Fair Value

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE

NOTE 7. FAIR VALUE

Inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Cadence’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:

• Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

• Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and

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

This hierarchy requires Cadence to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. Cadence recognizes transfers between levels of the hierarchy based on the fair values of the respective financial instruments at the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The carrying value of Cadence’s cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value and is based on level 1 inputs. The carrying value of Cadence’s receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments and is based on level 2 inputs. The carrying values of Cadence’s long-term receivables approximate their fair values and are based on level 2 inputs, including current market rates of interest. The fair values of Cadence’s 2013 Notes and 2015 Notes are influenced by interest rates, Cadence’s stock price and stock price volatility and are determined by level 1 inputs, including prices for the 2013 Notes and 2015 Notes observed in market trading. The fair values of Cadence’s 2015 Notes Hedges and 2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative are influenced by level 2 inputs, including interest rates, Cadence’s stock price and stock price volatility.

On a quarterly basis, Cadence measures at fair value certain financial assets and liabilities. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following levels of inputs as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2012:
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Assets
Cash equivalents – money market funds	$	529,194	$	529,194	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale securities		3,287		3,287		—		—
Trading securities held in Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, or NQDC		21,986		21,986		—		—
2015 Notes Hedges		257,775		—		257,775		—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		170		—		170		—
Total Assets	$	812,412	$	554,467	$	257,945	$	—
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Liabilities
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	3,987	$	—	$	—	$	3,987
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative		257,775		—		257,775		—
Total Liabilities	$	261,762	$	—	$	257,775	$	3,987
	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2011:
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Assets
Cash equivalents – money market funds	$	484,102	$	484,102	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale securities		3,037		3,037		—		—
Trading securities held in NQDC		24,058		24,058		—		—
2015 Notes Hedges		215,113		—		215,113		—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		200		—		200		—
Total Assets	$	726,510	$	511,197	$	215,313	$	—
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Liabilities
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	3,911	$	—	$	—	$	3,911
2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative		215,113		—		215,113		—
Total Liabilities	$	219,024	$	—	$	215,113	$	3,911

Level 1 Measurements

Cadence’s cash equivalents held in money market funds, Cadence’s available-for-sale securities and the trading securities held in Cadence’s NQDC trust are measured at fair value using level 1 inputs.

Level 2 Measurements

The 2015 Notes Hedges and the 2015 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative are measured at fair value using level 2 inputs. These instruments are not actively traded and are valued using an option pricing model that uses observable market data for all inputs, such as implied volatility of Cadence’s common stock, risk-free interest rate and other factors.

Cadence’s foreign currency exchange contracts are measured at fair value using observable foreign currency exchange rates.

Level 3 Measurements

The liabilities included in level 3 represent the fair value of contingent consideration associated with certain of Cadence’s 2011 and 2010 acquisitions. Cadence makes estimates regarding the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities on the acquisition date and at the end of each reporting period until the contingency is resolved. The fair value of these arrangements is determined by calculating the net present value of the expected payments using significant inputs that are not observable in the market, including revenue projections and discount rates consistent with the level of risk of achievement. The fair value of these contingent consideration arrangements is affected most significantly by the changes in the revenue projections, but is also impacted by the discount rate used to adjust the outcomes to their present values. If the revenue projections increase or decrease, the fair value of the contingent consideration will increase or decrease accordingly, in amounts that will vary based on the timing of the projected revenues, the timing of the expected payments and the discount rate used to calculate the present value of the expected payments. Cadence used discount rates ranging from 11% to 16% to value its contingent consideration liabilities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Cadence believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but significant judgment is involved.

Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities subsequent to the acquisition are recorded in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements. For an additional description of the related business combinations, see Note 3.

The following table summarizes the level 3 activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	3,911
Payments		(39	)
Adjustments		115
Balance as of March 31, 2012	$	3,987