8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, INCLUDING DERIVATIVES

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. This includes not only the credit standing of counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements but also the impact of DESC’s own nonperformance risk on their liabilities. Fair value measurements assume that the transaction occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability (the market with the most volume and activity for the asset or liability from the perspective of the reporting entity), or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (the market in which the reporting entity would be able to maximize the amount received or minimize the amount paid). DESC applies fair value measurements to interest rate assets and liabilities. DESC’s interest rate swap agreements are valued using discounted cash flow models with independently sourced data. DESC applies credit adjustments to its derivative fair values in accordance with the requirements described above.

Inputs and Assumptions

Fair value is based on actively-quoted market prices, if available. In the absence of actively-quoted market prices, price information is sought from external sources, including industry publications, and to a lesser extent, broker quotes. When evaluating pricing information, DESC considers the ability to transact at the quoted price. Periodically, inputs to valuation models are reviewed and revised as needed, based on historical information, updated market data, market liquidity and relationships, and changes in third-party sources.

The inputs and assumptions used in measuring fair value for interest rate derivative contracts include the following:


•	Interest rate curves


•	Credit quality of counterparties and DESC


•	Notional value


•	Credit enhancements


•	Time value

Levels

DESC utilizes the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:


•	Level 1-Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that they have the ability to access at the measurement date.

•

Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 include interest rate swaps.


•	Level 3-Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these cases, the lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.

All of DESC's interest rate swap agreements were in a liability position for all periods presented. Such agreements are valued using discounted cash flow models with independently sourced data, and are considered to be Level 2 fair value measurements. The fair value of these derivatives at March 31, 2019 was $14 million, and at December 31, 2018 was $11 million.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Substantially all of DESC’s financial instruments are recorded at fair value, with the exception of the instruments described below, which are reported at historical cost. Estimated fair values have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies considered appropriate by management. The carrying amount of financial instruments classified within current assets and current liabilities are representative of fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. For financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value, the carrying amounts and estimated fair values are as follows:



	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
(millions)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value ⁽¹⁾		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value ⁽¹⁾
Long-term debt ⁽²⁾	$	3,975	$	4,567	$	5,146	$	5,470

⁽¹⁾

Fair value is estimated based on net present value calculations using independently sourced market data that incorporate a developed discount rate using similarly rated long-term debt, along with benchmark interest rates. All fair value measurements are classified as Level 2. The carrying amount of debt issuances with short-term maturities and variable rates refinanced at current market rates is a reasonable estimate of their fair value.


⁽²⁾	Carrying amount includes amounts which represent the unamortized debt issuance costs and discount or premium.