ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks, including foreign currency fluctuations. In the normal course of its business, the Company employs established policies and procedures to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency values and changes in the market value of its investments.
The Companys objective in managing its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations is to reduce the impact of adverse fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. Accordingly, the Companys U.K. subsidiary utilizes foreign currency forward contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation, to limit its exposure on converting cash and accounts receivable balances maintained in non-functional currencies. The Company regularly monitors its foreign exchange exposures to ensure the overall effectiveness of its foreign currency hedge positions. However, there can be no assurance the Companys foreign currency hedging activities will substantially offset the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on its results of operations and financial position. While the Company engages in foreign currency hedging activity to reduce its risk, for accounting purposes, none of the foreign currency forward contracts are designated as hedges.
Interest Rate Risk
As of August 31, 2007, the Company had $53.6 million remaining on an original $75 million, 7.28% fixed-rate term loan. As a result of the fixed interest rate on the term loan, the Company is not currently exposed to interest rate risk.