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Fair Value Measurements
9 Months Ended
May 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements
We determine fair value measurements based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), establishes a three-level hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).
We utilize valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of “exit price” and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820. All valuation methods and assumptions are validated at least quarterly to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the fair values. There were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values during the current period. No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence.
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
We used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of Level 1 assets and liabilities. Our cash and cash equivalents (Level 1), which are required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis, were $318.2 million and $491.3 million as of May 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021, respectively.
We hold a small number of investments in equity and debt financial instruments totaling $10.4 million and $5.3 million as of May 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021, respectively. We generally account for these investments at fair value on a recurring basis. Changes in the fair values of these financial instruments during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2022 and 2021 were not material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our strategic equity investments represent less than a 20% ownership interest in each of the privately-held entities, and we do not exercise significant influence or control any of the entities. Certain of these investments do not have readily determinable fair value. We have elected the practical expedient in ASC Topic 321, Investments—Equity Securities, to measure these investments at cost less any impairment adjusted for observable price changes, if any. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded an impairment charge of $4.0 million for one of these investments as a recapitalization of the underlying company diluted our holding value. The impairment charge is reflected in Miscellaneous (income) expense, net for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 within our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Disclosures of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, are required each reporting period in addition to any financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as prescribed by ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.
Fair value for our outstanding debt obligations is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). Our senior unsecured public notes are carried at the outstanding balance, net of unamortized bond discount and deferred costs, as of the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value of our senior unsecured public notes was $411.3 million and $496.5 million as of May 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021, respectively. The decrease in fair value is due to increases in market bond yields since the end of fiscal 2021. As of May 31, 2022, we also had $122.0 million of short-term borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. These borrowings are variable-rate instruments that reset on a frequent short-term basis; therefore, we estimate that the face amounts of these instruments approximate their fair values as of May 31, 2022. See Debt and Lines of Credit footnote for further details on our outstanding borrowings.
ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value to us. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the
disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating our management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.