Note 13 — Financial instruments

We operate internationally and enter into intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, we are subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currency transactions occur and the dates they are settled. We regularly use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts usually have maturities of 90 days or less and generally require us to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in each accounting period in “other – net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the related balance sheet position. In 2017, we recognized net gains of $329 on foreign currency forward contracts and net losses of $1,015 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. In 2016, we recognized net gains of $2,317 on foreign currency forward contracts and net losses of $312 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. In 2015, we recognized net losses of $3,866 on foreign currency forward contracts and net gains of $3,862 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions.

The following table summarizes, by currency, the contracts outstanding at October 31, 2017 and 2016:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
October 31, 2017 contract amounts:
Euro	$	144,611	$	141,720	$	78,253	$	76,892
Pound sterling		45,252		45,242		54,204		54,658
Japanese yen		24,904		24,349		28,358		27,401
Australian dollar		193		191		8,185		7,904
Hong Kong dollar		—		—		100,131		100,114
Singapore dollar		794		791		12,681		12,642
Others		5,413		5,312		51,930		50,688
Total	$	221,167	$	217,605	$	333,742	$	330,299
October 31, 2016 contract amounts:
Euro	$	107,860	$	105,635	$	51,377	$	50,495
Pound sterling		36,692		36,125		37,473		36,302
Japanese yen		31,844		31,000		23,998		23,185
Australian dollar		380		380		8,096		8,095
Hong Kong dollar		1,702		1,702		79,516		79,411
Singapore dollar		1,031		995		12,062		11,735
Others		1,863		1,832		32,511		32,066
Total	$	181,372	$	177,669	$	245,033	$	241,289

We also use intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature to hedge the value of investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries. For hedges of the net investment in foreign operations, realized and unrealized gains and losses are shown in the cumulative translation adjustment account included in total comprehensive income. For 2017 and 2016, net losses of $760 and net gains of $2,439, respectively, were included in the cumulative translation adjustment account related to foreign denominated fixed-rate debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign operations.

We are exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments. These financial instruments include cash deposits and foreign currency forward contracts. We periodically monitor the credit ratings of these counterparties in order to minimize our exposure. Our customers represent a wide variety of industries and geographic regions. As of October 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

	2017				2016
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Notes payable		—		—		2,141			2,141
Long-term debt (including current portion)		1,582,984		1,587,920		980,864			992,060
Foreign currency forward contracts (net)		290		290		(39	)		(39	)

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:

•	Notes payable are valued at their carrying amounts due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.

•

Long-term debt is valued by discounting future cash flows at currently available rates for borrowing arrangements with similar terms and conditions, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of long-term debt is shown net of unamortized debt issuance costs as described in Note 10.

•	Foreign currency forward contracts are estimated using quoted exchange rates, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.