Basis of Presentation (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Accounting Pronouncements and Policies

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), amending its accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. Under this ASU and subsequently issued amendments, revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures are required to provide the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standard is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company elected to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). With adoption of this standard, lessees will have to recognize most leases as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on their balance sheet. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Classification will be based on criteria that are similar to those applied in current lease accounting. ASU 2016-02 must be applied on a modified retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the new accounting standard to have a significant impact on its financial results when adopted.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). The new guidance clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 in the first quarter of its fiscal 2019. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Marketable Securities

Marketable debt and equity securities are categorized as trading securities and are thus marked to market and stated at fair value. Fair value is determined using the quoted closing or latest bid prices for Level 1 investments and market standard valuation methodologies for Level 2 investments. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined by specific identification and are recognized as incurred in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Net unrealized gains and losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income in the current period and represent the change in the fair value of investment holdings during the period.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of financial instruments is presented based upon a hierarchy of levels that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value of marketable equity securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, government securities and cash and money funds are substantially based on quoted market prices (Level 1). Corporate bonds are valued using market standard valuation methodologies, including: discounted cash flow methodologies, matrix pricing or other similar techniques. The inputs to these market standard valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to: interest rates, credit standing of the issuer or counterparty, industry sector of the issuer, coupon rate, call provisions, maturity, estimated duration and assumptions regarding liquidity and estimated future cash flows. In addition to bond characteristics, the valuation methodologies incorporate market data, such as actual trades completed, bids and actual dealer quotes, where such information is available. Accordingly, the estimated fair values are based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments (Level 2). Fair values of the Level 2 investments, if any, are provided by the Company’s professional investment management firm.

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s assets measured at fair value as of March 31, 2019:


	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equities	$	15,172,000	$	—	$	—	$	15,172,000
Mutual Funds		3,909,000		—		—		3,909,000
Exchange-Traded Funds		4,920,000		—		—		4,920,000
Corporate Bonds		—		36,424,000		—		36,424,000
Government Securities		39,643,000		—		—		39,643,000
Cash and Money Funds		3,088,000		—		—		3,088,000

Total	$	66,732,000	$	36,424,000	$	—	$	103,156,000

Net unrealized gains and (losses) included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2019, on trading securities still held as of March 31, 2019, were $1,645,000 and $(780,000), respectively. There were no transfers of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 during the six months ended March 31, 2019.

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s assets measured at fair value as of September 30, 2018:


	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equities	$	11,768,000	$	—	$	—	$	11,768,000
Mutual Funds		3,811,000		—		—		3,811,000
Exchange-Traded Funds		4,148,000		—		—		4,148,000
Corporate Bonds		—		29,884,000		—		29,884,000
Government Securities		53,883,000		—		—		53,883,000
Cash and Money Funds		564,000		—		—		564,000

Total	$	74,174,000	$	29,884,000	$	—	$	104,058,000

Net unrealized losses included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018, on trading securities still held as of March 31, 2018, were $(1,251,000) and $(1,435,000), respectively. There were no transfers of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 during the six months ended March 31, 2018.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined principally by using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and market defined as replacement cost for raw materials and net realizable value for work in process and finished goods. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, possible alternative uses and other factors in determining net realizable value. The cost of work in process and finished goods includes materials, direct labor, variable costs and overhead. The Company evaluates the need to record inventory allowances on all inventories, including raw material, work in process, finished goods, spare parts and used equipment. Used equipment acquired by the Company on trade-in from customers is included in inventory and carried at estimated net realizable value. Unless specific circumstances warrant different treatment regarding inventory obsolescence, the cost basis of inventories three to four years old is reduced by 50%, while the cost basis of inventories four to five years old is reduced by 75%, and the cost basis of inventories greater than five years old is reduced to zero. Inventory is typically reviewed for obsolescence on an annual basis computed as of September 30, the Company’s fiscal year end. If significant known changes in trends, technology or other specific circumstances that warrant consideration occur during the year, then the impact on obsolescence is considered at that time