ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures defines and establishes a framework for measuring fair value.  The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, as follows:

Fair value estimates may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of the assets and liabilities.

 

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

We had no assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at January 31, 2016 consisted of real estate held for sale that was written-down to estimated fair value during the nine months ended January 31, 2016. Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at April 30, 2015 consisted of real estate held for sale that was written-down to estimated fair value during fiscal year 2015. See Note 2 for additional information on impairment losses recognized during fiscal years 2016 and 2015. The aggregate fair value of these assets by their levels in the fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of our financial instruments approximate their carrying amount in the consolidated financial statements except for debt.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity.

Other Investments. The carrying amount, or cost plus accrued interest, of the certificates of deposit approximates fair value.

Other Debt. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using relevant treasury interest rates plus credit spreads (Level 2).

Line of Credit.  The carrying amount approximates fair value because the variable rate debt re-prices frequently.

 

Mortgages Payable. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using relevant treasury interest rates plus credit spreads (Level 2).

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, are as follows: