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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Our derivative instruments related to interest rate swap agreements are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are determined using valuation models and are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and observable market data of similar instruments. See Note 8 for further discussion regarding our interest rate swap agreements.

Our interest rate swap agreements measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:


					As of June 30, 2021
					Quoted Prices			Significant
					In Active			Other			Significant
					Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
(In thousands)		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Current interest rate swap liabilities		$	(896)		$	—		$	(896)		$	—
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities			(18,089)			—			(18,089)			—
Total		$	(18,985)		$	—		$	(18,985)		$	—


					As of December 31, 2020
					Quoted Prices			Significant
					In Active			Other			Significant
					Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
(In thousands)		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Current interest rate swap liabilities		$	(6,297)		$	—		$	(6,297)		$	—
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities			(22,958)			—			(22,958)			—
Total		$	(29,255)		$	—		$	(29,255)		$	—

Contingent Payment Obligation

Our contingent payment obligation represents the CPR issued to Searchlight in connection with the Investment Agreement. We are required to measure the CPR at its estimated fair value on a recurring basis based on a market approach utilizing observable market values and a marketability discount. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of the CPR was $220.7 million and $123.2 million, respectively, and was classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

We have not elected the fair value option for any of our other assets or liabilities. The carrying value of other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The following table presents the other financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.


		As of June 30, 2021						As of December 31, 2020
(In thousands)		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
Long-term debt, excluding finance leases		$	2,138,789		$	2,206,004		$	1,978,694		$	2,039,790

Cost & Equity Method Investments

Our investments as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 accounted for at cost and under the equity method consisted primarily of minority positions in various cellular telephone limited partnerships and our investment in CoBank. It is impracticable to determine the fair value of these investments.

Long-term Debt

The fair value of our senior notes was based on quoted market prices, and the fair value of borrowings under our credit facility was determined using current market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. We have categorized the long-term debt as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

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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