Inventories . Inventory costs are determined principally by the use of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) costing method and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Company manufactured inventory is valued principally using standard costs, which are calculated based upon direct costs incurred and overhead allocations and approximate actual costs. Inventory purchased from third party vendors is principally valued at the weighted average cost. Periodically, obsolescence reviews are performed on slow-moving inventories and reserves are established based on current assessments about future demands and market conditions. The inventory values have been reduced by a reserve for excess and slow-moving inventories of $34.6 million and $33.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. If market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves may be required. 

Contingent liabilities . The Company establishes reserves for estimated loss contingencies when the Company believes a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Revisions to contingent liabilities are reflected in net income in the period in which different or additional facts or information become known or circumstances change that affect the Company’s previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss. Reserves for contingent liabilities are based upon the Company’s assumptions and estimates regarding the probable outcome of the matter. Should the outcome differ from the Company’s assumptions and estimates, revisions to the estimated reserves for contingent liabilities would be required. 

## Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

The Company has no derivative instruments and no off-balance sheet hedging or financing arrangements, contracts or operations. 

## New Accounting Standards 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The amendment applies a new five-step revenue recognition model to be used in recognizing revenues associated with customer contracts. The amendment requires disclosure sufficient to enable readers of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill the contract. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

## Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

The Company is currently exposed to certain market risks related to interest rate changes on its short-term investments and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company does not engage in any material hedging transactions, forward contracts or currency trading which could mitigate the market risks inherent in such transactions. There have been no material changes in market risks for the Company from December 31, 2013. 

## Foreign Exchange Rate Risk 

Through its subsidiaries, the Company conducts a portion of its business in currencies other than the United States dollar, principally the British pound sterling and the Brazilian real. The Company has not experienced significant transaction gains or losses associated with changes in currency exchange rates and does not anticipate such exposure to be material in the future. However, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to protect itself against currency fluctuations in the future. In periods where the dollar is strong as compared to other currencies, it is possible that foreign sales may experience some decline in profits due to translation. It does not appear the Company’s sales have experienced significant profit declines. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Currency Risk” in Item 7 of this report. 

