Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. Fair Value Disclosure
5. Fair Value Measurements
The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value. The framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and market participant’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). Non-financial assets, such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets, are accounted for at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These items are tested for impairment on the occurrence of a triggering event or, in the case of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, at least on an annual basis.
During fiscal year 2025, long-lived assets with an aggregate carrying value of $0.1 million were written down to their fair value of less than $0.1 million, resulting in asset impairment charges of $0.1 million. During fiscal year 2024, long-lived assets with an aggregate carrying value of $6.1 million were written down to their fair value of $3.9 million, resulting in asset impairment charges of $2.2 million. During fiscal year 2023, long-lived assets with an aggregate carrying value of $5.9 million were written down to their fair value of $4.6 million, resulting in asset impairment charges of $1.3 million. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those assets and liabilities.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 | Showing above |
| 2024 | Dec 12, 2024 | |
| 2023 | Dec 7, 2023 | |
| 2022 | Dec 8, 2022 | |
| 2021 | Dec 9, 2021 | |
| 2020 | Dec 10, 2020 | |
| 2019 | Dec 5, 2019 | |
| 2018 | Dec 6, 2018 | |
| 2017 | Dec 7, 2017 | |
| 2016 | Dec 8, 2016 | |
| 2015 | Dec 10, 2015 | |
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.