Fair Value MeasurementsUnder the FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, a fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)At October 31, 2019, the Company owned equity securities consisting of marketable securities in Calavo common stock of 200,000 shares representing approximately 1.1% of Calavo’s outstanding common stock at a stock price of $86.73 per share. These securities were measured at fair value by quoted market prices and changes in fair value were included in the statement of operations. In fiscal year 2020, the Company sold all 200,000 shares of Calavo common stock for a total of $11,048,000, recognizing a loss of $6,299,000. In fiscal year 2019, the Company sold 50,000 shares of Calavo common stock for a total of $4,785,000, recognizing a loss of $2,117,000.
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.