Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

We account for fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measurement and expands disclosure about fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:


•	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in nonactive markets;


•	Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and


•	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:



	Fair Value at August 26, 2017			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 26, 2017			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	$	1,708		$	1,671	$	37		$	—
International equity funds	174			157		17			—
Fixed income funds	259			170		89			—
Interest rate swap contract	(828		)	—		(828		)	—
Total assets (liabilities) at fair value	$	1,313		$	1,998	$	(685	)	$	—



	Fair Value at August 27, 2016		Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 27, 2016		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash equivalents ⁽¹⁾	$	77,234	$	77,234	$	—	$	—
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	3,587		3,515		72		—
International equity funds	258		225		33		—
Fixed income funds	265		206		59		—
Total assets (liabilities) at fair value	$	81,344	$	81,180	$	164	$	—


⁽¹⁾	Cash equivalent balances valued using Level 1 inputs include only those accounts that may fluctuate in value. Cash in disbursing accounts and on-demand accounts are not included above.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value as original maturities are less than three months. Our cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds traded in an active market with no restrictions and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Assets that fund deferred compensation

Our assets that fund deferred compensation are marketable equity securities measured at fair value using quoted market prices and primarily consist of equity-based mutual funds. The majority of securities are classified as Level 1 as they are traded in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available. These securities fund the Executive Share Option Plan and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (see Note 9). The proportion of the assets that will fund options which expire within a year are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining assets are classified as non-current and are included in other assets.

Interest Rate Swap Contract

Under terms of our Credit Agreement (see Note 8) we are required to hedge a portion of the floating interest rate exposure. In accordance with this requirement, we entered into an interest swap contract on January 23, 2017, which effectively fixed our interest rate on $200.0 million of our Term Loan at 6.32%. The notional amount of the swap contract decreases to $170.0 million on December 8, 2017, $120.0 million on December 10, 2018, and $60.0 million on December 9, 2019. The swap contract expires on December 8, 2020.

The fair value of the interest rate swap based on a Level 2 valuation was a liability of $0.8 million as of August 26, 2017. The fair value is classified as Level 2 as it is corroborated based on observable market data. This amount is included in other non-current liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet since the interest rate swap has been designated for hedge accounting.

Assets and Liabilities that are measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Our non-financial assets, which includes goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we must evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment. If an impairment did occur, the asset is required to be recorded at the estimated fair value. During Fiscal 2017, no impairments were recorded for non-financial assets.

The carrying value of our debt as of August 26, 2017 approximates fair value as interest is at variable market rates.