Fair value measurements

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic 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 valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic establish a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the valuation inputs into three broad levels. These three general valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows: Market approach (Level 1) – which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Prices may be indicated by pricing guides, sale transactions, market trades, or other sources. Cost approach (Level 2) – which is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost); and the Income approach (Level 3) – which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectations about the future amounts (including present value techniques, and option-pricing models). Net present value is an income approach where a stream of expected cash flows is discounted at an appropriate market interest rate.

The carrying amounts of cash, cash in attorney trust account, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, customer deposits and other accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities is based on quoted market prices in active markets.

The fair value of the investment in account receivable is based on the net present value of calculated interest and principle payments. The carrying value approximates fair value as interest rates charged are comparable to market rates for similar investments.

The fair value of notes receivable are based on the net present value of calculated interest and principle payments. The carrying value approximates fair value as interest rates charged are comparable to market rates for similar notes.

The fair value of long-term notes payable is based on the net present value of calculated interest and principle payments. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value due to the fact that the interest rate on the debt is based on market rates.