6.	Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:

 

(dollars in millions)		Level 1(1)				Level 2(2)				Level 3(3)				Total
Assets:
Short-term investments:
Equity securities		$	298			$	–			$	–			$	298
Fixed income securities			6				243				–				249
Other current assets:
Fixed income securities			250				–				–				250
Other assets:
Fixed income securities			–				915				–				915
Interest rate swaps and other			–				111				–				111
Total		$	554			$	1,269			$	–			$	1,823
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities:
Cross currency swaps and other		$	–			$	137			$	–			$	137
Other liabilities:
Forward interest rate swaps			–				301				–				301
Cross currency swaps			–				1,318				–				1,318
Total		$	–			$	1,756			$	–			$	1,756

 

(1)	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

(2)	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

(3)	no observable pricing inputs in the market

Equity securities consist of investments in common stock of domestic and international corporations measured using quoted prices in active markets.

Fixed income securities consist primarily of investments in municipal bonds as well as U.S. Treasury securities. We use quoted prices in active markets for our U.S. Treasury securities, therefore these securities are classified as Level 1. For all other fixed income securities that do not have quoted prices in active markets, we use alternative matrix pricing resulting in these debt securities being classified as Level 2.

Derivative contracts are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of our derivative contracts and thus are classified within Level 2. We use mid-market pricing for fair value measurements of our derivative instruments. Our derivative instruments are recorded on a gross basis.

We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt

The fair value of our debt is determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical terms and maturities, which is a Level 1 measurement, as well as quoted prices for similar terms and maturities in inactive markets and future cash flows discounted at current rates, which are Level 2 measurements. The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding capital leases, was as follows:

 

		At March 31, 2015								At December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Fair Value
Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases		$	112,738			$	128,347			$	112,755			$	126,549

 

Derivative Instruments

We enter into derivative transactions to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity and commodity prices. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of a variety of derivatives including cross currency swaps, foreign currency and prepaid forwards and collars, interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap and forward agreements and interest rate locks. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes. We posted collateral of approximately $0.8 billion and $0.6 billion related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which was recorded as Prepaid expenses and other in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the first quarter of 2015, we paid an immaterial amount of cash to enter into amendments to certain collateral exchange arrangements. These amendments suspend cash collateral posting for a specified period of time by both counterparties.

We measure all derivatives, including derivatives embedded in other financial instruments, at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments not qualifying as hedges or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the effective portions of cash flow hedges are reported in Other comprehensive loss and recognized in earnings when the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

Interest Rate Swaps

We enter into domestic interest rate swaps to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We principally receive fixed rates and pay variable rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against changes in the fair value of our debt portfolio. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. The fair value of these contracts was not material at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $1.8 billion. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

In order to manage our exposure to future interest rate changes, we have entered into forward interest rate swaps. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these swaps had a notional value of $2.0 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. The fair value of these contracts was $0.3 billion and $0.2 billion at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which was included within Other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Cross Currency Swaps

We enter into cross currency swaps to exchange British Pound Sterling and Euro-denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the effect of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive loss was reclassified to Other income and (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations. The fair value of the outstanding swaps was $1.4 billion at March 31, 2015 and $0.6 billion at December 31, 2014, which were primarily included within Other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $10.3 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, a pre-tax loss of $0.9 billion and an immaterial pre-tax gain, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive loss.