Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in United States dollars and other currencies including Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, or other currencies. For fiscal 2023, 12.3 percent of net sales were derived in currencies other than United States dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than United States dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the United States
If we believe currency risk in any foreign location or with respect to specific sales or purchase transaction is significant, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. The notional amount of the foreign currency agreements as of April 29, 2023 was $7.8 million, and all contracts mature within six months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further details. We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $0.4 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.
Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in United States dollars, an increase in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by sources of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the United States
We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.
We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $24.0 million in cash balances as of April 29, 2023, $15.9 million were denominated in United States dollars, of which $1.3 million were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of April 29, 2023, we had an additional $8.1 million in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $7.7 million were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.
Interest Rate Risks
Our exposure to market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates on our financing agreements, cash, and marketable securities. We do not expect our income or cash flows to be significantly impacted by interest rates.
Commodity Risk
We are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our production operations. Our financial results have been and could continue to be affected by changes in the availability, prices, and global tariff regulation of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from one or a limited number of suppliers in countries around the world. Some of these materials are also key source materials for our competitors and for other technology companies. Some of these materials are sourced outside of the countries in which we manufacture our products and are subject to transportation delays. Any of these factors may cause a sudden increase in costs and/or limited or
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unavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could adversely impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. Our sourcing and material groups work to implement strategies to monitor and mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year.
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