16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels, as follows:

 

Level 1 – Observable inputs – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data; and

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs – includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs is required along with a reconciliation of Level 3 values from the prior reporting period.

 

Pooled Separate Accounts – Pooled separate accounts invest primarily in domestic and international stocks, commercial paper or single mutual funds. The net asset value is used as a practical expedient to determine fair value for these accounts. Each pooled separate account provides for redemptions by the Retirement Plan at reported net asset values per share, with little to no advance notice requirement, therefore these funds are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Derivative Instruments – The Company’s derivative instruments consist of commodity positions. The fair values of the commodity positions are based on quoted prices on the commodity exchanges and are designated as Level 1 inputs.

 

Transferable Tax Credits – Transferable tax credits consist of the Company’s estimated net proceeds from the sale of credits. The fair value is based on estimates of, among others, actual gallons qualified for sale, gross tax credit per gallon, sales discount, broker fees and insurance costs and are designated as Level 3 inputs. See Note 1 for additional information.

 

Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets consist of the Company’s estimated fair value associated with its Magic Valley facility. See Note 1 for additional information. The fair value of the long-lived assets are based on present value of estimated future cash flows and are designated as Level 3 inputs.

 

The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

 

                   Benefit Plan 
   Fair               Percentage 
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Allocation 
Assets:                    
Derivative financial instruments  $525   $525   $
   $
      
Transferable tax credits   

7,500

            

7,500

      
Defined benefit plan assets(1)                         
(pooled separate accounts):                         
Large U.S. Equity(2)   8,060    
    8,060    
    36%
Small/Mid U.S. Equity(3)   3,574    
    3,574    
    16%
International Equity(4)   3,479    
    3,479    
    16%
Fixed Income(5)   6,988    
    6,988    
    32%
   $30,126   $525   $22,101   $

7,500

      
                          
Liabilities:                         
                          
Derivative financial instruments  $1,067   $1,067   $
   $
      

 

The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2024 (in thousands):

 

                   Benefit Plan 
   Fair               Percentage 
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Allocation 
Assets:                    
Derivative financial instruments  $3,313   $3,313   $
   $
      
                          
Defined benefit plan assets(1)                         
(pooled separate accounts):                         
Large U.S. Equity(2)   6,962    
    6,962    
    34%
Small/Mid U.S. Equity(3)   3,636    
    3,636    
    18%
International Equity(4)   2,762    
    2,762    
    14%
Fixed Income(5)   6,807    
    6,807    
    34%
   $23,480   $3,313   $20,167   $
      
                          
Liabilities:                         
                          
Derivative financial instruments  $1,177   $1,177   $
   $
      

The following table summarizes nonrecurring fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2024 (in thousands):

 

   Fair             
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Assets:                
Long-lived assets – Magic Valley  $19,397   $
   $
   $19,397 
(1)See Note 11 for accounting discussion.

 

(2)This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of large U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

 

(3)This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of small- and medium-sized U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

 

(4)This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of foreign companies, including emerging markets. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

 

(5)This category includes investments in funds comprised of U.S. and foreign investment-grade fixed income securities, high-yield fixed income securities that are rated below investment-grade, U.S. treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Mar 13, 2026Showing above
2024Mar 13, 2025
2023Mar 14, 2024
2022Mar 14, 2023
2021Mar 15, 2022
2020Mar 26, 2021
2019Mar 30, 2020
2018Mar 18, 2019
2017Mar 15, 2018
2016Mar 15, 2017

About Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.

Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.