Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

May 31, 2014

Investments and Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

We account for fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measurement and expands disclosure about fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value as original maturities are less than three months. Our cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds traded in an active market with no restrictions.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at May 31, 2014		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	$	5,529	$	5,529	$	—	$	—
International equity funds	741		741		—		—
Fixed income funds	240		240		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	6,510	$	6,510	$	—	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 31, 2013		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Long-term investments:
Student loan ARS	$	2,108	$	—	$	—	$	2,108
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	7,127		7,127		—		—
International equity funds	742		742		—		—
Fixed income funds	287		287		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	10,264	$	8,156	$	—	$	2,108

The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	May 31, 2014		June 1, 2013			May 31, 2014			June 1, 2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	—	$	8,735		$	2,108		$	9,074
Transfer to Level 2	—		(4,605		)	—			(4,855		)
Net change included in other comprehensive income	—		255			242			166
Sales	—		—			(2,350		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	—	$	4,385		$	—		$	4,385

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Long-Term Investments

Our long-term investments were comprised of ARS. Our long-term ARS investments were classified as Level 3, as quoted prices were unavailable and there was insufficient observable ARS market information available to determine the fair value of our ARS investments. Due to limited market information, we utilized a DCF model to derive an estimate of fair value for the ARS for prior periods. The assumptions used in preparing the DCF model included estimates with respect to the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks, the probability of full repayment of the principal considering the credit quality and guarantees in place and the rate of return required by investors to own such securities given the current liquidity risk associated with ARS. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2014 we redeemed our last ARS holding at par value of $2.4 million.

Assets that Fund Deferred Compensation

Our assets that fund deferred compensation are marketable equity securities measured at fair value using quoted market prices and primarily consist of equity-based mutual funds. They are classified as Level 1 as they are traded in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available. These securities fund the Executive Share Option Plan (see Note 9), a deferred compensation program, and are presented as other assets in the accompanying balance sheets.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Our non-financial assets, which include goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we must evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment. If an impairment did occur, the asset is required to be recorded at the estimated fair value. During the first nine months of Fiscal 2014, no impairments were recorded for non-financial assets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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