Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Effective Hedges
Certain derivative financial instruments, consisting of interest rate swap and cap agreements, are cash flow hedges that are designated as effective hedges, and are carried at their estimated fair value on a recurring basis. We assess the effectiveness of our hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. If the hedges are deemed to be effective, the fair value is recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" in our balance sheets and is subsequently reclassified into "Interest expense" in our statements of operations in the period that the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings. Our hedges become less than perfectly effective if the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the forecasted transactions do not perfectly match such as notional amounts, settlement dates, reset dates, calculation period and interest rates. In addition, we evaluate the default risk of the counterparty by monitoring the creditworthiness of the counterparty. While management believes its judgments are reasonable, a change in a derivative's effectiveness as a hedge could materially affect expenses, net income (loss) and equity.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had interest rate swap and cap agreements with an aggregate notional value of $1.9 billion and $1.4 billion, which were designated as effective hedges. The fair value of our interest rate swaps and caps designated as effective hedges primarily consisted of assets totaling $69.5 million and $53.5 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, included in "Other assets, net" in our balance sheets.
Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Ineffective Hedges
Certain derivative financial instruments, consisting of interest rate cap agreements, are cash flow hedges that are designated as ineffective hedges, and are carried at their estimated fair value on a recurring basis. Realized and unrealized gains or losses are recorded in "Interest expense" in our statements of operations. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had various interest rate cap agreements with an aggregate notional value of $642.7 million and $711.8 million, which were designated as ineffective hedges. The fair value of our interest rate cap agreements designated as ineffective hedges consisted of assets totaling $9.9 million and $8.1 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, included in "Other assets, net" in our balance sheets, and liabilities totaling $9.2 million as of September 30, 2023, included in "Other liabilities, net" in our balance sheets.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of September 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are, from time to time, involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the outcome of such matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report.