Kraft 2008 Annual Report Download - page 55

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates and commodity prices, Kraft has exposure on these derivatives to credit and market risk.
We are exposed to credit risk that the counterparty might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. We minimize our
credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, limiting the amount of exposure we have with each
counterparty and monitoring the financial condition of our counterparties. We also maintain a policy of requiring that all significant, non-exchange traded
derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreement. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial
instrument might be adversely affected by a change in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or interest rates. We manage market risk by
incorporating monitoring parameters within our risk management strategy that limits the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies, and the degree
of market risk that may be undertaken by the use of derivative instruments.
We record derivative financial instruments at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets as either current assets or current liabilities. Changes in the fair value
of derivatives are recorded each period either in accumulated other comprehensive earnings / (losses) or in earnings, depending on whether a derivative is
designated and effective as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in
accumulated other comprehensive earnings / (losses) are reclassified to the consolidated statement of earnings in the periods in which operating results are
affected by the hedged item. Cash flows from hedging instruments are classified in the same manner as the affected hedged item in the consolidated statements of
cash flows.
Guarantees:
We account for guarantees in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires us to disclose certain guarantees and to recognize a liability for the fair value of the
obligation of qualifying guarantee activities. See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies for a further discussion of guarantees.
Reclassification:
We reclassified minority interest in earnings in the prior year statement of earnings from a separate line item into general corporate expenses within marketing,
administration and research costs to conform with the current year’s presentation. Additionally, we reclassified dividends payable in the prior year balance sheet
from other accrued liabilities to a separate line item to conform with the current year’s presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements:
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, as amended in February 2008
by FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for Kraft as of January 1, 2008. However, FSP
FAS 157-2 defers the effective date for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an annual or more
frequently recurring basis, until January 1, 2009. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures
about fair value measurements. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115. The provisions are effective for Kraft as of January 1, 2008. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value and report unrealized gains and losses on these instruments in earnings. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to
have a material impact on our financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations. The provisions, which change the way companies account for business
combinations, are effective for Kraft as of January 1, 2009. This statement requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize assets acquired
and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed;
and requires the acquirer to disclose all information needed by investors to understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. We do not
expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of Accounting Research
Bulletin No. 51, the provisions of which are effective for Kraft as of January 1, 2009. This statement requires an entity to classify noncontrolling interests in
subsidiaries as a separate component of equity. Additionally, transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests are required to be treated as equity
transactions. We are currently evaluating the impact of this statement on our financial statements.
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Source: KRAFT FOODS INC, 10-K, February 25, 2008 Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠