Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:


•	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The valuation methodologies we used to measure financial assets and liabilities include the derivative financial instruments described in Note 17—Derivative Financial Instruments. We estimate the fair value of the derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign currency forward contracts, based upon valuation models with inputs that generally can be verified by observable market conditions and do not involve significant management judgment. Accordingly, the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

We value our investments in marketable securities, primarily fixed income, at fair value using quoted market prices for similar securities or pricing models. Accordingly, the fair values of the investments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The amortized cost basis of our investments was $57.1 million as of September 30, 2018 and the fair value was $57.0 million which was reported in "Investments, short-term" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The change in fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax. The Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that we will be required to sell, these securities prior to recovery of their cost, as such, management believes that any unrealized gains or losses are temporary; therefore, no impairment gains or losses relating to these securities have been recognized. The Company did not hold any investment securities as of December 31, 2017.

With the exception of fixed rate long-term debt, we believe that the reported carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values. The reported carrying amount of our fixed rate long-term debt (including the current portion) was $151.4 million and $180.8 million at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of this debt was $162.0 million and $200.0 million at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 2 inputs by evaluating similarly rated companies with publicly traded bonds where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.