FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 25, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be categorized into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation:

Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
Level 3	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the Company held derivative assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity instruments.

The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	December 25, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Fair value assets:
Commodity futures instruments	$	5,341		$	—	$	—	$	5,341
Commodity options instruments	98			—		—		98
Fair value liabilities:
Commodity futures instruments	(4,063		)	—		—		(4,063		)
Commodity options instruments	(2,764		)	—		—		(2,764		)

	December 27, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Fair value assets:
Commodity futures instruments	$	59		$	—	$	—	$	59
Commodity options instruments	1,618			—		—		1,618
Fair value liabilities:
Commodity futures instruments	(5,436		)	—		—		(5,436		)

See “Note 7. Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information.

The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 1 is determined using a market approach, taking into account current interest rates, creditworthiness, and liquidity risks in relation to current market conditions, and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The valuation of financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. The valuation of financial assets in Level 3 is determined using an income approach based on unobservable inputs such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

In addition to the fair value disclosure requirements related to financial instruments carried at fair value, accounting standards require interim disclosures regarding the fair value of all of the Company’s financial instruments. The methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and any changes in methods or significant assumptions from prior periods are also required to be disclosed.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our fixed-rate debt obligation recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:

	December 25, 2016						December 27, 2015
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
				(In thousands)
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	$	(500,000	)	$	(503,395	)	$	(500,000	)	$	(488,750	)

See “Note 11. Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements” for additional information.

The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, derivative trading accounts' margin cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain other liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities. Derivative assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Derivative liabilities were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the Company’s fixed-rate debt obligation was based on the quoted market price at December 25, 2016 or December 27, 2015, as applicable.

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges when required by U.S. GAAP. There were no significant fair value measurement losses recognized for such assets and liabilities in the periods reported.