FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT – We use the following classification of financial instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy methodologies for assets measured at fair value:
Level 1 inputs to the valuation are quoted prices in an active market for identical assets.
Level 2 inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets utilizing a third-party pricing service to determine fair value.
Level 3 valuation is based on significant inputs that are unobservable in the market and our own estimates of assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset.
Assets measured on a recurring basis are initially measured at fair value and are required to be remeasured at fair value in the financial statements at each reporting date. There were no transfers between hierarchy levels during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017.     
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
(in 000s)
As of April 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
 
Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair Value

 
Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair Value

 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,544,944

 
$
1,544,944

 
$
1,011,331

 
$
1,011,331

 
Level 1
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted
 
118,734

 
118,734

 
106,208

 
106,208

 
Level 1
Receivables, net - short-term
 
146,774

 
146,774

 
162,775

 
162,775

 
Level 1
Receivables, net - long-term
 
52,434

 
52,434

 
52,898

 
52,898

 
Level 1 and 3
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (excluding debt issuance costs)
 

 
1,548,121

 
1,502,735

 
1,569,033

 
Level 2
Contingent consideration
 
12,060

 
12,060

 
10,428

 
10,428

 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions are set forth below. The fair value was not estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted - Fair value approximates the carrying amount.
Receivables, net - short-term - For short-term balances the carrying values reported in the balance sheet approximate fair market value due to the relative short-term nature of the respective instruments.
Receivables, net - long-term - The carrying values for the long-term portion of loans to franchisees approximate fair market value due to variable interest rates, low historical delinquency rates and franchise territories serving as collateral (Level 1). Long-term EA receivables are carried at net realizable value which approximates fair value (Level 3). Net realizable value is determined based on historical collection rates.
Long-term debt - The fair value of our Senior Notes is based on quotes from multiple banks.
Contingent consideration - Fair value approximates the carrying amount.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2018Jun 15, 2018Showing above
2017Jun 16, 2017
2016Jun 17, 2016

About Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.

Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.