Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Note 5. Fair Value Measurements

Short-term Investments

A summary of the fair value of our short-term investments as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is shown in the tables below.

(In thousands)	September 30, 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Certificates of deposit	$	45,030	$	—	$	45,030	$	—
U.S. government securities		—		—		—		—
Commercial paper		179,869		—		179,869		—
Total	$	224,899	$	—	$	224,899	$	—


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Certificates of deposit	$	75,032	$	—	$	75,032	$	—
U.S. government securities		125,379		125,379		—		—
Commercial paper		129,863		—		129,863		—
Total	$	330,274	$	125,379	$	204,895	$	—

Our certificates of deposit are measured at carrying value including accrued interest, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Our commercial paper is valued using broker quotes that utilize observable market inputs.

Long-term Debt

The carrying value of our total long-term debt was $99.9 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The estimated fair value of our total long-term debt was $104.8 million and $105.4 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value measurement of our Series B Notes was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis that factors in current market yields for comparable borrowing arrangements under our credit profile. Since this methodology is based upon market yields for comparable arrangements, the measurement is categorized as Level 2 under the three-level fair value hierarchy as established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

- 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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