Available-for-Sale Investments

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2014

Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract]

Available-for-Sale Investments

Note 6.  Available-for-Sale Investments

In conjunction with its long-term relationship with AmerisourceBergen, the Company has the right to acquire up to 7% of the common shares of AmerisourceBergen through open market transactions.  The Company did not acquire any common shares in the three month period ended November 30, 2014 compared to $290 million in the comparable period last year.  The available-for-sale investment is classified as long-term and reported at fair value within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

Fair value adjustments are based on quoted stock prices with the unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income.  Unrealized holding gains at November 30, 2014, August 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013, were $327 million, $170 million and $85 million, respectively.  See Note 10 for additional fair value disclosures.  Available-for-sale investments reported at fair value at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013 were $1.0 billion, $887 million and $599 million, respectively.