NOTE 16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices that could impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We use interest rate derivatives to manage our exposure to interest rates. At inception, interest rate swap derivatives that we designate as hedging instruments are formally documented as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or cash flow hedge. We also formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, or if the anticipated transaction is no longer probable of occurring, we discontinue hedge accounting, and any future mark-to-market adjustments are recognized in earnings. We use derivative financial instruments as risk management tools and not for speculative trading purposes.

Counterparty Risk

We enter into derivative transactions only with established financial institution counterparties having an investment-grade credit rating. We monitor counterparty credit ratings on a regular basis. All of our derivative transactions with counterparties are governed by master International Swap and Derivatives Association agreements (“ISDAs”) with netting arrangements. These agreements can limit our exposure in situations where we have gain and loss positions outstanding with a single counterparty. We do not post nor do we receive cash collateral with any counterparty for our derivative transactions. These ISDAs do not have any credit contingent features; however, a default under our bank credit facility would trigger a default under these agreements. Exposure to individual counterparties is controlled and we consider the risk of counterparty default to be negligible.

Interest Rate Risk

We utilize interest rate swaps to minimize the fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges against changes in Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for a portion of our variable rate debt. The following table summarizes our interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2025:

Under the terms of the interest rate swaps above, we pay a fixed rate monthly and receive a floating rate based on the SOFR.

Financial Statement Impacts

The following tables detail amounts related to our derivatives as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. We did not have any derivative assets or liabilities not designated as hedging instruments as of June 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024. The derivative asset amounts below are shown gross and have not been netted.

As of June 30, 2025, the amount of existing net losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”) expected to be recognized in net earnings over the next twelve months was $1.4 million.