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F-58
swaps and the corresponding fair value adjustment to the hedged debt obligation included within long-term debt are recorded to interest
expense within the consolidated statements of operations. These swap contracts have remaining terms to maturity between 2 and
2.5 years.
On January 27, 2003, various cross currency coupon swaps (notional amount of Canadian $350) were terminated. There was no impact to
net earnings (loss) on termination as these instruments were not designated as hedges and changes in fair value were previously
accounted for in the consolidated statements of operations.
Hedge ineffectiveness and the discontinuance of cash flow hedges and fair value hedges that were accounted for in accordance with
SFAS 133 had no material impact on the net earnings (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and were reported within
other income (expense) — net in the consolidated statements of operations.
The following table provides a summary of interest rate swap contracts and cross currency coupon swap contracts and their aggregated
weighted-average rates as of December 31:
2003 2002
Interest rate swap contracts:
Receive
d
-fixed swa
p
s
—
notional amoun
t
$875 $975
Average fixed rate received 6.3% 6.3%
Average floating rate paid 2.6% 3.2%
Cross currency coupon swap contracts:
Received-cross currency coupon swaps — notional amount $
–
$224
Average floating rate received (Canadian $)
–
2.9%
Average floating rate paid (U.S. $)
–
1.5%
E
q
uit
yp
rice risk
Nortel Networks enters into equity forward contracts with terms from eight to fourteen months to hedge the variability in future cash
flows associated with certain compensation obligations that vary based on future Nortel Networks Corporation common share prices.
These contracts fix the price of Nortel Networks Corporation common shares and are cash settled on maturity to offset changes in the
compensation liability based on changes in the share price from the inception of the forward contract. Certain equity forward contracts
are designated as cash flow hedges when all criteria for hedge accounting are met and the changes in fair value of the forward contract
are recorded in OCI and reclassified to SG&A when the underlying compensation expense is recorded. Other equity forward contracts
that are not designated in a hedging relationship and are considered economic hedges of the compensation obligation are carried at fair
value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (expense) — net. The total notional amount of these contracts as of
December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $47 and $4, respectively, and the average fixed Nortel Networks Corporation common share price was
$3.45 and $2.42, respectively. The fair value of these contracts as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $10 and $(2), respectively.
Fair value
The estimated fair values approximate amounts at which financial instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between
willing parties. The fair values are based on estimates using present value and other valuation techniques that are significantly affected by
the assumptions used concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates that reflect varying degrees of
risk. Specifically, the fair value of interest rate swaps and forward contracts reflected: the present value of the expected future cash flows
if settlement had taken place on December 31, 2003 and 2002; the fair value of option contracts reflected the cash flows due to or by
Nortel Networks if settlement had taken place on December 31, 2003 and 2002; and the fair value of long-term debt instruments reflected
a current yield valuation based on observed market prices as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. Accordingly, the fair value estimates are
not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Nortel Networks could potentially realize in a current market exchange.