Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Note 7.  Fair Value Measurements

FASB accounting standards provide a comprehensive framework for measuring fair value and sets forth a definition of fair value and establishes a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable value inputs. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:

· Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

· Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

· Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The following table sets forth financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheet and the respective levels to which the fair value measurements are classified within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):    

			Quoted Prices		Significant
			in Active		Other		Significant
			Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
March 31, 2018
Commodity futures – financial assets	$	7,151	$	-	$	7,151	$	-
Commodity futures – financial liabilities		1,407		-		1,407		-
December 31, 2017
Commodity futures – financial assets	$	2,790	$	-	$	2,790	$	-
Commodity futures – financial liabilities		10,506		-		10,506		-

Note 7.  Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash and equivalents, and short-term investments in certificates of deposit approximate fair value. The fair values of commodity futures contracts are estimated by the use of quoted market prices, estimates obtained from brokers, and other appropriate valuation techniques based on references available. The fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, as determined by quoted market prices (Level 2), was approximately $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (with a corresponding carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheet of $2.4 billion at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017).