5. Fair Value Measurements

 

Under GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs consist of quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

 

 

The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of its short maturity. Management believes that the carrying value of the 2022 Notes approximate fair value given that, while there have been changes in the overall economic environment, including an increase in interest rates, there has not been significant net availability of credit to the Company.

 

We had earnout liabilities related to our two 2020 acquisitions which were measured on a recurring basis and recorded at fair value, measured using probability-weighted analysis and discounted using a rate that appropriately captures the risks associated with the obligation. The inputs used to calculate the fair value of the earnout liabilities were considered to be Level 3 inputs due to the lack of relevant market activity and significant management judgment. Key unobservable inputs included revenue growth rates, which ranged from 0% to 7%, and volatility rates, which were 20% for gross profits.

 

We made the final payment of our earnout liability relating to our acquisition of Graphic Sciences in the amount of $700,000 in January 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had no earnout liabilities.

 

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2024Mar 24, 2025Showing above
2023Mar 28, 2024
2022Mar 27, 2023
2021Mar 24, 2022

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.