7.  Fair Value Disclosures

 

In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, as follows:

 

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Significant observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

We determined the fair value of our investments in REITs using quoted market prices.  There were no transfers in or out of any levels during any period presented.  Our REIT assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

Other Financial Instruments

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:

 

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by obtaining quotes from brokers or is based on current rates offered for similar debt.  The cost investment is for equity securities that are not registered and freely tradable shares and their fair values are not readily determinable; however, we believe the carrying value approximates or is less than the fair value.

 

As of July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011 and January 28, 2012, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payables and current installments of long-term debt approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These items have been excluded from the table above with the exception of the current installments of long-term debt.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

We have no significant concentrations of credit risk.