13.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FASB fair value guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exist, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments, and such instruments meet the Level 1 criteria of the three–tier fair value hierarchy discussed above. The carrying amount of short-term debt approximates fair value due to the variable rate of the interest and the short-term nature of the instrument.

In accordance with this guidance, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of April 30, 2025 and October 31, 2024 (in thousands):

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Included in Level 1 assets are mutual fund investments under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We estimate the fair value of these investments on a recurring basis using market prices that are readily available.

Included in Level 2 fair value measurements are derivative assets and liabilities related to gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts entered into with a third party. We estimate the fair value of these derivatives on a recurring basis using foreign currency exchange rates obtained from active markets. Derivative instruments are reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. We have derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts as described in Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The U.S. dollar equivalent notional amounts of these contracts were $90.8 million and $85.1 million at April 30, 2025 and October 31, 2024, respectively.

The fair value of our foreign currency forward exchange contracts and the related currency positions are subject to offsetting market risk resulting from foreign currency exchange rate volatility.  The counterparties to the forward exchange contracts are substantial and creditworthy financial institutions.  We do not consider either the risk of counterparties’ non-performance or the economic consequences of counterparties’ non-performance to be material risks.