10. Fair Value Measurements

The FASB has established a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

Level 1.  Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2.  Inputs to the valuation methodology include:

If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3.  Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The asset or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The table below presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis during Fiscal 2017 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

Cash equivalents include cash held in money market and U.S. Treasury Funds at March 31, 2017.

The table below presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis during Fiscal 2016 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

Cash equivalents include cash held in money market and U.S. Treasury Funds at March 31, 2016.

Basis for Valuation

The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair values because of the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments. As the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility are based on adjustable market interest rates, the Company has determined that the carrying value approximates the fair value. The carrying values and estimated fair values of these obligations are as follows (in thousands):

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold and issued additional warrants that provide certain anti-dilution protections for the Holders. See Note 9— Offerings of Common Stock and Warrants and At-the-Market Offering Program for further discussion. The fair value of the Series A warrants issued on October 21, 2016 was $4.2 million after giving effect to anti-dilution adjustments under the assumption that the anti-dilution mechanism contained in the Series A warrants was in effect. The change in the estimated fair value of the Series A warrants from the October 21, 2016 to March 31, 2017 was $1.3 million and has been recorded under the caption “Change in fair value of warrant liability” in the accompanying statement of operations. The Company will continue to adjust the warrant liability for changes in fair value until the earlier of the exercise of the warrants, modification of the warrants, or expiration of the warrants. Changes in the fair value of Series A warrants will be recorded in the statements of operations under the caption “Change in fair value of warrant liability.”

The fair value of the Company’s warrant liability (see Note 9— Offerings of Common Stock and Warrants and At-the-Market Offering Program) recorded in the Company’s financial statements was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation valuation method and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock in an active market, a Level 3 measurement. Volatility was based on the actual market activity of the Company’s stock. The expected life is based on the remaining contractual term of the warrants, and the risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury Securities with a maturity equivalent to the warrants’ expected life.

The Company calculated the estimated fair value of warrants on the date of issuance and at each subsequent reporting date using the following assumptions:

 

From time to time, the Company sells common stock warrants that are derivative instruments. The Company does not enter into speculative derivative agreements and does not enter into derivative agreements for the purpose of hedging risks.

As discussed above, the Company adopted authoritative guidance issued by the FASB on contracts in an entity’s own equity that requires the common stock warrants to be classified as liabilities at their estimated fair value with changes in fair value at each reporting date recognized in the statements of operations. The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the warrant liability which is measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):