Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 25, 2021

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Text Block]

(2) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable, approximates their respective carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.

The fair value of investments is based on market prices using the following measurement categories:

Level 1 – Fair value is determined by using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. Investments included in this category are equity securities (exchange traded funds).

Level 2 – Fair value is determined by using other than quoted prices. By using observable inputs (for example, benchmark yields, interest rates, reported trades and broker dealer quotes), the fair value is determined through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of similar securities and matrix pricing of corporate, government-sponsored agency, state and municipal bonds by using pricing of similar bonds based on coupons, ratings and maturities. Investments included in this category are primarily debt securities (tax exempt and taxable bonds), including restricted investments in taxable bonds held as collateral.

Level 3 – Fair value is determined by using other than observable inputs. Fair value is determined by using the best information available in the circumstances and requires significant management judgment or estimation. No investments are currently included in this category.

Following is a summary of fair value measurements for investments as of December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020:


	Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
	(Amounts are in thousands)
December 25, 2021	$	13,651,477	2,159,365	11,492,112	—
December 26, 2020	11,288,199		1,465,987	9,822,212	—