Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jul. 30, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Disclosures of the fair value of certain financial instruments are required, whether or not recognized in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. There is a three-level valuation hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables summarize the Company’s assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis segregated among the appropriate levels within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

				Fair Value Measurements at July 30, 2011 Using
				Quoted Prices in
				Active Markets for		Significant			Significant
				Identical Assets		Other Observable			Unobservable
				(Liabilities)		Inputs			Inputs
	Carrying Value			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Interest rate swap	$	(2,541	)	$	—	$	(2,541	)	$	—

				Fair Value Measurements at January 29, 2011 Using
				Quoted Prices in
				Active Markets for		Significant			Significant
				Identical Assets		Other Observable			Unobservable
				(Liabilities)		Inputs			Inputs
	Carrying Value			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Interest rate swaps	$	(1,165	)	$	—	$	(1,165	)	$	—

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps represent the estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay to terminate those contracts at the reporting date based upon pricing or valuation models applied to current market information. The interest rate swaps are valued using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves. The Swap entered into on July 28, 2010 is collateralized by cash and thus the Company does not make any credit-related valuation adjustments. The Company mitigates derivative credit risk by transacting with highly rated counterparties. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company’s non-financial assets, which include goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived tangible assets, are not adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measures of non-financial assets are primarily used in the impairment analysis of these assets. Any resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at its fair value. The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or as circumstances indicate the possibility of impairment. The Company monitors the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets and long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, current liabilities, short-term debt, long-term debt, and the revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, short-term debt and current liabilities approximate fair market value due to the relatively short maturity of these financial instruments.

The Company considers all investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalent instruments are valued using quoted market prices and are primarily U.S. Treasury securities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $2.29 billion at July 30, 2011, compared to a carrying value of $2.43 billion at that date. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, and the revolving credit facility was approximately $2.36 billion at January 29, 2011, compared to a carrying value of $2.45 billion at that date. For publicly-traded debt, the fair value (estimated market value) is based on market prices. For non-publicly-traded debt, fair value is estimated based on quoted prices for similar instruments.