FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

NOTE 10—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table presents the financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	September 30, 2016
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	(In thousands)
Recurring
Forward contracts	$	(5,026	)	$	(5,026	)	$	-	$	(5,026	)	$	-
Non-recurring
Cash and cash equivalents		500,456			500,456			500,456		-			-
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		99,632			99,632			99,632
Debt		(754,392	)		(746,820	)		-		(693,716	)		(53,104	)

	December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	(In thousands)
Recurring
Forward contracts	$	(28,784	)	$	(28,784	)	$	-	$	(28,784	)	$	-
Non-recurring
Cash and cash equivalents		664,844			664,844			664,844		-			-
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		116,801			116,801			116,801		-			-
Debt		(843,883	)		(777,634	)		-		(707,492	)		(70,142	)

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating our fair value disclosures for our other financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents—The carrying amounts that we have reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short-term and long-term debt—The fair value of debt instruments valued using a market approach based on quoted prices for similar instruments traded in active markets is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Quoted prices are not available for the amortizing notes included within the TEUs or the NO 105 financing. The income approach was used to value these instruments based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at estimated borrowing rates for similar debt instruments or on estimated prices based on current yields for debt issues of similar quality and terms. These instruments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward contracts. The fair value of forward contracts is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and is valued using observable market parameters for similar instruments traded in active markets. Where quoted prices are not available, the income approach is used to value forward contracts, which discounts future cash flows based on current market expectations and credit risk.

Fair Value Disclosure of Non-financial Assets

During the third quarter of 2016, our management reevaluated our operational plans for certain underutilized marine assets. As a result of this exercise, we identified certain marine assets that would not be used in a manner consistent with management’s original intent. Based on this determination, we tested the carrying value of these assets for recoverability by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows to the assets’ respective carrying values. As the carrying value of those assets exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment was recorded. The impairment was calculated as the difference between the $22 million carrying value of the assets and the $10 million estimated fair value of the assets, resulting in a $12 million non-cash impairment charge in our ASA segment. We utilized both a market approach and income approach to estimate the fair value of the assets. Inputs included market sales data for comparable assets, forecasted cash flows and discount rates believed to be consistent with those used by principal market participants. The fair value measurement is based on inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent level 3 inputs.

During the first quarter of 2016, we impaired our Agile vessel upon termination of its current charter in May 2016, given the lack of opportunities for this type of vessel. In connection with that decision, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $32 million during the first quarter of 2016, which equaled the vessel’s carrying value, in accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment.

Another vessel, the DB101, which was held and used in our ASA segment, was written down to a fair value of $14 million, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $4 million in the first quarter of 2015, and was disposed of in the second quarter of 2015. An impairment loss of $3 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2015 and was included in restructuring expenses.

In the second quarter of 2015, we abandoned a marine pipelay welding system project and recognized a $7 million non-cash impairment charge, which equaled the carrying value of that asset.

- 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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