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DERIVATIVES
9 Months Ended
May 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives
NOTE 9. DERIVATIVES

The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy prices. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to price volatility in these commodities, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) energy derivatives to mitigate the risk related to price volatility of electricity and natural gas.

At May 31, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity commitments were $80.6 million and $45.3 million, respectively. At August 31, 2019, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity contract commitments were $94.1 million and $42.6 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at May 31, 2020:
CommodityLong/ShortTotal
AluminumLong2,300   MT
AluminumShort1,100   MT
CopperLong318   MT
CopperShort4,990   MT
ElectricityLong2,000,000  MW(h)
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MT = Metric Ton
MW(h) = Megawatt hour

The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.

The following table summarizes activity related to the Company's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. All other activity related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items was immaterial for the periods presented. 
Three Months Ended May 31,Nine Months Ended May 31,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)Location2020201920202019
CommodityCost of goods sold$1,465  $3,408  $1,881  $143  
Foreign exchangeSG&A expenses(890) (72) (870) (472) 
Gain (loss) before income taxes$575  $3,336  $1,011  $(329)