Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

(4)Fair Value Measurements

A hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value is in place that distinguishes market data between observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity. The hierarchy is intended to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Three levels within the hierarchy may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs include observable data points such as (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and (iii) inputs (other than quoted prices) such as interest rates and yield curves that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3: Inputs are generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect an entity’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value hierarchy used to determine these fair values is as follows for 2014

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Other

Significant

Total Carrying

Active

Observable

Unobservable

Value at

Markets

Inputs

(In thousands)

October 31

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets as of October 31, 2014:

Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)

2,300

There were no changes in the method used in the fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2015 the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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