Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

INVESTMENTS

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INVESTMENTS
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
INVESTMENTS [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS
5.
INVESTMENTS:

Investment securities are recorded at estimated market value at the consolidated balance sheet date and are classified as trading securities. Short-term investments consisted principally of corporate obligations with purchased maturities of over three months but less than one year. The cost of short-term investments approximated market value at September 30, 2012 and 2011. Accrued interest on these investment securities was classified with short-term investments. Investments classified as non-current and trading securities consisted of equity and fixed income mutual funds.

At September 30, 2012 and 2011, non-current investments were as follows:

   
2012
   
2011
 
Trading securities:
           
Mutual funds
  $ 16,265     $ 13,426  
Equity and other investments
    2,577       1,679  
    $ 18,842     $ 15,105  

Non-current investments classified as trading securities are recorded at market value. At September 30, 2012, market exceeded cost by approximately $48. At September 30, 2011, cost exceeded market by approximately $264. Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method and are recorded in investment income. Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Equity investments primarily included ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost method of accounting.