Derivatives

The Company is exposed to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates due to the global nature of its operations. In order to manage this risk the Company has hedged certain portions of its recognized balances and forecasted cash flows that are denominated in non-functional currencies. All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their estimated fair value. On the date it enters into a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability ("fair value hedge") or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow hedge"). The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the value of fair value hedges and non-designated hedges are recorded in earnings along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability, while changes in the value of cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows.

The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of short duration foreign currency forward contracts (fair value hedges or non-designated hedges) was $191.5 million and $219.9 million, at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. Net foreign currency gains (losses) related to these derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended February 28,					Six Months Ended February 28,
	2015		2014			2015			2014
Foreign currency gain (loss)	$	55	$	(2,619	)	$	(2,006	)	$	(11,310	)

These derivative gains and losses offset foreign currency gains and losses from the related revaluation of non-functional currency assets and liabilities (amounts included in other income and expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations).