NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following (in millions):


	March 26, 2017						December 31, 2016

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2

Assets
Equity securities		$ 68	$	68	$	—		$ 79	$	79	$	—
Mutual funds		845		845		—		856		856		—
U.S. Government securities		104		—		104		113		—		113
Other securities		166		—		166		151		—		151
Derivatives		23		—		23		27		—		27
Liabilities
Derivatives		106		—		106		85		—		85
Assets measured at NAV
Other commingled funds		18						—

Substantially all assets measured at fair value, other than derivatives, represent investments classified as trading securities held in a separate trust to fund certain of our non-qualified deferred compensation plans and are recorded in other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of equity securities and mutual funds are determined by reference to the quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. The fair values of U.S. Government and other securities are determined using pricing models that use observable inputs (e.g., interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals), bids provided by brokers or dealers or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. The fair values of derivative instruments, which consist of foreign currency exchange forward and interest rate swap contracts, primarily are determined based on the present value of future cash flows using model-derived valuations that use observable inputs such as interest rates, credit spreads and foreign currency exchange rates. We did not have any transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter ended March 26, 2017.

We use derivative instruments principally to reduce our exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not enter into or hold derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into foreign currency hedges such as forward and option contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change. These contracts hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions in order to mitigate fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We designate foreign currency hedges as cash flow hedges. We also are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. For fixed rate borrowings, we may use variable interest rate swaps, effectively converting fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings in order to reduce the amount of interest paid. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. For variable rate borrowings, we may use fixed interest rate swaps, effectively converting variable rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings in order to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. We also may enter into derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting, which are intended to mitigate certain economic exposures.

The aggregate notional amount of our outstanding interest rate swaps at both March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $1.2 billion and the fair value was a net liability of approximately $5 million and $1 million at March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The aggregate notional amount of our outstanding foreign currency hedges at March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $4.2 billion and $4.0 billion and the fair value was a net liability of approximately $78 million and $57 million at March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Derivative instruments did not have a material impact on net earnings and comprehensive income during the quarters ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, respectively. Substantially all of our derivatives are designated for hedge accounting.

In addition to the financial instruments listed in the table above, we hold other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated their fair values. The estimated fair value of our outstanding debt was $16.1 billion and $16.2 billion at March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The outstanding principal amount was $15.3 billion, excluding unamortized discounts and issuance costs of $1.0 billion at both March 26, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The estimated fair values of our outstanding debt were determined based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets (Level 2).