Investments and Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2015

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 February 28, 2015 and August 30, 2014 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at February 28, 2015		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	$	5,117	$	5,117	$	—	$	—
International equity funds	514		514		—		—
Fixed income funds	247		247		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	5,878	$	5,878	$	—	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 30, 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	$	5,465	$	5,465	$	—	$	—
International equity funds	716		716		—		—
Fixed income funds	242		242		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	6,423	$	6,423	$	—	$	—

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				Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	February 28, 2015		March 1, 2014		February 28, 2015		March 1, 2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,108
Net change included in other comprehensive income	—		—		—		242
Sales	—		—		—		(2,350		)
Balance at end of period	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

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

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 six months of Fiscal 2015, 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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