FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments, excluding derivatives which are presented in Note 10, were as follows at December 31 (in thousands):
 
2019
2018
 
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents (a)
$
9,777

$
9,777

$
20,776

$
20,776

Restricted cash and equivalents (a)
$
3,881

$
3,881

$
3,369

$
3,369

Notes payable (b)
$
349,500

$
349,500

$
185,620

$
185,620

Long-term debt, including current maturities (c)
$
3,145,839

$
3,479,367

$
2,956,578

$
3,039,108


_______________
(a)
Carrying value approximates fair value. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
(b)
Notes payable consist of commercial paper borrowings. Carrying value approximates fair value due to the short-term length of maturity; since these borrowings are not traded on an exchange, they are classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
(c)
Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Carrying amount of long-term debt is net of deferred financing costs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Included in cash and cash equivalents is cash, money market mutual funds, and term deposits. As part of our cash management process, excess operating cash is invested in money market mutual funds with our bank. Money market mutual funds are not deposits and are not insured by the U.S. Government, the FDIC, or any other government agency and involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. We believe, however, that the market risk arising from holding these financial instruments is minimal.

Restricted Cash and Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents represent restricted cash and uninsured term deposits.

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

For additional information on our notes payable and long-term debt, see Note 6 and Note 7.
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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.