Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements

We follow a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The following is a summary of the estimated fair values, carrying amounts, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of our financial instruments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
	Fair Value Hierarchy	Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount

Cash and cash equivalents (a)	LEVEL1/2	$	27,113	$	27,113	$	32,526	$	32,526
Deferred compensation	LEVEL 1		25,674		25,674		23,893		23,893
Short term borrowings	LEVEL 2		5,030		5,030		5,029		5,029
Long-term debt	LEVEL 2		209,872		209,872		151,182		151,182
Cash flow interest rate swap	LEVEL 2		5,820		5,820		3,939		3,939
Long-term investments	LEVEL 2		7,522		7,522		7,468		7,468

(a)

As of March 31, 2024 cash and cash equivalents consist of cash of $24.1 million and cash equivalents of $3 million, which are classified as Level 1 and Level 2, respectively, under the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2023 cash and cash equivalents consist of cash of $29.5 million and cash equivalents of $3 million, which are classified as Level 1 and Level 2, respectively, under the fair value hierarchy.

Cash equivalents consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months, or less. These securities are accounted for as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost, which approximates their fair values at March 31, 2024. The fair value of the underlying assets held by the deferred compensation plan are based on the quoted market prices of the underlying funds which are held by registered investment companies. The carrying value of our variable rate short-term borrowings and long-term debt under our credit facilities approximates fair value as the variable interest rates in the facilities reflect current market rates. The fair value of our cash flow interest rate swap agreement is obtained from an independent third party, is based upon market quotes, and represents the net amount required to terminate the interest rate swap, taking into consideration market rates and counterparty credit risk. Long-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities in excess of twelve months. These securities are accounted for as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost, which approximates their fair values at March 31, 2024.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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