Fair Value

6 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 4. Fair Value

          The Company applies ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (“ASC 820”) which provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP. This accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

          The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820. ASC 820 requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided below. The Company carries cash equivalents, investment in cooperative, restricted investments and derivative liabilities at fair value.

          Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

          Level 2 – 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 for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally or corroborated by observable market data.

          Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methods, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Unobservable inputs shall be developed based on the best information available, which may include the Company’s own data.

          The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined by using quantitative models that discount future cash flows using the LIBOR forward interest rate curve. Estimation risk is greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case interest rate, price or index scenarios are extrapolated in order to determine the fair value. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, the Company’s own credit standing and other specific factors, where appropriate.

          The fair values of property and equipment, as applicable, are determined by using various models that discount future expected cash flows. Estimation risk is greater for vacant properties as the probability of expected cash flows from the use of vacant properties is difficult to predict.

          To ensure the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities and property and equipment, various processes and controls have been adopted, which include: model validation that requires a review and approval for pricing, financial statement fair value determination and risk quantification; periodic review and substantiation of profit and loss reporting for all derivative instruments and property and equipment items.

          Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents	$	2	$	—	$	—	$	2
Money market mutual fund (1)		320		—		—		320
Investment in cooperative (1)		—		—		219		219
Total assets	$	322	$	—	$	219	$	541
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	—	$	3,532	$	—	$	3,532

          Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents	$	2	$	—	$	—	$	2
Money market mutual fund (1)		620		—		—		620
Investment in cooperative (1)		—		—		219		219
Total assets	$	622	$	—	$	219	$	841
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	—	$	4,235	$	—	$	4,235

          (1) The money market mutual fund is included in “Restricted investments and deposits” and the investment in cooperative is included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

          The following table provides a reconciliation of the activity related to assets (investment in cooperative) measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs (amounts in thousands):

Balance, January 31, 2012	$	219
Current period activity		—
Balance, July 31, 2012	$	219

          The Company determined the fair value of the investment in cooperative by using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows. Inputs used in the analysis include the face value of the allocated equity amount, the projected term for repayment based upon a historical trend, and a risk adjusted discount rate based on the expected compensation participants would demand because of the uncertainty of the future cash flows. The inherent risk and uncertainty associated with unobservable inputs could have a significant effect on the actual fair value of the investment.

          Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis subsequent to January 31, 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Losses
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	600	$	143

          Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis over various dates through January 31, 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Losses
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	8,803	$	1,227

          The fair value of the Company’s debt is approximately $112.8 million and $123.7 million at July 31, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value was estimated with Level 2 inputs using a discounted cash flow analysis and the Company’s estimate of market rates of interest for similar loan agreements with companies that have a similar credit risk.