Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks that relate principally to changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. We do not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We operate multiple foreign subsidiaries that manufacture and market our products worldwide. As a result, our earnings, cash flow and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, sales transactions, capital expenditures and net investment in certain foreign operations. Most of our operations outside the United States have their local currency as their functional currency. We are exposed to risks caused by changes in foreign exchange, principally our British pound sterling, euro and Japanese yen denominated debt and receivables denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, and from operations in other foreign currencies.

We have taken steps to minimize our balance sheet exposure by entering into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on certain trade and intercompany receivables and payables. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. The instruments are marked to market through earnings each period.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, as the interest rates on our revolving lines of credit and term loans may vary with the federal funds rate and SOFR (and, previously, LIBOR). As of July 31, 2023, we had outstanding debt for an aggregate carrying amount of $2.6 billion. We have entered, and in the future may enter, into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. Effective February 1, 2023, the base interest rate on our credit agreements was converted from LIBOR to SOFR.

Our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on interest rates, the exposures that arise during the period and our hedging strategies at that time. As an example, if interest rates were to increase or decrease by 1% or 100 basis points, the quarterly interest expense would not have a material impact, based on average debt outstanding, after consideration of our interest rate swap contracts, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. See Note 5. Financing Arrangements of the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for further information.