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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation.    The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities.    The incorporated independent distributors (“IDs”) qualify as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The company typically finances the ID and also enters into a contract with the ID to supply product at a discount for distribution in the ID’s territory. The combination of the company’s loans to the IDs and the ongoing supply arrangements with the IDs provides a level of protection to the equity owners of the various IDs that would not otherwise be available. However, the company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs because the company does not (i) have the ability to direct the majority of the significant activities of the VIEs that would affect their ability to operate their respective distributor territories or (ii) provide any implicit or explicit guarantees or other financial support to the VIEs, other than the financing described above, for specific return or performance benchmarks. The activities controlled by the IDs that are deemed to most significantly impact the ultimate success of the ID entities relate to those decisions inherent in operating the distribution business in the territory, including acquiring truck and trailers, managing fuel costs, employee matters and other strategic decisions.  

The company also maintains a transportation agreement with an entity that transports a significant portion of the company’s fresh bakery products from the company’s production facilities to outlying distribution centers. The company represents a significant portion of the entity’s revenue. This entity qualifies as a VIE, but the company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. See Note 13, Variable Interest Entities, for additional disclosure of this VIE entity.

Fiscal Year End.    The company operates on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2013 consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2014 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2016 will consist of 52 weeks.

Revenue Recognition.    The company recognizes revenue from the sale of product at the time of delivery when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. The company records both direct and estimated reductions to gross revenue for customer programs and incentive offerings at the time the incentive is offered or at the time of revenue recognition for the underlying transaction that results in progress by the customer towards earning the incentive. These allowances include price promotion discounts, coupons, customer rebates, cooperative advertising, and product returns. Price promotion discount expense is recorded as a reduction to gross sales when the discounted product is sold to the customer. See Note 3, Financial Statement Revisions, for documentation of the revisions associated with the revenues reported in prior periods.

The consumer packaged goods industry has used scan-based trading technology over many years to share information between the supplier and retailer. An extension of this technology allows the retailer to take ownership of our goods when the consumer purchases the goods rather than at the time they are delivered to the retailer. Consequently, revenue on these sales is not recognized until the product is purchased by the consumer. This technology is referred to as pay-by-scan (“PBS”). In fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, the company recorded $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion, and $1.1 billion, respectively, in sales through PBS.

Revenue on PBS sales is recognized when the product is purchased by the end consumer because that is when title and risk of loss is transferred. Non-PBS sales are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer since that is when title and risk of loss is transferred.

The company’s production facilities have our products delivered to independent distributors, who sell and deliver our products to outlets of retail accounts that are within the independent distributors’ geographic territory. PBS is utilized primarily in certain national and regional retail accounts (“PBS Outlet”). Generally, no revenue is recognized by the company upon delivery of our products by the company to the independent distributor or upon delivery of our products by the independent distributor to a PBS Outlet. It is recognized when our products are purchased by the end consumer. Product inventory in the PBS Outlet is reflected as inventory on the company’s balance sheet. The balance of PBS inventory at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015 was $6.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

The independent distributor performs a physical inventory of products at each PBS Outlet weekly and reports the results to the company. The inventory data submitted by the independent distributor for each PBS Outlet is compared with the product delivery data. Product delivered to a PBS Outlet that is not recorded in the inventory data has been purchased by the consumer/customer of the PBS Outlet and is recorded as sales revenue by the company.

The company repurchases distribution rights from and sells distribution rights to independent distributors from time to time. At the time the company purchases a distribution right from an independent distributor, the fair value purchase price of the distribution right is recorded as “Assets Held for Sale”. Upon the sale of the distribution rights to a new independent distributor, generally a note receivable of up to ten years is recorded for the sales price of the distribution right (for those situations when the company provides direct financing to the independent distributor) with a corresponding credit to assets held for sale to relieve the carrying amount of the territory. Any difference between the amount of the note receivable (i.e., the sales price) and the distribution rights’ carrying value, if any, is recorded as a gain or a loss in selling, distribution and administrative expenses because the company considers the independent distributor activity a cost of distribution. Since the independent distributor has the right to require the company to repurchase the distribution rights at the original purchase price within the first six-month period following the date of sale, no gain is recorded on the sale of the distribution rights until after the six-month period is completed and a liability is established (except that gains of $5,000 or less are recognized immediately upon the sale). The company is not required to repay interest paid by the distributor during such six-month period.  Upon expiration of the six-month period, the amount of the deferred gain is recorded into income over the remaining term of the note. In instances where a distribution right is sold for less than its carrying value, a loss is recorded at the date of sale and any impairment of a distribution right held for sale is recorded at such time when the impairment occurs. The deferred gains were $26.2 million and $30.1 million at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively, and are recorded in other short and long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The company recorded net gains of $4.1 million during fiscal 2015, $3.8 million during fiscal 2014, and $5.5 million during fiscal 2013 related to the sale of distribution rights as a component of selling, distribution and administrative expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The company considers deposits in banks, certificates of deposits, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.

Accounts and Notes Receivable.    Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables, current portions of distributor notes receivable, and miscellaneous receivables. The company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments for trade receivables, distributor notes receivable, and miscellaneous receivables. Bad debts are charged to this reserve after all attempts to collect the balance are exhausted. If the financial condition of the company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. In determining past due or delinquent status of a customer, the aged trial balance is reviewed on a weekly basis by sales management and generally any accounts older than seven weeks are considered delinquent. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

 

 

Charged to Expense

 

 

Write-Offs and Other

 

 

Ending Balance

 

Fiscal 2015

 

$

2,723

 

 

$

2,395

 

 

$

3,777

 

 

$

1,341

 

Fiscal 2014

 

$

1,598

 

 

$

4,956

 

 

$

3,831

 

 

$

2,723

 

Fiscal 2013

 

$

386

 

 

$

4,110

 

 

$

2,898

 

 

$

1,598

 

 

The amounts charged to expense for bad debts in the table above are reported as adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The write-offs and other column represents the amounts that are actually used to reduce the gross accounts and notes receivable at the time the balance due from the customer is written-off.  The lower ending balance in fiscal 2015 is attributable to bad debt expense recorded in fiscal 2014 that did not re-occur in fiscal 2015 and was primarily from one non-trade customer.

Concentration of Credit Risk.    The company performs periodic credit evaluations and grants credit to customers, who are primarily in the grocery and foodservice markets, and generally does not require collateral. Our top 10 customers in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 accounted for 43.5%, 43.9% and 44.7% of sales, respectively. Our largest customer, Walmart/Sam’s Club, weighted percent of sales for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

 

 

Percent of Sales

 

 

 

DSD

Segment

 

 

Warehouse

Segment

 

 

Total

 

Fiscal 2015

 

 

16.7

%

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

19.3

%

Fiscal 2014

 

 

16.8

%

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

19.4

%

Fiscal 2013

 

 

17.1

%

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

20.2

%

 

Inventories.    Inventories at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015 are valued at lower of cost or market. Costs for raw materials and packaging are recorded at moving average cost. Finished goods inventories are at average costs.

The company will write down inventory to market for estimated unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value for situations when the inventory is impaired by damage, deterioration, or obsolescence.

Activity in the inventory reserve allowance is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

 

 

Charged to Expense

 

 

Write-Offs and Other

 

 

Ending Balance

 

Fiscal 2015

 

$

159

 

 

$

776

 

 

$

697

 

 

$

238

 

Fiscal 2014

 

$

93

 

 

$

1,074

 

 

$

1,008

 

 

$

159

 

Fiscal 2013

 

$

38

 

 

$

1,210

 

 

$

1,155

 

 

$

93

 

 

The amounts charged to expense for inventory loss in the table above are reported as adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The write-offs and other column represents the amounts that are actually used to reduce gross inventories.

Shipping Costs.    Shipping costs are included in the selling, distribution and administrative line item of the Consolidated Statements of Income. For fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, shipping costs were $852.3 million, $847.6 million, and $797.4 million, respectively, including the costs paid to independent distributors for selling and delivering our products.

Spare Parts and Supplies.    The company maintains inventories of spare parts and supplies, which are used for repairs and maintenance of its machinery and equipment. These spare parts and supplies allow the company to react quickly in the event of a mechanical breakdown. These parts are valued using the moving average method and are expensed as the part is used. Periodic physical inventories of the parts are performed, and the value of the parts is adjusted for any obsolescence or difference from the physical inventory count.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation.    Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets. Certain equipment held under capital leases of $29.9 million and $28.9 million at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively, is classified as property, plant and equipment and the related obligations are recorded as liabilities. Depreciation of assets held under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. Total accumulated depreciation for assets held under capital leases was $9.7 million and $6.3 million at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively.

Buildings are depreciated over ten to forty years, machinery and equipment over three to twenty-five years, and furniture, fixtures, and transportation equipment over three to fifteen years. Property under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the property. Depreciation expense for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $116.8 million, $117.2 million and $106.7 million, respectively. The company had no capitalized interest during fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposal or retirement, the cost and accumulated depreciation of assets are eliminated from the respective accounts. Any gain or loss is reflected in the company’s income from operations and is included in adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Segments.    The company’s segments are separated primarily by the different delivery methods each segment uses for their respective product deliveries. DSD Segment products are delivered fresh to customers through a network of independent distributors who are incentivized to grow sales and to build equity in their distributorships. The Warehouse Segment ships fresh and frozen products to customers’ warehouses nationwide. Our bakeries fall into either the DSD Segment or Warehouse Segment depending on the primary method of delivery used to sell that bakery’s products. The bakeries within each segment produce products that are sold externally to their customers and internally to bakeries within the segment and to the other segment. Sales between bakeries are transferred at standard cost.

Impairment of Long-Lived Held and Used Assets.    The company determines whether there has been an impairment of long-lived held and used assets when indicators of potential impairment are present. We consider historical performance and future estimated results in our evaluation of impairment. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of any long-lived held and used assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to market value is required.

Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying long-lived held and used assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived held and used assets that may not be reflected in the assets’ current carrying values, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. We recorded an impairment charge of $1.5 million when we closed a production line at one of our bakeries on equipment we no longer intend to use in fiscal 2015.  There were no impairment charges for long-lived held and used assets during fiscal years 2014 or 2013.

Impairment of Other Intangible Assets.    The company accounts for other intangible assets recognized in a purchase business combination at fair value. These intangible assets can be either finite or indefinite-lived depending on the facts and circumstances at acquisition.

Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of any finite-lived intangible asset may be impaired. Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets occurs over their estimated useful lives. The amortization periods, at origination, range from two years to forty years for these assets. The attribution methods we primarily use are sum-of-the-year digits for customer relationships and straight-line for other intangible assets.  These finite-lived intangible assets generally include trademarks, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, distributor relationships, and supply agreements.

Identifiable intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment, at least annually, using a one-step fair value based approach or when certain indicators of potential impairment are present. We have elected not to perform the qualitative approach. We also reassess the indefinite-lived classification to determine if it is appropriate to reclassify these assets as finite-lived assets that will require amortization. We consider historical performance and future estimated results in our evaluation of impairment. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of any indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired, an evaluation of the fair value of the asset is compared to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Fair value is estimated using the future gross, discounted cash flows associated with the asset using the following four material assumptions: (a) discount rate; (b) long-term sales growth rates; (c) forecasted operating margins; and (d) market multiples. We use the multi-period excess earnings and relief from royalty methods to value these indefinite-lived intangible assets. The method used for impairment testing purposes is consistent with the valuation method employed at acquisition of the intangible asset. These indefinite-lived intangible assets are trademarks acquired in a purchase business combination.

Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying intangible assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the intangible assets that may not be reflected in the assets’ current carrying values, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. There were no impairment charges related to other intangible assets during fiscal years 2015, 2014 or 2013. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional disclosure.

Goodwill.    The company accounts for goodwill in a purchase business combination as the excess of the cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated to the DSD and Warehouse Segments based on the segment assignment for the acquisition.  The company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis (or an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value) using a two-step method. This analysis is performed for both of our segments. Goodwill is recorded at the segment level primarily because of reciprocal baking arrangements for plants within each segment. We have elected not to perform the qualitative approach. The company conducts this review during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year absent any triggering events. We use the following four material assumptions in our fair value analysis: (a) weighted average cost of capital; (b) long-term sales growth rates; (c) forecasted operating margins; and (d) market multiples. No impairment resulted from the annual review performed in fiscal years 2015, 2014, or 2013. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded an impairment of $2.6 million related to the disposition of certain assets as described in Note 6, Assets Held For Sale. This goodwill impairment represented the share of goodwill for the disposed assets. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional disclosure.

Derivative Financial Instruments.    The company enters into commodity derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges of existing or future exposure to changes in commodity prices. The company’s primary raw materials are flour, sweeteners, shortening, and water, along with pulp, paper, and petroleum-based packaging products. The company uses natural gas as fuel for firing ovens. The company also periodically enters into interest rate derivatives to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates. The company measures the fair value of its derivative portfolio using the fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market for that asset or liability. When quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities are not available, the company bases fair value upon internally developed models that use current market observable inputs, such as exchange-quoted futures prices and yield curves.

The effective portion of changes in fair value for these derivatives is recorded each period in other comprehensive income (loss), and any ineffective portion of the change in fair value is recorded to current period earnings in selling, distribution and administrative expenses. All of our commodity derivatives at January 2, 2016 qualified for hedge accounting. During fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013 there was no material income or expense recorded due to ineffectiveness in current earnings due to changes in the fair value of these instruments.

The company routinely transfers amounts from other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to earnings as transactions for which cash flow hedges were held occur and impact earnings. Significant situations which do not routinely occur that could cause transfers from OCI to earnings are as follows: (i) an event that causes a hedge to be suddenly ineffective and significant enough that hedge accounting must be discontinued or (ii) cancellation of a forecasted transaction for which a derivative was held as a hedge or a significant and material reduction in volume used of a hedged ingredient such that the company is overhedged and must discontinue hedge accounting. During fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013 there were no discontinued hedge positions.

The impact to earnings is included in our materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately) line item. Changes in the fair value of the asset or liability are recorded as either a current or long-term asset or liability depending on the underlying fair value. Amounts reclassified to earnings for the commodity cash flow hedges are presented as an adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 9, Derivative Financial Instruments, for additional disclosure.

Treasury Stock.    The company records acquisitions of its common stock for treasury at cost. Differences between proceeds for reissuances of treasury stock and average cost are credited or charged to capital in excess of par value to the extent of prior credits and thereafter to retained earnings. See Note 15, Stockholders’ Equity, for additional disclosure.

Advertising and Marketing Costs.    Advertising and marketing costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising and marketing costs were $23.5 million, $22.9 million, and $28.1 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Advertising and marketing costs are recorded in the selling, distribution and administrative expense line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Stock-Based Compensation.    Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the grant date fair value. The company recognizes compensation costs only for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the share-based payment award. The shares issued for exercises and at vesting of the awards are issued from Treasury Stock. See Note 16, Stock-Based Compensation, for additional disclosure.  Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, distribution and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Software Development Costs.    The company expenses internal and external software development costs incurred in the preliminary project stage, and, thereafter, capitalizes costs incurred in developing or obtaining internally used software. Certain costs, such as maintenance and training, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over a period of three to eight years and are subject to impairment evaluation. The net balance of capitalized software development costs included in plant, property and equipment was $15.0 million and $13.0 million at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively. Amortization expense of capitalized software development costs, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income, was $3.5 million, $2.4 million, and $3.2 million in fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Income Taxes.    The company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The company has considered carryback, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event the company were to determine that it would be more likely than not able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would increase income in the period such a determination was made. Likewise, should the company determine that it would not more likely than not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would decrease income in the period such determination was made.

The company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is recorded within the interest expense line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 20, Income Taxes, for additional disclosure.

The deductions column in the table below presents the amounts reduced in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance that were recorded to, and included as part of, deferred tax expense. The additions column represents amounts that increased the allowance.

Activity in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

 

 

Deductions

 

 

Additions

 

 

Ending Balance

 

Fiscal 2015

 

$

2,534

 

 

$

2,516

 

 

$

 

 

$

18

 

Fiscal 2014

 

$

2,895

 

 

$

361

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,534

 

Fiscal 2013

 

$

4,545

 

 

$

1,650

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,895

 

 

Self-Insurance Reserves.    The company is self-insured for various levels of general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical and dental coverage. Insurance reserves are calculated on an undiscounted basis based on actual claim data and estimates of incurred but not reported claims developed utilizing historical claim trends. Projected settlements of incurred but not reported claims are estimated based on pending claims and historical trends and data. Though the company does not expect them to do so, actual settlements and claims could differ materially from those estimated. Material differences in actual settlements and claims could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Net Income Per Common Share.    Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents consist of the incremental shares associated with the company’s stock compensation plans, as determined under the treasury stock method. The performance contingent restricted stock awards do not contain a non-forfeitable right to dividend equivalents and are included in the computation for diluted net income per share. See Note 18, Earnings Per Share, for additional disclosure.

Pension/OPEB Obligations.    The company records net periodic benefit costs and obligations related to its three defined benefit pension and two other post employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans based on actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect key assumptions determined by management, including the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return assumption considers the asset mix of the plans’ portfolios, past performance of these assets, the anticipated future economic environment, and long-term performance of individual asset classes, and other factors. Material changes in benefit costs and obligations may occur in the future due to experience different than assumed and changes in these assumptions. Future benefit obligations and annual benefit costs could be impacted by changes in the discount rate, changes in the expected long-term rate of return, changes in the level of contributions to the plans’, and other factors. Effective January 1, 2006, the company curtailed its largest defined benefit pension plan that covered the majority of its workforce. Benefits under this plan were frozen, and no future benefits will accrue under this plan. The company still maintains a smaller unfrozen pension plan for certain eligible unionized employees.

The company determines the fair value of substantially all its plans’ assets utilizing market quotes rather than developing “smoothed” values, “market related” values, or other modeling techniques. Plan asset gains or losses in a given year are included with other actuarial gains and losses due to remeasurement of the plans’ projected benefit obligations (“PBO”). If the total unrecognized gain or loss exceeds 10% of the larger of (i) the PBO or (ii) the market value of plan assets, the excess of the total unrecognized gain, or loss is amortized over the expected average future lifetime of participants in the frozen pension plans. The company uses a calendar year end for the measurement date since the plans are based on a calendar year and because it approximates the company’s fiscal year end. See Note 19, Postretirement Plans, for additional disclosure.

Pension Plan assets.    Effective January 1, 2014, the Finance Committee (“committee”) of the Board of Directors delegated its fiduciary and other responsibilities with respect to the plans to the newly established Investment Committee. The Investment Committee, which consists of certain members of management, establishes investment guidelines and strategies and regularly monitors the performance of the plans’ assets. The Investment Committee is responsible for executing these strategies and investing the pension assets in accordance with ERISA and fiduciary standards. The investment objective of the pension plans is to preserve the plans’ capital and maximize investment earnings within acceptable levels of risk and volatility. The Investment Committee meets on a regular basis with its investment advisors to review the performance of the plans’ assets. Based upon performance and other measures and recommendations from its investment advisors, the Investment Committee rebalances the plans’ assets to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.

Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    On April 3, 2012, the company issued $400.0 million of senior notes. The notes are recorded in our financial statements at carrying value, net of issuance costs. The issuance costs are being amortized over the ten year term of the note to interest expense. In addition and for disclosure purposes, the fair value of the notes is estimated using yields obtained from independent pricing sources for similar types of borrowing arrangements and is considered a Level 2 valuation. Additional details are included in Note 14, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

Research and Development.  The company recorded research and development costs of $3.3 million, $3.2 million, and $2.6 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  These costs are recorded as selling, distribution and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Comprehensive Income.    The company reports comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive financial statements. See Note 17, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), for additional required disclosures.