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.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at November 25, 2017 and August 26, 2017 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:



			Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at November 25, 2017		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	$	1,768	$	1,728	$	40	$	—
International equity funds	185		167		18		—
Fixed income funds	197		108		89		—
Interest rate swap contract	370		—		370		—
Total assets (liabilities) at fair value	$	2,520	$	2,003	$	517	$	—



				Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)	Fair Value at August 26, 2017			Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs			Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
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	)	$	—

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

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 10). 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 9) we were previously 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. As discussed in subsequent events in Note 1, the requirement to hedge a portion of this interest rate exposure was removed from our Credit Agreement.

The fair value of the interest rate swap based on a Level 2 valuation was an asset of $0.4 million as of November 25, 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 assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The change in value in first quarter was predominately recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet since the interest rate swap has been designated for hedge accounting and $0.2 million was recorded as a reduction of interest expense on the consolidated income statement consistent with the accounting guidance under ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging.

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 the first three months of Fiscal 2018, no impairments were recorded for non-financial assets.

The carrying value of our debt as of November 25, 2017 approximates fair value as interest is at variable market rates.