Note 9 - Fuel Derivatives |
6 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] | 9 . Fuel Derivatives In our day to day business activities we are exposed to certain market risks, including the effects of changes in fuel prices. We review new ways to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of fuel markets may have on operating results. In an effort to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel prices, we may enter into futures contracts. These instruments will be heating oil futures contracts as the related index, New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), generally exhibits high correlation with the changes in the dollars of the forecasted purchase of diesel fuel. We do not engage in speculative transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. We have entered into futures contracts relating to 4,284,000 total gallons of diesel fuel, or 336,000 gallons per month for January 2016 through February 2017, approximately 10.0% of our monthly projected fuel requirements through February 2017. Under these contracts, we pay a fixed rate per gallon of heating oil and receive the monthly average price of New York heating oil per the NYMEX. We have done retrospective and prospective regression analyses that showed the changes in the prices of diesel fuel and heating oil were deemed to be highly effective based on the relevant authoritative guidance. Accordingly, we have designated the respective hedges as cash flow hedges. We perform both a prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of our hedge contracts at inception and quarterly. If our analysis shows that the derivatives are not highly effective as hedges, we will discontinue hedge accounting for the period and prospectively recognize changes in the fair value of the derivative being recognized through earnings. As a result of our effectiveness assessment at inception and at December 31, 2015, we believe our hedge contracts have been and will continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. We recognize all derivative instruments at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other accrued expenses. Our derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges, thus the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and will be reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in the fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in other income or expense on our condensed consolidated statements of income. The ineffective portion of the hedge for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 was immaterial and therefore not recognized through earnings. Based on the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2015, and the expected timing of the purchases of the diesel fuel hedged, we expect to reclassify $2.2 million of loss on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income to our condensed consolidated statement of income, as fuel expense, due to the actual diesel fuel purchases. The amounts actually realized will depend on the fair values as of the date of settlement. Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties with which we have these agreements. Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts reported as liabilities. To evaluate credit risk, we review each counterparty's audited financial statements and credit ratings and obtain references. Any credit valuation adjustments deemed necessary would be reflected in the fair value of the instrument. As of December 31, 2015, we have not made any such adjustments. |