Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The determination of the applicable level within the hierarchy for a particular asset or liability depends on the inputs used in its valuation as of the measurement date, notably the extent to which the inputs are market-based (observable) or internally-derived (unobservable). A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:


•	Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•

Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable.


•	Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on unobservable prices or valuation techniques that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:



	September 27, 2014		March 29, 2014
	(millions)
Financial assets recorded at fair value:
Government bonds^(a)	$	—	$	1
Auction rate securities^(b)	2		2
Derivative financial instruments^(b)	44		8
Total	$	46	$	11
Financial liabilities recorded at fair value:
Derivative financial instruments^(b)	$	5	$	7
Total	$	5	$	7


^(a)	Based on Level 1 measurements.


^(b)	Based on Level 2 measurements.

To the extent the Company invests in bonds, such investments are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets based upon quoted prices in active markets.

The Company's auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value within other non-current assets in its consolidated balance sheets. Third-party pricing institutions may value auction rate securities at par, which may not necessarily reflect prices that would be obtained if sold in the current market. When quoted market prices are unobservable, fair value is estimated based on a number of known factors and external pricing data, including known maturity dates, the coupon rate based upon the most recent reset market clearing rate, the price/yield representing the average rate of recent successfully traded securities, and the total principal balance of each security.

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and are valued using a pricing model, which is primarily based on market observable external inputs, including forward and spot exchange rates for foreign currencies, and considers the impact of the Company's own credit risk, if any. Changes in counterparty credit risk are also considered in the valuation of derivative financial instruments.

The Company's cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and time deposits are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value based on Level 1 measurements.

The Company's debt instruments are recorded at their carrying values in its consolidated balance sheets, which may differ from their respective fair values. The carrying values of the Company's Senior Notes and commercial paper notes reflect their face amount, adjusted for any unamortized discount, which is not material. The fair value of the Senior Notes is estimated based on external pricing data, including available quoted market prices, and with reference to comparable debt instruments with similar interest rates, credit ratings, and trading frequency, among other factors. The fair value of the notes issued under the Commercial Paper Program is estimated using external pricing data, based on interest rates and credit ratings for similar issuances with the same remaining term as the Company's outstanding borrowings. Due to its short-term nature, the fair value of commercial paper notes outstanding at September 27, 2014 approximates its carrying value.

The following table summarizes the carrying values and the estimated fair values of the Company's debt instruments:



	September 27, 2014				March 29, 2014
	Carrying Value		Fair Value^(a)		Carrying Value		Fair Value^(a)
	(millions)
2.125% Senior Notes	$	300	$	301	$	300	$	300
Commercial paper notes	210		210		N/A		N/A


^(a)	Based on Level 2 measurements.

Unrealized gains or losses on the Company's debt do not result in the realization or expenditure of cash, unless the debt is retired prior to its maturity.

Non-financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company's non-financial assets, which primarily consist of goodwill, other intangible assets, and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are reported at carrying value. However, on a periodic basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be fully recoverable (and at least annually for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets), non-financial instruments are assessed for impairment and, if applicable, written-down to and recorded at fair value, considering external market participant assumptions. There were no material impairment charges recorded during either of the six-month periods ended September 27, 2014 or September 28, 2013.

No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during either of the six-month periods ended September 27, 2014 or September 28, 2013. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the beginning of the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 using a quantitative approach. Based on the results of the impairment assessment as of June 29, 2014, the Company concluded that the fair values of its reporting units significantly exceeded their respective carrying values, and there are no reporting units at risk of impairment.