Derivatives

In the simplest terms, a derivative is an instrument whose value depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying variable or variables, such as the prices of traded assets. Most derivatives are net-settled contracts that allow the holder to benefit from changes in the value of a referenced asset or other market variable while making a smaller initial investment than would be required to own that asset and experience similar gains and losses.

There are different types of derivative contracts, but the most common ones are forwards, futures, options, and swaps. When an entity enters into these types of contracts, it may be fairly obvious that such a contract meets the definition of a derivative. However, the accounting definition of a derivative sometimes encompasses other types of contracts that are not commonly thought of as derivatives, such as financial guarantees and contracts to purchase materials or power, or commodity contracts that require the physical delivery of assets that are readily convertible to cash.

In accordance with ASC 815-10-15-83, all three of the criteria below must be satisfied for a contract to meet the definition of a derivative:

An entity should apply the guidance in ASC 815 when determining whether a specific contract meets the definition of a derivative.

In addition to providing the criteria required for a contract to be considered a derivative, ASC 815-10 includes a variety of scope exceptions. A contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative may qualify for one of those exceptions, in which case it would be accounted for on the basis of other applicable U.S. GAAP. Some of the more frequently used scope exceptions apply to (1) certain contracts involving an entity’s own equity and (2) certain contracts that are consistent with an entity’s normal course of business (the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception).

An instrument that does not meet the definition of a derivative in its entirety may contain contractual terms or features that affect the cash flows, values, or other exchanges required by the terms of the instrument in a manner similar to a derivative. Such terms or features are “embedded” in the overall arrangement or contract and are referred to as “embedded derivatives.”

Under ASC 815-15-25-1, an entity is required to bifurcate and separately account for a feature embedded within another contract (the host contract) if all three of the conditions shown below are met.

Embedded derivatives are commonly identified in debt and equity instruments, although it is possible for them to exist in other contracts (e.g., leases, service arrangements, insurance contracts). For example, if options allow the holder of a debt or equity instrument to either convert its instrument into shares of the issuer’s equity or redeem its instrument for cash, such options are embedded derivatives in the debt or equity instrument, respectively.

The determination of whether an embedded feature in a debt or equity host meets the definition of a derivative often depends on whether one of the criteria related to net settlement is met. For instance, equity in an entity that is not publicly traded is generally not readily convertible to cash, so redemption or conversion options for a nonpublic entity would generally not meet the definition of a derivative. When assessing whether an embedded feature, if freestanding, would meet the definition of a derivative, an entity should closely evaluate whether the feature provides for net settlement.

A key underlying principle of ASC 815 is that derivatives represent either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position, and those assets or liabilities should be measured initially and subsequently at fair value by applying the concepts of ASC 820 (see Deloitte’s Roadmap Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Including the Fair Value Option) for more guidance). The accounting for changes in the fair of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated as a hedging instrument in a qualified hedging relationship. Derivatives that are designated as a hedging instrument in a qualified hedging relationship are eligible for specialized hedge accounting (see Deloitte’s Roadmap Hedge Accounting for more information). Other than in limited scenarios, the gain or loss on a derivative instrument that has not been designated as a hedging instrument should be recognized in current-period earnings.

In addition, if any feature of an instrument has been identified and bifurcated as an embedded derivative, the entity should apply the accounting in ASC 815 related to measurement and recognition as if that embedded derivative were a freestanding derivative. Therefore, such an embedded derivative should be initially recorded at fair value and remeasured to its fair value in each reporting period. Unless the bifurcated embedded derivative is designated in a qualified hedging relationship, changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized through earnings in each reporting period.