Aircastle (AYR)

This includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We also assess (both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. If it were to be determined that a derivative is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, we would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction (e.g., until periodic settlements of the variable rate liability are recorded in earnings). Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the change in the fair value of the derivative exceeds the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that did not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS No. 133 are reported in current period earnings as a component of interest expense.

Aircastle may choose to terminate certain derivative financial instruments prior to their contracted maturities. Any net gains or losses on the derivative financial instrument in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of termination are not reclassified into earnings if it remains probable that the cash flows of the hedged items (interest payments) will occur. The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings as the hedged items (interest payments) effect earnings.