrument from the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 applicable to derivative instruments. However, paragraphs are not intended to preclude such contracts from being subject to the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 applicable to the hedged item in a fair value hedge.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2026Transition guidance:
815-10-65-8In emphasizing the conditions in the definition of a derivative instrument in paragraphs , paragraphs and essentially exempt contracts that meet the definition of a derivative instrument from the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 applicable to derivative instruments. However, paragraphs and are not intended to preclude such contracts from being subject to the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 applicable to the hedged item in a fair value hedge. 815-20-25-9
A contract that qualifies for the normal purchases and normal sales exception will typically satisfy the criteria for a firm commitment and will not be recognized on an entity's financial statements because of the exclusion from recognition under Subtopic 815-10 or other Topics. The transaction under a contract that qualifies for the normal purchases and normal sales exception but does not satisfy the criteria for a firm commitment because the contract does not contain a fixed price may be the hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge.
815-20-25-10
In a hedging relationship in which a collar that is comprised of a purchased option and a written option that have different notional amounts is designated as the hedging instrument and the hedge's effectiveness is assessed based on changes in the collar's intrinsic value, the hedged item may be specified as two different proportions of the same asset referenced in the collar, based on the upper and lower price ranges specified in the two options that make up the collar. That is, the quantities of the asset designated as being hedged may be different based on those price ranges in which the collar's intrinsic value is other than zero. This guidance shall be applied only to collars that are a combination of a single written option and a single purchased option for which the underlying in both options is the same. This guidance shall not be applied by analogy to other derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments. Although the quantities of the asset designated as being hedged may be different based on the upper and lower price ranges in the collar, the actual assets that are the subject of the hedging relationship may not change. The quantities that are designated as hedged for a specific price or rate change shall be specified at the inception of the hedging relationship and shall not be changed unless the hedging relationship is dedesignated and a new hedging relationship is redesignated. Since the hedge's effectiveness is based on changes in the collar's intrinsic value, the assessment of hedge effectiveness shall compare the actual change in intrinsic value of the collar to the change in value of the prespecified quantity of the hedged asset that occurred during the hedge period.
815-20-25-11
An entity may designate a derivative instrument as hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof (hedged item) that is attributable to a particular risk if all applicable criteria in this Section are met.
815-20-25-12
An asset or a liability is eligible for designation as a hedged item in a fair value hedge if all of the following additional criteria are met:
- aThe hedged item is specifically identified as either all or a specific portion of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment.
- bThe hedged item is a single asset or liability (or a specific portion thereof) or is a portfolio of similar assets or a portfolio of similar liabilities (or a specific portion thereof), in which circumstance:
- 1If similar assets or similar liabilities are aggregated and hedged as a portfolio, the individual assets or individual liabilities shall share the risk exposure for which they are designated as being hedged. The change in fair value attributable to the hedged risk for each individual item in a hedged portfolio shall be expected to respond in a generally proportionate manner to the overall change in fair value of the aggregate portfolio attributable to the hedged risk. See the discussion beginning in paragraph 815-20-55-14 for related implementation guidance. An entity may use different stratification criteria for the purposes of impairment testing and for the purposes of grouping similar assets to be designated as a hedged portfolio in a fair value hedge.
- 2If the hedged item is a specific portion of an asset or liability (or of a portfolio of similar assets or a portfolio of similar liabilities), the hedged item is one of the following:
- iA percentage of the entire asset or liability (or of the entire portfolio). An entity shall not express the hedged item as multiple percentages of a recognized asset or liability and then retroactively determine the hedged item based on an independent matrix of those multiple percentages and the actual scenario that occurred during the period for which hedge effectiveness is being assessed.
- iiOne or more selected contractual cash flows, including one or more individual interest payments during a selected portion of the term of a debt instrument (such as the portion of the asset or liability representing the present value of the interest payments in any consecutive two years of a four-year debt instrument). Paragraph 815-25-35-13B discusses the measurement of the change in fair value of the hedged item in partial-term hedges of interest rate risk using an assumed term.
- iiiA put option or call option (including an interest rate cap or price cap or an interest rate floor or price floor) embedded in an existing asset or liability that is not an embedded derivative accounted for separately pursuant to paragraph 815-15-25-1.
- ivThe residual value in a lessor's net investment in a direct financing or sales-type lease.
- i
- 1
- cThe hedged item presents an exposure to changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk that could affect reported earnings. The reference to affecting reported earnings does not apply to an entity that does not report earnings as a separate caption in a statement of financial performance, such as a not-for-profit entity (NFP), in accordance with paragraph 815-20-15-1.
- dIf the hedged item is all or a portion of a debt security (or a portfolio of similar debt securities) that is classified as held to maturity in accordance with Topic 320, the designated risk being hedged is the risk of changes in its fair value attributable to credit risk, foreign exchange risk, or both. If the hedged item is an option component of a held-to-maturity security that permits its prepayment, the designated risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the entire fair value of that option component. If the hedged item is other than an option component of a held-to-maturity security that permits its prepayment, the designated hedged risk also shall not be the risk of changes in its overall fair value.
- eIf the hedged item is a nonfinancial asset or liability (other than a recognized loan servicing right or a nonfinancial firm commitment with financial components), the designated risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the entire hedged asset or liability (reflecting its actual location if a physical asset). That is, the price risk of a similar asset in a different location or of a major ingredient shall not be the hedged risk. Thus, in hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of gasoline, an entity may not designate the risk of changes in the price of crude oil as the risk being hedged for purposes of determining effectiveness of the fair value hedge of gasoline.
- fIf the hedged item is a financial asset or liability, a recognized loan servicing right, or a nonfinancial firm commitment with financial components, the designated risk being hedged is any of the following:
- 1The risk of changes in the overall fair value of the entire hedged item
- 2The risk of changes in its fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate (referred to as interest rate risk)
- 3The risk of changes in its fair value attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates (referred to as foreign exchange risk)
- 4The risk of changes in its fair value attributable to both of the following (referred to as credit risk):
- iChanges in the obligor's creditworthiness
- iiChanges in the spread over the benchmark interest rate with respect to the hedged item's credit sector at inception of the hedge.
- i
- 5If the risk designated as being hedged is not the risk in paragraph 815-20-25-12(f)(1), two or more of the other risks (interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, and credit risk) may simultaneously be designated as being hedged.
- 1
- gThe item is not otherwise specifically ineligible for designation (see paragraph 815-20-25-43).
815-20-25-12A
For a closed portfolio of financial assets or one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of financial instruments, an entity may designate as the hedged item or items a hedged layer or layers if the following criteria are met (this designation is referred to throughout Topic 815 as the “portfolio layer method”):
- aAs part of the initial hedge documentation, an analysis is completed and documented to support the entity's expectation that the hedged item or items (that is, the hedged layer or layers in aggregate) is anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedge period. That analysis shall incorporate the entity's current expectations of prepayments, defaults, and other factors affecting the timing and amount of cash flows associated with the closed portfolio.
- bFor purposes of its analysis in (a), the entity assumes that as prepayments, defaults, and other factors affecting the timing and amount of cash flows occur, they first will be applied to the portion of the closed portfolio that is not hedged.
- cThe entity applies the partial-term hedging guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(2)(ii) to the assets or beneficial interest used to support the entity’s expectation in (a). An asset that matures on a hedged layer’s assumed maturity date meets this requirement.
See paragraphs for implementation guidance related to a closed portfolio with multiple hedged layers.
815-20-25-12B
After a closed portfolio is established in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-12A, an entity may designate new hedging relationships associated with the closed portfolio without dedesignating any existing hedging relationships associated with the closed portfolio if the criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-12A are met for those newly designated hedging relationships.
815-20-25-13
An entity may designate a derivative instrument as hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk. That exposure may be associated with either of the following:
- aAn existing recognized asset or liability (such as all or certain future interest payments on variable-rate debt)
- bA forecasted transaction (such as a forecasted purchase or sale).
815-20-25-14
For purposes of this Subtopic and Subtopic 815-30, the individual cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability and the cash flows related to a forecasted transaction are both referred to as a forecasted transaction or hedged transaction.
815-20-25-15
A forecasted transaction is eligible for designation as a hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge if all of the following additional criteria are met:
- aThe forecasted transaction is specifically identified as either of the following:
- 1A single transaction
- 2A group of individual transactions that share the same risk exposure for which they are designated as being hedged. A forecasted purchase and a forecasted sale shall not both be included in the same group of individual transactions that constitute the hedged transaction.
- 1
- bThe occurrence of the forecasted transaction is probable.
- cThe forecasted transaction meets both of the following conditions:
- 1It is a transaction with a party external to the reporting entity (except as permitted by paragraphs 815-20-25-30 and ).
- 2It presents an exposure to variations in cash flows for the hedged risk that could affect reported earnings.
- 1
- dThe forecasted transaction is not the acquisition of an asset or incurrence of a liability that will subsequently be remeasured with changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk reported currently in earnings.
- eIf the forecasted transaction relates to a recognized asset or liability, the asset or liability is not remeasured with changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk reported currently in earnings.
- fIf the variable cash flows of the forecasted transaction relate to a debt security that is classified as held to maturity under Topic 320, the risk being hedged is the risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to any of the following risks:
- 1Credit risk
- 2Foreign exchange risk.
- 1
- g
- hThe forecasted transaction is not a transaction (such as a forecasted purchase, sale, or dividend) involving either of the following:
- 1A parent entity's interests in consolidated subsidiaries
- 2An entity's own equity instruments.
- 1
- iIf the hedged transaction is the forecasted purchase or sale of a nonfinancial asset, the designated risk being hedged is any of the following:
- 1The risk of changes in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates
- 2The risk of changes in the cash flows relating to all changes in the purchase price or sales price of the asset reflecting its actual location if a physical asset (regardless of whether that price and the related cash flows are stated in the entity's functional currency or a foreign currency), not the risk of changes in the cash flows relating to the purchase or sale of a similar asset in a different location.
- 3The risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component. (See additional criteria in paragraphs for designating the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component as the hedged risk.)
- 1
- jIf the hedged transaction is the forecasted purchase or sale of a financial asset or liability (or the interest payments on that financial asset or liability) or the variable cash inflow or outflow of an existing financial asset or liability, the designated risk being hedged is any of the following:
- 1The risk of overall changes in the hedged cash flows related to the asset or liability, such as those relating to all changes in the purchase price or sales price (regardless of whether that price and the related cash flows are stated in the entity's functional currency or a foreign currency)
- 2For forecasted interest receipts or payments on an existing variable-rate financial instrument, the risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified interest rate (referred to as interest rate risk). For a forecasted issuance or purchase of a debt instrument (or the forecasted interest payments on a debt instrument), the risk of changes in cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate or the expected contractually specified interest rate. See paragraphs for further guidance on the designation of interest rate risk in the forecasted issuance or purchase of a debt instrument.
- 3The risk of changes in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates (referred to as foreign exchange risk)
- 4The risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to all of the following (referred to as credit risk):
- iDefault
- iiChanges in the obligor's creditworthiness
- iiiChanges in the spread over the contractually specified interest rate or benchmark interest rate with respect to the related financial asset's or liability's credit sector at inception of the hedge.
- i
If the risk designated as being hedged is not the risk in paragraph 815-20-25-15(j)(1), two or more of the other risks (interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, and credit risk) simultaneously may be designated as being hedged. - 1
- kThe item is not otherwise specifically ineligible for designation (see paragraph 815-20-25-43).
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7A forecasted transaction is eligible for designation as a hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge if all of the following additional criteria are met: - aThe forecasted transaction is specifically identified as either of the following:
- 1A single transaction
- 2A group of individual transactions that have a similar risk exposure for which they are designated as being hedged. A forecasted purchase and a forecasted sale shall not both be included in the same group of individual transactions that constitute the hedged transaction.
- 1
- bThe occurrence of the forecasted transaction is probable.
- cThe forecasted transaction meets both of the following conditions:
- 1It is a transaction with a party external to the reporting entity (except as permitted by paragraphs 815-20-25-30 and ).
- 2It presents an exposure to variations in cash flows for the hedged risk that could affect reported earnings.
- 1
- dThe forecasted transaction is not the acquisition of an asset or incurrence of a liability that will subsequently be remeasured with changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk reported currently in earnings.
- eIf the forecasted transaction relates to a recognized asset or liability, the asset or liability is not remeasured with changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk reported currently in earnings. For example, if the forecasted transaction relates to the purchase or sale of a nonfinancial item under a contract that is accounted for as a derivative under Topic 815 (that is, a recognized asset or liability), an entity may designate the variable price component (or subcomponent) in the contract as the hedged risk if all other hedge criteria are satisfied.
- fIf the variable cash flows of the forecasted transaction relate to a debt security that is classified as held to maturity under Topic 320, the risk being hedged is the risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to any of the following risks:
- 1Credit risk
- 2Foreign exchange risk.
- 1
- g
- hThe forecasted transaction is not a transaction (such as a forecasted purchase, sale, or dividend) involving either of the following:
- 1A parent entity's interests in consolidated subsidiaries
- 2An entity's own equity instruments.
- 1
- iIf the hedged transaction is the forecasted purchase or sale of a nonfinancial asset, the designated risk being hedged is any of the following:
- 1The risk of changes in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates
- 2The risk of changes in the cash flows relating to all changes in the purchase price or sales price of the asset reflecting its actual location if a physical asset (regardless of whether that price and the related cash flows are stated in the entity's functional currency or a foreign currency), not the risk of changes in the cash flows relating to the purchase or sale of a similar asset in a different location.
- 3The risk of changes in cash flows relating to a variable component (or subcomponent) of the purchase or sales price of a nonfinancial asset that meets the criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-22C.
- 1
- jIf the hedged transaction is the forecasted purchase or sale of a financial asset or liability (or the interest payments on that financial asset or liability) or the variable cash inflow or outflow of an existing financial asset or liability, the designated risk being hedged is any of the following:
- 1The risk of overall changes in the hedged cash flows related to the asset or liability, such as those relating to all changes in the purchase price or sales price (regardless of whether that price and the related cash flows are stated in the entity's functional currency or a foreign currency)
- 2For forecasted interest receipts or payments on an existing variable-rate financial instrument, the risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified interest rate (referred to as interest rate risk). For a forecasted issuance or purchase of a debt instrument (or the forecasted interest payments on a debt instrument), the risk of changes in cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate or the expected contractually specified interest rate. See paragraphs for further guidance on the designation of interest rate risk in the forecasted issuance or purchase of a debt instrument.
- 3The risk of changes in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates (referred to as foreign exchange risk)
- 4The risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to all of the following (referred to as credit risk):
- iDefault
- iiChanges in the obligor's creditworthiness
- iiiChanges in the spread over the contractually specified interest rate or benchmark interest rate with respect to the related financial asset's or liability's credit sector at inception of the hedge.
- i
If the risk designated as being hedged is not the risk in paragraph 815-20-25-15(j)(1), two or more of the other risks (interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, and credit risk) simultaneously may be designated as being hedged. - 1
- kThe item is not otherwise specifically ineligible for designation (see paragraph 815-20-25-43).
815-20-25-15A
This Topic places no limitations on an entity's ability to prospectively designate, dedesignate, and redesignate a qualifying hedge of the same forecasted transaction.
815-20-25-16
Example 4 (see paragraph 815-20-55-88) illustrates that how the hedged forecasted transaction is designated and documented in a cash flow hedge is critically important in determining whether it is probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. The following guidance expands on the timing and probability criteria in paragraphs 815-20-25-3 and 815-20-25-15(b):
- aEffect of counterparty creditworthiness on probability. An entity using a cash flow hedge shall assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty to the hedged forecasted transaction in determining whether the forecasted transaction is probable, particularly if the hedged transaction involves payments pursuant to a contractual obligation of the counterparty.
- bProbability of forecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security. To qualify for cash flow hedge accounting for an option designated as a hedge of the forecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security, an entity must be able to establish at the inception of the hedging relationship that the acquisition of the marketable debt security is probable, without regard to the means of acquiring it. In documenting the hedging relationship, the entity shall specify the date on or period within which the forecasted acquisition of the security will occur. The evaluation of whether the forecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security is probable of occurring shall be independent of the terms and nature of the derivative instrument designated as the hedging instrument. Specifically, in determining whether an option designated as a hedge of the forecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security may qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the probability of the forecasted transaction being consummated shall be evaluated without consideration of whether the option designated as the hedging instrument has an intrinsic value other than zero.
- cUncertainty of timing within a range. For forecasted transactions whose timing involves some uncertainty within a range, that range could be documented as the originally specified time period if the hedged forecasted transaction is described with sufficient specificity so that when a transaction occurs, it is clear whether that transaction is or is not the hedged transaction. As long as it remains probable that a forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time period, cash flow hedge accounting for that hedging relationship would continue. See paragraph 815-30-40-4 for related guidance and Example 5 (see paragraph 815-20-55-100), which illustrates the application of this paragraph.
- dImportance of timing in both documentation and hedge effectiveness. Although documenting only the period within which the forecasted transaction will occur is sufficient to comply with the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-3, compliance with Section 815-20-35 and paragraph 815-20-25-75(b) requires that the best estimate of the forecasted transaction's timing be both documented and used in assessing hedge effectiveness. As explained in paragraphs 815-20-25-84 and , the time value of money is likely to be important in the assessment of cash flow hedge effectiveness, especially if the entity plans to use a rollover or tailing strategy to hedge its forecasted transaction. The use of time value of money requires information about the timing of cash flows.
- eThe term probable requires a significantly greater likelihood of occurrence than the phrase more likely than not.
- fThe cash flow hedging model does not require that it be probable that any variability in the hedged transaction will actually occur—that is, in a cash flow hedge, the variability in future cash flows must be a possibility, but not necessarily a probability. However, the hedging derivative must be highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows whenever that variability in future interest does occur.
815-20-25-17
In this Subtopic, the phrase issuance of fixed-rate debt includes the issuance of a zero-coupon instrument because the interest element in a zero-coupon instrument is fixed at its issuance.
815-20-25-18
Provided the entity meets all the other cash flow hedging criteria, an entity may designate as the hedged risk the risk of changes in either of the following:
- aThe coupon payments (or the interest element of the final cash flow if interest is paid only at maturity) related to the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt
- bThe total proceeds attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate related to the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt.
815-20-25-19
An entity shall not characterize its variable-rate debt as fixed-rate debt that, at each interest reset date, is effectively rolled over to another issuance of fixed-rate debt that has a new fixed interest rate until the next reset date.
815-20-25-19A
In accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-6, if an entity designates a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk attributable to the variability in cash flows of a forecasted issuance or purchase of a debt instrument, it shall specify the nature of the interest rate risk being hedged as follows:
- aIf an entity expects that it will issue or purchase a fixed-rate debt instrument, the entity shall designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate as the hedged risk.
- bIf an entity expects that it will issue or purchase a variable-rate debt instrument, the entity shall designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified interest rate as the hedged risk.
815-20-25-19B
If an entity does not know at the inception of the hedging relationship whether the debt instrument that will be issued or purchased will be fixed rate or variable rate, the entity shall designate as the hedged risk the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a rate that would qualify both as a benchmark interest rate if the instrument issued or purchased is fixed rate and as a contractually specified interest rate if the instrument issued or purchased is variable rate.
815-20-25-20
Paragraph 815-20-25-15(a) does not require that hedged variable interest payments relate to a specific unchanging obligation or group of variable-rate obligations if those obligations are prepayable. Example 7 (see paragraph 815-20-55-106) illustrates this principle.
815-20-25-21
Paragraph 815-10-15-4 states that, if a contract meets the definition of both a derivative instrument and a firm commitment under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic (as illustrated in Example 8 [see paragraph 815-20-55-111]), then an entity shall account for the contract as a derivative instrument unless one of the exceptions in this Topic applies. In that circumstance, either of the following may be true:
- aThe forecasted transaction and the derivative instrument used to hedge it are with the same counterparty.
- bThe derivative instrument is the same contract under which the entity executes the forecasted transaction.
815-20-25-22
Assuming other cash flow hedge criteria are met, a derivative instrument that will involve gross settlement may be designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of the variability of the consideration to be paid or received in a forecasted transaction that will occur upon gross settlement of the derivative instrument itself (an all-in-one hedge). This guidance applies to fixed-price contracts to acquire or sell a nonfinancial or financial asset that are accounted for as derivative instruments under this Topic provided the criteria for a cash flow hedge are met.
815-20-25-22A
Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.
For existing contracts, determining whether the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component may be designated as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge is based on the following:
- aIf the contract to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset is a derivative in its entirety and an entity applies the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in accordance with Subtopic 815-10, any contractually specified component in the contract is eligible to be designated as the hedged risk. If the entity does not apply the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception, no pricing component is eligible to be designated as the hedged risk.
- bIf the contract to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset is not a derivative in its entirety, any contractually specified component remaining in the host contract (that is, the contract to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset after any embedded derivatives have been bifurcated in accordance with Subtopic 815-15) is eligible to be designated as the hedged risk.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: The heading that precedes paragraph 815-20-25-22A will be amended upon transition as shown below, and the content of the paragraph will be superseded. |
| • • > Eligibility Criteria for Designating the Variability in Cash Flows Attributable to Changes in a Component (or Subcomponent) of the Purchase Price or Sales Price of a Nonfinancial Asset as the Hedged Risk |
815-20-25-22B
An entity may designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(i)(3) to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset for a period longer than the contractual term or for a not-yet-existing contract to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset if the entity expects that the requirements in paragraph 815-20-25-22A will be met when the contract is executed. Once the contract is executed, the entity shall apply the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-22A to determine whether the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified component can continue to be designated as the hedged risk. See paragraphs for related implementation guidance.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.815-20-25-22C
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7An entity may designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component (or subcomponent) of the forecasted purchase price or sales price of a nonfinancial asset as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge as follows:- aIf the purchase price or sales price of the nonfinancial asset is not determined in accordance with a pricing formula in an agreement, the hedged variable component is clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to the nonfinancial asset being purchased or sold.
- bIf the purchase price or sales price of the nonfinancial asset is determined in accordance with a pricing formula in an agreement, the hedged variable component is either of the following:
- 1Explicitly referenced in the agreement’s pricing formula and clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to the nonfinancial asset being purchased or sold
- 2Clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to a variable component that meets the conditions in (b)(1) (that is, a “subcomponent”). (Throughout Subtopic 815-20, reference to a subcomponent refers only to the designation guidance in this subparagraph.)
- 1
815-20-25-23
Under the functional currency concept of Topic 830, exposure to a foreign currency exists only in relation to a specific operating unit's designated functional currency cash flows. Therefore, exposure to foreign currency risk shall be assessed at the unit level.
815-20-25-24
A unit has exposure to foreign currency risk only if it enters into a transaction (or has an exposure) denominated in a currency other than the unit's functional currency.
815-20-25-25
Due to the requirement in Topic 830 for remeasurement of assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency into the unit's functional currency, changes in exchange rates for those currencies will give rise to exchange gains or losses, which results in direct foreign currency exposure for the unit but not for the parent entity if its functional currency differs from its unit's functional currency.
815-20-25-26
The functional currency concepts of Topic 830 are relevant if the foreign currency exposure being hedged relates to any of the following:
- aAn unrecognized foreign-currency-denominated firm commitment
- bA recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- cA foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction
- dThe forecasted functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with a recognized asset or liability
- eA net investment in a foreign operation.
815-20-25-27
Because a parent entity whose functional currency differs from its subsidiary's functional currency is not directly exposed to the risk of exchange rate changes due to a subsidiary transaction that is denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary's functional currency, the parent cannot qualify for hedge accounting for a hedge of that risk. Accordingly, a parent entity that has a different functional currency cannot qualify for hedge accounting for direct hedges of a subsidiary's recognized asset or liability, unrecognized firm commitment or forecasted transaction denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency. Also, a parent that has a different functional currency cannot qualify for hedge accounting for a hedge of a net investment of a first-tier subsidiary in a second-tier subsidiary.
815-20-25-28
If the hedged item is denominated in a foreign currency, an entity may designate any of the following types of hedges of foreign currency exposure:
- aA fair value hedge of an unrecognized firm commitment or a recognized asset or liability (including an available-for-sale debt security)
- bA cash flow hedge of any of the following:
- 1A forecasted transaction
- 2An unrecognized firm commitment
- 3The forecasted functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with a recognized asset or liability
- 4A forecasted intra-entity transaction.
- 1
- cA hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.
815-20-25-29
The recognition in earnings of the foreign currency transaction gain or loss on a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability based on changes in the foreign currency spot rate is not considered to be the remeasurement of that asset or liability with changes in fair value attributable to foreign exchange risk recognized in earnings, which is discussed in the criteria in paragraphs 815-20-25-15(d) and 815-20-25-43(c). Thus, those criteria are not impediments to either of the following:
- aA foreign currency fair value or cash flow hedge of such a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- bA foreign currency cash flow hedge of the forecasted acquisition or incurrence of a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability whose carrying amount will be remeasured at spot exchange rates under paragraph 830-20-35-1.
815-20-25-30
Both of the following conditions shall be met for foreign currency cash flow hedges, foreign currency fair value hedges, and hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation:
- aFor consolidated financial statements, either of the following conditions is met:
- 1The operating unit that has the foreign currency exposure is a party to the hedging instrument.
- 2Another member of the consolidated group that has the same functional currency as that operating unit is a party to the hedging instrument and there is no intervening subsidiary with a different functional currency. See guidance beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-52 for conditions under which an intra-entity foreign currency derivative can be the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of foreign exchange risk.
- 1
- bThe hedged transaction is denominated in a currency other than the hedging unit's functional currency.
815-20-25-31
However, a subsidiary may enter into an intra-entity hedging instrument with the parent entity, and that contract can be a hedging instrument in the consolidated financial statements if the parent entity enters into an offsetting contract (pursuant to paragraph 815-20-25-52 for the appropriate hedging relationship) with an unrelated third party to hedge the exposure it acquired from issuing the derivative instrument to the subsidiary that initiated the hedge.
815-20-25-32
If a subsidiary has the same functional currency as the parent entity or other member of the consolidated group, the parent entity or that other member of the consolidated group may, subject to certain restrictions, enter into a derivative instrument or nonderivative instrument that is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of that subsidiary's foreign exchange risk in consolidated financial statements.
815-20-25-33
In some instances, it may not be practical or feasible to hedge in the same currency and, therefore, a hedging instrument also may be denominated in a currency for which the exchange rate generally moves in tandem with the exchange rate for the currency in which the hedged item is denominated.
815-20-25-34
The provisions of this Section (including paragraph 815-20-25-28) that permit a recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability to be the hedged item in a fair value or cash flow hedge of foreign currency exposure also pertain to a recognized foreign-currency-denominated receivable or payable that results from a hedged forecasted foreign-currency-denominated sale or purchase on credit. Specifically, an entity may choose to designate either of the following:
- aA single cash flow hedge that encompasses the variability of functional currency cash flows attributable to foreign exchange risk related to the settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated receivable or payable resulting from a forecasted sale or purchase on credit
- bBoth of the following separate hedges:
- 1A cash flow hedge of the variability of functional currency cash flows attributable to foreign exchange risk related to a forecasted foreign-currency-denominated sale or purchase on credit
- 2A foreign currency fair value hedge of the resulting recognized foreign-currency-denominated receivable or payable.
- 1
815-20-25-35
If two separate hedges are designated, the cash flow hedge would terminate (that is, be dedesignated) when the hedged sale or purchase occurs and the foreign-currency-denominated receivable or payable is recognized.
815-20-25-36
The use of the same foreign currency derivative instrument for both the cash flow hedge and the fair value hedge is not prohibited.
815-20-25-37
This paragraph identifies possible hedged items in fair value hedges of foreign exchange risk. If every applicable criterion is met, all of the following are eligible for designation as a hedged item in a fair value hedge of foreign exchange risk:
- aRecognized asset or liability. A derivative instrument can be designated as hedging the changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (or a specific portion thereof) for which a foreign currency transaction gain or loss is recognized in earnings under the provisions of paragraph 830-20-35-1. All recognized foreign-currency-denominated assets or liabilities for which a foreign currency transaction gain or loss is recorded in earnings shall qualify for the accounting specified in Subtopic 815-25 if all the fair value hedge criteria in this Section (including the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-30(a) through (b)) are met.
- bAvailable-for-sale debt security. A derivative instrument can be designated as hedging the changes in the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security (or a specific portion thereof) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The designated hedging relationship qualifies for the accounting specified in Subtopic 815-25 if all the fair value hedge criteria in this Section (including the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-30(a) through (b)) are met.
- c
- dUnrecognized firm commitment. Paragraph 815-20-25-58 states that a derivative instrument or a nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss under Topic 830 can be designated as hedging changes in the fair value of an unrecognized firm commitment, or a specific portion thereof, attributable to foreign currency exchange rates.
815-20-25-38
The conditions in the following paragraph relate to a derivative instrument designated as hedging the foreign currency exposure to variability in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with any of the following:
- aA forecasted transaction (for example, a forecasted export sale to an unaffiliated entity with the price to be denominated in a foreign currency)
- bA recognized asset or liability
- cAn unrecognized firm commitment
- dA forecasted intra-entity transaction (for example, a forecasted sale to a foreign subsidiary or a forecasted royalty from a foreign subsidiary).
815-20-25-39
A hedging relationship of the type described in the preceding paragraph qualifies for hedge accounting if all the following criteria are met:
- aThe criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-30(a) through (b) are met.
- bAll of the cash flow hedge criteria in this Section otherwise are met, except for the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-15(c) that requires that the forecasted transaction be with a party external to the reporting entity.
- cIf the hedged transaction is a group of individual forecasted foreign-currency-denominated transactions, a forecasted inflow of a foreign currency and a forecasted outflow of the foreign currency cannot both be included in the same group.
- dIf the hedged item is a recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability, all the variability in the hedged item's functional-currency-equivalent cash flows shall be eliminated by the effect of the hedge.
815-20-25-40
For purposes of item (d) in the preceding paragraph, an entity shall not specifically exclude a risk from the hedge that will affect the variability in cash flows. For example, a cash flow hedge cannot be used with a variable-rate foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability and a derivative instrument based solely on changes in exchange rates because the derivative instrument does not eliminate all the variability in the functional currency cash flows. As long as no element of risk that affects the variability in foreign-currency-equivalent cash flows has been specifically excluded from a foreign currency cash flow hedge and the hedging instrument is highly effective at providing the necessary offset in the variability of all cash flows, a less-than-perfect hedge would meet the requirement in (d) in the preceding paragraph. That criterion does not require that the derivative instrument used to hedge the foreign currency exposure of the forecasted foreign-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with a recognized asset or liability be perfectly effective, rather it is intended to ensure that the hedging relationship is highly effective at offsetting all risks that impact the variability of cash flows.
815-20-25-41
If all of the variability of the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows is eliminated as a result of the hedge (as required by paragraph 815-20-25-39(d)), an entity can use cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the variability in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with any of the following:
- aAll of the payments of both principal and interest of a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- bAll of the payments of principal of a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- cAll or a fixed portion of selected payments of either principal or interest of a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- dSelected payments of both principal and interest of a foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability (for example, principal and interest payments on December 31, 20X1, and December 31, 20X3).
815-20-25-42
The reference in the definition of a forecasted transaction indicating that a forecasted transaction is not a firm commitment focuses on firm commitments that have no variability. The reference does not preclude a cash flow hedge of the variability in functional-currency-equivalent cash flows if the commitment's fixed price is denominated in a foreign currency. Although that definition of a firm commitment requires a fixed price, it permits the fixed price to be denominated in a foreign currency. A firm commitment can expose the parties to variability in their functional-currency-equivalent cash flows. The definition of a forecasted transaction also indicates that the transaction or event will occur at the prevailing market price. From the perspective of the hedged risk (foreign exchange risk), the translation of the foreign currency proceeds from the sale of the nonfinancial assets will occur at the prevailing market price (that is, current exchange rate). Example 14 (see paragraph 815-20-55-136) illustrates the application of this guidance.
815-20-25-43
Besides those hedged items and transactions that fail to meet the specified eligibility criteria, none of the following shall be designated as a hedged item or transaction in the respective hedges:
- a
- bWith respect to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges:
- 1
- 2A noncontrolling interest in one or more consolidated subsidiaries
- 3Transactions with stockholders as stockholders, such as either of the following:
- iProjected purchases of treasury stock
- iiPayments of dividends.
- i
- 4Intra-entity transactions (except for foreign-currency-denominated forecasted intra-entity transactions) between entities included in consolidated financial statements
- 5The price of stock expected to be issued pursuant to a stock option plan for which recognized compensation expense is not based on changes in stock prices after the date of grant.
- cWith respect to fair value hedges only:
- 1If the entire asset or liability is an instrument with variable cash flows, an implicit fixed-to-variable swap (or similar instrument) perceived to be embedded in a host contract with fixed cash flows
- 2For a held-to-maturity debt security, the risk of changes in its fair value attributable to interest rate risk
- 3An asset or liability that is remeasured with the changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk reported currently in earnings
- 4An equity investment in a consolidated subsidiary
- 5A firm commitment either to enter into a business combination or to acquire or dispose of a subsidiary, a noncontrolling interest, or an equity method investee
- 6An equity instrument issued by the entity and classified in stockholders' equity in the statement of financial position
- 7A component of an embedded derivative in a hybrid instrument—for example, embedded options in a hybrid instrument that are required to be considered a single forward contract under paragraph 815-10-25-10 cannot be designated as items hedged individually in a fair value hedge in which the hedging instrument is a separate, unrelated freestanding option.
- 1
- dWith respect to cash flow hedges only:
- 1
- 2If variable cash flows of the forecasted transaction relate to a debt security that is classified as held-to-maturity under Topic 320, the risk of changes in its cash flows attributable to interest rate risk
- 3
815-20-25-44
The earnings exposure criterion specifically precludes hedge accounting for derivative instruments used to hedge items in (b)(3) through (b)(5) in the preceding paragraph. However, intra-entity transactions may present an earnings exposure for a subsidiary in its freestanding financial statements; a hedge of an intra-entity transaction would be eligible for hedge accounting for purposes of those statements.
Eligibility of Hedging Instruments
815-20-25-45
Either all or a proportion of a derivative instrument (including a compound embedded derivative that is accounted for separately) may be designated as a hedging instrument. Two or more derivative instruments, or proportions thereof, may also be viewed in combination and jointly designated as the hedging instrument. A proportion of a derivative instrument or derivative instruments designated as the hedging instrument shall be expressed as a percentage of the entire derivative instrument(s) so that the profile of risk exposures in the hedging portion of the derivative instrument(s) is the same as that in the entire derivative instrument(s). Subsequent references in the Derivatives and Hedging Topic to a derivative instrument as a hedging instrument include the use of only a proportion of a derivative instrument as a hedging instrument. Whether a written option may be designated as a hedging instrument depends on the terms of both the hedging instrument and the hedged item as discussed beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-94.
815-20-25-46
The eligibility criteria for hedging instruments are organized as follows:
- a
- b
- cHedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of basis risk
- dHedging instruments in hedges of foreign exchange risk
- eInstruments specifically ineligible for designation as hedging instruments.
815-20-25-46A
There is no requirement in this Subtopic that the operating unit with the interest rate, market price, or credit risk exposure be a party to the hedging instrument. Thus, for example, a parent entity's central treasury function can enter into a derivative instrument with a third party and designate it as the hedging instrument in a hedge of a subsidiary's interest rate risk for purposes of the consolidated financial statements. However, if the subsidiary wishes to qualify for hedge accounting of the interest rate exposure in its separate-entity financial statements, the subsidiary (as the reporting entity) shall be a party to the hedging instrument, which can be an intra-entity derivative obtained from the central treasury function. Thus, an intra-entity derivative for interest rate risk can qualify for designation as the hedging instrument in separate-entity financial statements but not in consolidated financial statements. (As used in this guidance, the term subsidiary refers only to a consolidated subsidiary. This guidance shall not be applied directly or by analogy to an equity method investee.)
815-20-25-46B
An intra-entity derivative shall not be designated as the hedging instrument if the hedged risk is any of the following:
- aThe risk of changes in the overall fair value or cash flows of the entire hedged item or transaction
- bThe risk of changes in hedged item's or transaction's fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate or cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified interest rate or designated benchmark interest rate
- cThe risk of changes in hedged item's or transaction's fair value or cash flows attributable to changes in credit risk.
- dThe risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7An intra-entity derivative shall not be designated as the hedging instrument if the hedged risk is any of the following:- aThe risk of changes in the overall fair value or cash flows of the entire hedged item or transaction
- bThe risk of changes in hedged item's or transaction's fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate or cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified interest rate or designated benchmark interest rate
- cThe risk of changes in hedged item's or transaction's fair value or cash flows attributable to changes in credit risk.
- dThe risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component (or subcomponent) of the price to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset that meets the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C.
815-20-25-50
If a hedging instrument is used to modify the contractually specified interest receipts or payments associated with a recognized financial asset or liability from one variable rate to another variable rate, the hedging instrument shall meet both of the following criteria:
- aIt is a link between both of the following:
- 1An existing designated asset (or group of similar assets) with variable cash flows
- 2An existing designated liability (or group of similar liabilities) with variable cash flows.
- 1
- bIt is highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows.
815-20-25-51
For purposes of paragraph 815-20-25-50, a link exists if both of the following criteria are met:
- aThe basis (that is, the rate index on which the interest rate is based) of one leg of an interest rate swap is the same as the basis of the contractually specified interest receipts for the designated asset.
- bThe basis of the other leg of the swap is the same as the basis of the contractually specified interest payments for the designated liability.
815-20-25-51A
The guidance on hedging instruments in hedges of foreign exchange risk is organized as follows:
- aIntra-entity derivatives
- bHedging instruments in fair value hedges involving foreign exchange risk
- cInternal derivatives as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk
- dHedging instruments in net investment hedges.
815-20-25-52
A foreign currency derivative instrument that has been entered into with another member of a consolidated group can be a hedging instrument in any of the following hedging relationships only if that other member of the consolidated group has entered into an offsetting contract with an unrelated third party to hedge the exposure it acquired from issuing the derivative instrument to the affiliate that initiated the hedge:
- aA fair value hedge
- bA cash flow hedge of a recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability
- cA net investment hedge in the consolidated financial statements.
815-20-25-53
Paragraph 815-20-25-46A states that there is no requirement in this Subtopic that the operating unit with the interest rate, market price, or credit risk exposure be a party to the hedging instrument and provides related guidance.
815-20-25-54
An intra-entity derivative can be designated as a hedging instrument in consolidated financial statements if condition (a) is met and either condition (b) or (c) is met:
- aThe hedged risk is either of the following:
- 1The risk of changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to changes in a foreign currency exchange rate
- 2The foreign exchange risk for a net investment in a foreign operation.
- 1
- bIn a fair value hedge or in a cash flow hedge of a recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability or in a net investment hedge in the consolidated financial statements the counterparty (that is, the other member of the consolidated group) has entered into a contract with an unrelated third party that offsets the intra-entity derivative completely, thereby hedging the exposure it acquired from issuing the intra-entity derivative to the affiliate that designated the hedge.
- cIn a foreign currency cash flow hedge of a forecasted borrowing, purchase, or sale or an unrecognized firm commitment the counterparty has entered into a derivative instrument with an unrelated third party to offset the exposure that results from that internal derivative or, if the conditions in paragraphs are met, entered into derivative instruments with unrelated third parties that would offset, on a net basis for each foreign currency, the foreign exchange risk arising from multiple internal derivative instruments.
815-20-25-55
The designation of intra-entity derivatives as hedging instruments for hedges of foreign exchange risk enables entities to continue using a central treasury function for derivative instruments with third parties and still comply with the requirement in paragraph 815-20-25-30(a) that the operating unit with the foreign currency exposure be a party to the hedging instrument.
815-20-25-56
Paragraph 815-20-25-46B states that an intra-entity derivative shall not be designated as the hedging instrument in other circumstances and provides related guidance.
815-20-25-58
A derivative instrument or a nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss under Topic 830 can be designated as hedging changes in the fair value of an unrecognized firm commitment, or a specific portion thereof, attributable to foreign currency exchange rates. The designated hedging relationship qualifies for the accounting specified in Subtopic 815-25 if all the fair value hedge conditions in this Section and the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-30 are met.
815-20-25-59
The carrying basis for a nonderivative financial instrument that gives rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss under Subtopic 830-20 is not addressed by this Subtopic.
815-20-25-60
An entity may designate an intra-entity loan or other payable as the hedging instrument in a foreign currency fair value hedge of an unrecognized firm commitment and qualify for hedge accounting in the consolidated financial statements. That designation is consistent with the ability under paragraphs to designate nonderivative instruments as hedging instruments in foreign currency fair value hedges of firm commitments. However, hedge accounting in the consolidated financial statements shall only be applied if the member of the consolidated entity that is the counterparty to the intra-entity loan has entered into a third-party contract that offsets the foreign exchange exposure of that entity's intra-entity loan receivable. That is, the requirement in paragraphs that an intra-entity derivative instrument designated as a hedging instrument in a foreign currency fair value hedge be offset by a third-party contract would also apply to intra-entity nonderivative instruments designated as hedging instruments. To remain consistent with the notion that the intra-entity contract is simply a conduit for the third-party exposure, an intra-entity loan designated as a hedging instrument shall be offset by a third-party loan (that is, it shall not be offset by a derivative instrument). Hedge accounting shall be applied in consolidation only to those gains and losses occurring during the period that the offsetting third-party loan is in place.
815-20-25-61
An internal derivative can be a hedging instrument in a foreign currency cash flow hedge of a forecasted borrowing, purchase, or sale or an unrecognized firm commitment in the consolidated financial statements only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
- aFrom the perspective of the member of the consolidated group using the derivative instrument as a hedging instrument (the hedging affiliate), the criteria for foreign currency cash flow hedge accounting otherwise specified in this Section are satisfied.
- bThe member of the consolidated group not using the derivative instrument as a hedging instrument (the issuing affiliate) either:
- 1Enters into a derivative instrument with an unrelated third party to offset the exposure that results from that internal derivative
- 2If the conditions in paragraphs are met, enters into derivative instruments with unrelated third parties that would offset, on a net basis for each foreign currency, the foreign exchange risk arising from multiple internal derivative instruments. In complying with this guidance the issuing affiliate could enter into a third-party position with neither leg of the third-party position being the issuing affiliate's functional currency to offset its exposure if the amount of the respective currencies of each leg are equivalent with respect to each other based on forward exchange rates.
- 1
815-20-25-62
If an issuing affiliate chooses to offset exposure arising from multiple internal derivatives on an aggregate or net basis, the derivative instruments issued to hedging affiliates shall qualify as cash flow hedges in the consolidated financial statements only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
- aThe issuing affiliate enters into a derivative instrument with an unrelated third party to offset, on a net basis for each foreign currency, the foreign exchange risk arising from multiple internal derivatives.
- bThe derivative instrument with the unrelated third party generates equal or closely approximating gains and losses when compared with the aggregate or net losses and gains generated by the derivative instruments issued to affiliates.
- cInternal derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are excluded from the determination of the foreign currency exposure on a net basis that is offset by the third-party derivative instrument. Nonderivative contracts shall not be used as hedging instruments to offset exposures arising from internal derivatives.
- dForeign currency exposure that is offset by a single net third-party contract arises from internal derivatives that mature within the same 31-day period and that involve the same currency exposure as the net third-party derivative instrument. The offsetting net third-party derivative instrument related to that group of contracts shall meet all of the following criteria:
- 1It offsets the aggregate or net exposure to that currency.
- 2It matures within the same 31-day period.
- 3It is entered into within three business days after the designation of the internal derivatives as hedging instruments.
- 1
- eThe issuing affiliate meets both of the following conditions:
- 1It tracks the exposure that it acquires from each hedging affiliate.
- 2It maintains documentation supporting linkage of each internal derivative and the offsetting aggregate or net derivative instrument with an unrelated third party.
- 1
- fThe issuing affiliate does not alter or terminate the offsetting derivative instrument with an unrelated third party unless the hedging affiliate initiates that action.
815-20-25-63
If the issuing affiliate alters or terminates any offsetting third-party derivative (which should be rare), the hedging affiliate shall prospectively cease hedge accounting for the internal derivatives that are offset by that third-party derivative instrument.
815-20-25-64
A member of a consolidated group cannot meet the offsetting criteria by offsetting exposures arising from multiple internal derivative contracts on a net basis for foreign currency cash flow exposures related to recognized foreign-currency-denominated assets or liabilities. That prohibition includes situations in which a recognized foreign-currency-denominated asset or liability in a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge results from the occurrence of a specifically identified forecasted transaction initially designated as a cash flow hedge.
815-20-25-65
A qualifying foreign currency cash flow hedge shall be accounted for as specified in Subtopic 815-30.
815-20-25-66
A derivative instrument or a nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss under Subtopic 830-20 can be designated as hedging the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation provided the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-30 are met. A nonderivative financial instrument that is reported at fair value does not give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss under Subtopic 830-20 and, thus, cannot be designated as hedging the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation.
815-20-25-67
Hedging instruments that are eligible for designation in a net investment hedge include, among others, both of the following:
- aA receive-variable-rate, pay-variable-rate cross-currency interest rate swap, provided both of the following conditions are met:
- 1The interest rates are based on the same currencies contained in the swap.
- 2Both legs of the swap have the same repricing intervals and dates.
- 1
- bA receive-fixed-rate, pay-fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swap. A cross-currency interest rate swap that has two fixed legs is not a compound derivative instrument and, therefore, is not subject to the criteria in (a).
815-20-25-68
A cross-currency interest rate swap that has either two variable legs or two fixed legs has a fair value that is primarily driven by changes in foreign exchange rates rather than changes in interest rates. Therefore, foreign exchange risk, rather than interest rate risk, is the dominant risk exposure in such a swap.
815-20-25-68A
Under the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-71(d)(1), a cross-currency interest rate swap with one fixed-rate leg and one floating-rate leg cannot be designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge.
815-20-25-69
To designate a derivative instrument as a hedge of a net investment, an entity shall have an expectation that the derivative instrument will be effective as an economic hedge of foreign exchange risk associated with the hedged net investment. Accordingly, if any difference in notional amount, currencies, or underlyings is present, the entity shall establish an expectation that the actual derivative instrument designated as the hedging instrument will be effective as an economic hedge.
815-20-25-70
For example, if an entity designates a derivative instrument that has an underlying exchange rate involving a currency other than the functional currency of the net investment, that exchange rate shall be expected to move in tandem with the exchange rate between the functional currency of the hedged net investment and the investor's functional currency. Use of a currency different from the exposed currency is not limited to cases in which it is not practical or feasible to hedge in the exposed currency if all other qualifying criteria are met.
815-20-25-71
Besides those hedging instruments that fail to meet the specified eligibility criteria, none of the following shall be designated as a hedging instrument for the respective hedges:
- aWith respect to fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and net investment hedges:
- 1A nonderivative instrument, such as a U.S. Treasury note, except as provided in paragraphs and 815-20-25-66
- 2Components of a compound derivative instrument representing different risks
- 3A hybrid financial instrument that an entity irrevocably elects under paragraph 815-15-25-4 to initially and subsequently measure in its entirety at fair value (with changes in fair value recognized in earnings)
- 4A hybrid instrument for which an entity cannot reliably identify and measure the embedded derivative instrument that paragraph 815-15-25-1 requires be separated from the host contract
- 5Any of the individual components of a compound embedded derivative that is separated from the host contract.
- 1
- bWith respect to fair value hedges only:
- 1A nonderivative financial instrument as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a recognized asset or liability.
- 2A nonderivative financial instrument as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of the foreign currency exposure of an available-for-sale debt security.
- 1
- cWith respect to cash flow hedges only:
- 1A nonderivative financial instrument as a hedging instrument in a foreign currency cash flow hedge.
- 1
- dWith respect to net investment hedges only:
- 1A compound derivative instrument that has multiple underlyings—one based on foreign exchange risk and one or more not based on foreign exchange (for example, the price of gold or the price of an S&P 500 contract), except as indicated in paragraph 815-20-25-67 for certain cross-currency interest rate swaps
- 2A derivative instrument and a cash instrument in combination as a single hedging instrument (that is, an entity shall not consider a separate derivative instrument and a cash instrument as a single synthetic instrument for accounting purposes)
- 3
- 1
Hedge Effectiveness
815-20-25-72
The hedge effectiveness criteria are organized as follows:
- aHedge effectiveness criteria applicable to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges
- bHedge effectiveness criterion applicable to fair value hedges only
- cHedge effectiveness criteria applicable to cash flow hedges only
- d
815-20-25-73
Sections 815-25-55 and 815-30-55 illustrate some ways in which an entity may assess hedge effectiveness for specific strategies. The Examples are not intended to imply that other reasonable methods are precluded. However, not all possible methods are reasonable or consistent with this Subtopic. Those Sections also discuss some methods of assessing hedge effectiveness that are not consistent with this Subtopic and thus may not be used.
815-20-25-74
This guidance addresses hedge effectiveness criteria applicable to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges.
815-20-25-75
To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, shall be expected to be highly effective in achieving either of the following:
- aOffsetting changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated (if a fair value hedge)
- bOffsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the term of the hedge (if a cash flow hedge), except as indicated in paragraph 815-20-25-50.
815-20-25-76
If the hedging instrument (such as an at-the-money option contract) provides only one-sided offset of the hedged risk, either of the following conditions shall be met:
- aThe increases (or decreases) in the fair value of the hedging instrument are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the decreases (or increases) in the fair value of the hedged item (if a fair value hedge).
- bThe cash inflows (outflows) from the hedging instrument are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the corresponding change in the cash outflows or inflows of the hedged transaction (if a cash flow hedge).
815-20-25-77
There would be a mismatch between the change in fair value or cash flows of the hedging instrument and the change in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item or hedged transaction in any of the following circumstances, among others:
- aA difference between the basis of the hedging instrument and the hedged item or hedged transaction, to the extent that those bases do not move in tandem
- bDifferences in critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged item or hedged transaction, such as differences in any of the following:
- 1Notional amounts
- 2Maturities
- 3Quantity
- 4Location (not applicable for hedging relationships in which the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component is designated as the hedged risk)
- 5Delivery dates.
- 1
- cA change in the counterparty's creditworthiness.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7There would be a mismatch between the change in fair value or cash flows of the hedging instrument and the change in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item or hedged transaction in any of the following circumstances, among others:- aA difference between the basis of the hedging instrument and the hedged item or hedged transaction, to the extent that those bases do not move in tandem
- bDifferences in critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged item or hedged transaction, such as differences in any of the following:
- 1Notional amounts
- 2Maturities
- 3Quantity
- 4Location (not applicable if the hedging instrument’s underlying and the designated hedged risk are the same)
- 5Delivery dates.
- 1
- cA change in the counterparty's creditworthiness.
815-20-25-78
Paragraph 815-20-55-62 discusses basis differences in cash flow hedges of interest rate risk.
815-20-25-79
An entity shall consider hedge effectiveness in two different ways—in prospective considerations and in retrospective evaluations:
- aProspective considerations. The entity's expectation that the relationship will be highly effective over future periods in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows, which is forward looking, must be assessed on a quantitative basis at hedge inception unless one of the exceptions in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01) is met. Prospective assessments shall be subsequently performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported and at least every three months. The entity shall elect at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03) whether to perform subsequent assessments on a quantitative or qualitative basis. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness. A quantitative assessment can be based on regression or other statistical analysis of past changes in fair values or cash flows as well as on other relevant information. The quantitative prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness shall consider all reasonably possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the period used to assess whether the requirement for expectation of highly effective offset is satisfied. The quantitative prospective assessment may not be limited only to the likely or expected changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument or the hedged items. Generally, the process of formulating an expectation regarding the effectiveness of a proposed hedging relationship involves a probability-weighted analysis of the possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the hedge period. Therefore, a probable future change in fair value will be more heavily weighted than a reasonably possible future change. That calculation technique is consistent with the definition of the term expected cash flow in FASB Concepts Statement No. 7, Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements.
- bRetrospective evaluations. An assessment of effectiveness may be performed on a quantitative or qualitative basis on the basis of the entity's election at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03). That assessment shall be performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported, and at least every three months. See paragraphs for further guidance. At inception of the hedge, an entity electing a dollar-offset approach to perform retrospective evaluations on a quantitative basis may choose either a period-by-period approach or a cumulative approach in designating how effectiveness of a fair value hedge or of a cash flow hedge will be assessed retrospectively under that approach, depending on the nature of the hedge documented in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3. For example, an entity may decide that the cumulative approach is generally preferred, yet may wish to use the period-by-period approach in certain circumstances. See paragraphs for further guidance.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2024; (N) December 16, 2025Transition guidance:
105-10-65-9An entity shall consider hedge effectiveness in two different ways—in prospective considerations and in retrospective evaluations: - aProspective considerations. The entity's expectation that the relationship will be highly effective over future periods in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows, which is forward looking, must be assessed on a quantitative basis at hedge inception unless one of the exceptions in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01) is met. Prospective assessments shall be subsequently performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported and at least every three months. The entity shall elect at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03) whether to perform subsequent assessments on a quantitative or qualitative basis. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness. A quantitative assessment can be based on regression or other statistical analysis of past changes in fair values or cash flows as well as on other relevant information. The quantitative prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness shall consider all reasonably possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the period used to assess whether the requirement for expectation of highly effective offset is satisfied. The quantitative prospective assessment may not be limited only to the likely or expected changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument or the hedged items. Generally, the process of formulating an expectation regarding the effectiveness of a proposed hedging relationship involves a probability-weighted analysis of the possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the hedge period. Therefore, a probable future change in fair value will be more heavily weighted than a reasonably possible future change. That calculation technique is consistent with the definition of the term expected cash flow.
- bRetrospective evaluations. An assessment of effectiveness may be performed on a quantitative or qualitative basis on the basis of the entity's election at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03). That assessment shall be performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported, and at least every three months. See paragraphs for further guidance. At inception of the hedge, an entity electing a dollar-offset approach to perform retrospective evaluations on a quantitative basis may choose either a period-by-period approach or a cumulative approach in designating how effectiveness of a fair value hedge or of a cash flow hedge will be assessed retrospectively under that approach, depending on the nature of the hedge documented in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3. For example, an entity may decide that the cumulative approach is generally preferred, yet may wish to use the period-by-period approach in certain circumstances. See paragraphs for further guidance.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7An entity shall consider hedge effectiveness in two different ways—in prospective considerations and in retrospective evaluations: - aProspective considerations. The entity's expectation that the relationship will be highly effective over future periods in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows, which is forward looking, must be assessed on a quantitative basis at hedge inception unless one of the exceptions in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01) is met. Prospective assessments shall be subsequently performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported and at least every three months. The entity shall elect at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03) whether to perform subsequent assessments on a quantitative or qualitative basis. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness. A quantitative assessment can be based on regression or other statistical analysis of past changes in fair values or cash flows as well as on other relevant information. Except as described in paragraph 815-20-25-79B, the quantitative prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness shall consider all reasonably possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the period used to assess whether the requirement for expectation of highly effective offset is satisfied. The quantitative prospective assessment may not be limited only to the likely or expected changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument or the hedged items. Generally, the process of formulating an expectation regarding the effectiveness of a proposed hedging relationship involves a probability-weighted analysis of the possible changes in fair value (if a fair value hedge) or in fair value or cash flows (if a cash flow hedge) of the derivative instrument and the hedged items for the hedge period. Therefore, a probable future change in fair value will be more heavily weighted than a reasonably possible future change. That calculation technique is consistent with the definition of the term expected cash flow.
- bRetrospective evaluations. An assessment of effectiveness may be performed on a quantitative or qualitative basis on the basis of the entity's election at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03). That assessment shall be performed whenever financial statements or earnings are reported, and at least every three months. See paragraphs for further guidance. At inception of the hedge, an entity electing a dollar-offset approach to perform retrospective evaluations on a quantitative basis may choose either a period-by-period approach or a cumulative approach in designating how effectiveness of a fair value hedge or of a cash flow hedge will be assessed retrospectively under that approach, depending on the nature of the hedge documented in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3. For example, an entity may decide that the cumulative approach is generally preferred, yet may wish to use the period-by-period approach in certain circumstances. See paragraphs for further guidance. See paragraphs 815-30-35-37F and for guidance on the retrospective effectiveness assessment for a cash flow hedge within the scope of paragraph 815-30-35-37B related to choose-your-rate debt.
815-20-25-79A
See paragraphs about the timing of hedge effectiveness assessments required by paragraph 815-20-25-79 for a private company that is not a financial institution or a not-for-profit entity (except for a not-for-profit entity that has issued, or is a conduit bond obligor for, securities that are traded, listed, or quoted on an exchange or an over-the-counter market).
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7See paragraphs about the timing of hedge effectiveness assessments required by paragraph 815-20-25-79 for a private company that is not a financial institution or a not-for-profit entity (except for a not-for-profit entity that has issued, or is a conduit bond obligor for, securities that are traded, listed, or quoted on an exchange or an over-the-counter market).815-20-25-79B
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7For a cash flow hedge of forecasted interest payments on a choose-your-rate debt instrument for which an entity chooses to apply the guidance in paragraphs , the quantitative prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness shall consider all reasonably possible changes in cash flows of the forecasted transaction attributable to only the then-designated contractually specified interest rate. An entity shall not consider possible changes in cash flows of the forecasted transaction attributable to a contractually specified interest rate that may be designated in the future. The quantitative prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness shall consider all reasonably possible changes in cash flows of the derivative instrument in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-79(a). 815-20-25-80
All assessments of effectiveness shall be consistent with the originally documented risk management strategy for that particular hedging relationship. An entity shall use the quantitative effectiveness assessment method defined at hedge inception consistently for the periods that the entity either elects or is required to assess hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis.
- a
- b
815-20-25-81
This Subtopic does not specify a single method for assessing whether a hedge is expected to be highly effective. The method of assessing effectiveness shall be reasonable. The appropriateness of a given method of assessing hedge effectiveness depends on the nature of the risk being hedged and the type of hedging instrument used. Ordinarily, an entity shall assess effectiveness for similar hedges in a similar manner, including whether a component of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument is excluded in assessing effectiveness for similar hedges. Use of different methods for similar hedges shall be justified. The mechanics of isolating the change in time value of an option discussed beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-98 also shall be applied consistently.
815-20-25-82
In defining how hedge effectiveness will be assessed, an entity shall specify whether it will include in that assessment all of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument. An entity may exclude all or a part of the hedging instrument's time value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, as follows:
- aIf the effectiveness of a hedge with an option is assessed based on changes in the option's intrinsic value, the change in the time value of the option would be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
- bIf the effectiveness of a hedge with an option is assessed based on changes in the option's minimum value, that is, its intrinsic value plus the effect of discounting, the change in the volatility value of the contract shall be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
- cAn entity may exclude any of the following components of the change in an option's time value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness:
- 1The portion of the change in time value attributable to the passage of time (theta)
- 2The portion of the change in time value attributable to changes due to volatility (vega)
- 3The portion of the change in time value attributable to changes due to interest rates (rho).
- 1
- dIf the effectiveness of a hedge with a forward contract or futures contract is assessed based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in spot prices, the change in the fair value of the contract related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward or futures price shall be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
- eAn entity may exclude the portion of the change in fair value of a currency swap attributable to a cross-currency basis spread.
815-20-25-83
No other components of a gain or loss on the designated hedging instrument shall be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness nor shall an entity exclude any aspect of a change in an option's value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness that is not one of the permissible components of the change in an option's time value. For example, an entity shall not exclude from the assessment of hedge effectiveness the portion of the change in time value attributable to changes in other market variables (that is, other than rho and vega).
815-20-25-83A
For fair value and cash flow hedges, the initial value of the component excluded from the assessment of effectiveness shall be recognized in earnings using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument. Any difference between the change in fair value of the excluded component and amounts recognized in earnings under that systematic and rational method shall be recognized in other comprehensive income. Example 31 beginning in paragraph 815-20-55-235 illustrates this approach for a cash flow hedge in which the hedging instrument is an option and the entire time value is excluded from the assessment of effectiveness.
815-20-25-83B
For fair value and cash flow hedges, an entity alternatively may elect to record changes in the fair value of the excluded component currently in earnings. This election shall be applied consistently to similar hedges in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-81 and shall be disclosed in accordance with paragraph 815-10-50-4EEEE.
815-20-25-84
If the critical terms of the hedging instrument and of the hedged item or hedged forecasted transaction are the same, the entity could conclude that changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged are expected to completely offset at inception and on an ongoing basis. For example, an entity may assume that a hedge of a forecasted purchase of a commodity with a forward contract will be perfectly effective if all of the following criteria are met:
- aThe forward contract is for purchase of the same quantity of the same commodity at the same time and location as the hedged forecasted purchase. Location differences do not need to be considered if an entity designates the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component as the hedged risk and the requirements in paragraphs are met.
- bThe fair value of the forward contract at inception is zero.
- cEither of the following criteria is met:
- 1The change in the discount or premium on the forward contract is excluded from the assessment of effectiveness pursuant to paragraphs .
- 2The change in expected cash flows on the forecasted transaction is based on the forward price for the commodity.
- 1
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If the critical terms of the hedging instrument and of the hedged item or hedged forecasted transaction are the same, the entity could conclude that changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged are expected to completely offset at inception and on an ongoing basis. For example, an entity may assume that a hedge of a forecasted purchase of a commodity with a forward contract will be perfectly effective if all of the following criteria are met: - aThe forward contract is for purchase of the same quantity of the same commodity at the same time and location as the hedged forecasted purchase. Location differences do not need to be considered if the forward contract’s underlying and the designated hedged risk are the same.
- bThe fair value of the forward contract at inception is zero.
- cEither of the following criteria is met:
- 1The change in the discount or premium on the forward contract is excluded from the assessment of effectiveness pursuant to paragraphs .
- 2The change in expected cash flows on the forecasted transaction is based on the forward price for the commodity.
- 1
815-20-25-84A
In a cash flow hedge of a group of forecasted transactions in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(a)(2), an entity may assume that the timing in which the hedged transactions are expected to occur and the maturity date of the hedging instrument match in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-84(a) if those forecasted transactions occur and the derivative matures within the same 31-day period or fiscal month.
815-20-25-85
If all of the criteria in paragraphs 815-20-25-84 through 25-84A are met, an entity shall still perform and document an assessment of hedge effectiveness at the inception of the hedging relationship and, as discussed beginning in paragraph 815-20-35-9, on an ongoing basis throughout the hedge period. No quantitative effectiveness assessment is required at hedge inception if the criteria in paragraphs 815-20-25-84 through 25-84A are met (see paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01)).
815-20-25-86
The remainder of this guidance on hedge effectiveness criteria applicable to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges is organized as follows:
- aHedge effectiveness when the hedging instrument is an option or combination of options
- bHedge effectiveness when hedged exposure is more limited than hedging instrument
- cHedge effectiveness during designated hedge period
- dAssuming perfect effectiveness in a hedge with an interest rate swap (the shortcut method).
815-20-25-87
The hedge effectiveness criteria applicable to options and combinations of options are organized as follows:
- aDetermining whether a combination of options is net written
- bHedge effectiveness of written options
- cHedge effectiveness of options in general.
815-20-25-88
This guidance addresses how an entity shall determine whether a combination of options is considered a net written option subject to the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-94. A combination of options (for example, an interest rate collar) entered into contemporaneously shall be considered a written option if either at inception or over the life of the contracts a net premium is received in cash or as a favorable rate or other term. The determination of whether a combination of options is considered a net written option depends in part on whether strike prices and notional amounts of the options remain constant. Furthermore, a derivative instrument that results from combining a written option and any other non-option derivative instrument shall be considered a written option unless all of the following criteria are satisfied:
This guidance addresses how an entity shall determine whether a combination of options is considered a net written option subject to the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-94. A combination of options (for example, an interest rate collar) entered into contemporaneously shall be considered a written option if either at inception or over the life of the contracts a net premium is received in cash or as a favorable rate or other term. Furthermore, a derivative instrument that results from combining a written option and any other non-option derivative instrument shall be considered a written option. The determination of whether a combination of options is considered a net written option depends in part on whether strike prices and notional amounts of the options remain constant.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: Paragraph 815-20-25-88 will be amended upon transition, together with the preceding headings: |
| • • > Hedge Effectiveness When the Hedging Instrument Is an Option or Combination of Instruments |
| • • • > Determining Whether a Combination of Instruments Is Net Written |
- aThe derivative is designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge or fair value hedge of interest rate risk (including the interest rate risk portion of a hedge of both interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk).
- bThe hedging instrument is a combination of a written option and a swap.
- cThe notional amount of the written option matches the notional amount of the swap.
815-20-25-89
For a combination of options in which the strike price and the notional amount in both the written option component and the purchased option component remain constant over the life of the respective component, that combination of options would be considered a net purchased option or a zero cost collar (that is, the combination shall not be considered a net written option subject to the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-94) provided all of the following conditions are met:
- aNo net premium is received.
- bThe components of the combination of options are based on the same underlying.
- cThe components of the combination of options have the same maturity date.
- dThe notional amount of the written option component is not greater than the notional amount of the purchased option component.
815-20-25-90
If the combination of options does not meet all of those conditions, it shall be subject to the test in paragraph 815-20-25-94. For example, a combination of options having different underlying indexes, such as a collar containing a written floor based on three-month U.S. Treasury rates and a purchased cap based on three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), shall not be considered a net purchased option or a zero cost collar even though those rates may be highly correlated.
815-20-25-91
If either the written option component or the purchased option component for a combination of options has either strike prices or notional amounts that do not remain constant over the life of the respective component, the assessment to determine whether that combination of options can be considered not to be a written option under paragraph 815-20-25-88 shall be evaluated with respect to each date that either the strike prices or the notional amounts change within the contractual term from inception to maturity.
815-20-25-92
Even though that assessment is made on the date that a combination of options is designated as a hedging instrument (to determine the applicability of paragraph 815-20-25-94), it shall consider the receipt of a net premium (in cash or as a favorable rate or other term) from that combination of options at each point in time that either the strike prices or the notional amounts change, such as either of the following circumstances:
- aIf strike prices fluctuate over the life of a combination of options and no net premium is received at inception, a net premium will typically be received as a favorable term in one or more reporting periods within the contractual term from inception to maturity.
- bIf notional amounts fluctuate over the life of a combination of options and no net premium is received at inception, a net premium or a favorable term will typically be received in one or more periods within the contractual term from inception to maturity.
815-20-25-93
In addition, a combination of options in which either the written option component or the purchased option component has either strike prices or notional amounts that do not remain constant over the life of the respective component shall satisfy all of the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-89 to be considered not to be a written option (that is, to be considered to be a net purchased option or zero cost collar) under paragraph 815-20-25-88. For example, if the notional amount of the written option component is greater than the notional amount of the purchased option component at any date that the notional amount changes within the contractual term from inception to maturity, the combination of options shall be considered to be a written option under paragraph 815-20-25-88 and, thus, subject to the criteria in the following paragraph.
815-20-25-94
If a written option is designated as hedging a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (if a fair value hedge) or the variability in cash flows for a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (if a cash flow hedge), the combination of the hedged item and the written option provides either of the following:
- aAt least as much potential for gains as a result of a favorable change in the fair value of the combined instruments (that is, the written option and the hedged item, such as an embedded purchased option) as exposure to losses from an unfavorable change in their combined fair value (if a fair value hedge)
- bAt least as much potential for favorable cash flows as exposure to unfavorable cash flows (if a cash flow hedge).
815-20-25-95
The written-option test in the preceding paragraph shall be applied only at inception of the hedging relationship and is met if all possible percentage favorable changes in the underlying (from zero percent to 100 percent) would provide either of the following:
- aAt least as much gain as the loss that would be incurred from an unfavorable change in the underlying of the same percentage (if a fair value hedge)
- bAt least as much favorable cash flows as the unfavorable cash flows that would be incurred from an unfavorable change in the underlying of the same percentage (if a cash flow hedge).
815-20-25-96
The time value of a written option (or net written option) may be excluded from the written-option test if, in defining how hedge effectiveness will be assessed, the entity specifies that it will base that assessment on only changes in the option's intrinsic value. In that circumstance, the change in the time value of the options would be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-82(a).
815-20-25-97
When applying the written-option test to determine whether there is symmetry of the gain and loss potential of the combined hedged position for all possible percentage changes in the underlying, an entity is permitted to measure the change in the intrinsic value of the written option (or net written option) combined with the change in fair value of the hedged item.
815-20-25-98
In computing the changes in an option's time value that would be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, an entity shall use a technique that appropriately isolates those aspects of the change in time value. Generally, to allocate the total change in an option's time value to its different aspects—the passage of time and the market variables—the change in time value attributable to the first aspect to be isolated is determined by holding all other aspects constant as of the beginning of the period. Each remaining aspect of the change in time value is then determined in turn in a specified order based on the ending values of the previously isolated aspects.
815-20-25-99
Based on that general methodology, if only one aspect of the change in time value is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (for example, theta), that aspect shall be the first aspect for which the change in time value is computed and would be determined by holding all other parameters constant for the period used for assessing hedge effectiveness. However, if more than one aspect of the change in time value is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (for example, theta and vega), an entity shall determine the amount of that change in time value by isolating each of those two aspects in turn in a prespecified order (one first, the other second). The second aspect to be isolated would be based on the ending value of the first isolated aspect and the beginning values of the remaining aspects. The portion of the change in time value that is included in the assessment of effectiveness shall be determined by deducting from the total change in time value the portion of the change in time value attributable to excluded components.
815-20-25-100
An entity may designate as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge a derivative instrument that does not have a limited exposure comparable to the limited exposure of the hedged item to the risk being hedged. However, to make that designation, in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-75, the entity shall establish that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated. See paragraph 815-20-25-79(a) for additional guidance on prospective considerations of hedge effectiveness in this circumstance.
815-20-25-101
It is inappropriate under this Subtopic for an entity to designate a derivative instrument as the hedging instrument if the entity expects that the derivative instrument will not be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated, unless the entity has documented undertaking a dynamic hedging strategy in which it has committed itself to an ongoing repositioning strategy for its hedging relationship.
815-20-25-102
The conditions for the shortcut method do not determine which hedging relationships qualify for hedge accounting; rather, those conditions determine which hedging relationships qualify for a shortcut version of hedge accounting that assumes perfect hedge effectiveness. If all of the applicable conditions in the list in paragraph 815-20-25-104 are met, an entity may assume perfect effectiveness in a hedging relationship of interest rate risk involving a recognized interest-bearing asset or liability (or a firm commitment arising on the trade [pricing] date to purchase or issue an interest-bearing asset or liability) and an interest rate swap (or a compound hedging instrument composed of an interest rate swap and a mirror-image call or put option as discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-104[e]) provided that, in the case of a firm commitment, the trade date of the asset or liability differs from its settlement date due to generally established conventions in the marketplace in which the transaction is executed. The shortcut method's application shall be limited to hedging relationships that meet each and every applicable condition. That is, all the conditions applicable to fair value hedges shall be met to apply the shortcut method to a fair value hedge, and all the conditions applicable to cash flow hedges shall be met to apply the shortcut method to a cash flow hedge. A hedging relationship cannot qualify for application of the shortcut method based on an assumption of perfect effectiveness justified by applying other criteria. The verb match is used in the specified conditions in the list to mean be exactly the same or correspond exactly.
815-20-25-103
Implicit in the conditions for the shortcut method is the requirement that a basis exist for concluding on an ongoing basis that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows. In applying the shortcut method, an entity shall consider the likelihood of the counterparty's compliance with the contractual terms of the hedging derivative that require the counterparty to make payments to the entity.
815-20-25-104
All of the following conditions apply to both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges:
- aThe notional amount of the interest rate swap matches the principal amount of the interest-bearing asset or liability being hedged.
- bIf the hedging instrument is solely an interest rate swap, the fair value of that interest rate swap at the inception of the hedging relationship must be zero,with one exception. The fair value of the swap may be other than zero at the inception of the hedging relationship only if the swap was entered into at the relationship's inception, the transaction price of the swap was zero in the entity's principal market (or most advantageous market), and the difference between transaction price and fair value is attributable solely to differing prices within the bid-ask spread between the entry transaction and a hypothetical exit transaction. The guidance in the preceding sentence is applicable only to transactions considered at market (that is, transaction price is zero exclusive of commissions and other transaction costs, as discussed in paragraph 820-10-35-9B). If the hedging instrument is solely an interest rate swap that at the inception of the hedging relationship has a positive or negative fair value, but does not meet the one exception specified in this paragraph, the shortcut method shall not be used even if all the other conditions are met.
- cIf the hedging instrument is a compound derivative composed of an interest rate swap and mirror-image call or put option as discussed in (e), the premium for the mirror-image call or put option shall be paid or received in the same manner as the premium on the call or put option embedded in the hedged item based on the following:
- 1If the implicit premium for the call or put option embedded in the hedged item is being paid principally over the life of the hedged item (through an adjustment of the interest rate), the fair value of the hedging instrument at the inception of the hedging relationship shall be zero (except as discussed previously in (b) regarding differing prices due to the existence of a bid-ask spread).
- 2If the implicit premium for the call or put option embedded in the hedged item was principally paid at inception-acquisition (through an original issue discount or premium), the fair value of the hedging instrument at the inception of the hedging relationship shall be equal to the fair value of the mirror-image call or put option.
- 1
- dThe formula for computing net settlements under the interest rate swap is the same for each net settlement. That is, both of the following conditions are met:
- 1The fixed rate is the same throughout the term.
- 2The variable rate is based on the same index and includes the same constant adjustment or no adjustment. The existence of a stub period and stub rate is not a violation of the criterion in (d) that would preclude application of the shortcut method if the stub rate is the variable rate that corresponds to the length of the stub period.
- 1
- eThe interest-bearing asset or liability is not prepayable, that is, able to be settled by either party before its scheduled maturity, or the assumed maturity date if the hedged item is measured in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-13B, with the following qualifications:
- 1This criterion does not apply to an interest-bearing asset or liability that is prepayable solely due to an embedded call option (put option) if the hedging instrument is a compound derivative composed of an interest rate swap and a mirror-image call option (put option).
- 2The call option embedded in the interest rate swap is considered a mirror image of the call option embedded in the hedged item if all of the following conditions are met:
- iThe terms of the two call options match exactly, including all of the following:
- 01Maturities
- 02Strike price (that is, the actual amount for which the debt instrument could be called) and there is no termination payment equal to the deferred debt issuance costs that remain unamortized on the date the debt is called
- 03Related notional amounts
- 04Timing and frequency of payments
- 05Dates on which the instruments may be called.
- 01
- iiThe entity is the writer of one call option and the holder (purchaser) of the other call option.
- iii
- i
- 1
- f
- gAny other terms in the interest-bearing financial instruments or interest rate swaps meet both of the following conditions:
- 1The terms are typical of those instruments.
- 2The terms do not invalidate the assumption of perfect effectiveness.
- 1
815-20-25-105
All of the following incremental conditions apply to fair value hedges only:
- aThe expiration date of the interest rate swap matches the maturity date of the interest-bearing asset or liability or the assumed maturity date if the hedged item is measured in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-13B.
- bThere is no floor or cap on the variable interest rate of the interest rate swap.
- cThe interval between repricings of the variable interest rate in the interest rate swap is frequent enough to justify an assumption that the variable payment or receipt is at a market rate (generally three to six months or less).
- dFor fair value hedges of a proportion of the principal amount of the interest-bearing asset or liability, the notional amount of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument (see (a) in paragraph 815-20-25-104) matches the portion of the asset or liability being hedged.
- eFor fair value hedges of portfolios (or proportions thereof) of similar interest-bearing assets or liabilities, both of the following criteria are met:
- 1The notional amount of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument matches the aggregate notional amount of the hedged item (whether it is all or a proportion of the total portfolio).
- 2The remaining criteria for the shortcut method are met with respect to the interest rate swap and the individual assets or liabilities in the portfolio.
- 1
- fThe index on which the variable leg of the interest rate swap is based matches the benchmark interest rate designated as the interest rate risk being hedged for that hedging relationship.
815-20-25-106
All of the following incremental conditions apply to cash flow hedges only:
- aAll interest receipts or payments on the variable-rate asset or liability during the term of the interest rate swap are designated as hedged.
- bNo interest payments beyond the term of the interest rate swap are designated as hedged.
- cEither of the following conditions is met:
- 1There is no floor or cap on the variable interest rate of the interest rate swap.
- 2The variable-rate asset or liability has a floor or cap and the interest rate swap has a floor or cap on the variable interest rate that is comparable to the floor or cap on the variable-rate asset or liability. For purposes of this paragraph, comparable does not necessarily mean equal. For example, if an interest rate swap's variable rate is based on LIBOR and an asset's variable rate is LIBOR plus 2 percent, a 10 percent cap on the interest rate swap would be comparable to a 12 percent cap on the asset.
- 1
- dThe repricing dates of the variable-rate asset or liability and the hedging instrument must occur on the same dates and be calculated the same way (that is, both shall be either prospective or retrospective). If the repricing dates of the hedged item occur on the same dates as the repricing dates of the hedging instrument but the repricing calculation for the hedged item is prospective whereas the repricing calculation for the hedging instrument is retrospective, those repricing dates do not match.
- eFor cash flow hedges of the interest payments on only a portion of the principal amount of the interest-bearing asset or liability, the notional amount of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument (see paragraph 815-20-25-104(a)) matches the principal amount of the portion of the asset or liability on which the hedged interest payments are based.
- fFor a cash flow hedge in which the hedged forecasted transaction is a group of individual transactions (as permitted by paragraph 815-20-25-15(a)), if both of the following criteria are met:
- 1The notional amount of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument (see paragraph 815-20-25-104(a)) matches the notional amount of the aggregate group of hedged transactions.
- 2The remaining criteria for the shortcut method are met with respect to the interest rate swap and the individual transactions that make up the group. For example, the interest rate repricing dates for the variable-rate assets or liabilities whose interest payments are included in the group of forecasted transactions shall match (that is, be exactly the same as) the reset dates for the interest rate swap.
- 1
- gThe index on which the variable leg of the interest rate swap is based matches the contractually specified interest rate designated as the interest rate being hedged for that hedging relationship.
815-20-25-107
The shortcut method may be applied to a hedging relationship that involves the use of an interest rate swap-in-arrears provided all of the applicable conditions are met.
815-20-25-108
Any discount or premium in the hedged debt's carrying amount (including any related deferred issuance costs) is irrelevant to and has no direct impact on the determination of whether an interest rate swap contains a mirror-image call option under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e). Typically, the call price is greater than the par or face amount of the debt instrument. The carrying amount of the debt is economically unrelated to the amount the issuer would be required to pay to exercise the call embedded in the debt.
815-20-25-109
The fixed interest rate on a hedged item need not exactly match the fixed interest rate on an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge. Nor does the variable interest rate on an interest-bearing asset or liability need to be the same as the variable interest rate on an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge. An interest rate swap's fair value comes from its net settlements. The fixed and variable interest rates on an interest rate swap can be changed without affecting the net settlement if both are changed by the same amount. That is, an interest rate swap with a payment based on LIBOR and a receipt based on a fixed rate of 5 percent has the same net settlements and fair value as an interest rate swap with a payment based on LIBOR plus 1 percent and a receipt based on a fixed rate of 6 percent.
815-20-25-111
Comparable credit risk at inception is not a condition for assuming perfect effectiveness even though actually achieving perfect offset would require that the same discount rate be used to determine the fair value of the swap and of the hedged item or hedged transaction. To justify using the same discount rate, the credit risk related to both parties to the swap as well as to the debtor on the hedged interest-bearing asset (in a fair value hedge) or the variable-rate asset on which the interest payments are hedged (in a cash flow hedge) would have to be the same. However, because that complication is caused by the interaction of interest rate risk and credit risk, which are not easily separable, comparable creditworthiness is not considered a necessary condition for assuming perfect effectiveness in a hedge of interest rate risk.
815-20-25-112
An interest-bearing asset or liability shall be considered prepayable under the provisions of paragraph 815-20-25-104(e) if one party to the contract has the right to cause the payment of principal before the scheduled payment dates unless either of the following conditions is met:
- aThe debtor has the right to cause settlement of the entire contract before its stated maturity at an amount that is always greater than the then fair value of the contract absent that right.
- bThe creditor has the right to cause settlement of the entire contract before its stated maturity at an amount that is always less than the then fair value of the contract absent that right.
815-20-25-113
However, none of the following shall be considered a prepayment provision:
- aAny term, clause, or other provision in a debt instrument that gives the debtor or creditor the right to cause prepayment of the debt contingent upon the occurrence of a specific event related to the debtor's credit deterioration or other change in the debtor's credit risk, such as any of the following:
- 1The debtor's failure to make timely payment, thus making it delinquent
- 2The debtor's failure to meet specific covenant ratios
- 3The debtor's disposition of specific significant assets (such as a factory)
- 4A declaration of cross-default
- 5A restructuring by the debtor.
- 1
- bAny term, clause, or other provision in a debt instrument that gives the debtor or creditor the right to cause prepayment of the debt contingent upon the occurrence of a specific event that meets all of the following conditions:
- 1It is not probable at the time of debt issuance.
- 2It is unrelated to changes in benchmark interest rates, contractually specified interest rates, or any other market variable.
- 3It is related either to the debtor's or creditor's death or to regulatory actions, legislative actions, or other similar events that are beyond the control of the debtor or creditor.
- 1
- cContingent acceleration clauses that permit the debtor to accelerate the maturity of an outstanding note only upon the occurrence of a specified event that meets all of the following conditions:
- 1It is not probable at the time of debt issuance.
- 2It is unrelated to changes in benchmark interest rates, contractually specified interest rates, or any other market variable.
- 3It is related to regulatory actions, legislative actions, or other similar events that are beyond the control of the debtor or creditor.
- 1
815-20-25-114
Furthermore, a right to cause a contract to be prepaid at its then fair value would not cause the interest-bearing asset or liability to be considered prepayable because that right would have a fair value of zero at all times and essentially would provide only liquidity to the holder.
815-20-25-115
Application of this guidance to specific debt instruments is illustrated in paragraph 815-20-55-75.
815-20-25-116
Portfolio hedging cannot be used to circumvent the application of the shortcut method criteria beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-102 to a fair value hedge of an individual interest-bearing asset or liability. A portfolio of interest-bearing assets or interest-bearing liabilities cannot qualify for the shortcut method if it contains an interest-bearing asset or liability that individually cannot qualify for the shortcut method.
815-20-25-117
The fair value hedge requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) ensure that the individual items in a portfolio share the same risk exposure and have fair value changes attributable to the hedged risk that are expected to respond in a generally proportionate manner to the overall fair value changes of the entire portfolio. That requirement restricts the types of portfolios that can qualify for portfolio hedging; however, it also permits the existence of a mismatch between the change in the fair value of the individual hedged items and the change in the fair value of the hedged portfolio attributable to the hedged risk in portfolios that do qualify. As a result, the assumption of perfect effectiveness required for the shortcut method generally is inappropriate for portfolio hedges of similar assets or liabilities that are not also nearly identical (except for their notional amounts). Application of the shortcut method to portfolios that meet the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) is appropriate only if the assets or liabilities in the portfolio meet the same stringent criteria in paragraphs 815-20-25-104(e), 815-20-25-104(g), and 815-20-25-105(a) as required for hedges of individual assets and liabilities.
815-20-25-117A
In the period in which an entity determines that use of the shortcut method was not or no longer is appropriate, the entity may use a quantitative method to assess hedge effectiveness and measure hedge results without dedesignating the hedging relationship if both of the following criteria are met:
- aThe entity documented at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(04) which quantitative method it would use to assess hedge effectiveness and measure hedge results if the shortcut method was not or no longer is appropriate during the life of the hedging relationship.
- bThe hedging relationship was highly effective on a prospective and retrospective basis in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk for the periods in which the shortcut method criteria were not met.
815-20-25-117B
If the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-117A(a) is not met, the hedging relationship shall be considered invalid in the period in which the criteria for the shortcut method were not met and in all subsequent periods. If the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-117A(a) is met, the hedging relationship shall be considered invalid in all periods in which the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-117A(b) is not met.
815-20-25-117C
If an entity cannot identify the date on which the shortcut criteria ceased to be met, the entity shall perform the quantitative assessment of effectiveness documented at hedge inception for all periods since hedge inception.
815-20-25-117D
The terms of the hedged item and hedging instrument used to assess effectiveness, in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-117A(b), shall be those existing as of the date that the shortcut criteria ceased to be met. For cash flow hedges, if the hypothetical derivative method is used as a proxy for the hedged item, the value of the hypothetical derivative shall be set to zero as of hedge inception.
815-20-25-118
In documenting its risk management strategy for a fair value hedge, an entity may specify an intent to consider the possible changes (that is, not limited to the likely or expected changes) in value of the hedging derivative instrument and the hedged item only over a shorter period than the derivative instrument's remaining life in formulating its expectation that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value for the risk being hedged. The entity does not need to contemplate the offsetting effect for the entire term of the hedging instrument.
815-20-25-118A
In a fair value hedge of interest rate risk designated under the portfolio layer method in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-12A, an entity may exclude prepayment risk (if applicable) when measuring the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to interest rate risk.
815-20-25-119
The hedge effectiveness criteria applicable to cash flow hedges only are organized as follows:
- aConsideration of the time value of money
- bConsideration of counterparty credit risk
- cAdditional considerations for options in cash flow hedges
- dAssuming perfect hedge effectiveness in a cash flow hedge of a variable-rate borrowing with a receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap recorded under the simplified hedge accounting approach.
815-20-25-120
In assessing the effectiveness of a cash flow hedge, an entity generally shall consider the time value of money, especially if the hedging instrument involves periodic cash settlements.
815-20-25-121
An example of a situation in which an entity likely would reflect the time value of money is a tailing strategy with futures contracts. When using a tailing strategy, an entity adjusts the size or contract amount of futures contracts used in a hedge so that earnings (or expense) from reinvestment (or funding) of daily settlement gains (or losses) on the futures do not distort the results of the hedge. To assess offset of expected cash flows when a tailing strategy has been used, an entity could reflect the time value of money, perhaps by comparing the present value of the hedged forecasted cash flow with the results of the hedging instrument.
815-20-25-122
For a cash flow hedge, an entity shall consider the likelihood of the counterparty's compliance with the contractual terms of the hedging derivative instrument that require the counterparty to make payments to the entity. Paragraph 815-20-35-14 states that, for an entity to conclude on an ongoing basis that a cash flow hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in cash flows, the entity shall not ignore whether it will collect the payments it would be owed under the contractual provisions of the derivative instrument. See paragraphs for further guidance.
815-20-25-123
When an entity has documented that the effectiveness of a cash flow hedge will be assessed based on changes in the hedging option's intrinsic value pursuant to paragraph 815-20-25-82(a), that assessment (and the related cash flow hedge accounting) shall be performed for all changes in intrinsic value—that is, for all periods of time when the option has an intrinsic value, such as when the underlying is above the strike price of the call option.
815-20-25-124
When a purchased option is designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge, an entity shall not define only limited parameters for the risk exposure designated as being hedged that would include the time value component of that option. An entity cannot arbitrarily exclude some portion of an option's intrinsic value from the hedge effectiveness assessment simply through an articulation of the risk exposure definition. It is inappropriate to assert that only limited risk exposures are being hedged (for example, exposures related only to currency-exchange-rate changes above $1.65 per pound sterling as illustrated in Example 26 [see paragraph 815-20-55-205]).
815-20-25-125
If an option is designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge, an entity may assess hedge effectiveness based on a measure of the difference, as of the end of the period used for assessing hedge effectiveness, between the strike price and forward price of the underlying, undiscounted. Although assessment of cash flow hedge effectiveness with respect to an option designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge shall be performed by comparing the changes in present value of the expected future cash flows of the forecasted transaction to the change in fair value of the derivative instrument (aside from any excluded component under paragraph 815-20-25-82), that measure of changes in the expected future cash flows of the forecasted transaction based on forward rates, undiscounted, is not prohibited. With respect to an option designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge, assessing hedge effectiveness based on a similar measure with respect to the hedging instrument eliminates any difference that the effect of discounting may have on the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction. Pursuant to paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv), entities shall document the measure of intrinsic value that will be used in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-80, that measure must be used consistently for each period following designation of the hedging relationship.
815-20-25-126
The guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-129 addresses a cash flow hedge that meets all of the following conditions:
- aThe hedging instrument is a purchased option or a combination of only options that comprise either a net purchased option or a zero-cost collar.
- bThe exposure being hedged is the variability in expected future cash flows attributed to a particular rate or price beyond (or within) a specified level (or levels).
- cThe assessment of effectiveness is documented as being based on total changes in the option's cash flows (that is, the assessment will include the hedging instrument's entire change in fair value, not just changes in intrinsic value).
815-20-25-127
This guidance has no effect on the accounting for fair value hedging relationships. In addition, in determining the accounting for seemingly similar cash flow hedging relationships, it would be inappropriate to analogize to this guidance.
815-20-25-128
For a hedging relationship that meets all of the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-126, an entity may focus on the hedging instrument's terminal value (that is, its expected future pay-off amount at its maturity date) in determining whether the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the term of the hedge. An entity's focus on the hedging instrument's terminal value is not an impediment to the entity's subsequently deciding to dedesignate that cash flow hedge before the occurrence of the hedged transaction. If the hedging instrument is a purchased cap consisting of a series of purchased caplets that are each hedging an individual hedged transaction in a series of hedged transactions (such as caplets hedging a series of hedged interest payments at different monthly or quarterly dates), the entity may focus on the terminal value of each caplet (that is, the expected future pay-off amount at the maturity date of each caplet) in determining whether each of those hedging relationships is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows. The guidance in this paragraph applies to a purchased option regardless of whether at the inception of the cash flow hedging relationship it is at the money, in the money, or out of the money.
815-20-25-129
A hedging relationship that meets all of the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-126 may be considered to be perfectly effective if all of the following conditions are met:
- aThe critical terms of the hedging instrument (such as its notional amount, underlying, maturity date, and so forth) completely match the related terms of the hedged forecasted transaction (such as the notional amount, the variable that determines the variability in cash flows, the expected date of the hedged transaction, and so forth).
- bThe strike price (or prices) of the hedging option (or combination of options) matches the specified level (or levels) beyond (or within) which the entity's exposure is being hedged.
- cThe hedging instrument's inflows (outflows) at its maturity date completely offset the change in the hedged transaction's cash flows for the risk being hedged.
- dThe hedging instrument can be exercised only on a single date—its contractual maturity date.
815-20-25-129A
In a hedge of a group of forecasted transactions in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(a)(2), an entity may assume that the timing in which the hedged transactions are expected to occur and the maturity date of the hedging instrument match in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-129(a) if those forecasted transactions occur and the derivative matures within the same 31-day period or fiscal month.
815-20-25-130
The guidance in the following paragraph addresses a cash flow hedging relationship that meets both of the following conditions:
- aA combination of options (deemed to be a net purchased option) is designated as the hedging instrument.
- bThe effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based only on changes in intrinsic value of the hedging instrument (the combination of options).
815-20-25-131
The assessment of effectiveness of a cash flow hedging relationship meeting the conditions in the preceding paragraph may be based only on changes in the underlying that cause a change in the intrinsic value of the hedging instrument (the combination of options). Thus, the assessment can exclude ranges of changes in the underlying for which there is no change in the hedging instrument's intrinsic value.
Hedge Accounting Provisions Applicable to Certain Private Companies
815-20-25-133
Paragraphs , 815-10-50-3, 815-20-25-3A, 815-20-25-119, , , 825-10-50-3, and 825-10-50-8 provide guidance for an entity electing the simplified hedge accounting approach. See paragraph 815-10-65-6 for transition guidance on applying the simplified hedge accounting approach.
815-20-25-134
The conditions for the simplified hedge accounting approach determine which cash flow hedging relationships qualify for a simplified version of hedge accounting. If all of the conditions in paragraphs 815-20-25-135 and 815-20-25-137 are met, an entity may assume perfect effectiveness in a cash flow hedging relationship involving a variable-rate borrowing and a receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap.
815-20-25-135
Provided all of the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-137 are met, the simplified hedge accounting approach may be applied by a private company except for a financial institution as described in paragraph 942-320-50-1. An entity may elect the simplified hedge accounting approach for any receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap, provided that all of the conditions for applying the simplified hedge accounting approach specified in paragraph 815-20-25-137 are met. Implementation guidance on the conditions set forth in paragraph 815-20-25-137 is provided in paragraphs .
815-20-25-136
In applying the simplified hedge accounting approach, the documentation required by paragraph 815-20-25-3 to qualify for hedge accounting must be completed by the date on which the first annual financial statements are available to be issued after hedge inception rather than concurrently at hedge inception.
815-20-25-137
An eligible entity under paragraph 815-20-25-135 must meet all of the following conditions to apply the simplified hedge accounting approach to a cash flow hedge of a variable-rate borrowing with a receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap:
- aBoth the variable rate on the swap and the borrowing are based on the same index and reset period (for example, both the swap and borrowing are based on one-month London Interbank Offered Rate [LIBOR] or both the swap and borrowing are based on three-month LIBOR).
- bThe terms of the swap are typical (in other words, the swap is what is generally considered to be a “plain-vanilla” swap), and there is no floor or cap on the variable interest rate of the swap unless the borrowing has a comparable floor or cap.
- cThe repricing and settlement dates for the swap and the borrowing match or differ by no more than a few days.
- dThe swap's fair value at inception (that is, at the time the derivative was executed to hedge the interest rate risk of the borrowing) is at or near zero.
- eThe notional amount of the swap matches the principal amount of the borrowing being hedged. In complying with this condition, the amount of the borrowing being hedged may be less than the total principal amount of the borrowing.
- fAll interest payments occurring on the borrowing during the term of the swap (or the effective term of the swap underlying the forward starting swap) are designated as hedged whether in total or in proportion to the principal amount of the borrowing being hedged.
815-20-25-138
A cash flow hedge established through the use of a forward starting receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap may be permitted in applying the simplified hedge accounting approach only if the occurrence of forecasted interest payments to be swapped is probable. When forecasted interest payments are no longer probable of occurring, a cash flow hedging relationship will no longer qualify for the simplified hedge accounting approach and the General Subsections of this Topic shall apply at the date of change and on a prospective basis.
815-20-25-139
Concurrent with hedge inception, a private company that is not a financial institution as described in paragraph 942-320-50-1 shall document the following:
- aThe hedging relationship in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(1)
- bThe hedging instrument in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(i)
- cThe hedged item in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(ii), including (if applicable) firm commitments or the analysis supporting a portfolio layer method designation in paragraph 815-20-25-3(c), or forecasted transactions in paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)
- dThe nature of the risk being hedged in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iii).
815-20-25-140
A private company that is not a financial institution is not required to perform or document the following items concurrent with hedge inception but rather is required to perform or document them within the time periods discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-142:
- aThe method of assessing hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv) and (vi)
- bInitial hedge effectiveness assessments in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01) through (04).
815-20-25-141
Example 1A beginning in paragraph 815-20-55-80A illustrates hedge documentation when the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction match. Although that Example illustrates the documentation of the method of assessing hedge effectiveness, private companies that are not financial institutions may complete hedge documentation requirements in accordance with paragraphs .
815-20-25-142
For a private company that is not a financial institution, the performance and documentation of the items listed in paragraph 815-20-25-140, as well as required subsequent quarterly hedge effectiveness assessments, may be completed before the date on which the next interim (if applicable) or annual financial statements are available to be issued. Even though the completion of the initial and ongoing assessments of effectiveness may be deferred to the date on which financial statements are available to be issued the assessments shall be completed using information applicable as of hedge inception and each subsequent quarterly assessment date when completing this documentation on a deferred basis. Therefore, the assessment should be performed to determine whether the hedge was highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows at inception and in each subsequent quarterly assessment period up to the reporting date.
Hedge Accounting Provisions Applicable to Certain Not-for-Profit Entities
815-20-25-143
Not-for-profit entities (except for not-for-profit entities that have issued, or are a conduit bond obligor for, securities that are traded, listed, or quoted on an exchange or an over-the-counter market) may apply the guidance on the timing of hedge documentation and hedge effectiveness assessments in paragraphs . Specifically, those entities shall document the items listed in paragraph 815-20-25-139 concurrent with hedge inception, but they may perform and document the items listed in paragraph 815-20-25-140and perform the required subsequent quarterly hedge effectiveness assessments in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-142within the time periods discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-142.
815-20-35Subsequent Measurement
Source downloaded: .Record version 497d74ad8022. Effective date must be checked in the source.
815-20-35-1
Paragraph 815-10-35-2 states that the accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value (that is, gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, on the reason for holding it. Specifically, subsequent gains and losses on derivative instruments shall be accounted for as follows:
- a No hedging designation. Paragraph 815-10-35-2 requires that the gain or loss on a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument be recognized currently in earnings.
- b Fair value hedge. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a fair value hedging instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk shall be recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period, as provided in paragraphs . If an entity excludes a portion of the hedging instrument from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-82, the initial value of the excluded component shall be recognized in earnings using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument with any difference between the change in fair value of the excluded component and amounts recognized in earnings under that systematic and rational method recognized in other comprehensive income in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-83A. An entity also may elect to recognize the excluded component of the gain or loss currently in earnings in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-83B. The gain or loss on the hedging derivative or nonderivative instrument in a hedge of a foreign-currency-denominated firm commitment and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged firm commitment shall be recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period. The gain or loss on the hedging derivative instrument in a hedge of an available-for-sale debt security and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged available-for-sale debt security shall be recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period.
- c Cash flow hedge. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument shall be reported as a component of other comprehensive income (outside earnings) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, as provided in paragraphs 815-30-35-3 and . If an entity excludes a portion of the hedging instrument from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-82, the initial value of the excluded component shall be recognized in earnings using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument with any difference between the change in fair value of the excluded component and amounts recognized in earnings under that systematic and rational method recognized in other comprehensive income in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-83A. An entity also may elect to recognize the excluded component of the gain or loss currently in earnings in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-83B. The gain or loss on the hedging derivative instrument in a hedge of a forecasted foreign-currency-denominated transaction shall be reported as a component of other comprehensive income (outside earnings) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, as provided in paragraph 815-20-25-65.
- d Net investment hedge. The gain or loss on the hedging derivative or nonderivative hedging instrument in a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation shall be reported in other comprehensive income (outside earnings) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, as provided in paragraph 815-20-25-66. If an entity excludes a portion of the hedging instrument from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraphs 815-35-35-5 through 35-5B, the initial value of the excluded component shall be recognized in earnings using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument. Any difference between the change in fair value of the excluded component and the amounts recognized in earnings under that systematic and rational method shall be recognized in the same manner as a translation adjustment (that is, reported in the cumulative translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income) in accordance with paragraph 815-35-35-5A. An entity also may elect to recognize the excluded component of the gain or loss currently in earnings in accordance with paragraph 815-35-35-5B.
Hedge Effectiveness—After Designation
815-20-35-2
If a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge initially qualifies for hedge accounting, the entity would continue to assess whether the hedge meets the effectiveness test on either a quantitative basis (using either a dollar-offset test or a statistical method such as regression analysis) or a qualitative basis. See paragraphs for additional guidance on qualitative assessments of effectiveness. If the hedge fails the effectiveness test at any time (that is, if the entity does not expect the hedge to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows), the hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting. At least quarterly, the hedging entity shall determine whether the hedging relationship has been highly effective in having achieved offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows through the date of the periodic assessment.
815-20-35-2A
An entity may qualitatively assess hedge effectiveness if both of the following criteria are met:
- a An entity performs an initial quantitative test of hedge effectiveness on a prospective basis (that is, it is not assuming that the hedging relationship is perfectly effective at hedge inception as described in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01)(A) through (H)), and the results of that quantitative test demonstrate highly effective offset.
- b At hedge inception, an entity can reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness on a qualitative basis in subsequent periods.
815-20-35-2B
An entity may elect to qualitatively assess hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-35-2A on a hedge-by-hedge basis. If an entity makes this qualitative assessment election, only the quantitative method specified in an entity's initial hedge documentation must comply with paragraph 815-20-25-81.
815-20-35-2C
When an entity performs qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness, it shall verify and document whenever financial statements or earnings are reported and at least every three months that the facts and circumstances related to the hedging relationship have not changed such that it can assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective. While not all-inclusive, the following is a list of indicators that may, individually or in the aggregate, allow an entity to continue to assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship is highly effective:
- a An assessment of the factors that enabled the entity to reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness on a qualitative basis has not changed such that the entity can continue to assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective. This shall include an assessment of the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-100 when applicable.
- b There have been no adverse developments regarding the risk of counterparty default.
815-20-35-2D
If an entity elects to assess hedge effectiveness on a qualitative basis and then facts and circumstances change such that the entity no longer can assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows, the entity shall assess effectiveness of that hedging relationship on a quantitative basis in subsequent periods. In addition, an entity may perform a quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness in any reporting period to validate whether qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness remain appropriate. In both cases, the entity shall apply the quantitative method that it identified in its initial hedge documentation in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(03).
815-20-35-2E
When an entity determines that facts and circumstances have changed and it no longer can assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective, the entity shall begin performing subsequent quantitative assessments of hedge effectiveness as of the period that the facts and circumstances changed. If there is no identifiable event that led to the change in the facts and circumstances of the hedging relationship, the entity may begin performing quantitative assessments of effectiveness in the current period.
815-20-35-2F
After performing a quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness for one or more reporting periods as discussed in paragraphs , an entity may revert to qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness if it can reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness on a qualitative basis for subsequent periods. See paragraphs for implementation guidance on factors to consider when determining whether qualitative assessments of effectiveness can be performed after hedge inception.
815-20-35-2G
Quantitative assessments can be based on regression or other statistical analysis of past changes in fair values or cash flows as well as on other relevant information.
815-20-35-3
If an entity elects at the inception of a hedging relationship to use the same regression analysis approach for both prospective considerations and retrospective evaluations of assessing effectiveness, then during the term of that hedging relationship both of the following conditions shall be met:
- a Those regression analysis calculations shall generally incorporate the same number of data points.
- b That entity must periodically update its regression analysis (or other statistical analysis).
815-20-35-4
Electing to use a regression or other statistical analysis approach instead of a dollar-offset approach to perform retrospective evaluations of assessing hedge effectiveness may affect whether an entity can apply hedge accounting for the current assessment period.
815-20-35-5
In periodically (that is, at least quarterly) assessing retrospectively the effectiveness of a fair value hedge (or a cash flow hedge) in having achieved offsetting changes in fair values (or cash flows) under a dollar-offset approach, an entity shall use either a period-by-period approach or a cumulative approach on individual fair value hedges (or cash flow hedges):
- a Period-by-period approach. The period-by-period approach involves comparing the changes in the hedging instrument's fair values (or cash flows) that have occurred during the period being assessed to the changes in the hedged item's fair value (or hedged transaction's cash flows) attributable to the risk hedged that have occurred during the same period. If an entity elects to base its comparison of changes in fair value (or cash flows) on a period-by-period approach, the period cannot exceed three months. Fair value (or cash flow) patterns of the hedging instrument or the hedged item (or hedged transaction) in periods before the period being assessed are not relevant.
- b Cumulative approach. The cumulative approach involves comparing the cumulative changes (to date from inception of the hedge) in the hedging instrument's fair values (or cash flows) to the cumulative changes in the hedged item's fair value (or hedged transaction's cash flows) attributable to the risk hedged.
815-20-35-6
If an entity elects at inception of a hedging relationship to base its comparison of changes in fair value (or cash flows) on a cumulative approach, then that entity must abide by the results of that methodology as long as that hedging relationship remains designated. Electing to utilize a period-by-period approach instead of a cumulative approach (or vice versa) to perform retrospective evaluations of assessing hedge effectiveness under the dollar-offset method may affect whether an entity can apply hedge accounting for the current assessment period.
815-20-35-8
The remainder of this guidance is organized as follows:
- aAssessing effectiveness based on whether the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged item match
- bPossibility of default by the counterparty to hedging derivative
- cChange in hedge effectiveness method when hedge effectiveness is assessed on a quantitative basis.
815-20-35-9
If, at inception, the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged forecasted transaction are the same (see paragraphs 815-20-25-84 through 25-84A), the entity can conclude that changes in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged are expected to be completely offset by the hedging derivative. Therefore, subsequent assessments can be performed by verifying and documenting whether the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the forecasted transaction have changed during the period in review.
815-20-35-10
Because the assessment of hedge effectiveness in a cash flow hedge involves assessing the likelihood of the counterparty's compliance with the contractual terms of the derivative instrument designated as the hedging instrument, the entity must also assess whether there have been adverse developments regarding the risk of counterparty default, particularly if the entity planned to obtain its cash flows by liquidating the derivative instrument at its fair value.
815-20-35-11
If there are no such changes in the critical terms or adverse developments regarding counterparty default, the entity may conclude that the hedging relationship is perfectly effective. In that case, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument can be viewed as a proxy for the present value of the change in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged.
815-20-35-12
However, the entity must assess whether the hedging relationship is expected to continue to be highly effective using a quantitative assessment method (either a dollar-offset test or a statistical method such as regression analysis) if any of the following conditions exist:
- a The critical terms of the hedging instrument or the hedged forecasted transaction have changed.
- b There have been adverse developments regarding the risk of counterparty default.
815-20-35-14
For an entity to conclude on an ongoing basis that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in cash flows, the entity shall not ignore whether it will collect the payments it would be owed under the contractual provisions of the derivative instrument. In complying with the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-75(b), the entity shall assess the possibility of whether the counterparty to the derivative instrument will default by failing to make any contractually required payments to the entity as scheduled in the derivative instrument. In making that assessment, the entity shall also consider the effect of any related collateralization or financial guarantees. The entity shall be aware of the counterparty's creditworthiness (and changes therein) in determining the fair value of the derivative instrument. Although a change in the counterparty's creditworthiness would not necessarily indicate that the counterparty would default on its obligations, such a change shall warrant further evaluation.
815-20-35-15
If the likelihood that the counterparty will not default ceases to be probable, an entity would be unable to conclude that the hedging relationship in a cash flow hedge is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows.
815-20-35-16
In contrast, a change in the creditworthiness of the derivative instrument's counterparty in a fair value hedge would have an immediate effect because that change in creditworthiness would affect the change in the derivative instrument's fair value, which would immediately affect both of the following:
- a The assessment of whether the relationship qualifies for hedge accounting
- b The amount of mismatch between the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk recognized in earnings under fair value hedge accounting.
815-20-35-18
Paragraph 815-20-25-103 states that, in applying the shortcut method, an entity shall consider the likelihood of the counterparty's compliance with the contractual terms of the hedging derivative that require the counterparty to make payments to the entity. That paragraph explains that implicit in the criteria for the shortcut method is the requirement that a basis exist for concluding on an ongoing basis that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows.
815-20-35-19
If the entity identifies an improved method of assessing hedge effectiveness in accordance with the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-80 and wants to apply that method prospectively, it shall do both of the following:
- a Discontinue the existing hedging relationship
- b Designate the relationship anew using the improved method.
815-20-35-20
The new method of assessing hedge effectiveness shall be applied prospectively and shall also be applied to similar hedges unless the use of a different method for similar hedges is justified. A change in the method of assessing hedge effectiveness by an entity shall not be considered a change in accounting principle as defined in Topic 250.
815-20-45Other Presentation Matters
Source downloaded: .Record version 2c3f8568c0aa. Effective date must be checked in the source.
Income Statement Classification
815-20-45-1A
For qualifying fair value and cash flow hedges, an entity shall present both of the following in earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item:
- aThe change in the fair value of the hedging instrument that is included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness
- bAmounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in accordance with paragraphs .
815-20-45-1B
For cash flow hedges in which the hedged forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring in accordance with paragraph 815-30-40-5, this Subtopic provides no guidance on the required income statement classification of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings.
815-20-45-1C
For qualifying net investment hedges, an entity shall present in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged net investment those amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings. This Subtopic provides no guidance on the required income statement classification of amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness in net investment hedges.
815-20-45-1CC
If a breach of a portfolio layer method hedge has occurred in accordance with paragraph 815-25-40-8(b), an entity shall present in interest income the basis adjustment associated with the hedged layer (or portion thereof) that is no longer outstanding.
815-20-45-1D
While the Derivatives and Hedging Topic does not specify whether certain income statement line items are either permitted or appropriate, the other hedging-related Subtopics in this Topic do contain specific disclosure requirements for those items. See Section 815-10-50 and Subtopics 815-25, 815-30, and 815-35.
Statement of Cash Flows
815-20-45-2
For guidance on the classification of cash receipts and payments related to hedging activities, see paragraph 230-10-45-27.
Other Comprehensive Income
815-20-45-3
An entity shall display as a separate classification within other comprehensive income the net gain or loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as fair value or cash flow hedging instruments that are reported in comprehensive income pursuant to paragraphs 815-20-25-65, 815-20-25-83A, and 815-30-35-3.
Balance Sheet Classification
815-20-45-4
For an existing portfolio layer method hedge, if the assets included in the same closed portfolio are presented in different line items in the statement of financial position, an entity shall allocate the portfolio layer method basis adjustment to the assets’ associated line items in the statement of financial position using a systematic and rational method.
815-20-50Disclosure
Source downloaded: .Record version 3c76b746bf7a. Effective date must be checked in the source.
815-20-50-1
See Section 815-10-50 for overall guidance on disclosures about derivative instruments used in hedging activities. For guidance on disclosures about instruments used to mitigate the income statement effect of changes in fair value of servicing assets and servicing liabilities, see paragraph 860-50-50-2(b). For guidance on encouraged disclosure of quantitative information about instruments used to manage the risks inherent in servicing assets and servicing liabilities, see paragraph 860-50-50-2.
815-20-55Implementation Guidance and Illustrations
Source downloaded: .Record version 8edd2719d01b. Effective date must be checked in the source.
Implementation Guidance
815-20-55-1
This implementation guidance is organized as follows:
- aEligibility of hedged items
- bEligibility of hedging instruments
- cHedge effectiveness.
815-20-55-2
This implementation guidance on eligibility criteria for hedged items is organized as follows:
- a
- b
- cHedged items in fair value hedges only
- dHedged items in cash flow hedges only
- eHedged items involving foreign exchange risk
- fStrategic risk ineligible as hedged risk.
815-20-55-4A
This implementation guidance on hedged items in fair value hedges only is organized as follows:
- a
- bApplication of the definition of firm commitment
- cDetermining whether risk exposure is shared within a portfolio
- dServicing rights as a hedged item.
- eHedged layer in a portfolio layer method hedge.
815-20-55-10
This implementation guidance discusses whether certain items meet the definition of a firm commitment for purposes of paragraph 815-20-25-12.
815-20-55-11
A firm commitment that represents an asset or liability that a specific accounting standard prohibits recognizing (such as a lessor's noncancellable operating lease or an unrecognized mortgage servicing right) may nevertheless be designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge.
815-20-55-12
A mortgage banker's unrecognized interest rate lock commitment does not qualify as a firm commitment (because as an option it does not obligate both parties) and thus is not eligible for fair value hedge accounting as the hedged item. (However, a mortgage banker's forward sale commitments, which are derivative instruments that lock in the prices at which the mortgage loans will be sold to investors, may qualify as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges of the forecasted sales of mortgage loans.)
815-20-55-13
A supply contract for which the contract price is fixed only in certain circumstances (such as if the selling price is above an embedded price cap or below an embedded price floor) meets the definition of a firm commitment for purposes of designating the hedged item in a fair value hedge. Provided the embedded price cap or floor is considered clearly and closely related to the host contract and therefore is not accounted for separately under paragraph 815-15-25-1, either party to the supply contract can hedge the fair value exposure arising from the cap or floor.
815-20-55-14
This implementation guidance discusses the application of the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) that the individual assets or individual liabilities within a portfolio hedged in a fair value hedge shall share the risk exposure for which they are designated as being hedged. If the change in fair value of a hedged portfolio attributable to the hedged risk was 10 percent during a reporting period, the change in the fair values attributable to the hedged risk for each item constituting the portfolio should be expected to be within a fairly narrow range, such as 9 percent to 11 percent. In contrast, an expectation that the change in fair value attributable to the hedged risk for individual items in the portfolio would range from 7 percent to 13 percent would be inconsistent with the requirement in that paragraph.
815-20-55-14A
If both of the following conditions exist, the quantitative test described in paragraph 815-20-55-14 may be performed qualitatively on a hedge-by-hedge basis and only at hedge inception:
- aThe hedged item is a hedged layer in a portfolio layer hedge designated in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-12A.
- bAn entity measures the change in fair value of the hedged item based on the benchmark rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-13.
815-20-55-14B
If the hedging instrument is a derivative with a notional amount that changes over time (for example, an amortizing-notional interest rate swap), the condition in paragraph 815-20-55-14A(b) can be satisfied because the swap has a contractual fixed rate and, thus, the hedged item can be measured on the basis of a single benchmark component of the contractual coupon cash flows in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-13. An entity that designates a derivative with a notional amount that changes over time as a hedging instrument is designating a single hedging relationship with a single benchmark rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows.
815-20-55-15
In aggregating loans in a portfolio to be hedged, an entity may choose to consider some of the following characteristics, as appropriate:
- aLoan type
- bLoan size
- cNature and location of collateral
- dInterest rate type (fixed or variable)
- eCoupon interest rate or the benchmark rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows (if fixed)
- fScheduled maturity or the assumed maturity if the hedged item is measured in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-13B
- gPrepayment history of the loans (if seasoned)
- hExpected prepayment performance in varying interest rate scenarios.
815-20-55-15A
This implementation guidance describes the hedged item in a portfolio layer method hedge in several scenarios.
815-20-55-15B
For a closed portfolio of financial assets of $100 million, Entity A designates a single hedged item of $10 million of the assets that is expected to be outstanding for the hedge period of Years 1–5. Entity A designates as the hedging instrument a spot-starting constant-notional pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with a notional amount of $10 million and a term of 5 years. In this single-layer hedge, the hedged layer represents $10 million of assets in the closed portfolio that is not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults, or other factors affecting the timing or amount of cash flows for the hedge period of Years 1–5.
815-20-55-15C
For a closed portfolio of financial assets of $100 million, Entity A designates a hedged item of $20 million of assets that is expected to be outstanding for the hedge period of Years 1–3. It also designates a hedged item of $10 million of the assets in the closed portfolio that is expected to be outstanding for the hedge period of Years 1–5. For the $20 million hedged item, Entity A designates as the hedging instrument a spot-starting constant-notional pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with a notional amount of $20 million and a term of 3 years. For the $10 million hedged item, Entity A designates as the hedging instrument a spot-starting constant-notional pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with a notional amount of $10 million and a term of 5 years. In this scenario, there are two hedged layers:
- aA hedged layer representing $20 million of assets in the closed portfolio that is not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults, or other factors affecting the timing or amount of cash flows for the hedge period of Years 1–3
- bA hedged layer representing $10 million of assets in the closed portfolio that is not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults, or other factors affecting the timing or amount of cash flows for the hedge period of Years 1–5.
815-20-55-15D
For a closed portfolio of financial assets of $100 million, Entity A designates a single hedged item of $30 million for Year 1 that decreases to an amount of $20 million for Year 2 and $10 million for Year 3. Entity A designates a single amortizing-notional swap as the hedging instrument. In this single-layer hedge, the hedged layer represents a $30 million stated amount for Year 1, a $20 million stated amount for Year 2, and a $10 million stated amount for Year 3, which reflects the amortizing-notional swap’s features.
815-20-55-16
Paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) provides criteria under which similar assets or similar liabilities may be aggregated and hedged as a portfolio under a fair value hedge, requiring, in part, that the individual assets or individual liabilities share the risk exposure for which they are designated as being hedged. Servicers of financial assets that designate a hedged portfolio by aggregating servicing rights within one or more risk strata used under paragraph 860-50-35-9 would not necessarily comply with the requirement in paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) for portfolios of similar assets because the risk strata under paragraph 860-50-35-9 can be based on any predominant risk characteristic, including date of origination or geographic location.
815-20-55-17
This guidance on hedged items in cash flow hedges only is organized as follows:
- aExposure to variability in cash flows
- bVariable price component of a purchase contract as hedged item
- cGrouping individual transactions
- dProbability of a forecasted transaction
- eSpecificity of timing of a forecasted transaction
- eeDetermining if a contractually specified component exists
- eeeContractually specified component in a not-yet-existing contract
- fForecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security
- gStock-appreciation-right obligation as a hedged item
- hFirst-payments-received technique in hedging variable nonbenchmark interest payments on a group of loans.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7This guidance on hedged items in cash flow hedges only is organized as follows:- aExposure to variability in cash flows
- bVariable price component (or subcomponent) of a forecasted transaction to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset as hedged risk
- cGrouping individual transactions
- dProbability of a forecasted transaction
- eSpecificity of timing of a forecasted transaction
- ee
- eee
- fForecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security
- gStock-appreciation-right obligation as a hedged item
- hFirst-payments-received technique in hedging variable interest payments on a group of loans.
815-20-55-18
The future sale of an asset or settlement of a liability that exposes an entity (consistent with the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-15(c)(2)) to the risk of a change in fair value may result in recognizing a gain or loss in earnings when the sale or settlement occurs. Changes in market price could change the amount for which the asset or liability could be sold or settled and, consequently, change the amount of gain or loss recognized. Forecasted transactions that expose an entity to cash flow risk have the potential to affect reported earnings because the amount of related revenue or expense may differ depending on the price eventually paid or received. Thus, an entity could designate the forecasted sale of a product at the market price at the date of sale as a hedged transaction because revenue will be recorded at that future sales price.
815-20-55-18A
This guidance discusses the implementation of paragraphs 815-20-25-15(i)(3) and 815-20-25-22C.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: Paragraph 815-20-55-18A will be added upon transition, and the preceding heading will be amended as shown below. |
| • • • > Variable Price Component (or Subcomponent) of a Forecasted Transaction to Purchase or Sell a Nonfinancial Asset as Hedged Risk |
815-20-55-18B
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7An entity may designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component (or subcomponent) of the forecasted purchase price or sales price of a nonfinancial asset as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge if the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C are satisfied. The scope of that paragraph includes forecasted transactions to purchase or sell nonfinancial assets consummated in spot markets and in accordance with arrangements to purchase or sell nonfinancial assets in the future. 815-20-55-18C
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7To be eligible to designate a hedge of a variable component of a forecasted purchase price or sales price of a nonfinancial asset in the spot market, paragraph 815-20-25-22C(a) requires that the component being designated as the hedged risk be clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to the nonfinancial asset being purchased or sold. If an entity wants to designate a hedge of a variable component of a forecasted purchase or sales price of a nonfinancial asset to be consummated in accordance with a variable price contract, paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(1) requires that the component being hedged be both clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to the nonfinancial asset being purchased or sold and explicitly referenced in the agreement’s pricing formula used to determine that purchase or sales price. Alternatively, if an entity wants to hedge a subcomponent of an explicitly referenced component in an agreement’s pricing formula, paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(2) requires that the subcomponent be clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to that explicitly referenced component and that the explicitly referenced component is clearly and closely related (as described in paragraph 815-10-15-32(a) through (b)) to the nonfinancial asset being purchased or sold. 815-20-55-18D
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If an entity enters into an agreement to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset that meets the definition of a derivative and the entity applies the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in Subtopic 815-10, the condition in paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(1) is met for the variable pricing component that is explicitly referenced in the agreement. Entities that do not apply the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in Subtopic 815-10 and account for an agreement to purchase or sell a nonfinancial asset as a derivative may, as permitted by paragraph 815-20-25-15(e), designate a variable component (or subcomponent) of the forecasted purchase price or sales price as the hedged risk as discussed in paragraph 815-20-55-18C if the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C are met. 815-20-55-19
This guidance discusses the implementation of paragraph 815-20-25-15(i). An entity enters into a contract that requires it to pay a total contract price based on the VWX sugar index on the date of purchase plus a variable basis differential related to transportation costs. The entity may use a derivative instrument whose underlying is the price of sugar or any other underlying for which the derivative would be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows in a cash flow hedge of its forecasted purchases under the contract. In accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(i), the entity may designate as the risk being hedged the risk of changes in the cash flows relating to all changes in the purchase price of the items being acquired under the contract. The entity also may designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified component (VWX sugar index) as the hedged risk. In that case, the entity not only must consider whether the VWX sugar index is explicitly referenced in the purchase agreement but also must ensure that the requirements in paragraph 815-20-25-22A are met. In both scenarios, the entity must determine that all the criteria for cash flow hedges are satisfied, including that the hedging relationship is highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the term of the hedge.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7This guidance discusses several hedge designation methods that an entity may use when hedging the purchase of a nonfinancial asset. An entity enters into a contract that requires it to pay a total contract price based on the VWX sugar index on the date of purchase plus a variable basis differential related to transportation costs. The entity may use a derivative instrument whose underlying is the price of sugar or any other underlying for which the derivative would be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge of its forecasted purchases under the contract. In accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(i)(2), the entity may designate as the risk being hedged the risk of changes in the cash flows relating to all changes in the purchase price of the items being acquired under the contract. In accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-15(i)(3), the entity also may designate the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component (or subcomponent) of the purchase price of the nonfinancial asset as the hedged risk. In this Example, the entity could designate as the hedged risk the VWX sugar index or the variable basis differential related to transportation costs, both of which are variable components explicitly referenced in the purchase agreement if the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(1) are met. The entity also could designate a subcomponent of either the VWX sugar index or transportation costs as the hedged risk. If designating a subcomponent, the entity must ensure that the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C(b)(2)are met. In all scenarios, the entity must determine that all the criteria for cash flow hedges are satisfied, including that the hedging relationship is highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the term of the hedge. 815-20-55-20
It sometimes will be impractical (perhaps impossible) and not cost-effective for an entity to identify each individual transaction that is being hedged. An example is a group of sales or purchases over a period of time to or from one or more parties. This Subtopic permits an entity to aggregate individual forecasted transactions for hedging purposes in some circumstances. As it does for a hedge of a single forecasted transaction, paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1)(vi) requires that an entity identify the hedged transactions with sufficient specificity that it is possible to determine which transactions are hedged transactions when they occur.
815-20-55-21
For example, an entity that expects to sell at least 300,000 units of a particular product in its next fiscal quarter might designate the sales of the first 300,000 units as the hedged transactions. Alternatively, it might designate the first 100,000 sales in each month as the hedged transactions. It could not, however, simply designate any sales of 300,000 units during the quarter as the hedged transaction because it then would be impossible to determine whether the first sales transaction of the quarter was a hedged transaction. Similarly, an entity could not designate the last 300,000 sales of the quarter as the hedged transaction because it would not be possible to determine whether sales early in the quarter were hedged or not.
815-20-55-22
Under the guidance in this Subtopic, a single derivative instrument of appropriate size could be designated as hedging a given amount of aggregated forecasted transactions, such as any of the following:
- aForecasted sales of a particular product to numerous customers within a specified time period, such as a month, a quarter, or a year
- bForecasted purchases of a particular product from the same or different vendors at different dates within a specified time period
- cForecasted interest payments on several variable-rate debt instruments within a specified time period.
815-20-55-23
At the time of hedge designation only, the transactions in each group must share the risk exposure for which they are being hedged. For example, the interest payments in the group in (c) in the preceding paragraph shall vary with the same index to qualify for hedging with a single derivative instrument.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7The transactions in each group must have a similar risk exposure for which they are being hedged. To satisfy that requirement, an entity should determine whether the forecasted transactions are expected to have a similar risk exposure prospectively at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. In addition, an entity should determine whether the forecasted transactions had a similar risk exposure retrospectively on an ongoing basis during the hedge period. An entity should assess similarity each time it assesses hedge effectiveness for a group (for timing of hedge effectiveness assessments, see paragraphs , and for certain private companies and certain not-for-profit entities, see paragraphs ).815-20-55-23A
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7An entity should determine that the risk exposures being hedged in a group of forecasted transactions are similar by applying either of the following methods: - aThe entity determines whether the designated hedging instrument is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to each hedged risk in the group, assessed on an individual basis, by applying the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-79 and paragraphs for assessing hedge effectiveness.
- bThe entity determines whether each hedged risk related to a forecasted transaction hedged in a group is similar to each other hedged risk in the group. In that assessment, an entity should use the same threshold applied to determine whether a relationship is highly effective. When assessing whether hedged risks in a group of forecasted transactions are similar, an entity should consider the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-79 as well as the guidance in paragraphs for hedges of interest rate risk.
815-20-55-23B
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If an entity applies one of the qualitative methods in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01) for purposes of assessing hedge effectiveness and it applies the similar risk assessment method described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a), it also may assume that the hedged risks related to a group of forecasted transactions are similar because the hedging instrument is considered highly effective qualitatively against each hedged risk in the group. 815-20-55-23C
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7After performing an initial quantitative assessment at hedge inception (if required), an entity may elect on a hedge-by-hedge basis to qualitatively assess whether a group of individual forecasted transactions have a similar risk exposure in subsequent periods, if the entity can reasonably support an expectation of similar risk on a qualitative basis, in a manner similar to the guidance in paragraphs . The qualitative assessment used to reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness also may be used to support an expectation of similar risk exposure if an entity applies the similar risk assessment method described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a). 815-20-55-23D
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If an entity determines as part of its ongoing similar risk assessment that one or more hedged risks related to the group of individual forecasted transactions are no longer similar, it should dedesignate the hedging relationship as of the last date when all hedged risks in the group were assessed to have similar risk exposure, unless the entity can determine the specific date that all hedged risks in the group were no longer similar. Amounts previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income should remain until the forecasted transactions affect earnings or become probable of not occurring in accordance with paragraphs . 815-20-55-24
An assessment of the likelihood that a forecasted transaction will take place (see paragraph 815-20-25-15(b)) should not be based solely on management's intent because intent is not verifiable. The transaction's probability should be supported by observable facts and the attendant circumstances. Consideration should be given to the following circumstances in assessing the likelihood that a transaction will occur.
- aThe frequency of similar past transactions
- bThe financial and operational ability of the entity to carry out the transaction
- cSubstantial commitments of resources to a particular activity (for example, a manufacturing facility that can be used in the short run only to process a particular type of commodity)
- dThe extent of loss or disruption of operations that could result if the transaction does not occur
- eThe likelihood that transactions with substantially different characteristics might be used to achieve the same business purpose (for example, an entity that intends to raise cash may have several ways of doing so, ranging from a short-term bank loan to a common stock offering).
815-20-55-25
Both the length of time until a forecasted transaction is projected to occur and the quantity of the forecasted transaction are considerations in determining probability. Other factors being equal, the more distant a forecasted transaction is or the greater the physical quantity or future value of a forecasted transaction, the less likely it is that the transaction would be considered probable and the stronger the evidence that would be required to support an assertion that it is probable.
815-20-55-26
Paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1)(vi) requires an entity to identify the hedged forecasted transaction with sufficient specificity to make it clear whether a particular transaction is a hedged transaction when it occurs. Paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1)(i) requires that an entity document the date on or period within which the forecasted transaction is expected to occur. An entity should not be able to choose when to reclassify into earnings a gain or loss on a hedging instrument in accumulated other comprehensive income after the gain or loss has occurred by asserting that the instrument hedges a transaction that has or has not yet occurred. However, this Subtopic does not require that an entity be able to specify at the time of entering into a hedge the date on which the hedged forecasted transaction will occur.
815-20-55-26A
Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.
The definition of a contractually specified component is considered to be met if the component is explicitly referenced in agreements that support the price at which a nonfinancial asset will be purchased or sold. For example, an entity intends to purchase a commodity in the commodity's spot market. If as part of the governing agreements of the transaction or commodities exchange it is noted that prices are based on a pre-defined formula that includes a specific index and a basis, those agreements may be utilized to identify a contractually specified component. After an entity determines that a contractually specified component exists, it must assess whether the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified component may be designated as the hedged risk in accordance with paragraphs .
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: Paragraph 815-20-55-26A will be superseded upon transition, together with the heading shown below. |
| • • • > Determining Whether a Contractually Specified Component Exists |
815-20-55-26B
Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.
This guidance discusses the implementation of paragraphs 815-20-25-22B and 815-30-35-37A. Entity A's objective is to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a contractually specified component in forecasted purchases of a specified quantity of soybeans on various dates during June 20X1. Entity A has executed contracts to purchase soybeans only through the end of March 20X1. Entity A's contracts to purchase soybeans typically are based on the ABC soybean index price plus a variable basis differential representing transportation costs. Entity A expects that the forecasted purchases during June 20X1 will be based on the ABC soybean index price plus a variable basis differential.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: Paragraph 815-20-55-26B will be superseded upon transition, together with the heading shown below. |
| • • • > Contractually Specified Component in a Not-Yet-Existing Contract |
815-20-55-26C
On January 1, 20X1, Entity A enters into a forward contract indexed to the ABC soybean index that matures on June 30, 20X1. The forward contract is designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge in which the hedged item is documented as the forecasted purchases of a specified quantity of soybeans during June 20X1. As of the date of hedge designation, Entity A expects the contractually specified component that will be in the contract once it is executed to be the ABC soybean index. Therefore, in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1), Entity A documents as the hedged risk the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified ABC soybean index in the not-yet-existing contract. On January 1, 20X1, Entity A determines that all requirements for cash flow hedge accounting are met and that the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-22A will be met in the contract once executed in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-22B. Entity A also will assess whether the criteria in 815-20-25-22A are met when the contract is executed.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.815-20-55-26D
As part of its normal process of assessing whether it remains probable that the hedged forecasted transactions will occur, on March 31, 20X1, Entity A determines that the forecasted purchases of soybeans in June 20X1 will occur but that the price of the soybeans to be purchased will be based on the XYZ soybean index rather than the ABC soybean index. As of March 31, 20X1, Entity A begins assessing the hedge effectiveness of the hedging relationship on the basis of the changes in cash flows associated with the forecasted purchases of soybeans attributable to variability in the XYZ soybean index. Because the hedged forecasted transactions (that is, purchases of soybeans) are still probable of occurring, Entity A may continue to apply hedge accounting if the hedging instrument (indexed to the ABC soybean index) is highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the revised contractually specified component (the XYZ soybean index). On April 30, 20X1, Entity A enters into a contract to purchase soybeans throughout June 20X1 based on the XYZ soybean index price plus a variable basis differential representing transportation costs.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.815-20-55-26E
If the hedging instrument is not highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the revised contractually specified component, the hedging relationship must be discontinued. As long as the hedged forecasted transactions (that is, the forecasted purchases of the specified quantity of soybeans) are still probable of occurring, Entity A would reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings when the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings in accordance with paragraphs . The reclassified amounts should be presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Immediate reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings would be required only if it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction (that is, the purchases of the specified quantity of soybeans in June 20X1) will not occur. As discussed in paragraph 815-30-40-5, a pattern of determining that hedged forecasted transactions are probable of not occurring would call into question both an entity's ability to accurately predict forecasted transactions and the propriety of applying cash flow hedge accounting in the future for similar forecasted transactions.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Paragraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09.815-20-55-27
This discussion provides additional information on the forecasted acquisition of a marketable debt security as a hedged item (see paragraph 815-20-25-16[b]).
815-20-55-28
An entity seeking to reduce the variability of the price at which it will acquire a marketable debt security in the future might use a forward contract to fix the price today.
815-20-55-29
With a forward contract, the typical settlement is the delivery of the marketable debt security at a later date at the pre-fixed price.
815-20-55-30
With a purchased option, the typical settlement might be the delivery of the marketable debt security at the ceiling price, or the holder may allow the purchased option to expire unexercised.
815-20-55-31
Therefore, to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting in this circumstance, the entity shall be able to establish that it is probable that it will acquire the marketable debt security by any of the following means:
- aExercising the option designated as the hedging instrument if it is in the money
- bPurchasing the security in the marketplace at its prevailing market price if the option is out of the money.
815-20-55-32
If the entity expects to acquire the marketable debt security only by exercising the option and only if the option were in the money, a cash flow hedging relationship typically would not be designated because acquisition of the security is contingent and thus would not be considered probable.
815-20-55-33
This guidance addresses the application of the criteria in Section 815-20-25 to an unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation right as a hedged item. An unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation right relates to the portion of the stock appreciation right liability that has not yet been accrued. It does not refer to future fair value changes in the recognized liability for the vested portion of the stock appreciation right. To the extent that vesting of stock appreciation rights is probable, a purchased call option indexed to an entity's own stock that is recorded as an asset and accounted for as a derivative instrument may be designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of cash flow variability of expected future obligations associated with unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation rights if the option is classified as an asset in the entity's financial statements and the option is a derivative instrument subject to Subtopic 815-10. Presumably, if using this strategy, hedge effectiveness typically would be assessed based on changes in the entire value of the purchased call option, rather than just the intrinsic value of the option because the fair value of the unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation rights likewise consists of a time value portion and an intrinsic value portion. Because an unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation right results in exposure to cash flow variability of expected future obligations that affects reported earnings, it is eligible to be designated as being hedged. A stock appreciation right that is recognized as a liability may not be designated as being hedged in a cash flow hedge because the hedged cash flow variability in a recognized stock appreciation right relates to a liability that is remeasured with changes in fair value reported currently in earnings. The hedge of exposure to cash flow variability in an unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation right could be expected to be highly effective. The entity's stock price is the underlying for both the unrecognized, nonvested stock appreciation right and the option on the entity's own stock. Changes in fair value of the purchased call option on the entity's own stock would be recorded in other comprehensive income consistent with paragraph 815-30-35-3. As required by paragraphs , the amount in other comprehensive income would be reclassified into earnings concurrent with the recognition in earnings of compensation cost on the stock appreciation right that relates to those fair value changes that occurred during the hedge period over the requisite service period.
815-20-55-33A
A first-payments-received technique for identifying the hedged forecasted transactions (that is, the hedged interest payments) may be used in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk associated with interest payments for a rolling portfolio of prepayable interest-bearing loans (or other interest-bearing financial assets), provided all other conditions for a cash flow hedge have been met. Such a technique involves identifying the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge as the first interest payments based on the contractually specified interest rate received by an entity during each recurring period of a specified length and beginning date for the period covered by the hedging instrument. Example 4, Case A (see paragraphs ) illustrates this technique.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7A first-payments-received technique for identifying the hedged forecasted transactions (that is, the hedged interest payments) may be used in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk associated with interest payments for a rolling portfolio of prepayable interest-bearing loans (or other interest-bearing financial assets) if all other conditions for a cash flow hedge have been met. Such a technique involves identifying the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge as the first interest payments based on the contractually specified interest rate received by an entity during each recurring period of a specified length and beginning date for the period covered by the hedging instrument. Example 4, Case A (see paragraphs )illustrates this technique. 815-20-55-33B
Similarly, a comparable first-payments-made technique may be used to identify the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge of the contractually specified rate-based interest payments for a group of the reporting entity's financial liabilities, provided all other conditions for a cash flow hedge have been met.
815-20-55-33E
This implementation guidance regarding use of a first-cash-flows technique also may be applied to a cash flow hedging relationship in which the hedging instrument is a basis swap as discussed beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-50. However, use of that technique for those basis-swap hedging relationships may not be common because that paragraph limits designating a basis swap as the hedging instrument to cash flow hedges of the contractually specified interest payments of only recognized financial assets and liabilities existing at the inception of the hedge, whereas the first-cash-flows technique is typically applied to the contractually specified interest payments for rolling portfolios whose composition of financial assets changes over the period of the hedge.
815-20-55-33G
Under the first-payments-received technique, an entity also may designate the risk of overall changes in the hedged cash flows, which includes the risk of decreases in cash flows attributable to credit default. The use of the first-payments-received technique in those circumstances is permitted by this Subtopic as an exception even though that technique excludes the variable interest payments that are contractually due but not paid by the debtor from being hedged transactions, thereby excluding some of the risk of decreases in interest payment inflows attributable to credit default. This implementation guidance on applying the first-payments-received technique to overall changes in cash flows for interest-bearing financial assets should not be applied by analogy to other circumstances.
815-20-55-34
This implementation guidance on hedged items involving foreign exchange risk is organized as follows:
- aForeign-currency-denominated interest payments
- bForeign-currency-denominated debt instrument as both hedging instrument and hedged item.
815-20-55-35
An entity may not treat foreign-currency-denominated fixed-rate interest coupon payments arising from an issuance of foreign-currency-denominated fixed-rate debt as an unrecognized firm commitment that may be designated as a hedged item in a foreign currency fair value hedge. (See paragraph 815-20-25-23.) The foreign-currency exposure of the future interest payments would not meet this Subtopic's definition of an unrecognized firm commitment because the obligation is recognized on the balance sheet—that is, the carrying amount of the foreign-currency-denominated fixed-rate debt incorporates the entity's obligation to make those future interest payments as well as the repayment of principal. However, those fixed-rate interest payments could be designated as the hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge.
815-20-55-36
Those fixed-rate interest payments might arise as follows. An entity whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar issues fixed-rate debt denominated in a foreign currency. The debt has a fixed interest coupon that is payable semiannually in that foreign currency. The entity wishes to lock in, in U.S. dollar functional currency terms, the future interest expense that will result from the debt and enters into a derivative instrument to hedge the foreign currency risk of the fixed foreign-currency-denominated interest coupon payments. For example, the entity may enter into a foreign currency swap to receive an amount of the foreign currency required to satisfy the interest coupon obligation in exchange for U.S. dollars at each coupon date, or, alternatively, it may enter into a strip of foreign currency forward contracts that provide for receipt of an amount of foreign currency required to satisfy the interest coupon obligation in exchange for the payment of U.S. dollars at each coupon date.
815-20-55-37
This guidance also applies to dual-currency bonds that provide for repayment of principal in the functional currency and periodic fixed-rate interest payments denominated in a foreign currency. Subtopic 830-20 applies to dual-currency bonds and requires the present value of the interest payments denominated in a foreign currency to be remeasured and the transaction gain or loss recognized in earnings. Thus, those fixed-rate interest payments on a dual-currency bond could be designated as the hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge of foreign exchange risk.
815-20-55-38
A foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument that is designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge may also be designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of interest rate risk. The two hedging relationships address separate risk types that are permitted to be hedged individually under this Subtopic. Example 10 (see paragraph 815-20-55-127) illustrates this circumstance.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7A foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument that is designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge may also be designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of interest rate risk. The two hedging relationships address separate risk types that are permitted to be hedged individually under this Subtopic. When a foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument is designated as both a hedging instrument and a hedged item, an entity should exclude from the assessment of effectiveness in the net investment hedging relationship the fair value hedge basis adjustment resulting from designating the foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument in the fair value hedge. In those situations, an entity should recognize gains and losses from the remeasurement of the foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument’s fair value basis adjustment at the spot exchange rate currently in earnings in accordance with Subtopic 830-20. If the fair value hedge of the foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument is subsequently discontinued in accordance with the guidance in Section 815-25-40, an entity should consider the foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument’s fair value hedge basis adjustment when prospectively assessing the effectiveness of the net investment hedge after the date of discontinuing the fair value hedge. Excluding the fair value hedge basis adjustment from the assessment of effectiveness in the designated net investment hedging relationship should not be applied by analogy to other circumstances. Example 10 (see paragraph 815-20-55-127) illustrates the circumstances in which a foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument that is designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge also is designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of interest rate risk.815-20-55-40
The offset criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-75 precludes hedge accounting for certain risk management techniques, such as hedges of strategic risk. For example, a U.S. manufacturer, with no export business, that designates a forward contract to buy U.S. dollars (USD) for Japanese yen (JPY) as a hedge of its USD sales would fail the requirement that the cash flows of the derivative instrument are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows on the hedged transaction. A weakened JPY might allow a competitor to sell goods imported from Japan more cheaply, undercutting the domestic manufacturer's prices and reducing its sales volume and revenues. However, it would be difficult for the U.S. manufacturer to expect a high degree of offset between a decline in U.S. sales revenue due to increased competition and cash inflows on a foreign currency derivative instrument. Any relationship between the exposure and the hedging derivative typically would be quite indirect, would depend on price elasticities, and would be only one of many factors influencing future results. In addition, the risk that a desired or expected number of transactions will not occur, that is, the potential absence of a transaction, is not a hedgeable risk for accounting purposes.
Eligibility of Hedging Instruments
815-20-55-44
This implementation guidance on eligibility of hedging instruments is organized as follows:
- aContingent designation of a hedging instrument
- bNo hedge accounting for covered call strategies
- cMixed-attribute derivative commodity contracts as cash flow hedging instruments
- d
- eSynthetic foreign currency borrowing ineligible as a hedging instrument.
815-20-55-44A
A contract that meets the definition of a derivative instrument after acquisition by an entity may be designated as a hedging instrument.
815-20-55-44B
During the period in which the contract does not meet the definition of a derivative instrument, that contract cannot be designated as the hedging instrument in any hedging relationship. (However, the contract could potentially be the hedged item in a fair value hedge or its cash flows could potentially be the hedged transactions in a cash flow hedge.)
815-20-55-44C
The contingent designation of a hedging relationship in which the hedging instrument is not currently a derivative instrument but may become one cannot justify the application of hedge accounting to fair value changes occurring before inception of the hedge; the inception of that hedging relationship would be the date on which the contract meets the definition of a derivative instrument. If an entity had anticipated that a contract that was not a derivative instrument at inception might later meet the definition of a derivative instrument and has made a contingent designation of an all-in-one hedging relationship to be effective upon the date that the contract meets the definition of a derivative instrument, only the changes in the fair value of the new derivative instrument occurring after the date the contract became a derivative instrument would be recognized in other comprehensive income.
815-20-55-45
This Subtopic does not permit hedge accounting for covered call strategies (strategies in which an entity writes an option on an asset that it owns) unless that asset is a call option that is embedded in another instrument. In a covered call strategy, any loss on the written option will be covered by the gain on the owned asset. A covered call strategy will not qualify for hedge accounting because the risk profile of the combined position is asymmetrical (the exposure to losses is greater than the potential for gains). In contrast, the risk profile of the asset alone is symmetrical or better (the potential for gains is at least as great as the exposure to losses). The symmetry requirement for hedges with written options precludes a written option that is used to sell a portion of the gain potential on an asset or liability from being eligible for hedge accounting.
815-20-55-46
Commodity contracts commonly have features of both fixed-price contracts and variable-price contracts, such as an agreement to purchase a commodity in the future at the prevailing market index price at that future date plus or minus a fixed basis differential set at the inception of the contract. Assume an example mixed-attribute contract has the characteristics of notional amount, underlying, and no initial net investment and the commodity to be delivered is readily convertible to cash pursuant to the guidance beginning in paragraph 815-10-15-119.
815-20-55-47
Because that mixed-attribute contract is a derivative instrument and has an underlying related solely to changes in the basis differential, that contract (as a derivative instrument) would generally not be sufficiently effective if designated as the sole hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of the anticipated purchase or sale of the commodity—a forecasted transaction whose variability in cash flows is based on changes in both the basis differential and the base commodity price. Because its underlying relates solely to changes in the basis differential, the mixed-attribute contract would essentially be hedging only a portion of the variability in cash flows. The entity is not permitted to designate a cash flow hedging relationship as hedging only the change in cash flows attributable to changes in the basis differential. For an entity to be able to conclude that such a hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows, the entity would need to consider the likelihood of changes in the base commodity price as remote or insignificant to the variability in hedged cash flows (for the total purchase or sales price). However, the mixed-attribute contract may be combined with another derivative instrument whose underlying is the base commodity price, with the combination of those derivative instruments designated as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of the overall variability of cash flows for the anticipated purchase or sale of the commodity. Such a combination would address the risk of changes in both the basis differential and the base commodity price.
815-20-55-49
A debt instrument denominated in the investor's functional currency and a cross-currency interest rate swap cannot be accounted for as synthetically created foreign-currency-denominated debt to be designated as a hedge of the entity's net investment in a foreign operation.
815-20-55-50
For example, a parent entity that has the U.S. dollar (USD) as its functional and reporting currency has a net investment in a Japanese yen- (JPY-) functional-currency subsidiary. The parent borrows in euros (EUR) on a fixed-rate basis and simultaneously enters into a receive-EUR, pay-Japanese yen currency swap (for all interest and principal payments) to synthetically convert the borrowing into a yen-denominated borrowing. The parent entity cannot designate the EUR-denominated borrowing and the currency swap in combination as a hedging instrument for its net investment in the JPY-functional-currency subsidiary.
815-20-55-51
An approach that would involve measuring a derivative instrument and a cash instrument as a single unit at the current spot rate (which is used in the translation of the hedged net investment) violates the requirements of Subtopic 830-20 for translation of foreign-currency-denominated borrowings at the spot rate relevant to the currency of the borrowing. It also violates the requirements of Subtopic 815-10 for measurement of all derivative instruments at fair value. Accordingly, combining the EUR-denominated borrowing and the currency swap for designation as a single hedging instrument—a JPY-denominated borrowing—in a net investment hedge is not permitted.
815-20-55-52
In contrast, an entity could designate a foreign currency derivative instrument and a foreign-currency-denominated cash instrument individually as hedging different portions of its net investment in a foreign operation provided the derivative instrument and the cash instrument each individually qualified as a hedging instrument.
815-20-55-53
For example, a JPY-USD forward contract and a JPY-denominated cash instrument could each be designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of different portions of the net investment in a JPY-functional-currency subsidiary (that is, two separate hedging relationships would be designated).
Hedge Effectiveness
815-20-55-54
This implementation guidance on hedge effectiveness is organized as follows:
- aChanges in quantitative assessment methods
- bComponents of option time value
- cEffect of interest rate indexes
- dProhibition of preset hedge coverage ratios
- eMethodologies to assess effectiveness of fair value and cash flow hedges
- fApplicability of the shortcut method
- gApplication of the prepayable criterion under the shortcut method
- hDetermining whether a mirror-image call provision exists in application of the shortcut method
- iSimplified hedge accounting approach.
- jTiming of initial quantitative prospective effectiveness assessment
- kEligibility of hedging relationships for subsequent qualitative effectiveness assessments
- lChange in facts and circumstances in qualitative effectiveness assessments
- mIncome statement presentation of hedging instruments.
815-20-55-55
If an entity elects to or is required to assess hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis after the initial quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness, examples of changes in the types of methods an entity may use in assessing hedge effectiveness (see paragraph 815-20-35-20) could include the following:
- aA change from the dollar-offset method to the use of regression analysis or vice versa
- bA change between any one of the three methods discussed beginning in paragraph 815-30-35-10 (for example, a change from the change in variable cash flows method to either the hypothetical derivative method or the change in fair value method)
- cA change from excluding certain components of a derivative instrument gain or loss to including such components or vice versa (for example, a change from assessing effectiveness based on changes in intrinsic value to the entire change in an option's fair value)
- dA change from assessing hedge effectiveness on a period-by-period basis to a cumulative basis or vice versa.
815-20-55-56
This Subtopic permits a hedging relationship to be dedesignated (that is, discontinued) at any time. (See paragraphs 815-25-40-1(c) and 815-30-40-1(c).) If an entity wishes to change any of the critical terms of the hedging relationship (including the method designated for use in assessing hedge effectiveness), as documented at inception, the mechanism provided in this Subtopic to accomplish that change is the dedesignation of the original hedging relationship and the designation of a new hedging relationship that incorporates the desired changes. However, as discussed in paragraph 815-30-35-37A, a change to the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction does not result in an automatic dedesignation of the hedging relationship if the hedging instrument continues to be highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows associated with the hedged item attributable to the revised hedged risk. The dedesignation of an original hedging relationship and the designation of a new hedging relationship represents the application of this Subtopic and is not a change in accounting principle under Topic 250, even though the new hedging relationship may differ from the original hedging relationship only with respect to the method designated for use in assessing the hedge effectiveness of that hedging relationship. Although paragraph 815-20-35-19 refers to discontinuing an existing hedging relationship and then designating and documenting a new hedging relationship using an improved method for assessing effectiveness, that reference was not meant to imply that the perceived improved method had to be justified as a preferable method of applying an accounting principle under Topic 250.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7This Subtopic permits a hedging relationship to be dedesignated (that is, discontinued) at any time. (See paragraphs 815-25-40-1(c) and 815-30-40-1(c).) If an entity wishes to change any of the critical terms of the hedging relationship (including the method designated for use in assessing hedge effectiveness or the method of assessing similar risk exposure), as documented at inception, the mechanism provided in this Subtopic to accomplish that change is the dedesignation of the original hedging relationship and the designation of a new hedging relationship that incorporates the desired changes. However, as discussed in paragraphs , for a cash flow hedge of forecasted interest payments on choose-your-rate debt (and related replacement debt), a change in the contractually specified interest rate (and associated change in the number and timing of forecasted interest payments within the hedged period, if any) does not result in an automatic dedesignation of the hedging relationship if the conditions in those paragraphs are met. The dedesignation of an original hedging relationship and the designation of a new hedging relationship represent the application of this Subtopic and is not a change in accounting principle under Topic 250, even though the new hedging relationship may differ from the original hedging relationship only with respect to the method designated for use in assessing the similar risk exposure or hedge effectiveness of that hedging relationship. Although paragraph 815-20-35-19 refers to discontinuing an existing hedging relationship and then designating and documenting a new hedging relationship using an improved method for assessing effectiveness, that reference was not meant to imply that the perceived improved method had to be justified as a preferable method of applying an accounting principle under Topic 250. 815-20-55-56A
For the purposes of applying the guidance in paragraph 815-20-55-56, a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument in an existing hedging relationship would not, in and of itself, be considered a change in a critical term of the hedging relationship.
815-20-55-57
This guidance discusses implementation of paragraph 815-20-25-82.
815-20-55-58
Some entities may wish to assess hedge effectiveness based on the change in an option's value excluding a certain aspect of the change in the option's time value. For example, some entities may wish to exclude the change in time value attributable to the passage of time (theta) from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, while assessing hedge effectiveness based on the remaining components of changes in an option's value. As an illustration, if out-of-the-money options are designated as hedging instruments, changes in value of the option are primarily driven by the change, if any, in the value of the underlying (delta). If the price of the underlying asset changes, in effective hedging strategies involving out-of-the-money options, the hedge gain or loss due to delta would offset the change in value of the hedged item; however, if the price of the underlying does not change, there is no change in fair value attributable to changes in delta. In that case, the only change in the option's value is attributable to the passage of time (theta), or to changes in other market variables such as volatilities or interest rates. Accordingly, for those hedging relationships to qualify for hedge accounting, an entity may need to exclude the change in value attributable to theta from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
815-20-55-59
Other entities may wish to exclude changes in time value attributable to certain market variables—volatility (vega) or interest rates (rho)—from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. An entity may wish to exclude changes in time value attributable to volatility (vega) from the assessment of hedge effectiveness because the fair value measurement of the hedged item does not incorporate a measure of implied volatility.
815-20-55-60
Similarly, an entity may seek to exclude changes in time value attributable to interest rates (rho) from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For example, in a foreign currency hedge involving a country in which interest rates are volatile, a substantial portion of the change in value of the option may be attributable to fluctuations in those interest rates, while the fair value of the hedged item is not affected correspondingly. Accordingly, for these hedging relationships to qualify for hedge accounting, an entity may need to exclude the change in value attributable to the relevant market variable from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
815-20-55-61
In summary, the exclusion of a certain aspect of the change in an option's time value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is driven by the fact that, in certain circumstances, the measurement of changes in fair value of the hedged item or changes in the cash flows of the hedged transaction does not depend on or incorporate that aspect. Option valuation models are capable of isolating the various aspects of changes in an option's time value.
815-20-55-62
The effectiveness of a cash flow hedge of the variability in interest payments of a variable-rate financial asset or liability, either existing or forecasted, is affected by the contractually specified interest rate on which the variability is based and the extent to which the hedging instrument provides offset. If the cash flows on the hedging instrument and the contractually specified interest rate of the hedged cash flows of the existing financial asset or liability or the contractually specified interest rate of the variable-rate financial asset or liability that is forecasted to be acquired or issued are based on different indexes, the basis difference between those indexes would affect the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
815-20-55-62A
An entity may designate as the hedged risk only the change in cash flows of the contractually specified interest rate, not an implied rate embedded in the interest rate. For example, if an entity issues variable-rate debt based on its own prime rate, it cannot designate the change in cash flows of the Fed Funds Target rate or the Wall Street Journal prime rate as the hedged risk.
815-20-55-63
Subtopic 860-50 requires that if an entity subsequently measures servicing assets and servicing liabilities using the amortization method, any impairment of servicing assets, which is the amount by which the carrying amount of the servicing assets for an individual stratum exceeds their fair value, be recognized in current earnings. However, an increase in the fair value above the carrying amount of servicing assets for an individual stratum may not be recognized in current earnings.
815-20-55-64
Entities that service certain types of financial assets may wish to designate as the hedged item in a fair value hedge a prespecified percentage of the total change in fair value of those servicing rights (attributable to the hedged risk) that varies based on changes in a specified independent variable. Because the prespecified percentage for each specified independent variable can be presented in a rectangular array, that method of determining the hedged item retroactively based on the actual independent variable is sometimes referred to as the matrix method. Under that approach, at the end of the hedge assessment period, the entity would determine the hedged item and assess hedge effectiveness by determining retrospectively which hedge coverage ratio would be applied to the servicing right asset to identify the hedged item for that period. That approach is in contrast to designating the hedged item at the inception of the hedge by specifying a single percentage of that recognized servicing right asset as the hedged item.
815-20-55-65
In a fair value hedge of a portion of a recognized servicing right asset subsequently measured using the amortization method and its related impairment analysis, an entity may not designate the hedged item at the inception of the hedge by initially specifying a series of possible percentages of the servicing right asset (that is, preset hedge coverage ratios) and then determining at the end of the assessment period what specific percentage of the servicing right asset is the actual hedged item for that period based on the change in a specified independent variable during that period. Such a matrix method would not be a valid application of the provisions of this Subtopic.
815-20-55-66
Paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(2)(i) precludes an entity from expressing the hedged item as multiple percentages of a recognized asset or liability and then retroactively determining the hedged item based on an independent matrix of those multiple percentages and the actual scenario that occurred during the period for which hedge effectiveness is being assessed.
815-20-55-67
There is a limited exception under paragraph 815-20-25-10 in which a collar that is comprised of one purchased option and one written option that have different notional amounts is designated as the hedging instrument, and the hedged item is specified as two different proportions of the same asset based on the upper and lower rate or price range of the asset referenced in those two options.
815-20-55-68
As discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-80, if an entity assesses hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis and elects at the inception of a hedging relationship to utilize a regression analysis approach for prospective considerations of assessing effectiveness and the dollar-offset method to perform retrospective evaluations of assessing effectiveness, then that entity must abide by the results of that methodology as long as that hedging relationship remains designated. Thus, in its retrospective evaluation, an entity might conclude that, under a dollar-offset approach, a designated hedging relationship does not qualify for hedge accounting for the period just ended, but that the hedging relationship may continue because, under a regression analysis approach, there is an expectation that the relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows in future periods. In its retrospective evaluation, if that entity concludes that, under a dollar-offset approach, the hedging relationship has not been highly effective in having achieved offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows, hedge accounting may not be applied in the current period. Whenever a hedging relationship fails to qualify for hedge accounting in a certain assessment period, the overall change in fair value of the derivative instrument for that current period is recognized in earnings (not reported in other comprehensive income for a cash flow hedge) and the change in fair value of the hedged item would not be recognized in earnings for that period (for a fair value hedge).
815-20-55-69
As discussed in paragraph 815-20-35-3(b), if an entity assesses hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis and elects at the inception of a hedging relationship to utilize a regression analysis (or other statistical analysis) approach for either prospective considerations or retrospective evaluations of assessing effectiveness, then that entity shall periodically update its regression analysis (or other statistical analysis). As long as an entity reruns its regression analysis and determines that the hedging relationship is still expected to be highly effective, then it can continue to apply hedge accounting without interruption.
815-20-55-70
The application of a regression or other statistical analysis approach to assessing effectiveness is complex. Those methodologies require appropriate interpretation and understanding of the statistical inferences.
815-20-55-71
Given the conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-104, the shortcut method cannot be applied, for example, to any of the following hedging relationships:
- aThose hedging interest rate risk that involve hedging instruments other than interest rate swaps.
- bFor fair value hedges, those that involve hedged risks other than the risk of changes in fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate.
- bbFor cash flow hedges, those that involve hedging relationships in which the contractually specified interest rate of a recognized interest-bearing asset or liability does not match the interest rate index of the variable leg of the interest rate swap.
- cThose that do not involve a recognized interest-bearing asset or liability.
815-20-55-72
Based on (c) in the preceding paragraph, the shortcut method cannot be applied in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction, even if an entity determines that all critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged forecasted transaction are matched.
815-20-55-74
This implementation guidance discusses the application of the prepayable criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-104(e) and related guidance beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-112.
815-20-55-75
A debt instrument may contain various terms and provisions that permit either the debtor or the creditor to cause prepayment of the debt (that is, cause the payment of principal before the scheduled payment dates), including the terms in the following illustrative instruments:
- aIllustrative debt instrument 1. Some fixed-rate debt instruments include a typical call option that permits the debt instrument to be called for prepayment by the debtor at a fixed amount, for example, at par or at a specified premium over par. In some instruments, the prepayment amount varies based on when the call option is exercised. Fixed-rate debt instruments that provide the borrower with the option to prepay at a fixed amount are considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e), because those contracts permit settlement at an amount that is potentially below the contract's fair value (absent the effect of the call provision) as of the date of settlement. Such clauses can be exercised based on an economic advantage related to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate.
- bIllustrative debt instrument 2. Some debt instruments include contingent acceleration clauses that permit the lender to accelerate the maturity of an outstanding note only if a specified event related to the debtor's credit deterioration or other change in the debtor's credit risk occurs (for example, the debtor's failure to make timely payment, thus making it delinquent; its failure to meet specific covenant ratios; its disposition of specific significant assets, such as a factory; a declaration of cross-default; or a restructuring by the debtor). A common example is a clause in a mortgage note secured by certain property that permits the lender to accelerate the maturity of the note if the borrower sells the property. Debt instruments that include contingent acceleration clauses that permit the lender to accelerate the maturity of an outstanding note only upon the occurrence of a specified event related to the debtor's credit deterioration or other changes in the debtor's credit risk are not considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e).
- cIllustrative debt instrument 3. Some fixed-rate debt instruments include a call option that permits the debtor to repurchase the debt instrument from the creditor at an amount equal to its then fair value. Fixed-rate debt instruments that provide the debtor with the option to repurchase from the creditor the debt at an amount equal to the then fair value of the contract are not considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e), because that right would have a fair value of zero at all times. Such clauses, which provide the debtor with the discretionary opportunity to settle its obligation before maturity, are not exercised based on an economic advantage related to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate because the repurchases are done at fair value.
- dIllustrative debt instrument 4. Some fixed-rate debt instruments, typically issued in private markets, include a make-whole provision. A make-whole provision differs from a typical call option, which enables the issuer to benefit by prepaying the debt if market interest rates decline. In a declining interest rate market, the settlement amount of a typical call option is less than what the fair value of the debt would have been absent the call option. In contrast, a make-whole provision involves settlement at a variable amount typically determined by discounting the debt's remaining contractual cash flows at a specified small spread over the current Treasury rate. That calculation results in a settlement amount significantly above the debt's current fair value based on the issuer's current spread over the current Treasury rate. The make-whole provision contains a premium settlement amount to penalize the debtor for prepaying the debt and to compensate the investor (that is, to approximately make the investor whole) for its being forced to recognize a taxable gain on the settlement of the debt investment. In some debt instruments, the prepayment option under a make-whole provision will not be exercisable during an initial lock-out period. (For example, Private Entity A borrows from Insurance Entity B under a 10-year loan with fixed periodic coupon payments. The spread over the Treasury rate for Entity A at issuance of the debt is 275 basis points. The loan agreement contains a make-whole provision that if Entity A prepays the debt, it will pay Insurance Entity B an amount equal to all the future contractual cash flows discounted at the current Treasury rate plus 50 basis points.) Fixed-rate debt instruments that include a make-whole provision (as previously described) are not considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e), because it involves settlement of the entire contract by the debtor before its stated maturity at an amount greater than (rather than an amount less than) the then fair value of the contract.
- eIllustrative debt instrument 5. Some variable-rate debt instruments include a call option that permits the debtor to repurchase the debt instrument from the creditor at each interest reset date at an amount equal to par. Although illustrative debt instrument 5, a variable-rate debt instrument, does have a fair value exposure between the date of a change in the contractually specified interest rate and the reset date, a swap would not be an appropriate hedging instrument to hedge that fair value exposure. Thus, a fair value hedge of illustrative debt instrument 5 could not qualify for the shortcut method discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-102, which requires the hedging instrument to be an interest rate swap. In cash flow hedges, if the reset provisions always result in the instrument's par amount being equal to its fair value at a reset date, then an option for the debtor to prepay the variable-rate debt instrument at par at that reset date would not be considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e). However, if the reset provisions can result in the instrument's par amount not being equal to its fair value at those reset dates, then an option for the debtor to prepay the variable-rate debt instrument at par at a reset date would be considered prepayable under that paragraph. (Because the reset provisions typically do not adjust the variable interest rate for changes in credit sector spreads and changes in the debtor's creditworthiness, the variable-rate debt instrument's par amount could seldom be expected to be equal to its fair value at each reset date.) Furthermore, to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet the applicable conditions in this Subtopic and the entity designating the hedge (that is, the debtor or creditor) must conclude it is probable that future interest payments will be made during the term of the interest rate swap. If the creditor's counterparty (that is, the debtor) on a recognized variable-rate asset related to the hedged forecasted interest payments can cause that asset to be prepaid, then that creditor would likely be unable to conclude that all the forecasted interest payments on its recognized interest-bearing asset are probable and, thus, the cash flow hedging relationship would not qualify for the shortcut method. (Even though the creditor believes it could immediately obtain a replacement variable-rate asset if prepayment occurs and thus could conclude that the forecasted variable interest inflows are probable, the only hedged forecasted interest inflows that are eligible for application of the shortcut method are those related to a recognized interest-bearing asset at the inception of the hedge.) However, paragraph 815-20-25-104(e) indicates that its criterion that prohibits a prepayment option in the interest-bearing asset or liability does not apply to a hedging relationship if the hedging interest rate swap contains an embedded mirror-image option. In that latter case, if both the prepayment option and the mirror-image option in the swap were exercised, there would be no future hedged interest cash flows related to the recognized interest-bearing asset or liability and no future cash flows under the swap and, thus, the existence of the prepayment option would not preclude the use of the shortcut method.
- fIllustrative debt instrument 6. Some fixed-rate debt instruments include both a call option as described in illustrative debt instrument 1 and a contingent acceleration clause as described in illustrative debt instrument 2. The same conclusions reached relative to illustrative debt instrument 1 also apply to illustrative debt instrument 6.
- gIllustrative debt instrument 7. Some debt instruments contain an investor protection clause (which is standard in substantially all debt issued in Europe) that provides that, in the event of a change in tax law that would subject the investor to additional incremental taxation by tax jurisdictions other than those entitled to tax the investor at the time of debt issuance, the coupon interest rate of the debt increases so that the investor's yield, net of the incremental taxation effect, is equal to the investor's yield before the tax law change. The debt issuance also contains an issuer protection clause (which is standard in substantially all debt issued in Europe) that provides that, in the event of a tax law change that triggers an increase in the coupon interest rate, the issuer has the right to call the debt obligation at par. There would be no market for the debt were it not for the prepayment and interest rate adjustment clauses that protect the issuer and investors. Illustrative debt instrument 7 is not considered prepayable under paragraph 815-20-25-104(e) because it meets the exclusion criteria under paragraph 815-20-25-113(c).
815-20-55-76
An entity is not precluded from applying the shortcut method to a fair value hedging relationship of interest rate risk involving illustrative debt instruments 1 and 6 that are prepayable due to an embedded purchased call option if the hedging interest rate swap contains an embedded mirror-image written call option.
815-20-55-77
In addition, an entity is not precluded from applying the shortcut method to a fair value hedging relationship of interest rate risk involving illustrative debt instruments 2, 3, 4, and 7 that are not considered prepayable if the hedging interest rate swap does not contain an embedded purchased or written call option related to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate.
815-20-55-78
However, an entity would likely be precluded from applying the shortcut method to a cash flow hedging relationship of interest rate risk involving illustrative debt instrument 5 because the entity would likely be unable to conclude that all the forecasted interest payments on the recognized interest-bearing asset or liability are probable.
815-20-55-79
This implementation guidance addresses the application of paragraph 815-20-25-104(e). It is common to quote the call prices (strike prices) on debt as a percentage of par value. In contrast, the strike prices of options embedded in interest rate swaps are generally quoted as a rate or current yield (the current fixed-rate coupon on a noncallable-nonputtable swap having zero fair value at inception). One means of determining whether these strike prices are the same would be to:
- aImpute the yield to maturity at a price equal to the call price for a noncallable-nonputtable debt instrument that is otherwise identical to the hedged debt instrument
- bCompare that yield to the call or put yield embedded in the swap.
815-20-55-79A
In complying with the condition in paragraph 815-20-25-137(b), comparable does not necessarily mean equal. For example, if the swap's variable rate is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the borrowing's variable rate is LIBOR plus 2 percent, a 10 percent cap on the swap would be comparable to a 12 percent cap on the borrowing.
815-20-55-79B
For a forward-starting swap, only the effective term of the receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap (that is, from its effective date through its expiration date) shall be considered in complying with the condition in paragraph 815-20-25-137(f). The period from the swap's inception to the date the swap is effective shall not be considered in complying with the condition in paragraph 815-20-25-137(f) because the effective date of a forward-starting swap occurs after the swap's inception. For example, a forward-starting receive-variable, pay-fixed, interest rate swap with a five-year effective term and an effective date commencing one year after the swap's inception would meet the condition in paragraph 815-20-25-137(f) if designated as a hedge of a five-year, variable-rate borrowing forecasted to be entered into one year after the swap's inception.
815-20-55-79C
The following scenarios illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(02). Entity A documents all hedges in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3, including designating the hedging instrument, hedged item, and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. It performs subsequent prospective and retrospective hedge effectiveness assessments every three months on the last day of the quarter in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-79(a) through (b). In the following scenarios, assume that the next quarterly effectiveness assessment date is March 31, 20X1. Entity A also does not dedesignate the hedging relationships in the following scenarios.
815-20-55-79D
Entity A enters into a cash flow hedging relationship on January 15, 20X1, in which the hedged item is a forecasted transaction expected to occur in one year. Because the hedged item and hedging instrument do not expire, are not sold, or do not terminate before the quarterly effectiveness testing date, Entity A may perform the initial prospective quantitative effectiveness assessment at any time after hedge designation but no later than March 31, 20X1.
815-20-55-79E
Entity A enters into a cash flow hedging relationship on March 28, 20X1, in which the hedged item is a forecasted transaction expected to occur in one year. Entity A must perform the initial prospective quantitative effectiveness assessment no later than March 31, 20X1.
815-20-55-79F
On January 15, 20X1, Entity A enters into a cash flow hedging relationship in which the hedged forecasted purchase of a nonfinancial asset is expected to occur in two months. The purchase occurs as forecasted on March 15, 20X1. Entity A must complete the initial prospective effectiveness assessment at any time after hedge designation but no later than March 15, 20X1, when the forecasted purchase occurs.
815-20-55-79G
An entity should use judgment in determining whether it can reasonably support performing assessments of effectiveness after hedge inception on a qualitative basis. That judgment should include careful consideration of the following factors:
- aResults of the quantitative assessment of effectiveness performed for the hedging relationship.
- bAlignment of the critical terms of the hedging relationship. If one or more of the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item are not aligned, an entity should consider whether changes in market conditions may cause the changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedging instrument and hedged item or hedged forecasted transaction attributable to the hedged risk to diverge as a result of those differences in terms.
- 1In cases in which the underlyings of the hedged item and hedging instrument are different, an entity should consider the extent and consistency of the correlation exhibited between the changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and hedging instrument.
- iThis may inform the entity about whether expected changes in market conditions could cause the changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedging instrument and the hedged item or hedged forecasted transaction attributable to the hedged risk to diverge. Particularly in the context of reverting to qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness after being required to perform a quantitative assessment (as discussed in paragraph 815-20-35-2D), this may inform an entity about whether there is a reasonable expectation that the hedging relationship is expected to remain stable or whether that divergence is expected to continue or recur in the future.
- iiA specific event or circumstance may cause a temporary disruption to the market that results in an entity concluding that the facts and circumstances of the hedging relationship have changed such that it no longer can assert qualitatively that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective. In those instances, if the results of the quantitative assessment of effectiveness do not significantly diverge from the results of the initial assessment of effectiveness, that market disruption should not prevent the entity from returning to qualitative testing in subsequent periods. If the results of the quantitative assessment of effectiveness do significantly diverge from the results of the initial assessment of effectiveness, the entity should continually monitor whether the temporary market disruption has been resolved when determining whether to return to qualitative testing in subsequent periods.
- i
- 1
815-20-55-79H
In the following scenarios, assume that the entity is required to perform a quantitative assessment of effectiveness at hedge inception in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01). For each scenario, a discussion of whether the entity could reasonably support performing qualitative assessments of effectiveness is included in paragraphs .
815-20-55-79I
The following factors are present in the hedging relationship:
- aThe results of the initial or most recent quantitative assessment of effectiveness performed indicate that the hedging relationship is close to achieving perfect offset.
- bAll critical terms of the hedging relationship match except for the underlyings of the hedged item and hedging instrument.
- 1The changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and hedging instrument have been consistently highly correlated such that expected changes in market conditions are not anticipated to prevent the hedging relationship from achieving highly effective offset.
- 1
815-20-55-79J
The following factors are present in the hedging relationship:
- aThe results of the initial or most recent quantitative assessment of effectiveness performed indicate that the hedging relationship is close to failing the effectiveness test.
- bAll critical terms of the hedging relationship match except for the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument.
- 1The changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument have not been consistently highly correlated such that expected changes in market conditions could prevent the hedging relationship from achieving highly effective offset.
- 1
815-20-55-79K
The following factors are present in the hedging relationship:
- aThe results of the initial or most recent quantitative assessment of effectiveness performed indicate that the hedging relationship is neither close to achieving perfect offset nor close to failing the effectiveness test.
- bAll critical terms of the hedging relationship match except for the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument.
- 1The changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument have not been consistently highly correlated such that expected changes in market conditions could prevent the hedging relationship from achieving highly effective offset.
- 1
815-20-55-79L
In Scenario A, the entity could reasonably support performing qualitative assessments of effectiveness. The quantitative assessment of effectiveness was close to achieving perfect offset and past observations of changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and hedging instrument (that is, the only critical term that did not match) consistently exhibited high correlation. This indicates that the results of subsequent assessments of effectiveness may not significantly differ from those observed from the assessment of effectiveness performed at hedge inception.
815-20-55-79M
In Scenario B, the entity could not reasonably support performing qualitative assessments of effectiveness. The lack of consistent high correlation exhibited between the changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument could prevent the entity from concluding that the results of subsequent assessments of effectiveness will be similar to the results observed from the initial assessment of effectiveness. Had the changes in underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument been consistently highly correlated, the entity may conclude that it is still unable to reasonably support performing subsequent assessments of effectiveness on a qualitative basis. Because the hedging relationship is close to failing its quantitative assessment, minimal changes in the relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument could result in the hedging relationship not being highly effective.
815-20-55-79N
In Scenario C, the entity could not reasonably support performing qualitative assessments of effectiveness. Although this hedging relationship is not close to failing the quantitative assessment of effectiveness as in Scenario B, the lack of consistent high correlation exhibited between the changes in the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument prevent the entity from concluding that the results of subsequent assessments of effectiveness will be similar to the results observed from the initial or most recent quantitative assessment of effectiveness. Had the changes in value of the underlyings of the hedged item and the hedging instrument consistently been highly correlated, the entity may conclude that it could reasonably support performing subsequent assessments of effectiveness on a qualitative basis.
815-20-55-79O
The following scenarios illustrate the application of paragraphs .
815-20-55-79P
Entity B expects to purchase 10,000 metric tons of cottonseed meal throughout April 20X3 based on the spot price of the cottonseed meal index on the respective date of each purchase. Entity B wants to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the cottonseed meal index on the price that it will pay for the cottonseed meal. It enters into a forward contract on August 24, 20X1, with a notional of 10,000 metric tons, a maturity of April 1, 20X3, and an underlying of the soybean meal index because no market exists for derivatives indexed to the cottonseed meal index. Concurrent with the execution of the forward, Entity B designates the forward as the hedging instrument in a hedging relationship in which the hedged item is documented as the forecasted purchases of the first 10,000 metric tons of cottonseed meal expected to be purchased during April 20X3 and the hedged risk is documented as the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified cottonseed meal index in the not-yet-existing contract. On August 24, 20X1, Entity B determines that all requirements for cash flow hedge accounting are met and that the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-22A will be met in the contract once executed in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-22B. Entity B also will assess whether the criteria in 815-20-25-22A are met in the contract when it is executed.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Entity B expects to purchase 10,000 metric tons of cottonseed meal throughout April 20X3 based on the spot price of the cottonseed meal index on the respective date of each purchase. Entity B wants to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the cottonseed meal index on the price that it will pay for the cottonseed meal. It enters into a forward contract on August 24, 20X1, with a notional of 10,000 metric tons, a maturity of April 1, 20X3, and an underlying of the soybean meal index because no market exists for derivatives indexed to the cottonseed meal index. Concurrent with the execution of the forward, Entity B designates the forward as the hedging instrument in a hedging relationship in which the hedged item is documented as the forecasted purchases of the first 10,000 metric tons of cottonseed meal expected to be purchased during April 20X3 and the hedged risk is documented as the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the cottonseed meal index. On August 24, 20X1, Entity B determines that all requirements for cash flow hedge accounting are met, including the relevant conditions in paragraph 815-20-25-22C on designating the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component of the forecasted purchase price of a nonfinancial asset as the hedged risk.815-20-55-79Q
Because the hedged risk and forward contract are based on different indexes, the hedging relationship does not qualify for one of the exemptions in paragraph 815-20-25-3(b)(2)(iv)(01). Entity B performs an initial quantitative hedge effectiveness assessment and determines that the hedging instrument is highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows associated with the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. In Entity B's hedge documentation, it elects to perform subsequent assessments of hedge effectiveness on a qualitative basis. It makes this election based on the following factors:
- aThe results of the quantitative effectiveness assessment performed at hedge inception indicate that the hedging relationship is close to achieving perfect offset.
- bChanges in the value of the cottonseed meal index have been consistently highly correlated with changes in value of the soybean meal index such that expected changes in market conditions are not anticipated to prevent the hedging relationship from achieving highly effective offset.
- cAlthough the underlyings of the hedging instrument and hedged item do not match, the notional amount of the derivative and the expected quantity to be purchased do match. Based on the quantitative effectiveness assessment, Entity B also determined that the difference in timing between the maturity date of the derivative and the dates on which the group of forecasted purchases is expected to occur is insignificant.
815-20-55-79R
During the fourth quarter of 20X1, a storm damages the soybean harvest, which leads to a shortage in soybean meal supply and a sharp increase in the price of soybean meal based on the soybean meal index. The cottonseed meal index has not experienced a similar increase because cotton harvests were unaffected by the storm that damaged the soybean harvest. Because the increase in the soybean meal index is not reflected in the cottonseed meal index, Entity B concludes that a change in facts and circumstance has occurred that prevents a qualitative assertion in subsequent periods that the hedging relationship continues to be highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows. Thus, on the next subsequent effectiveness assessment date (December 31, 20X1), the company begins performing quantitative assessments of hedge effectiveness based on the method used to perform the initial prospective assessment of effectiveness. In the effectiveness assessment performed on December 31, 20X1, Entity B determines that the hedging relationship remains highly effective but that it is not close to achieving perfect offset.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7During the fourth quarter of 20X1, a storm damages the soybean harvest, which leads to a shortage in soybean meal supply and a sharp increase in the price of soybean meal based on the soybean meal index. The cottonseed meal index has not experienced a similar increase because cotton harvests were unaffected by the storm that damaged the soybean harvest. Because the increase in the soybean meal index is not reflected in the cottonseed meal index, Entity B concludes that a change in facts and circumstances has occurred that prevents a qualitative assertion in subsequent periods that the hedging relationship continues to be highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows. Thus, on the next subsequent effectiveness assessment date (December 31, 20X1), the company begins performing quantitative assessments of hedge effectiveness based on the method used to perform the initial prospective assessment of effectiveness. In the effectiveness assessment performed on December 31, 20X1, Entity B determines that the hedging relationship remains highly effective but that it is not close to achieving perfect offset. 815-20-55-79S
Entity B returns to assessing effectiveness qualitatively as of June 30, 20X2, because the evaluation of the following criteria leads to the conclusion that high effectiveness can be asserted prospectively on a qualitative basis:
- aEntity B determines that the event that caused the soybean meal index and cottonseed meal index to experience a lack of correlation was temporary, that it was an isolated weather event, and the effect of the weather event has passed.
- bThe changes in value of the soybean meal index and cottonseed meal index reverted to levels of correlation that were consistent with those before the storm.
- cThe results of the June 30, 20X2 quantitative assessment of effectiveness are in line with the results of the quantitative assessment of effectiveness performed at hedge inception.
- dNo further disruptions in supply are expected.
815-20-55-79T
On August 17, 20X1, Entity C issues at par a $100 million 5-year fixed-rate noncallable debt instrument with an annual 8 percent interest coupon. On that date, Entity C enters into a 5-year interest rate swap with Financial Institution D and designates it as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of the LIBOR interest rate risk of the $100 million liability. Under the terms of the interest rate swap, Entity C will receive fixed interest at 6 percent and pay variable interest at LIBOR based on a notional amount of $100 million. The variable leg of the interest rate swap resets at the end of each quarter for the interest payment that is due at the end of the following quarter.
815-20-55-79U
Entity C performs the initial quantitative and first subsequent hedge effectiveness assessments on September 30 (the entity's first quarterly testing date after hedge inception) and determines that the hedging relationship is highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value attributable to interest rate risk. Entity C also elects at hedge inception to subsequently assess hedge effectiveness on a qualitative basis and documents how it would carry out that qualitative assessment. In its quarterly effectiveness assessment on December 31, the entity asserts that facts and circumstances related to the hedging relationship have not changed and the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective.
815-20-55-79V
However, in the first quarter of 20X2, Financial Institution D's risk of default significantly increases, which affects the valuation of the interest rate swap with Entity C. Entity C notes that it no longer can qualitatively assert that the hedging relationship was and continues to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value attributable to changes in benchmark interest rates. Thus, on the next subsequent effectiveness assessment date (March 31, 20X2), Entity C begins performing quantitative assessments of effectiveness using the method documented at hedge inception. In subsequent periods, Entity C does not return to qualitative effectiveness assessments because it cannot reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness on a qualitative basis for the following reasons:
- aThe significant risk of default of Financial Institution D has not reversed and is not expected to be temporary.
- bThe results of quantitative effectiveness tests performed indicate that the hedging relationship is close to no longer being highly effective.
815-20-55-79W
Paragraph 815-20-45-1A requires an entity to present the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness and the amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. The following scenarios include implementation guidance on the meaning of the phrase the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item.
815-20-55-79X
Entity A designates a fair value hedge of interest rate risk in which the hedged item is a portfolio of fixed-rate loans. The derivative designated as the hedging instrument is a receive-floating-rate, pay-fixed-rate interest rate swap. In this scenario, Entity A's objective is to convert the interest cash flows on the portfolio of fixed-rate loans to floating-rate.
815-20-55-79Y
The interest rate swap is a highly effective hedge of the interest rate risk of the portfolio of fixed-rate loans. Therefore, the change in the fair value of the interest rate swap should be presented in the same income statement line item used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. Before applying hedge accounting, the earnings effect of the hedged item (that is, the interest accruals) is presented in an interest income line item. Therefore, Entity A should present all changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument (that is, the interest accruals and all other changes in fair value) in the same interest income line item in the income statement.
815-20-55-79Z
Entity B designates a fair value hedge of foreign exchange risk in which the hedged item is an issued variable-rate debt instrument denominated in a currency other than Entity B's functional currency. The derivative designated as the hedging instrument is a receive-floating-rate (in foreign currency), pay-floating-rate (in functional currency) cross-currency swap that requires an initial and final exchange of notional amounts. In this scenario, Entity B's objective is to convert the cash flows of the debt instrument (both interest cash flows and the principal cash flow) from a foreign currency to Entity B's functional currency.
815-20-55-79AA
The currency swap is a highly effective hedge of the currency risk of both the interest cash flows and the principal cash flows of the debt instrument. Therefore, the change in fair value of the currency swap should be presented in the same income statement line item(s) used to present the earnings effects of the hedged item. Before applying hedge accounting, Entity B presents the earnings effect associated with the hedged item in two income statement line items. That is, interest accruals are presented in an interest expense line item, and the spot remeasurement of the foreign-currency-denominated debt under Topic 830 on foreign currency matters is presented in a foreign currency transaction gain or loss line item. Therefore, in this scenario, because the hedging instrument is highly effective at offsetting changes in fair values associated with the hedged item that are reported in more than one income statement line item, the effects of the hedging instrument also should be presented in those corresponding income statement line items. Entity B should present all changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument (that is, the interest accruals and all other changes in fair value) in the same interest expense line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item before applying hedge accounting, except for the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument that the entity determines should be presented in the same foreign currency transaction gain or loss line item used to present the spot remeasurement of the hedged item before applying hedge accounting.
815-20-55-79AB
Entity C designates a fair value hedge of interest rate risk and foreign currency risk in which the hedged item is a foreign-currency-denominated fixed-rate available-for-sale debt security. The derivative designated as the hedging instrument is a pay-fixed-rate (in foreign currency), receive-floating-rate (in functional currency) cross-currency interest rate swap. In this scenario, Entity C's objective is to convert the interest cash flows of the fixed-rate security to floating-rate and also to convert the cash flows of the security (both interest cash flows and the principal cash flow) from a foreign currency to Entity C's functional currency.
815-20-55-79AC
The cross-currency interest rate swap is a highly effective hedge of both the interest rate risk and foreign currency risk of the available-for-sale debt security. Therefore, the change in fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swap should be presented in the same income statement line item or items used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. Before applying hedge accounting, Entity C recognizes the earnings effect of the hedged item (that is, interest accruals on the available-for-sale debt security) in an interest income line item in the income statement and recognizes all other changes in fair value in other comprehensive income in accordance with paragraph 320-10-35-1(b). Entity C should present changes in fair value of the hedging instrument (that is, the interest accruals and all other changes in fair value) in the same income statement line item used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. However, if Entity C's policy is to present the effect of foreign exchange rate changes on the fair value of the security that are recognized in earnings after applying hedge accounting in accordance with paragraph 815-25-35-6 in a different income statement line item (consistent with its presentation policies when reflecting other foreign exchange rate changes), then the related changes in fair value of the hedging instrument also should be presented in that income statement line item.
815-20-55-79AD
This scenario illustrates that a single hedging instrument (a cross-currency interest rate swap) may be highly effective at offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows associated with the hedged item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is presented in more than one income statement line item. If a hedging instrument is highly effective at offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item and the earnings effect of the hedged item is presented in more than one income statement line item, then the earnings effects of the hedging instrument also should be presented in those corresponding income statement line item(s).
Illustrations
815-20-55-80
This Example illustrates the requirement in paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1) for specific identification of the hedged transaction. Entity A determines with a high degree of probability that it will issue $5,000,000 of fixed-rate bonds with a 5-year maturity sometime during the next 6 months, but it cannot predict exactly when the debt issuance will occur. That situation might occur, for example, if the funds from the debt issuance are needed to finance a major project to which Entity A is already committed but the precise timing of which has not yet been determined. To qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, Entity A might identify the hedged forecasted transaction as, for example, the first issuance of five-year, fixed-rate bonds that occurs during the next six months.
815-20-55-80A
This Example illustrates the documentation requirements in paragraph 815-20-25-3 when the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction match in accordance with paragraphs . On January 1, 20X1, Entity A, a U.S. dollar (USD) functional currency entity, executes a forward contract to hedge a portion of its exposure to Canadian Dollar- (CAD-) denominated forecasted sales expected to occur in December 20X1. Entity A determines that all the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction match. It documents the hedging relationship concurrently with the execution of the forward contract in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-3 as follows:
- aRisk management objective: To hedge against movements in the USD/CAD exchange rate that will affect the USD value of future CAD sales.
- bHedged forecasted transaction: The first CAD 500,000 sales in December 20X1.
- cHedging instrument: Foreign exchange forward contract to sell CAD 500,000 and receive USD 400,000 on December 31, 20X1. The fair value of the forward contract at hedge inception is zero.
- dMethod of assessing hedge effectiveness: Entity A will assess the effectiveness on a qualitative basis at hedge inception. The critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction can be considered to match because the notional amounts and underlyings of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction are the same and the forecasted sales are expected to occur in the same fiscal month as the maturity date of the hedging instrument. Therefore, the hedge is expected to be perfectly effective. Subsequent assessments of effectiveness will be performed by verifying and documenting whether the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged forecasted transaction have changed during the period in review and whether it remains probable that the counterparty to the hedged item and hedged forecasted transactions will not default. If there are no such changes in critical terms or counterparty credit risk, Entity A will continue to conclude that the hedging relationship is perfectly effective.
815-20-55-81
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-12.
815-20-55-82
An entity that issues $100 million of fixed-rate debt may wish to hedge 50 percent of its fair value exposure to interest rate risk, as permitted by paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(2). To accomplish that, the entity could enter into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $50 million. The paragraph 815-20-25-104(a) criterion is satisfied because the entity has designated as a fair value hedge 50 percent of the contractual principal amount as the hedged item and has entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount that matches the hedged principal amount.
815-20-55-83
If $100 million of fixed-rate debt were issued in increments of $1,000 individual bonds, the entity could aggregate 50,000 of those individual bonds as a portfolio to equal the notional amount of the swap, as permitted by paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) (for the purposes of this Example, it is assumed that the hedge satisfies the portfolio requirements of that paragraph).
815-20-55-84
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-12 and the definition of firm commitment in relation to long-term supply contracts with embedded price caps or floors.
815-20-55-85
Entity A enters into a long-term supply contract with a customer to sell a specified amount of a certain material. The selling price is the current monthly average list price for the quantity delivered each month but not to exceed $15 per pound. The current list price at the contract signing date is $12 per pound. The contract can be settled only by physical delivery. The contract also includes a penalty provision that is sufficiently large to make performance probable. The customer is not required to make an up-front cash payment for the written option (that is, the price cap) in the supply contract. Consequently, the supply contract is neither a recognized asset nor a recognized liability at inception.
815-20-55-86
The supply contract in its entirety does not meet the definition of a derivative instrument due to the absence of a net settlement characteristic—that is, the contract does not permit or require net settlement (see guidance beginning in paragraph 815-10-15-100), there is no market mechanism (see guidance beginning in paragraph 815-10-15-110), and it does not require delivery of an asset that is readily convertible to cash (see guidance beginning in paragraph 815-10-15-119). Pursuant to the guidance in paragraph 815-15-25-19, the embedded cap on the selling price is an option that does not warrant separate accounting under Subtopic 815-15 because it is clearly and closely related to the host supply contract. In addition, because the supply contract is not remeasured with changes in fair value reported currently in earnings, it meets the criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-43(c)(3) to qualify as a hedged item in a fair value hedge.
815-20-55-87
Entity A wishes to enter into a transaction to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the embedded written price cap in the supply contract. Accordingly, it purchases a cash-settled call option with a strike price of $15 per pound and a notional amount equal to the quantity specified in the supply contract. In accordance with the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-12, a supply contract for which the contract price is fixed only under certain circumstances (such as when market prices are above an embedded price cap) meets the definition of a firm commitment for purposes of designating the hedged item in a fair value hedge. Therefore, if the selling price in a supply contract is subject to a cap, a floor, or both, either party to the contract is eligible to apply fair value hedge accounting in a hedging relationship to hedge the fair value exposure of the cap or floor. For the range of monthly average list prices above $15 per pound, the contract has a fixed $15 per pound price. Thus, Entity A may designate the written cap embedded in the supply contract as the hedged item in a fair value hedging relationship provided the other criteria for a fair value hedge are met. The embedded written cap in this Example is a specific portion of the contract that is subject to the risk of changes in fair value due to changes in the list price of the underlying materials. Because it is not accounted for separately from the supply contract, the embedded written cap may be designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge. Paragraph 815-20-25-12 allows a nonbifurcated call option that is embedded in a supply contract to be the hedged item in a fair value hedge regardless of whether that supply contract is a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment.
815-20-55-88
The following Cases illustrate the implications of two different approaches to designation of variable interest payments on a group of variable-rate, interest-bearing loans:
- aDesignation based on first payments received (Case A)
- bDesignation based on a specific group of individual loans (Case B).
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7The following Cases illustrate the implications of different approaches to designation of variable interest payments on a group of variable-rate, interest-bearing loans: - aDesignation based on a single interest rate index under the first-payments-received technique (Case A)
- bDesignation based on a specific group of individual loans (Case B)
- cDesignation based on multiple interest rate indexes under the first-payments-received technique (Case C).
815-20-55-89
For Cases A and B, assume Entity A and Entity B both make to their respective customers London Interbank Offered Rate- (LIBOR-) indexed variable-rate loans for which interest payments are due at the end of each calendar quarter, and the LIBOR-based interest rate resets at the end of each quarter for the interest payment that is due at the end of the following quarter. Both entities determine that they will each always have at least $100 million of those LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans outstanding throughout the next 3 years, even though the composition of those loans will likely change to some degree due to prepayments, loan sales, and potential defaults.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7For Cases A, B, and C, assume that Entities A, B, and C each make to their respective customers Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR-) indexed variable-rate loans for which monthly interest payments are based on 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) (that is, daily compounded average of SOFR during the past 30 days). Entity C also originates SOFR-indexed variable-rate loans for which interest payments are based on both 1-Month Term SOFR (that is, 1-month forward-looking SOFR) and 30-Day Average Effective Federal Funds Rate (in arrears) (that is, daily compounded average Effective Federal Funds Rate during the past 30 days). All loans made by Entities A, B, and C have interest rate floors that range from 0 percent to 0.5 percent and reset and payment dates that occur over the course of a month. 815-20-55-89A
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Both Entities A and B determine that they will each always have at least $100 million of 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loans outstanding throughout the next 3 years, even though the composition of those loans will likely change to some degree due to prepayments, loan sales, and potential defaults. Entity C determines that it will always have at least $100 million of variable-rate loans outstanding indexed to any combination of 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears), 1-Month Term SOFR, and 30-Day Average Effective Federal Funds Rate (in arrears) throughout the next 3 years. 815-20-55-89B
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Entities A, B, and C each execute a 3-year, receive-fixed, pay-variable (30-Day Average SOFR [in arrears]) interest rate swap with a $100 million notional amount that settles at the end of each calendar month. Each interest rate swap does not include a floor and has a fair value of $0 at inception. 815-20-55-90
This Example does not address cash flow hedging relationships in which the hedged risk is the risk of overall changes in the hedged cash flows related to an asset or liability, as discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-15(j)(1).
815-20-55-91
In this Case, Entity A designates the 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) interest rate swap (described in paragraph 815-20-55-89B) as hedging the cash flow variability attributable to changes in the first interest payments received during each month for the next 3 years on $100 million principal of 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loans.
In this Case, Entity A wishes to hedge its interest rate exposure to changes in the quarterly interest receipts on $100 million principal of those LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans by entering into a 3-year interest rate swap that provides for quarterly net settlements based on Entity A receiving a fixed interest rate on a $100 million notional amount and paying a variable LIBOR-based rate on a $100 million notional amount.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7| Editor's Note: Paragraph 815-20-55-91 will be amended upon transition, together with its heading: |
| • • > Case A: Designation Based on a Single Interest Rate Index under the First-Payments-Received Technique |
815-20-55-92
In a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk, Entity A may identify the hedged forecasted transactions as the first LIBOR-based interest payments received by Entity A during each 4-week period that begins 1 week before each quarterly due date for the next 3 years that, in the aggregate for each quarter, are payments on $100 million principal of its then existing LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans. The LIBOR-based interest payments received by Entity A after it has received payments on $100 million aggregate principal would be unhedged interest payments for that quarter.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Any 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) interest payments received by Entity A after it has received payments on $100 million aggregate principal would be unhedged interest payments for that period.815-20-55-93
The hedged forecasted transactions for Entity A in this Case are described with sufficient specificity so that when a transaction occurs, it is clear whether that transaction is or is not the hedged transaction.
815-20-55-94
Because Entity A has designated the hedging relationship as hedging the risk of changes attributable to changes in the LIBOR interest rate in Entity A's first LIBOR-based interest payments received, any prepayment, sale, or credit difficulties related to an individual LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loan would not affect the designated hedging relationship.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Because Entity A has designated the hedging relationship as hedging the risk of changes in the 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) interest rate in Entity A's first 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) interest payments received, any prepayment, sale, or credit difficulties related to an individual 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loan would not necessarily affect the designated hedging relationship. 815-20-55-95
Provided Entity A determines it is probable that it will continue to receive interest payments on at least $100 million principal of its then existing LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans, Entity A can conclude that the hedged forecasted transactions in the documented cash flow hedging relationships are probable of occurring.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Provided Entity A determines it is probable that it will continue to receive interest payments on at least $100 million principal of its then existing 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loans, Entity A can conclude that the hedged forecasted transactions in the documented cash flow hedging relationships are probable of occurring. 815-20-55-96
An entity may not assume perfect effectiveness in such a hedging relationship as described in paragraph 815-20-25-102 because the hedging relationship does not involve hedging the interest payments related to the same recognized interest-bearing loan throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Consequently, at a minimum, Entity A must consider the timing of the hedged cash flows vis-à-vis the swap's cash flows when assessing effectiveness.
815-20-55-96A
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Entity A elects to assess similar risk exposure for the group of forecasted transactions by determining that the designated hedging instrument is highly effective against each hedged risk in the group in accordance with the method outlined in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a) and determines that the similar risk exposure requirement is met. Entity A also utilizes that same assessment to satisfy the initial prospective effectiveness assessment. In performing that assessment, Entity A considers the differences between the individual forecasted transactions in the group and the contractual terms of the hedging instrument. Those differences include, for example, payment dates, reset dates, and interest rate floors. 815-20-55-97
In this Case, Entity B wishes to hedge its interest rate exposure to changes in the quarterly interest receipts on $100 million principal of those LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans by entering into a 3-year interest rate swap that provides for quarterly net settlements based on Entity B receiving a fixed interest rate on a $100 million notional amount and paying a variable LIBOR-based rate on a $100 million notional amount. Entity B initially designates cash flow hedging relationships of interest rate risk and identifies as the related hedged forecasted transactions each of the variable interest receipts on a specified group of individual LIBOR-indexed variable-rate loans aggregating $100 million principal but then some of those loans experience prepayments, are sold, or experience credit difficulties.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7In this Case, Entity B designates the 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) interest rate swap (described in paragraph 815-20-55-89B) as hedging the cash flow variability attributable to changes in the interest payments received during each month for the next 3 years on a specified group of individual 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loans aggregating $100 million principal. Entity B elects to assess similar risk exposure in accordance with the method outlined in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a). Consistent with the differences considered by Entity A in paragraph 815-20-55-96A, Entity B should consider differences between the individual forecasted transactions in the group and the contractual terms of the hedging instrument, including, for example, payment dates, reset dates, and interest rate floors. 815-20-55-98
This Case addresses whether the original cash flow hedging relationships remain intact if the composition of the group of loans whose interest payments are the hedged forecasted transactions is changed by replacing the principal amount of the specified loans with similar variable-rate interest-bearing loans. Entity B cannot conclude that the original cash flow hedging relationships have remained intact if the composition of the group of loans whose interest payments are the hedged forecasted transactions is changed by replacing the principal amount of the originally specified loans with similar variable-rate interest-bearing loans. Paragraph 815-20-25-15(a) requires that, for a cash flow hedge, the forecasted transaction be specifically identified as a single transaction or group of transactions. At inception, the entity designated cash flow hedging relationships for each of the variable interest receipts on a specified group of variable-rate loans. If a loan within the group experiences a prepayment, has been sold, or experiences an unexpected change in its expected cash flows due to credit difficulties, the remaining hedged interest payments to Entity B specifically related to that loan are now no longer probable of occurring. Pursuant to paragraphs , Entity B must discontinue the hedging relationships with respect to the hedged forecasted transactions that are now no longer probable of occurring. However, had the hedged forecasted transactions been designated in a manner similar to that described in Case A, the consequences of a loan's prepayment, a loan sale, or an unexpected change in a loan's expected cash flows due to credit difficulties would not have been the same. How the forecasted transaction in a cash flow hedge is designated can have a significant effect on the application of the Derivatives and Hedging Topic.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7After designation, some of the specifically identified loans experience prepayments, are sold, or experience credit difficulties. This Case addresses whether the original cash flow hedging relationships remain intact if the composition of the group of loans whose interest payments are the hedged forecasted transactions is changed by replacing the principal amount of the specified loans that experience a prepayment, have been sold, or experience a change in expected cash flows due to credit difficulties with similar variable-rate interest-bearing loans. Entity B cannot conclude that the original cash flow hedging relationships have remained intact if the composition of the group of loans whose interest payments are the hedged forecasted transactions is changed by replacing the principal amount of the originally specified loans with similar variable-rate interest-bearing loans. Paragraph 815-20-25-15(a) requires that, for a cash flow hedge, the forecasted transaction be specifically identified as a single transaction or group of transactions. At inception, the entity designated cash flow hedging relationships for each of the variable interest receipts on a specified group of variable-rate loans. If a loan within the group experiences a prepayment, has been sold, or experiences an unexpected change in its expected cash flows due to credit difficulties, the remaining hedged interest payments to Entity B specifically related to that loan are now no longer probable of occurring. Pursuant to paragraphs , Entity B must discontinue the hedging relationships with respect to the hedged forecasted transactions that are now no longer probable of occurring. However, had the hedged forecasted transactions been designated in a manner similar to that described in Case A, the consequences of a loan's prepayment, a loan sale, or an unexpected change in a loan's expected cash flows due to credit difficulties would not have been the same. How the forecasted transaction in a cash flow hedge is designated can have a significant effect on the application of the Derivatives and Hedging Topic. 815-20-55-99
Changing the composition of the specified individual loans within the group of variable-rate interest-bearing loans due to prepayment, a loan sale, or an unexpected change in a loan's expected cash flows due to credit difficulties reflects a change in the probability of the identified hedged forecasted transactions for the hedging relationships related to the individual loans removed from the group of variable-rate interest-bearing loans. Consequently, the hedging relationships for future interest payments that are no longer probable of occurring must be terminated. The provisions related to immediately reclassifying a derivative instrument's gain or loss out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings are based on the hedged forecasted transaction being probable that it will not occur—not no longer being probable of occurring—and includes consideration of an additional two-month period of time. After the discontinuation of the hedging relationships for interest payments related to the individual loans removed from the group of variable-rate interest-bearing loans and the reclassification into earnings of the net gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income related to those hedging relationships, the derivative instrument (or a proportion thereof) specifically related to the hedging relationships that have been terminated is eligible to be redesignated as the hedging instrument in a new cash flow hedging relationship. However, paragraph 815-30-40-5 warns that a pattern of determining that hedged forecasted transactions are probable of not occurring would call into question both the entity's ability to accurately predict forecasted transactions and the propriety of using hedge accounting in the future for similar forecasted transactions.
815-20-55-99A
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7In this Case, Entity C designates the 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears) interest rate swap (described in paragraph 815-20-55-89B) as hedging cash flow variability in the first interest payments received during each month for the next 3 years attributable to the contractually specified interest rates on $100 million of variable rate loans indexed to any combination of 30-Day Average SOFR (in arrears), 1-Month Term SOFR, and 30-Day Average Effective Federal Funds Rate (in arrears). 815-20-55-99B
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7By designating the hedged forecasted transactions as the first interest payments received on 30-Day Average SOFR-indexed (in arrears), 1-Month Term SOFR-indexed, and 30-Day Average Effective Federal Funds Rate-indexed (in arrears) variable-rate loans, Entity C considers the first interest payments on any of those loans as the hedged forecasted transactions when they occur. This method of designation allows Entity C to fulfill its forecasted transactions across a broader population of loans if any variable-rate loans experience a prepayment, are sold, or experience a change in its expected cash flows related to credit difficulties. 815-20-55-99C
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If Entity C elects to assess similar risk exposure for the group of forecasted transactions using the method outlined in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a) and determines that the similar risk exposure requirement is met, then Entity C also may reasonably conclude that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at hedge inception if it documents the method described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a) as its method for assessing hedge effectiveness. Entity C should consider the differences between the individual forecasted transactions in the group and the contractual terms of the hedging instrument when performing those assessments. Those differences include, for example, interest rates, payment dates, reset dates, and interest rate floors. 815-20-55-99D
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7Alternatively, if Entity C elects to assess similar risk exposure for the group of forecasted transactions using the method in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(b) and determines that the similar risk exposure requirement is met, then Entity C should perform a separate assessment to conclude that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at hedge inception. Entity C should use the concepts underlying assessments of hedge effectiveness, such as the hypothetical derivative method and regression analysis, when assessing whether each hedged risk is similar to each other risk in the group. Entity C should consider the differences between the respective hedged risks of the individual forecasted transactions in the group when performing the similar risk exposure assessment. Those differences include attributes that affect the hedged indexes, for example, interest rates, reset dates, and interest rate floors. 815-20-55-99E
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7If Entity C determines as part of its ongoing assessments that one or more hedged risks related to individual forecasted transactions in the group are no longer similar, Entity C should dedesignate the hedging relationship as of the last date when all hedged risks in the group were assessed to have similar risk exposure, unless Entity C can determine the specific date that all hedged risks in the group were no longer similar. However, the determination that one or more hedged risks in the group are no longer similar does not affect Entity C’s probability assessment related to the hedged forecasted transactions performed in accordance with paragraphs . 815-20-55-100
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-16(c).
815-20-55-101
A general contractor enters into a long-term contract to build a power plant. The long-term contract is to be completed within five years. As part of the construction project, the general contractor expects to subcontract a portion of the construction to a foreign entity with a functional currency different from its own. Because the subcontractor will be paid in its functional currency, the general contractor will have a foreign currency exposure that it desires to hedge. At the start of the project, the general contractor concludes it is probable that the subcontract work will be completed and paid for at the end of Year 2. However, the general contractor knows that the timing of a subcontractor's work, and thus the foreign-currency-denominated payment for its work, may possibly be delayed by a period of more than two months, even though it is probable that the overall project will remain on schedule in meeting the ultimate completion date. The contractor intends to hedge the exposure by using a forward contract with a maturity date that coincides with the current expected date of payment (that is, a two-year foreign currency forward) and the expected notional amount of the forecasted transaction.
815-20-55-102
The general contractor could document (as required by paragraph 815-20-25-3(d)(1)) that the hedged forecasted transaction is the foreign-currency-denominated payment to the foreign subcontractor to be paid within the five-year contract period of the overall project (which is the originally specified time period referred to in paragraphs ). In accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-16(c), as long as it remains probable that the forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally projected five-year period of the overall project, cash flow hedge accounting for that hedging relationship would continue. Consequently, if the subcontractor's payment is delayed by more than two months, but less than three years and two months, then the forecasted transaction would still be considered probable of occurrence within the originally specified time period.
815-20-55-103
If the expected timing of the forecasted transaction changes, the contractor must first apply the requirements of paragraph 815-30-35-3 using its originally documented hedging strategy and the newly revised best estimate of the cash flows, and then reevaluate whether continuing hedge accounting is appropriate, pursuant to the requirements of paragraphs . If hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, the derivative instrument's gains or losses in other comprehensive income should be accounted for pursuant to paragraphs (unless paragraphs require reclassification into earnings).
815-20-55-104
If a quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness is applied and the assessment of effectiveness is based on changes in forward rates, the most recent best estimate would be based on the current forward rate for the hedged transaction relevant for the probable date that the transaction will occur. If the assessment of effectiveness is based on changes in spot rates, the best estimate would be based on the current spot rate.
815-20-55-105
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-19. Consider an entity with existing variable-rate debt that is prepayable, resets monthly based on a specified bank's prime rate plus 1 percent as of the beginning of each month, and matures in 5 years. Although the variable-rate debt does, after each reset, have a fixed rate for each monthly period, it is inappropriate to characterize that debt as a series of fixed-rate debt instruments. When each reset occurs, it is not a new issuance of fixed-rate debt based on current market interest rates for that debtor; instead, it is a contractual continuation of a debtor-creditor relationship and the fixed rate for each month is explicitly (and contractually) based on a specific index (a specified bank's prime rate).
815-20-55-106
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-20.
815-20-55-107
Entity A issues variable-rate debt that is prepayable at par on each interest rate reset date. The credit sector spread on the debt issuance is not reset on the interest rate reset dates. Specifically, the debt bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points, with LIBOR reset every quarter. Entity A also enters into a receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap that is designated as a hedge of the variability in the debt interest payments due to changes in the contractually specified interest rate (LIBOR). During the term of the hedging relationship (that is, the specific term of the interest rate swap), Entity A expects to issue new variable-rate debt (in the event the original debt is repaid before maturity) to maintain an aggregate debt principal balance equal to or greater than the notional amount of the interest rate swap, and expects the new debt (if any) to share the key characteristics of the original debt issuance (specifically, quarterly repricing to the LIBOR index and no minimum, maximum, or periodic constraints of the debt interest rate). The hedging relationship meets all of the criteria for shortcut method accounting beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-102 except for the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-104(e); the debt is prepayable and the interest rate swap does not contain a mirror-image call option to match the call option embedded in the debt instrument, as required by that paragraph.
815-20-55-108
Entity A wishes to apply the hypothetical derivative method (as described beginning in paragraph 815-30-35-25) for its initial and subsequent quantitative assessments of hedge effectiveness. Because the actual interest rate swap used in Entity A's hedging relationship already meets all of the criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-102 except the criterion in paragraph 815-20-25-104(e), this guidance would seem to suggest that the hypothetical interest rate swap would need to be the same as the actual interest rate swap except that a mirror-image call option would need to be added to meet the criterion in that paragraph and the guidance beginning in paragraph 815-30-35-10. However, Entity A observes that because the hedged transactions are the variable interest payments (on debt with a principal amount equal to the notional amount of the swap) due to changes in the contractually specified interest rate (LIBOR), and because the transaction had to be probable of occurring under paragraph 815-20-25-15(b) for it to qualify for hedge accounting, the actual swap would be expected to perfectly offset the hedged cash flows.
815-20-55-109
In this fact pattern, the hypothetical interest rate swap under the guidance beginning paragraph 815-30-35-10 would be the same as the actual interest rate swap described in this Example. Because Entity A has concluded that if the original debt issuance is repaid before maturity, it is probable that a sufficient principal amount of variable-rate debt with key characteristics that match those of the original debt issuance (specifically quarterly repricing to the LIBOR index and no minimum, maximum, or periodic constraints of the debt interest rate) will be issued and remain outstanding during the term of the hedging relationship (providing exposure to LIBOR-interest-rate-based variable cash payments), the prepayment provisions of the debt instrument should not be considered in determining the appropriate hypothetical derivative under that guidance. The prepayment of the original variable-rate debt eliminates the contractual obligation to make those interest payments; however, this Subtopic permits replacing the hedged interest payments that are no longer contractually obligated to be paid without triggering the dedesignation of the original cash flow hedging relationship. Replacing the original debt issuance with a new variable-rate debt issuance is permissible in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk and does not automatically result in the discontinuation of the original cash flow hedging relationship.
815-20-55-110
Although the entity can terminate the debt at any interest rate reset date for reasons that may be totally unrelated to changes in the contractually specified interest rate (which is the hedged risk), it expects to be at risk for variability in cash flows due to changes in the contractually specified interest rate in an amount based on debt principal equal to or greater than the notional amount of the swap during the specific term of the interest rate swap. Therefore, the prepayment feature of the debt is not relevant for purposes of determining the appropriate hypothetical swap under the guidance beginning in paragraph 815-30-35-10 as long as the relevant conditions to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting have been met with respect to the hedged transaction.
815-20-55-111
The following Cases illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-21:
- aPurchase of a nonfinancial asset (Case A)
- bPurchase of a financial asset (Case B).
815-20-55-112
Settling a forward contract gross involves delivery of an asset in exchange for the payment of cash or other assets and is differentiated from settling net, which typically involves a payment for the change in a contract's value as the method of settling the contract.
815-20-55-113
A forecasted purchase or sale meets the definition of forecasted transaction and, if it is probable, meets the criteria in paragraph 815-20-25-15 for designation as a hedged transaction. An entity concerned about variability in cash flows from its forecasted purchases or sales can economically fix the price of those purchases or sales by entering into a fixed-price contract. Because the fixed-price purchase or sale contract is a derivative instrument, it is eligible for use as a hedging instrument.
815-20-55-114
The forecasted purchase or sale at a fixed price is eligible for cash flow hedge accounting because the total consideration paid or received is variable. The total consideration paid or received for accounting purposes is the sum of the fixed amount of cash paid or received and the fair value of the fixed price purchase or sale contract, which is recognized as an asset or liability, and which can vary over time.
815-20-55-115
Entity A plans to purchase a nonfinancial asset. To fix the price to be paid (that is, to hedge the price), Entity A enters into a contract that meets the definition of a firm commitment with an unrelated party to purchase the asset at a fixed price at a future date. Assume that the terms of the contract (such as net settlement under the default provisions) or the nature of the asset cause the contract to meet the definition of a derivative instrument and the contract is not excluded by paragraphs from the scope of the Derivatives and Hedging Topic. As such, Entity A has entered into a derivative instrument under which it is expected to take delivery of the asset. Entity A may designate the fixed-price purchase contract (that is, the derivative instrument) as a cash flow hedge of the variability of the consideration to be paid for the purchase of the asset (that is, the forecasted transaction) even though the derivative instrument is the same contract under which the asset itself will be acquired.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2026Transition guidance:
815-10-65-8Entity A plans to purchase a nonfinancial asset. To fix the price to be paid (that is, to hedge the price), Entity A enters into a contract that meets the definition of a firm commitment with an unrelated party to purchase the asset at a fixed price at a future date. Assume that the terms of the contract (such as net settlement under the default provisions) or the nature of the asset cause the contract to meet the definition of a derivative instrument and the contract is not excluded by paragraphs and from the scope of the Derivatives and Hedging Topic. As such, Entity A has entered into a derivative instrument under which it is expected to take delivery of the asset. Entity A may designate the fixed-price purchase contract (that is, the derivative instrument) as a cash flow hedge of the variability of the consideration to be paid for the purchase of the asset (that is, the forecasted transaction) even though the derivative instrument is the same contract under which the asset itself will be acquired. 815-20-55-116
Entity B plans to purchase U.S. government bonds and expects to classify those bonds in its available-for-sale portfolio. To fix the price to be paid (that is, to hedge the price), Entity B enters into a contract that meets the Derivatives and Hedging Topic's definition of a firm commitment with an unrelated party to purchase the bonds at a fixed price at a future date. Assume the contract meets the definition of a derivative instrument and is not excluded by paragraphs from the scope of this Topic. As such, Entity B has entered into a derivative instrument under which it is expected to take delivery of the asset. Entity B may designate the fixed-price purchase contract (that is, the derivative instrument) as a cash flow hedge of the variability of the consideration to be paid for the purchase of the bonds (that is, the forecasted transaction) even though the derivative instrument is the same contract under which the asset itself will be acquired.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2026Transition guidance:
815-10-65-8Entity B plans to purchase U.S. government bonds and expects to classify those bonds in its available-for-sale portfolio. To fix the price to be paid (that is, to hedge the price), Entity B enters into a contract that meets the Derivatives and Hedging Topic's definition of a firm commitment with an unrelated party to purchase the bonds at a fixed price at a future date. Assume the contract meets the definition of a derivative instrument and is not excluded by paragraphs and from the scope of this Topic. As such, Entity B has entered into a derivative instrument under which it is expected to take delivery of the asset. Entity B may designate the fixed-price purchase contract (that is, the derivative instrument) as a cash flow hedge of the variability of the consideration to be paid for the purchase of the bonds (that is, the forecasted transaction) even though the derivative instrument is the same contract under which the asset itself will be acquired. 815-20-55-117
The following Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-10 to a currency collar.
- a
- b
815-20-55-123
Entity B forecasts that it will purchase inventory that will cost 100 million foreign currency (FC) units. Entity B's functional currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). To limit the variability in USD-equivalent cash flows associated with changes in the USD-FC exchange rate, Entity B constructs a currency collar as follows:
- aA purchased call option providing Entity B the right to purchase FC 100 million at an exchange rate of USD 0.885 per FC 1.
- bA written put option obligating Entity B to purchase FC 50 million at an exchange rate of USD 0.80 per FC 1.
815-20-55-124
The purchased call option provides Entity B with protection when the USD-FC exchange rate increases above USD 0.885 per FC 1. The written put option partially offsets the cost of the purchased call option and obligates Entity B to give up some of the foreign currency gain related to the forecasted inventory purchase as the USD-FC exchange rate decreases below USD 0.80 per FC 1. (For both options, the underlying is the same—the USD-FC exchange rate.) Assuming that a net premium was not received for the combination of options and all the other criteria in paragraphs have been met, if Entity B chooses to use the combination of options as a hedging instrument, it is not required to comply with the provisions contained in paragraph 815-20-25-94 related to written options.
815-20-55-125
Entity B would like to designate the combination of options as a hedge of the variability in USD-equivalent cash flows of its forecasted purchase of inventory denominated in FC. Assume Entity B specifies in the hedge effectiveness documentation that the collar's time value would be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
815-20-55-126
The hedging relationship involving the currency collar designated as a hedge of the effect of fluctuations in the USD-FC exchange rate qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting. In that example, the hedged risk is the risk of changes in USD-equivalent cash flows attributable to foreign currency risk (specifically, the risk of fluctuations in the USD-FC exchange rate). The foreign currency collar is hedging the variability in USD-equivalent cash flows for 100 percent of the forecasted FC 100 million purchase price of inventory for USD-FC exchange rate movements above USD 0.885 per FC 1 and variability in USD-equivalent cash flows for 50 percent of the forecasted FC 100 million purchase price of inventory for USD-FC exchange rate movements below USD 0.80 per FC 1. Cash flow hedge effectiveness will be determined based on changes in the underlying (the USD-FC exchange rate) that cause changes in the collar's intrinsic value (that is, changes below USD 0.80 per FC 1 and above USD 0.885 per FC 1). Because the hedge's effectiveness is based on changes in the collar's intrinsic value, hedge effectiveness must be assessed based on the actual exchange rate changes by comparing the change in intrinsic value of the collar to the change in the specified quantity of the forecasted transaction for those changes in the underlying.
815-20-55-127
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-55-38.
815-20-55-128
A U.S. parent entity (Parent A) with a U.S. dollar (USD) functional currency has a German subsidiary that has the Euro (EUR) as its functional currency. On January 1, 2001, Parent A issues a five-year, fixed-rate EUR-denominated debt instrument and designates that EUR-denominated debt instrument as a hedge of its net investment in the German subsidiary. On the same date, Parent A enters into a five-year EUR-denominated receive-fixed, pay-Euribor-interest rate swap. Parent A designates the interest rate swap as a hedge of the foreign-currency-denominated fair value of the fixed-rate EUR-denominated debt instrument attributable to changes in Euribor interest rates, which is considered the benchmark interest rate for a hedge of the EUR-denominated fair value of that instrument.
815-20-55-129
As permitted by paragraph 815-20-55-38, Parent A may designate the EUR-denominated debt instrument as a hedge of its net investment in the German subsidiary and also as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of the debt instrument's foreign-currency-denominated fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate. As a result of applying fair value hedge accounting, the debt's carrying amount will be adjusted to reflect changes in its foreign-currency-denominated fair value attributable to interest rate risk. The notional amount of the debt that is designated as the hedging instrument in the net investment hedge will change over time such that it may not match the notional amount of the hedged net investment. The entity then applies the net investment hedge guidance in Subtopic 815-35 and the fair value hedge guidance in Subtopic 815-25. As discussed in paragraphs , because the notional amount of the nonderivative instrument designated as a hedge of the net investment does not match the portion of the net investment designated as being hedged, hedge effectiveness is assessed by comparing the following two values:
- aThe foreign currency transaction gain or loss based on the spot rate change (after tax effects, if appropriate) of that nonderivative hedging instrument
- bThe transaction gain or loss based on the spot rate change (after tax effects, if appropriate) that would result from the appropriate hypothetical nonderivative instrument that has a notional amount that matches the portion of the net investment being hedged. The hypothetical nonderivative instrument also would have a maturity that matches the maturity of the actual nonderivative instrument designated as the net investment hedge.
Transition date:(P) December 16, 2026; (N) December 16, 2027Transition guidance:
815-20-65-7As permitted by paragraph 815-20-55-38, Parent A may designate the EUR-denominated debt instrument as a hedge of its net investment in the German subsidiary and also as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of the debt instrument's foreign-currency-denominated fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate. As a result of applying fair value hedge accounting, the debt's carrying amount will be adjusted to reflect changes in its foreign-currency-denominated fair value attributable to interest rate risk. Parent A should exclude the fair value hedge basis adjustment from the assessment of effectiveness in the designated net investment hedging relationship. Accordingly, the notional amount of the debt that is designated as the hedging instrument in the net investment hedge will not change over time as a result of applying fair value hedge accounting such that it may continue to match the portion of the net investment being hedged. The entity then applies the net investment hedge guidance in Subtopic 815-35 and the fair value hedge guidance in Subtopic 815-25. Because the debt’s fair value hedge basis adjustment is not included in the assessment of effectiveness of the net investment hedging relationship, the effect of changes in the spot rate on the fair value hedge basis adjustment is recognized currently in earnings in accordance with Subtopic 830-20. 815-20-55-130
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-30(a)(2). If a dollar- (USD-) functional, second-tier subsidiary has a Euro (EUR) exposure, the USD-functional consolidated parent entity could designate its USD-EUR derivative instrument as a hedge of the second-tier subsidiary's exposure if the functional currency of the intervening first-tier subsidiary (that is, the parent of the second-tier subsidiary) is also USD. In contrast, if the functional currency of the intervening first-tier subsidiary was the Japanese yen (JPY) (thus requiring the financial statements of the second-tier subsidiary to be translated into JPY before the JPY-denominated financial statements of the first-tier subsidiary are translated into USD for consolidation), the consolidated parent entity could not designate its USD-EUR derivative instrument as a hedge of the second-tier subsidiary's exposure.
815-20-55-131
hybrid instrumentembedded derivativeDuring January 1998, Entity A issued a $100 million structured note that pays quarterly a 3 percent annual rate of interest plus an additional quarterly return based on any increase in the Standard and Poor's S&P 500 Index for that quarter, with a guaranteed return of principal at maturity. Because of grandfathering provisions when the guidance in this Topic initially took effect, the embedded equity derivative instrument was not separated from the debt host contract. The following guidance relates to Entity A's ability to designate various fair value and cash flow hedging relationships involving the example structured note:
- aEntity A may designate a fair value hedge of the risk of changes in the structured note's overall fair value. Because Entity A must have an expectation at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value during the period the hedge is designated, it must obtain a derivative instrument or combination of derivative instruments that would be a highly effective hedge of changes in the structured note's overall fair value. While this strategy is permitted, it may be difficult to construct a hedging instrument that is highly effective in offsetting the interest-rate-based and equity-based components of the structured note's return while also encompassing a hedge of credit risk exposure. However, if it is expected that the embedded equity-based component of the structured note will generate de minimis changes in fair value during the hedge period, an expectation of high effectiveness may be established.
- bEntity A may designate a fair value hedge of the risk of changes in the fair value of the embedded equity derivative that is not being accounted for separately. The equity-based component of the structured note is an equity derivative that provides the holder of the structured note with potential gains resulting from increases in the S&P 500 Index. That equity derivative can be identified as the hedged item because it is a portion of a recognized liability that meets the requirements in paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(2)(iii).
- cEntity A may designate a fair value hedge of the risk of changes in the structured note's fair value attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate (for example, the U.S. Treasury rate). Similar to the hedging relationship discussed under (a), Entity A must have an expectation at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value attributable to the benchmark interest rate during the period the hedge is designated. If Entity A calculates the change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to interest rate risk based on the full contractual coupon cash flows, it is unlikely that it could establish an expectation that a derivative instrument based on the benchmark interest rate would be highly effective as a hedge of the structured note's fair value attributable to interest rate risk because of the effect of the equity-based-component on the calculation of that change in fair value attributable to interest rate risk. Therefore, in employing this measurement methodology, Entity A must incorporate into that calculation the cash flows that will be generated by both the structured note's interest-rate-based component (based on the 3 percent fixed rate) and an estimation of the cash flows that will be generated by the equity-based component (based on expected increases in the S&P 500 Index). While this hedging relationship would typically be expected not to qualify as a fair value hedge of interest rate risk, if it is expected that the embedded equity-based component of the structured note will have a de minimis effect on the changes in fair value of the structured note during the hedge period, an expectation that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value attributable to interest rate risk may be established. Alternatively, Entity A may calculate the change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to interest rate risk using the benchmark interest rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows determined at hedge inception. In employing this measurement methodology, Entity A should not estimate the hedged item's cash flows expected to be generated by the equity-based component.
- dEntity A may designate a cash flow hedge of the risk of changes in the structured note's total quarterly cash flows. To be highly effective, the entity would be required to designate as the hedging instrument a derivative instrument that is expected to produce offsetting cash flows as the S&P 500 Index increases.
- eEntity A may not designate a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk of the structured note because it does not have a contractually specified interest rate.
815-20-55-132
The following Cases illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-39(d) regarding whether all the variability in a hedged item's functional-currency-equivalent cash flows are eliminated by the effect of the hedge:
- aDifference in optionality (Case A)
- bDifference in reset dates (Case B)
- cDifference in notional amounts (Case C).
815-20-55-133
An entity has issued a fixed-rate foreign-currency-denominated debt obligation that is callable (that is, by that entity) and desires to hedge its foreign currency exposure related to that obligation with a fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swap. A fixed-to-fixed currency swap could be used to hedge the fixed-rate foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument that is callable even though the swap does not contain a mirror-image call option as long as the terms of the swap and the debt instrument are such that they would be highly effective at providing offsetting cash flows and as long as it was probable that the debt instrument would not be called and would remain outstanding.
815-20-55-134
An entity has issued a variable-rate foreign-currency-denominated debt obligation and desires to hedge its foreign currency exposure related to that obligation. The entity uses a variable-to-fixed cross-currency interest rate swap in which it receives the same foreign currency based on the variable rate index contained in the debt obligation and pays a fixed amount in its functional currency. If the swap would otherwise meet this Subtopic's definition of providing high effectiveness in hedging the foreign currency exposure of the debt instrument, but there is a one day difference between the reset dates in the debt obligation and the swap (that is, the one day difference in reset dates results in the hedge being highly effective, but not perfectly effective), the variable-to-fixed cross-currency interest rate swap could be used to hedge the variable-rate foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument even though there is a one-day difference between the reset dates or a slight difference in the notional amounts in the debt instrument and the swap. This would be true as long as the difference in reset dates or notional amounts is not significant enough to cause the hedge to fail to be highly effective at providing offsetting cash flows.
815-20-55-135
This Case involves the same facts as in Case B, except that there is no difference in the reset dates. However, there is a slight difference in the notional amount of the swap and the hedged item. If the swap would otherwise meet this Subtopic's definition of providing high effectiveness in hedging the foreign currency exposure of the debt instrument, paragraph 815-20-25-39(d) does not preclude the swap from qualifying for hedge accounting simply because the notional amounts do not exactly match. The mismatch attributable to the slight difference in the notional amount of the swap and the hedged item could be eliminated by designating only a portion of the contract with the larger notional amount as either the hedging instrument or hedged item, as appropriate.
815-20-55-136
The following Cases illustrate hedging foreign exchange risk under the cash flow hedging model as discussed in paragraph 815-20-25-42 and others:
- aFirm commitment (Case A)
- bFixed-price agreement (Case B).
815-20-55-137
On January 1, an entity enters into an agreement to sell 1,000 tons of a nonfinancial asset to an unrelated party on June 30. The agreement meets the definition of a firm commitment. The firm commitment is denominated in the buyer's functional currency, which is not the seller's functional currency. Accordingly, the firm commitment exposes the seller to foreign currency risk. The seller may hedge the foreign currency exposure arising from the firm commitment under the fair value hedging model.
815-20-55-138
The seller may hedge its exposure to foreign currency risk under the cash flow hedging model even though the agreement meets the definition of a firm commitment. Accordingly, the seller may hedge the foreign currency exposure arising from the firm commitment to sell 1,000 tons of the nonfinancial asset under the cash flow hedging model, even though the seller has previously hedged its foreign currency exposure arising from another similar firm commitment under the fair value hedging model.
815-20-55-139
On January 1, an entity enters into an agreement to sell 1,000 tons of a nonfinancial asset to an unrelated party on June 30. Although the agreement in this Case does not meet the definition of a firm commitment, the seller's assessment of the observable facts and circumstances is that performance under the agreement is probable. The agreement is denominated in the buyer's functional currency, which is not the seller's functional currency. Accordingly, the foreign-currency-denominated fixed-price agreement exposes the seller to foreign currency risk.
815-20-55-140
If the agreement does not meet the definition of a firm commitment, but contains a fixed foreign-currency-denominated price, the seller may not hedge the foreign currency risk relating to the agreement to sell the nonfinancial asset under the fair value hedging model because the agreement is not a recognized asset, a recognized liability, or a firm commitment, which are the only items that can be designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge. However, the seller may hedge the foreign currency risk relating to the agreement under the cash flow hedging model. The agreement is by definition a forecasted transaction because the sale of the nonfinancial assets will occur at the prevailing market price, that is, the fixed foreign-currency-denominated market price converted into the seller's functional currency at the prevailing exchange rate when the transaction occurs. Therefore, because the agreement includes a fixed foreign-currency-denominated price, the agreement exposes the seller to variability in the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows. Accordingly, the seller may not hedge the foreign currency risk relating to the agreement to sell 1,000 tons of the nonfinancial asset under the fair value hedging model but may hedge the foreign currency risk under the cash flow hedging model.
815-20-55-141
The following Cases illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-41 to fixed-rate and variable-rate foreign-currency-denominated debt:
- aForeign-currency-denominated fixed-rate debt (Case A)
- bForeign-currency-denominated variable-rate debt (Case B).
815-20-55-142
Specifically, for each of the eight situations presented collectively in Cases A (see paragraph 815-20-55-143) and B (see paragraph 815-20-55-153), an entity can use cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the variability in the specific principal repayments, interest cash flows, or both by applying the guidance in paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) to the specifically identified hedged cash flows. Only an amount that would offset the transaction gain or loss arising from the remeasurement of a hedged cash flow would be reclassified each period from other comprehensive income to earnings. Also, the change in the fair value of the forward points (time value) attributable to the hedged future cash flows would be reported in other comprehensive income, while the change in the fair value of the forward points (time value) attributable to the unhedged future cash flows would be reported in earnings.
815-20-55-143
Entity ABC, a U.S. dollar (USD) functional entity, issues a five-year foreign-currency-denominated fixed-rate debt obligation that requires interest payments and partial principal payments annually in the foreign currency with the remaining principal due at the end of five years (maturity) in the foreign currency. More specifically, Entity ABC issues an FC 45 million debt obligation on December 31, 20X0, with FC 5 million due on December 31 of each of the next 4 years and FC 25 million due on December 31, 20X5. Interest payments at 10 percent are paid annually.
815-20-55-144
In this Case, Entity ABC can use cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the variability in its functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with any of the following:
- aAll of the payments of both principal and interest of the debt
- bAll of the payments of principal of the debt
- cAll or a fixed portion of selected payments of either principal or interest of the debt (such as either principal or interest payments on December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2003)
- dSelected payments of both principal and interest of the debt (such as principal and interest payments on December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2003).
815-20-55-145
For instance, Entity ABC could use a receive-fixed-rate, pay-fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swap or a series of forward contracts to eliminate variability attributable to foreign exchange rates.
815-20-55-146
The following illustrates the second option, hedging the variability in all principal cash flows attributable to foreign exchange risk.
815-20-55-147
Entity ABC enters into the following five forward contracts to hedge all principal cash flows:
- aForward contract to purchase FC 5,000 on December 31, 20X1, at a forward rate of 1.05061019
- bForward contract to purchase FC 5,000 on December 31, 20X2, at a forward rate of 1.06061601
- cForward contract to purchase FC 5,000 on December 31, 20X3, at a forward rate of 1.07066924
- dForward contract to purchase FC 5,000 on December 31, 20X4, at a forward rate of 1.08076989
- eForward contract to purchase FC 25,000 December 31, 20X5, at a forward rate of 1.090871.
815-20-55-148
Exchange rates are as follows.
Period Spot 12/31/X1 Forward 12/31/X2 Forward 12/31/X3 Forward 12/31/X4 Forward 12/31/X5 Forward 12/31/X0 1.04060438 1.05061019 1.06061601 1.07066924 1.08076989 1.090871 12/31/X1 1.1 1.12125604 1.14271548 1.16448149 1.18655697 12/31/X2 1.1 1.12125604 1.14272548 1.16448149 12/31/X3 1.1 1.12125604 1.14272548 12/31/X4 1.1 1.12125604 12/31/X5 1.1
815-20-55-149
Entity ABC would make the following journal entries.
Debit (Credit) Cash Forward Contracts Note Payable Income or Expense Accum. Other Comprehensive Income Inception 12/31/X0 " 46,827 " " (46,827)" "December 31, 20X1 entries:" Repayment of principal " (5,500)" " 5,203 " 297 Payment of interest " (4,950)" " 4,950 " Transaction loss on note payable " (2,376)" " 2,376 " Fair value of forward contract #1 247 (247) Settlement of forward #1 247 (247) Offset $247 of loss on principal ($50 related to cost of hedge remains in earnings) (247) 247 Fair value of forward contracts #2-5 (based on 6% discount rate) " 2,853 " " (2,853)" Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—offset the transaction loss related to principal " (1,734)" " 1,734 " Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—effect of hedge 396 (396) "December 31, 20X2 entries:" Repayment of principal " (5,500)" " 5,203 " 297 Payment of interest " (4,400)" " 4,400 " Fair value of forward contract #2 (89) 89 Settlement of forward #2 197 (197) Offset $197 of loss on principal ($100 related to cost of hedge remains in earnings) (197) 197 Fair value of forward contracts #3-5 (based on 6% discount rate) (507) 507 Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—effect of hedge 299 (299) Change in time value related to principal goes to other comprehensive income or change in time value related to interest goes to earnings (a) 297 (180) (117) "December 31, 20X3 entries:" Repayment of principal " (5,500)" " 5,203 " 297 Payment of interest " (3,850)" " (3,850)" Fair value of forward contract #3 (92) 92 Settlement of forward #3 147 (147) Offset $147 of loss on principal ($150 related to cost of hedge remains in earnings) (147) 147 Fair value of forward contracts #4-5 (based on 6% discount rate) (477) 477 Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—effect of hedge 202 (202) Change in time value related to principal goes to other comprehensive income or change in time value related to interest goes to earnings 297 (168) (129) "December 31, 20X4 entries:" Repayment of principal " (5,500)" " 5,203 " 297 Payment of interest " (3,300)" " 3,300 " Fair value of forward contract #4 (95) 95 Settlement of forward #4 96 (96) Offset $96 of loss on principal ($201 related to cost of hedge remains in earnings) (96) 96 Fair value of forward contract #5 (based on 6% discount rate) (437) 437 Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—effect of hedge 104 (104) Change in time value related to principal goes to other comprehensive income or change in time value related to interest goes to earnings 297 (154) (143) "December 31, 20X5 entries:" Repayment of principal " (27,500)" " 26,015 " " 1,485 " Payment of interest " (2,750)" " 2,750 " Fair value of forward contract #5 (488) 488 Settlement of forward #5 228 (228) Offset $228 of loss on principal (228) 228 Paragraph 815-30-35-3(d) adjustment—effect of hedge " 1,485 " " (1,001)" (484) Change in time value related to principal goes to other comprehensive income or change in time value related to interest goes to earnings (140) 140 " (21,008)" - - (b) - (a) "The entry recording the $297 gain for the period ended December 31, 20X2, results from the spot exchange rate remaining unchanged from December 31, 20X1, and one less period remaining on the loan payable. The $117 principal portion of the gain goes to other comprehensive income because only principal is being hedged. The $180 interest portion of the gain goes to earnings because interest is not being hedged." (b) See Schedule 3 (paragraph 815-20-55-152) for income or expense for each period.
815-20-55-150
The following schedules support the preceding entries.
Schedule 1 Foreign Currency Functional Currency at 12/31/X0 Spot Rate (1) Functional Currency at Current Spot Rate (2) Transaction Gain or Loss (2) - (1) Change in Time Value 12/31/X0 Principal " 30,976 " (a) " 32,234 " Interest " 14,024 " (a) " 14,593 " Loan value " 45,000 " " 46,827 " 12/31/X1 Principal " 29,192 " " 30,377 " " 32,111 " " 1,734 " Interest " 10,808 " " 11,247 " " 11,889 " 642 Loan value " 40,000 " " 41,624 " " 44,000 " 12/31/X2 Principal " 27,222 " " 28,328 " " 29,945 " " 1,617 " "117 = (1,734 - 1,617) " Interest " 7,778 " " 8,093 " " 8,555 " 462 180 = (642 - 462) Loan value " 35,000 " " 36,421 " " 38,500 " 12/31/X3 Principal " 25,048 " " 26,065 " " 27,553 " " 1,488 " "129 = (1,617 - 1,488)" Interest " 4,952 " " 5,153 " " 5,447 " 294 168 = (462 - 294) Loan value " 30,000 " " 31,218 " " 33,000 " 12/31/X4 Principal " 22,649 " " 23,568 " " 24,913 " " 1,345 " 143 Interest " 2,351 " " 2,447 " " 2,586 " 140 154 Loan value " 25,000 " " 26,015 " " 27,500 " 12/31/X5 (before final principal payment is made) Principal " 25,000 " " 26,015 " " 27,500 " " 1,485 " (140) Interest - - - 140 Loan value " 25,000 " " 26,015 " " 27,500 " (a) The value ascribed to the principal portion was determined by discounting the future principal payments at an annual rate of 10% compounded quarterly. The value ascribed to the interest portion was determined by discounting future quarterly interest accruals at an annual rate of 10%.
815-20-55-151
Schedule 2 provides the amount of cost attributed to each period for each forward contract. Each period's cost is determined based on applying the interest method to each forward contract.
Schedule 2 Forward Contract #1 Forward Contract #2 Forward Contract #3 Forward Contract #4 Forward Contract #5 Total 12/31/X1 $50.03 $49.79 $49.63 $49.50 $246.61 $445.56 12/31/X2 50.27 50.11 49.97 248.95 399.30 12/31/X3 50.59 50.44 251.31 352.34 12/31/X4 50.92 253.69 304.61 12/31/X5 256.11 256.11 Total $50.03 $100.06 $150.33 $200.83 " $1,256.67 " " $1,757.92 "
815-20-55-152
Schedule 3 provides a breakdown for each year-end reporting period.
Schedule 3 12/31/X1 " $4,950 " Interest expense 446 Cost of hedge (396 + (297 - 247)) 642 "Transaction loss related to unhedged interest (2,376 - 1,734)" " $6,038 " Total expense 12/31/X2 " $4,400 " Interest expense 399 Cost of hedge (299 + (297 - 197)) (180) Time value related to unhedged interest " $4,619 " Total expense 12/31/X3 " $3,850 " Interest expense 352 Cost of hedge (202 + (297 - 147)) (168) Time value related to unhedged interest " $4,034 " Total expense 12/31/X4 " $3,300 " Interest expense 305 Cost of hedge (104 + (297 - 96)) (154) Time value related to unhedged interest " $3,451 " Total expense 12/31/X5 " $2,750 " Interest expense 256 "Cost of hedge (1,485 - (1,001 + 228))" (140) Time value related to unhedged interest " $2,866 " Total expense
815-20-55-153
Entity XYZ, a U.S. dollar (USD) functional entity issues a five-year foreign-currency-denominated variable-rate debt obligation that requires interest payments and partial principal payments annually in the foreign currency with the remaining principal due at the end of five years (maturity) in the foreign currency. More specifically, Entity XYZ issues an FC 45 million debt obligation on December 31, 20X0, with FC 5 million due on December 31 of each of the next 4 years and FC 25 million due on December 31, 20X5. Interest payments are paid annually based on LIBOR.
815-20-55-154
In this Case the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-41 provides that Entity XYZ can use cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the variability in its functional-currency-equivalent cash flows associated with any the following:
- aAll of the payments of both principal and interest of the debt
- bAll of the payments of principal of the debt
- cAll or a fixed portion of selected payments of either principal or interest of the debt
- dSelected payments of both principal and interest of the debt (such as principal and interest payments on December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2003).
815-20-55-155
An entity could use a receive-variable-rate, pay-fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swap to eliminate variability attributable to interest rates and foreign exchange rates. In cash flow hedges of recognized foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities, the entity must assess whether the changes in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged are expected to offset at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. In a manner similar to that described beginning in paragraph 815-30-35-25, the entity would assess the effectiveness of the hedge using the hypothetical derivative method. After the initial quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness, the entity may elect to assess hedge effectiveness on a qualitative or quantitative basis.
815-20-55-156
This Example illustrates whether an oil-linked interest rate cap can be designated in a qualifying hedging relationship.
815-20-55-157
Entity A enters into a complex option contract with multiple underlyings for which no net premium is received. The payoffs under the contract are nontraditional. Entity A wishes to designate the option in a cash flow hedging relationship. Specifically, Entity A is an oil producer with five-year variable-rate debt (indexed to three-month LIBOR) and is concerned that an environment of falling oil prices and rising interest rates could affect its ability to meet increasing interest payments on the variable-rate debt. To limit its exposure, Entity A enters into a five-year oil-linked interest rate cap with a notional amount equal to the principal amount of Entity A's three-month LIBOR-based variable-rate debt.
815-20-55-158
Under the terms of the oil-linked interest rate cap (a complex option), Entity A receives specified payments if both of the following conditions exist:
- a3-month LIBOR is greater than 7 percent
- bThe price of oil is less than $25 per barrel.
815-20-55-159
Specifically, if both of the conditions in the preceding paragraph are met, Entity A receives payments under the oil-linked interest rate cap equal to the increased interest payments (that is, for floating-rate amounts above 7 percent) due on their floating-rate debt.
815-20-55-160
However, if the daily price of oil goes above $25 per barrel at any time during a quarter, the option is knocked out for only that specific quarter. The option's knock-out feature is reset each quarter such that the interest rate coverage is knocked out for a specific quarter only if the daily price of oil goes above $25 per barrel at any time during that specific quarter. Thus, the option limits Entity A's exposure to increases in interest rates for all quarters in which oil prices remain under $25 per barrel throughout the quarter.
815-20-55-161
The oil-linked interest rate cap cannot be designated in a hedge of the variability in the difference between interest payments and sales proceeds on oil. The oil-linked interest rate cap purchased by Entity A is attempting to hedge Entity A's exposure to variability in the net cash flows related to certain revenue inflows and certain expense outflows. Entity A wishes to reduce the risk that an increase in cash outflows due to increases in interest rates will occur without a concurrent increase in cash inflows due to increases in the price of oil per barrel. Those are separate and dissimilar risks that Entity A wishes to hedge with a single derivative instrument. Thus, the hedged forecasted transaction cannot be a group of oil sales inflows and interest payment outflows. This Subtopic is not structured to permit hedge accounting for strategies involving hedges of a spread between revenues and expenses as Entity A is attempting to accomplish.
815-20-55-162
The oil-linked interest rate cap cannot be designated in a hedge of the variability in interest cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR above 7 percent. Entity A could not simply define its hedged risk as the risk of changes in cash flows attributable to changes in the three-month LIBOR rate for only those periods when the price of oil per barrel is below a specified dollar amount.
815-20-55-163
If Entity A wanted to designate the oil-linked interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge of the variability in interest payments on the LIBOR-based variable-rate debt due to changes in interest rates above the contractually specified 7 percent rate in the interest rate cap, Entity A would be required to assess effectiveness whenever interest rates were above that 7 percent rate. Because the cap also has an underlying related to oil prices, there could be times when interest rates will be above the contractually specified interest rate in the cap but the complex option will not result in any cash flows because the selling price of oil is not below the contractually specified price per barrel ($25). In other words, the complex option will be out of the money but Entity A will be required to assess the option's effectiveness in offsetting the increase in interest payments for the effect of the excess of 3-month LIBOR over 7 percent.
815-20-55-164
Generally, it would be unlikely that Entity A could conclude that the oil-linked interest rate cap is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows if it is reasonably possible that the oil-linked option will knock out the cash inflows from the derivative instrument. In its assessment of the effectiveness of the hedge of the interest payments on the variable-rate debt, Entity A must consider the likelihood that the interest-rate protection from the oil-linked interest rate cap may be knocked out due to oil prices exceeding the contractually specified amount per barrel and it may not exclude from its assessment of effectiveness those periods when the interest rate protection is knocked out. For those quarters when the cap is knocked out, there are no cash flows from the cap to be used to offset the change in the cash flows on the hedged forecasted transaction.
815-20-55-165
In the unlikely event that Entity A was able to conclude that the relationship was expected to be highly effective (because the complex option was expected to be highly effective for all changes in the three-month LIBOR rate above the contractually specified rate due to the remoteness that the price of oil per barrel would not be below the contractually specified amount over the contractual life of the debt), the complex option could be used as the hedging derivative.
815-20-55-166
The oil-linked interest rate cap cannot be designated in a hedge of the variability in proceeds from the forecasted sale of oil. If Entity A wanted to designate the oil-linked interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge of the risk of overall changes in the sales proceeds from the forecasted sale of oil below the contractually specified price per barrel in the interest rate cap, the hedging relationship would fail to qualify under paragraph 815-20-25-75(b) because the cash inflows from the oil-linked interest rate cap are calculated based on the debt's principal amount and the excess of 3-month LIBOR over 7 percent. Because the cash inflows from the oil-linked interest rate cap are unrelated to the proceeds from oil sales, Entity A could not expect the proposed hedging relationship to be highly effective at achieving offsetting cash flows.
815-20-55-167
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-60.
815-20-55-168
A parent entity (Parent A) with the U.S. dollar (USD) as both its functional currency and reporting currency has a subsidiary with a Euro (EUR) functional currency (Subsidiary B). Subsidiary B enters into an unrecognized firm commitment with a third party that will result in Japanese yen (JPY) cash inflows. Concurrent with Subsidiary B entering into the firmly committed contract, Parent A extends a loan to Subsidiary B denominated in JPY, which is funded by a third-party, JPY-denominated borrowing by Parent A. Subsidiary B wishes to designate its JPY-denominated intra-entity loan payable as the hedging instrument in consolidated financial statements in a fair value hedge of foreign currency exposure related to its JPY-denominated unrecognized firm commitment to a third party.
815-20-55-169
In accordance with paragraph 830-20-35-1, at each balance sheet date, Subsidiary B's JPY-denominated intra-entity loan payable would be remeasured from the foreign currency (JPY) into Subsidiary B's functional currency (EUR) at the current EUR/JPY spot rate. Similarly, Parent A's intra-entity JPY-denominated receivable and its third-party JPY-denominated loan payable are remeasured from the foreign currency (JPY) into Parent A's functional currency (USD) at the current USD/JPY spot rate. The transaction gains or losses that are generated from remeasurement into functional currency are recorded in net income. If Subsidiary B designates its JPY-denominated intra-entity loan payable as the hedging instrument in consolidated financial statements, the transaction gains and losses related to the intra-entity loan payable would offset the change in fair value of the firm commitment attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates in the consolidated income statement.
815-20-55-170
In this Example, Subsidiary B's JPY-denominated intra-entity payable may be designated as a fair value hedge of the foreign exchange exposure arising from the third-party JPY-denominated firm commitment. Parent A has in place a third-party JPY-denominated borrowing that offsets the exposure of its JPY-denominated intra-entity receivable from Subsidiary B during the period the intra-entity loan receives hedge accounting.
815-20-55-171
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-61(b)(2) in offsetting a subsidiary's exposure on a net basis in which neither leg of the third-party position is in the treasury center's functional currency.
815-20-55-172
If a U.S. dollar (USD) functional currency treasury center was short 390 Euros (EUR) and long 40,684.80 yen (JPY) after netting its exposures obtained from internal derivatives and the forward exchange rate between EUR and JPY was EUR 1.00 = JPY 104.32, then the treasury center could enter into a third-party receive EUR 390, pay JPY 40,684.80 contract to offset the exposures. In contrast, if the treasury center was short EUR 390 and long JPY 51,000, then the treasury center would need to enter into 2 third-party contracts with the receive leg of the second third-party position being the treasury center's functional currency. For example, the treasury center could enter into a third-party receive EUR 390, pay JPY 40,684.80 contract to offset the EUR exposure and partially offset the JPY exposure. It would then need to enter into a receive functional currency, pay JPY contract to hedge the remainder of its JPY exposure.
815-20-55-173
This Example illustrates the application of paragraphs 815-20-25-12(b)(1) and 815-20-25-75 to a hedge of a portfolio of fixed-rate financial assets.
815-20-55-174
Entity A has a portfolio of seasoned, one to four family, fixed-rate mortgages that it wishes to designate as the hedged item in a fair value hedge of the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR). Each loan within the portfolio has similar settlement terms, is collateralized by property in the same geographic region, and has similar scheduled maturities. The loans are all within a specified interest rate band and are prepayable at par; each of the loans contained in the portfolio is expected to react in a generally proportionate manner to changes in the benchmark interest rate based on calculations performed by Entity A.
815-20-55-175
Entity A enters into a pay-fixed, receive-LIBOR interest rate swap with a fair value of zero at the inception of the hedging relationship. The stated maturity of the interest rate swap is consistent with the stated maturities of the loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swap amortizes based on a schedule that is expected to approximate the principal repayments of the loans (excluding prepayments). There is no optionality included in the interest rate swap. As part of its documented risk management strategy associated with this hedging relationship, on a quarterly basis, Entity A intends to do both of the following:
- aAssess effectiveness of the existing hedging relationship on a quantitative basis for the past three-month period
- bConsider possible changes in value of the hedging derivative and the hedged item over the next three months in deciding whether it has an expectation that the hedging relationship will continue to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value.
815-20-55-176
Entity A's portfolio of loans satisfies the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-12(b)(1) regarding the grouping of similar assets because the portfolio of loans has been defined in a restrictive manner and Entity A determined, by calculation, that each of the loans contained in the portfolio is expected to react in a generally proportionate manner to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Even though certain of the loans may prepay, each loan still may be considered to have the same exposure to prepayment risk because each loan has a similar prepayment option. When aggregating loans in a portfolio, an entity is permitted to consider among other things prepayment history of the loans (if seasoned) and expected prepayment performance in varying interest rate scenarios.
815-20-55-177
Entity A's documented hedging strategy meets the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-75 for a prospective assessment of effectiveness provided the entity established that the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk during the period that the hedge is designated.
815-20-55-178
Paragraph 815-20-25-79(a) explains that a probable future change in fair value will be more heavily weighted than a reasonably possible future change. For example, Entity A could assign a probability weighting to each possible future change in value of the hedged portfolio. Depending on the level of market interest rates and the expected prepayment rates for the types of loans in the hedged portfolio, Entity A may reach a conclusion that the change in fair value of the swap will be highly effective at offsetting the change in the value of the portfolio of loans, inclusive of the prepayment option. As a result of this analysis, management would conclude that hedge accounting is permitted for the hedging relationship for the next three-month period. Management is required to assess the effectiveness of the existing hedging relationship for the past three-month period. If necessary, the notional amount of the swap in excess of the portfolio balance at the end of each three-month period must be dedesignated to allow high effectiveness to continue in the future.
815-20-55-179
The following Cases illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-91 to combinations of options in which either the strike price or the notional amount in either the written option component or the purchased option component can fluctuate over the life of the respective component:
- aChanges in strike prices (Case A)
- bChanges in notional amounts (Case B).
815-20-55-180
Cases A and B share the following assumptions:
- aAn entity wishes to hedge its forecasted sales of a commodity by entering into a five-year commodity-price collar.
- bUnder the collar, the entity will do both of the following:
- 1Purchase commodity-price put option components (a floor)
- 2Write commodity-price call option components (a cap).
- 1
- cEach of the alternative collars discussed otherwise meets the criteria established in paragraphs including all of the following:
- 1No net premium is received at inception of the combination of options. Paragraph 815-20-25-94 addresses, in part, whether a net premium is received at any point during the life of the combination of options that the strike price or notional amount is changed.
- 2The components of the combination of options are based on the same underlying (that is, the same commodity price).
- 3The components of the combination of options have the same maturity date.
- 4The notional amount of the written option component is not greater than the notional amount of the purchased option component. Paragraph 815-20-25-94 addresses, in part, whether this criterion should be applied to only the entire contractual term to maturity or to some part thereof.
- 1
815-20-55-181
The following table presents both of the following:
- aCommodity prices implied by the forward price curve based on market prices
- bThe strike prices of two alternative collars.
(Cents Per Unit) 20X2 20X3 20X4 20X5 20X6 5-Year Average Forward price 100.0 103.9 105.6 106.4 106.7 104.5 Collar 1 Minimum 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 Maximum 110.6 110.6 110.6 110.6 110.6 110.6 Collar 2 Minimum 108.5 108.5 91.5 91.5 91.5 98.3 Maximum 108.5 108.5 108.5 110.4 117.2 110.6
815-20-55-182
Note that the 5-year averages of the minimum prices (98.3 cents) and the maximum prices (110.6 cents) of the 2 collars are identical and are consistent with the 5-year average implied by the forward price curve. (That is, 104.5 cents equals the average of the 98.3-cent minimum strike price and the 110.6-cent maximum strike price.) No net premium is received at inception for either collar taking into consideration the entire contractual term of the combination of options from inception to maturity.
815-20-55-183
For Collar 2, premiums are received in early periods as consideration for entering into net written options in later periods. Specifically, the (higher-than-average) strike prices in years 20X2 and 20X3 are received (that is, receipt of a net premium) in return for accepting less favorable (lower-than-average) strike prices in years 20X4 through 20X6 (that is, net written options). Thus, at the inception of the hedge and over its life, Collar 2 would be subject to the provisions of paragraph 815-20-25-94.
815-20-55-184
The following table presents the notional amounts of two alternative collars. (Assume that the strike prices of the two collars are identical and constant over the life of the collars.)
(Notional Units) 20X2 20X3 20X4 20X5 20X6 Total Notional Amount 5-Year Average Collar 3 Minimum 750 750 750 750 750 " 3,750 " 750 Maximum 750 750 750 750 750 " 3,750 " 750 Collar 4 Minimum " 1,240 " " 1,240 " " 1,240 " 15 15 " 3,750 " 750 Maximum 250 250 250 " 1,500 " " 1,500 " " 3,750 " 750
815-20-55-185
Note that both the sum and average of the notional amounts of the written option component for all periods are not greater than the sum and average of the notional amounts of the purchased option component for all periods.
815-20-55-186
For Collar 4, favorable terms are received in early periods (net purchased options) as consideration for entering into net written options in later periods. Specifically, the (higher-than-average) notional amounts on the purchased put option in years 20X2 through 20X4 are received in return for accepting a less favorable notional amount in years 20X5 and 20X6. Thus, at the inception of the hedge and over its life, Collar 4 in Case B would be subject to the provisions of paragraph 815-20-25-94.
815-20-55-193
The following Cases illustrate the application of paragraph 815-20-25-100 to situations in which the hedged item or hedged forecasted transaction may have a risk exposure that is limited, but the derivative instrument that the entity desires to designate as a hedging instrument does not have comparable limits:
- aFair value hedge (Case A)
- bCash flow hedge (Case B).
815-20-55-194
For the purposes of both Cases A and B, it is assumed that the shortcut method may not be applied.
815-20-55-195
Entity A issues 10-year fixed-rate debt that is callable at the end of the fifth year. It decides to convert the interest payments on the bond from fixed-rate to variable-rate by entering into a 10-year receive-fixed, pay-variable interest rate swap. The interest rate swap is not cancelable at the end of the fifth year. From Entity A's perspective, if interest rates increase, there is a gain on the debt (the liability's fair value decreases) and a loss on the swap (fair value either decreases as an asset or increases as a liability). If interest rates decrease, there is a loss on the debt (the liability's fair value increases) and a gain on the swap (fair value either increases as an asset or decreases as a liability). However, during the first five years, if interest rates decrease, the gain on the swap will exceed the loss on the debt because the debt's fair value change will consider the impact of the call feature, which is in the money when interest rates fall below the stated rate on the debt. Entity A wishes to designate the interest rate swap as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of interest rate risk of the fixed-rate debt. The conclusions for Case A and Case B are discussed in paragraph 815-20-55-197.
815-20-55-196
Entity B issues 10-year, variable-rate debt that reprices based on 6-month LIBOR. The interest rate on the debt is capped at 9 percent. Entity B decides to convert the interest payments on the debt from variable-rate to fixed-rate by entering into a receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap. There is no cap on the variable-rate leg of the interest rate swap. From Entity B's perspective, if interest rates decrease, there will be a cumulative reduction in the expected future cash outflows on the debt and a cumulative reduction in the expected future cash inflows on the swap. If interest rates increase, there will be a cumulative increase in the expected future cash outflows on the debt and a cumulative increase in the expected future cash inflows on the swap. However, if interest rates increase such that the variable rate on the swap would be greater than 9 percent, the cumulative increase in the expected future cash inflows on the swap will exceed the cumulative increase in the expected future cash outflows on the debt because of the interest rate cap on the debt, which is in the money if interest rates increase such that the variable rate on the debt would exceed 9 percent. Entity B wishes to designate the interest rate swap as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk of the variable-rate debt.
815-20-55-197
In both Cases A and B, the entity must assess, based on an appropriate methodology, whether the changes in fair value or cash flows of the interest rate swap could be expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the debt attributable to interest rate risk taking into account the effect of the embedded call option (Case A) or the effect of the interest rate cap (Case B). As required by paragraph 815-20-25-6, the effect of an embedded derivative of the same risk class must be considered in designating a hedge of an individual risk. Therefore, if the options in Cases A and B are expected to be out of the money based on a probability-weighted analysis of the range of possible changes in interest rates, then those options would be expected to have a minimal effect on changes in fair value or cash flows of the debt, and the hedging relationships could meet the requirement for an expectation of high effectiveness. In the case of a fair value hedge of callable debt discussed in Case A, in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-6B, Entity A may assess hedge effectiveness on the basis of whether the debt will be called at the end of the fifth year because of expected changes in benchmark interest rates, but not because of other factors potentially affecting the exercise of the call feature. Entity A intends to assess hedge effectiveness on this basis.
815-20-55-199
This Example addresses whether the shortcut method in paragraph 815-20-25-102 can be applied in the circumstances illustrated. This Example has the following assumptions:
- aEntity A acquires Entity B in a business combination. A business combination is accounted for as the acquisition of one entity by another entity. The acquiring entity, Entity A, records the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value.
- b
- cAt the date of the business combination, Entity A and Entity B both have certain hedging relationships that have met the requirements as discussed beginning in paragraph 815-20-25-102 and that are being accounted for by the respective entities under the shortcut method of accounting.
- dAt the date of the business combination, the fair value of the hedging swaps in Entity B's hedging relationships is other than zero.
815-20-55-200
Unless the applicable hedging relationships meet the requirements in paragraph 815-20-25-102 at the date of the business combination (which would be highly unlikely because the swap's fair value would rarely be zero at that date) and the combined entity chooses to designate the swaps and the hedged items as hedging relationships to be accounted for under the shortcut method, the acquiror cannot continue to use the shortcut method of accounting for the hedging relationships of the acquiree that were being accounted for by the acquiree under the shortcut method of accounting at the date of the business combination.
815-20-55-201
Entity A is acquiring the individual assets and liabilities of Entity B at the date of the business combination and accordingly any preexisting hedging relationships of old Entity B must be designated anew by the combined entity at the date of the business combination in accordance with the relevant requirements of this Subtopic.
815-20-55-202
In part, this Example entails a determination of whether the business combination results in a new inception date for the combined entity for hedging relationships entered into by the acquiree before the consummation of the business combination that remain ongoing at the date of the business combination. The concept of acquisition accounting follows the accounting for acquisitions of individual assets and liabilities. That is, the combined entity should account for the assets and liabilities acquired in the business combination consistent with how it would be required to account for those assets and liabilities if they were acquired individually in separate transactions. The acquisition method is based on the premise that in an acquisition, the acquired entity (Entity B) ceases to exist and only the acquiring entity (Entity A) survives. Thus, the postacquisition hedging relationship designated by Entity A is a new relationship that has a new inception date.
815-20-55-203
Even in the unlikely circumstance that the new hedging relationship qualifies for the shortcut method, there would be no continuation of the shortcut method of accounting that had been applied by the acquired entity.
815-20-55-204
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-118. Under the guidance in that paragraph, if a derivative instrument with a five-year term is designated as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of a financial asset that also has a five-year term, an entity may base its expectation that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value for the risk being hedged by considering the possible changes in value occurring only over a shorter period than the life of the derivative instrument, such as over only the first three months of the derivative instrument's five-year life. For example, an entity may specify, in documenting its risk management strategy, that every three months it will do both of the following:
- aIt will assess the effectiveness of the existing hedging relationship for the past three-month period.
- bIt intends to consider possible changes in value of the hedging derivative and the hedged item over the next three months in deciding whether it has an expectation that the hedging relationship will continue to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value.
815-20-55-205
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-124.
815-20-55-206
Entity XYZ, a U.S. dollar (USD) functional currency entity forecasts the purchase of goods with the payment denominated in pounds sterling (GBP). To hedge the foreign currency exposure from the forecasted purchase, Entity XYZ purchases an at-the-money call option on GBP. The notional amount of the option equals the forecasted value of goods to be purchased, and the option exercise date is the date the purchase consummates. At inception of the hedging relationship the strike price and the forward market exchange rate for GBP 1 are both USD 1.50. The time value component on the option is USD 0.15 per GBP. The foreign currency option in this Example could be effective as a hedging instrument only if effectiveness for that hedging relationship were based solely on either of the following:
- aChanges in the option's intrinsic value
- bChanges in the option's entire fair value.
815-20-55-207
As stated in paragraph 815-20-25-124, it is inappropriate to assert that only limited risk exposures are being hedged, such as exposures related only to currency-exchange-rate changes above USD 1.65 per GBP.
815-20-55-208
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-126.
815-20-55-209
An entity forecasts that 1 year later it will purchase 1,000 ounces of gold at then current market prices for use in its operations. The entity wishes to protect itself against increases in the cost of gold above the current market price of $275 per ounce. The entity purchases a 1-year cash-settled at-the-money gold option on 1,000 ounces of gold, paying a premium of $10,000. If the price of gold is above $275 at the maturity (settlement) date, the counterparty will pay the entity 1,000 times the difference. If the price of gold is $275 or below at the maturity date, the contract expires worthless. The option cannot be exercised before its contractual maturity date. The entity designates the purchased option contract as a hedge of the variability in the purchase price (cash outflow) of the 1,000 ounces of gold for prices above $275 per ounce.
815-20-55-210
In assessing the effectiveness of the cash flow hedge, the entity would determine that because the change in the expected future pay-off amount of the purchased option completely offsets the change in the expected future cash flows on the purchase of 1,000 ounces of gold above $275 per ounce, the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective under paragraph 815-20-25-75(b).
815-20-55-211
The entity would conclude there is perfect effectiveness because all of the following conditions exist:
- aAll the critical terms of the hedging derivative completely match the hedged forecasted transaction.
- bThe strike price of the hedging instrument matches the specified level ($275) beyond which the entity's exposure is being hedged.
- cThe hedging derivative's inflows at expiration completely offset the hedged transaction's outflows for any increase in the price of gold above $275 per ounce.
- dThe hedging option cannot be exercised before its contractual maturity date.
815-20-55-212
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-131.
815-20-55-213
Entity JPN is a Japanese subsidiary of a U.S. entity. Entity JPN's functional currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Entity JPN has forecasted inventory purchases to be paid in U.S. dollars (USD). As a result, Entity JPN is exposed to changes in the JPY-USD exchange rate: its functional currency cash outflows will increase (loss) if JPY weakens versus USD and decrease (gain) if JPY strengthens versus USD.
815-20-55-214
Entity JPN would like to hedge the foreign currency exposure related to the forecasted transaction by entering into a combination of foreign-currency-denominated option contracts designated as a single hedging instrument.
815-20-55-215
For purposes of this discussion, assume all of the following:
- aEntity JPN has met the qualifying criteria regarding forecasted transactions eligible for designation as hedged transactions pursuant to paragraph 815-20-25-15 and the options are entered into contemporaneously with the same counterparty and can be transferred independently of each other.
- bThe combination of foreign currency option contracts meets all of the conditions in paragraphs to be considered a net purchased option (that is, considered not to be a net written option subject to the requirements of paragraph 815-20-25-94).
815-20-55-216
Entity JPN employs the following hedging strategy:
- aThe forecasted transaction is estimated at USD 150,000,000. The at-the-money forward rate is JPY 120 per USD 1.
- bEntity JPN's documented hedge objective is to offset the foreign exchange risk to the functional currency equivalent cash flows at levels above JPY 125/USD 1 and in the range from JPY 113/USD 1 to JPY 108/USD 1. In the range JPY 113/USD 1 to JPY 125/USD 1 and at levels below JPY 108/USD 1, Entity JPN chooses not to offset the foreign exchange risk to the functional currency equivalent cash flows.
- cTo implement this hedge objective, Entity JPN enters into all three of the following option contracts and jointly designates them as the hedging instrument:
- 1Option 1. One purchased option that gives Entity JPN the right to purchase USD 150,000,000 at an exchange rate of JPY 125/USD 1. Premium paid: USD 1,536,885.
- 2Option 2. One sold (written) option that, if exercised, obligates Entity JPN to purchase USD 150,000,000 at an exchange rate of JPY 113/USD 1. Premium received: USD 1,536,885.
- 3Option 3. One purchased option that gives Entity JPN the right to sell USD 150,000,000 at an exchange rate of JPY 108/USD 1. Premium paid: USD 737,705.
- 1
815-20-55-217
The time value of the combination of options is to be excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and, therefore, effectiveness is based only on changes in intrinsic value related to the combination of options.
815-20-55-218
The purpose of Option 1 is to protect Entity JPN when the JPY-USD exchange rate increases above JPY 125/USD 1. As the JPY-USD exchange rate increases, Entity JPN will be required to purchase the USD 150,000,000 inventory at a greater JPY-equivalent cost. As the JPY-USD exchange rate increases above JPY 125/USD 1, the intrinsic value of the option increases as the option is increasingly in the money. That increase in the option's intrinsic value is expected to offset the increase in the JPY-equivalent expenditure on the forecasted transaction.
815-20-55-219
Entity JPN also writes an option (Option 2) that obligates Entity JPN to purchase USD from the counterparty at an exchange rate of JPY 113/USD 1. The counterparty will exercise the option whenever the JPY-USD exchange rate is below JPY 113/USD 1. As the JPY-USD exchange rate decreases, Entity JPN will be required to purchase the USD 150,000,000 inventory at a lesser JPY-equivalent cost. As the JPY-USD exchange rate decreases below JPY 113/USD 1, Entity JPN's losses related to increases in the intrinsic value of the written option are expected to offset the decrease in the JPY-equivalent expenditure on the forecasted transaction.
815-20-55-220
Entity JPN also purchases an option to sell USD (Option 3) for a notional amount equal to the notional of the written option (Option 2) with a strike price of JPY 108/USD 1. Entity JPN will exercise Option 3 whenever the JPY-USD exchange rate is below JPY 108/USD 1. When the exchange rate is below JPY 108/USD 1, although Entity JPN will be obligated to make a payment in relation to Option 2, it will also receive a payment in relation to Option 3. As a result of purchasing Option 3, Entity JPN will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations on Option 2 only when the exchange rate is between JPY 113/USD 1 and JPY 108/USD 1. Hence, with Options 2 and 3, Entity JPN has effectively limited its hedge offset to changes in cash flows on the forecasted item to levels between JPY 113/USD 1 and JPY 108/USD 1. Changes in the exchange rate below JPY 108/USD 1 result in no change in the intrinsic value of the combination of options because the change in Option 2 offsets the change in Option 3. However, when the exchange rate is below JPY 108/USD 1, the combination of options has an intrinsic value other than zero.
815-20-55-221
In summary, potential changes in intrinsic value related to this combination option hedge construct (Options 1, 2, and 3) would limit the hedge offset to corresponding changes in functional currency cash flows on the forecasted transaction only at levels above JPY 125/USD 1 and in the range JPY 108/USD 1 to JPY 113/USD 1, consistent with Entity JPN's documented hedge objective.
815-20-55-222
The cash flow hedging relationship in this Example involving a combination of options may be considered effective at offsetting the change in cash flows due to foreign currency exchange rate movements related to the forecasted transaction. Specifically, Entity JPN may assess the effectiveness of the hedge based only on changes in the underlying that cause a change in the intrinsic value of the combination of options. Thus, in that case, Entity JPN would assess effectiveness of the hedge only when the JPY-USD exchange rate is above JPY 125/USD 1 and between JPY 113/USD 1 and JPY 108/USD 1. Likewise, Entity JPN's assessment would exclude changes in the JPY-USD exchange rate between JPY 113/USD 1 and JPY 125/USD 1 and below JPY 108/USD 1.
815-20-55-223
The combination of options used by Entity JPN as a hedging instrument is deemed to be a net purchased option based on the provisions of this Subtopic. Therefore, the hedging relationship avoids being subject to the hedge effectiveness test for written options in paragraph 815-20-25-94.
815-20-55-224
In particular, as it relates to paragraph 815-20-25-89(a), the aggregate premium (that is, the time values) for the three options comprising the hedging instrument results in Entity JPN paying a net premium.
815-20-55-225
The evaluation of whether a net premium has been received under paragraph 815-20-25-89(a) must include consideration of only the time value components of the options designated as the hedging instrument. That evaluation must not include the intrinsic value, if any, of the options.
815-20-55-230
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-95.
815-20-55-231
Entity X has LIBOR-indexed floating-rate debt. To hedge its exposure to variability in expected future cash outflows attributable to changes in LIBOR swap rate (the contractually specified interest rate), it enters into an interest rate collar with a bank when the current LIBOR swap rate is 6 percent. The collar also is indexed to LIBOR and consists of a purchased cap with the strike rate equal to 8 percent and a written floor with the strike rate equal to 5 percent. The purchased cap goes into effect when LIBOR increases above 8 percent, and the written floor goes into effect when LIBOR decreases below 5 percent. Thus, the interest collar has the effect of limiting the interest rate of the floating-rate debt to a range between 5 percent and 8 percent. On the basis of market conditions as of the collar transaction date, Entity X received a net premium from the bank.
815-20-55-232
In accordance with paragraphs , the combination of options in the collar in this Example is a net written option from Entity X's perspective. Therefore, the written-option test in paragraphs must be applied to determine whether the hedging relationship between the debt and the collar qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting. That test requires that the combination of the hedged item and the written option provides at least as much potential for favorable cash flows as exposure to unfavorable cash flows for all possible percentage changes (from zero percent to 100 percent) in the LIBOR index.
815-20-55-233
The following table shows the calculation of the favorable cash flows and unfavorable cash flows for LIBOR changes of 50 percent.
Potential Cash Flows of the Combination of the Hedged Item and the Net Written Option If LIBOR Moves Each Direction by the Same Percentage LIBOR at Inception LIBOR Increase 50% "LIBOR Decrease 50%" Cash outflows on LIBOR-indexed debt 6.00% 9.00% 3.00% Cash outflows on written floor 0.00 0.00 2.00 Less: Cash inflows on purchased cap 0.00 1.00 0.00 Net cash flow (outflows + / inflows -) 6.00% 8.00% 5.00% Unfavorable Favorable Change in cash flows of combination from inception (in basis points) 200 -100 "Percentage change in cash flows of combination from inception" 33.33% -16.67%
815-20-55-234
The calculations in the table in paragraph 815-20-55-233 demonstrate that for a 50 percent fluctuation in the LIBOR rate, the collar would fail the written-option test in paragraph 815-20-25-94 because a 50 percent favorable change in LIBOR (that is, a decrease) would not provide at least as much favorable cash flows as unfavorable cash flows that would result from a 50 percent unfavorable change in LIBOR (that is, an increase). Therefore, the combination of options would not be an eligible hedging instrument.
815-20-55-235
This Example illustrates the application of paragraph 815-20-25-83A.
815-20-55-236
On December 31, 20X0, an entity intends to purchase 1,000 barrels of crude oil in December 20X4. The entity decides to hedge changes in the price of the crude oil by purchasing an at-the-money call option on 1,000 barrels of crude oil. The entity purchases the option on December 31, 20X0, with an initial premium of $9,250, a strike price of $75, and a maturity date of December 31, 20X4. The entity designates the option as the hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted purchase of crude oil.
815-20-55-237
The entity elects to exclude the time value of the option from the assessment of effectiveness in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-82 and applies the amortization approach for recognizing excluded components in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-83A. The entity applies a straight-line amortization method and, based on the initial option premium of $9,250, the entity determines an annual amortization amount of $2,313. The entity records all changes in fair value over the term of the derivative in other comprehensive income and records amortization in earnings each period with an offsetting entry to other comprehensive income. The changes in value of the option over the life of the hedging relationship are as follows.
12/31/20X1 12/31/20X2 12/31/20X3 12/31/20X4 Ending market price of crude oil $77 $76 $74 $81 Ending fair value of option: Time value " 7,500 " " 5,500 " " 3,000 " - Intrinsic value " 2,000 " " 1,000 " - " 6,000 " Total " $9,500 " " $6,500 " " $3,000 " " $6,000 " Change in time value " $(1,750)" " $(2,000)" " $(2,500)" " $(3,000)" Change in intrinsic value " 2,000 " " (1,000)" " (1,000)" " 6,000 " Total current-period gain (loss) on derivative $250 " $(3,000)" " $(3,500)" " $3,000 "
815-20-55-238
On December 31, 20X4, the entity purchases 1,000 barrels of crude oil, and the option expires with an intrinsic value of $6,000. This amount will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income until the commodity is sold in 20X5. The journal entries over the life of the hedging relationship are as follows.
"December 31, 20X0" Derivative asset " $9,250 " Cash " $9,250 " To record the derivative asset based on the initial premium. "December 31, 20X1" Derivative asset $250 Other comprehensive income $250 To record the change in value of the derivative in other comprehensive income. Cost of goods sold " $2,313 " Other comprehensive income " $2,313 " To record amortization of the excluded amount. "December 31, 20X2" Other comprehensive income " $3,000 " Derivative asset " $3,000 " To record the change in value of the derivative in other comprehensive income. Cost of goods sold " $2,313 " Other comprehensive income " $2,313 " To record amortization of the excluded amount. "December 31, 20X3" Other comprehensive income " $3,500 " Derivative asset " $3,500 " To record the change in value of the derivative in other comprehensive income. Cost of goods sold " $2,313 " Other comprehensive income " $2,313 " To record amortization of the excluded amount. "December 31, 20X4" Derivative asset " $3,000 " Other comprehensive income " $3,000 " To record the change in value of the derivative in other comprehensive income. Cost of goods sold " $2,311 " a Other comprehensive income " $2,311 " a To record amortization of the excluded amount. "July 1, 20X5" Other comprehensive income " $6,000 " Cost of goods sold " $6,000 " "Upon sale of commodity, to record intrinsic value to cost of goods sold." (a) $2 rounding adjustment
815-20-65Transition and Open Effective Date Information
Source downloaded: .Record version a6082909f388. Effective date must be checked in the source.
815-20-65-1
Paragraph superseded on 07/02/2014 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.
815-20-65-2
Paragraph superseded on 07/17/2019 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships.
815-20-65-3
Paragraph superseded on 07/10/2023 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Updates No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.
815-20-65-4
Paragraph superseded on 12/14/2022 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.
815-20-65-5
Paragraph superseded on 12/14/2022 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.
815-20-65-6
Paragraph superseded on 06/30/2025 after the end of the transition period stated in Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging—Portfolio Layer Method.
Transition Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09, <em class="ph i">Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements</em>
815-20-65-7
The following represents the transition and effective date information related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-09, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements:
Effective date and early adoption
- aFor public business entities, the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods.
- bFor entities other than public business entities, the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods.
- cEarly adoption of the pending content that links to this paragraph is permitted for all entities on any date on or after November 25, 2025.
Transition method
- dAn entity shall apply the pending content that links to this paragraph on a prospective basis, including the guidance described in (e) for existing hedging relationships (that is, the hedging instrument has not expired, been sold, terminated, or exercised, or the entity has not removed the designation of the hedging relationship) beginning on or after the date of adoption.
- eFor cash flow hedges existing as of the date of adoption, without dedesignating the hedging relationship, an entity may:
- 1For hedges of variability in cash flows attributable to a group of individual forecasted transactions, modify its method for assessing similar risk exposure to a method described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A. If an entity is applying one of the methods described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A, it may elect to change to the other method. If an entity modifies its method of assessing similar risk exposure to the method described in paragraph 815-20-55-23A(a), the entity also may change its method of assessing hedge effectiveness if the revised method leverages the similar risk assessment in determining that the hedging relationship is highly effective. An entity is not required to apply the guidance in paragraph 815-20-25-81 when comparing hedging relationships executed before and after the date of adoption in relation to the guidance in (e)(1).
- 2For hedges of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the overall price or the contractually specified component of the price in a forecasted purchase or sale of a nonfinancial asset, modify the fhedging relationship to designate the hedged risk as variability in cash flows attributable to changes in a component (or subcomponent) of the forecasted purchase price or sales price of a nonfinancial asset in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-22C. The entity is not required to amend its hedge documentation for hedges of a contractually specified component to reflect amendments in accordance with paragraph 815-20-25-22C if the hedged risk is unchanged.
- 3For hedges of variability in cash flows attributable to a group of individual forecasted transactions:
- iModify the hedging relationship to add an additional hedged risk or risks to an existing portfolio if the hedging relationship continues to meet all other requirements to apply cash flow hedge accounting.
- iiMigrate some or all of the individual forecasted transactions from one existing pool or pools to a new pool or pools, an existing pool or pools, or a combination of new and existing pools.
- iiiReassign and reorder existing hedging instruments to a new or existing pool.
- i
- 4For hedges of forecasted interest payments on an existing choose-your-rate debt instrument:
- iAmend the hedging relationship to include interest payments on replacement debt.
- iiSpecify the quantitative method that an entity will use in the event that it must assess hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis in subsequent periods (for entities assessing hedge effectiveness on a qualitative basis).
- i
- 5For hedges of forecasted interest payments that may include interest payments on an existing choose-your-rate debt instrument designated as part of a group of forecasted transactions under the first-payments-received technique:
- iAmend the hedging relationship to include only interest payments on the individual existing choose-your-rate debt instrument and replacement debt.
- iiSpecify the quantitative method that an entity will use in the event that it must assess hedge effectiveness on a quantitative basis in subsequent periods (for entities assessing hedge effectiveness on a qualitative basis).
- i
- 1
- fFor hedges that were discontinued before the date of adoption for which amounts are still reported in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of adoption, an entity may migrate the individual forecasted transactions to align with the pools of existing hedges considering the migration described in (e)(3)(ii).
- gGains or losses on hedging instruments that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of adoption shall be reassigned using a systematic and rational manner to align with the pool or pools after the migrations described in (e)(3)(ii) and (f) and reassignments and reorderings described in (e)(3)(iii). Amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income shall be reclassified to earnings when the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings in accordance with paragraphs .
- hIf adoption of the pending content that links to this paragraph in (e) changes the designated hedged risk, an entity shall create the terms of the instrument used to estimate the change in value of the hedged risk (under the originally designated method, for example, the hypothetical derivative method, or another acceptable method in Subtopic 815-30) in the assessment of hedge effectiveness and the similar risk assessment, if applicable, on the basis of market data as of the inception of the hedging relationship. Furthermore, an entity shall amend hedge documentation upon adoption, including documentation of critical terms, the hedged forecasted transactions, hedge effectiveness assessments, and similar risk assessments, as needed to apply the pending content in (e) through (g) for all existing and discontinued hedging relationships.
Transition disclosures
- iAn entity shall disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, as well as the method of applying the change, in both the interim reporting period and the annual reporting period that the entity adopts the pending content that links to this paragraph.