Investments and Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Nov. 26, 2016

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.

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 November 26, 2016 and August 27, 2016 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at November 26, 2016		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Cash equivalents ⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	3,482		3,395		87		—
International equity funds	243		203		40		—
Fixed income funds	272		201		71		—
Total assets at fair value	$	3,997	$	3,799	$	198	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 27, 2016		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Cash equivalents ⁽¹⁾	$	77,234	$	77,234	$	—	$	—
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	3,587		3,515		72		—
International equity funds	258		225		33		—
Fixed income funds	265		206		59		—
Total assets at fair value	$	81,344	$	81,180	$	164	$	—


⁽¹⁾	Cash equivalent balances valued using Level 1 inputs include only those accounts that may fluctuate in value. Cash in disbursing accounts and on-demand accounts are not included above.

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

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 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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. The majority of securities 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 and the Executive deferred compensation plan (see Note 10). The proportion of the assets that will fund options which expire within a year are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining assets are classified as noncurrent and are included in other assets.

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

Our non-financial assets, which include goodwill, intangible assets, 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 three months of Fiscal 2017, no impairments were recorded for non-financial assets.

The carrying value of our debt as of November 26, 2016 approximates fair value as interest is at variable market rates.

- 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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