Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

INVESTMENTS

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INVESTMENTS
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
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, 2011 and 2010.  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, 2011 and 2010, non-current investments were as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
 
Trading securities:
           
Mutual funds
  $ 13,426     $ 11,770  
Equity and other investments
    1,679       1,872  
    $ 15,105     $ 13,642  


Non-current investments classified as trading securities are recorded at market value.  At September 30, 2011 and 2010, cost exceeded market value by approximately $264 and $685, respectively.

Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method and are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 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.