Investments | Investments The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” for its financial assets and liabilities, and for its non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This framework is intended to provide increased consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing accounting standards that permit, or in some cases, require estimates of fair-market value. This standard also expanded financial statement disclosure requirements about a company’s use of fair-value measurements, including the effect of such measure on earnings. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The Company’s investment securities (common stocks and mutual funds) are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices, and as such are classified as Level 1 assets. Assets or liabilities that have recurring fair value measurements are shown below as of June 30, 2015 , and December 31, 2014 : As of June 30, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total as of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description June 30, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 569,896,553 $ 569,896,553 $ — $ — Short-Term Investments: Other 454 454 — — Long-Term Investments: Common Stocks 23,685,720 23,685,720 — — Mutual Funds – Equity 91,054,926 91,054,926 — — Total $ 684,637,653 $ 684,637,653 $ — $ — As of December 31, 2014 : Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total as of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description December 31, 2014 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 497,429,804 $ 497,429,804 $ — $ — Short-Term Investments: Other 1,021 1,021 — — Long-Term Investments: Common Stocks 24,648,451 24,648,451 — — Mutual Funds – Equity 89,994,116 89,994,116 — — Total $ 612,073,392 $ 612,073,392 $ — $ — The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and market value of investment securities are shown as of June 30, 2015 , and December 31, 2014 : As of June 30, 2015 : Unrealized Cost Gains Losses Market Value Short-Term Investments: Other $ 454 $ — $ — $ 454 Long-Term Investments: Common Stocks 18,690,052 5,639,978 (644,310 ) 23,685,720 Mutual Funds – Equity 82,894,342 8,824,766 (664,182 ) 91,054,926 Total $ 101,584,848 $ 14,464,744 $ (1,308,492 ) $ 114,741,100 As of December 31, 2014 : Unrealized Cost Gains Losses Market Value Short-Term Investments: Other $ 1,021 $ — $ — $ 1,021 Long-Term Investments: Common Stocks 17,069,742 7,933,717 (355,008 ) 24,648,451 Mutual Funds – Equity 80,852,329 9,922,204 (780,417 ) 89,994,116 Total $ 97,923,092 $ 17,855,921 $ (1,135,425 ) $ 114,643,588 Unrealized losses on investments as of June 30, 2015 , are as follows: Aggregate Unrealized Losses Aggregate Fair Value Less than one year $ 1,308,492 $ 25,133,644 Unrealized losses on investments as of December 31, 2014 , are as follows: Aggregate Unrealized Losses Aggregate Fair Value Less than one year $ 1,135,425 $ 19,972,258 ASC 320, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, as amended, provides guidance on determining when an investment is other than temporarily impaired. The Company reviews its equity investment portfolio for any unrealized losses that would be deemed other-than-temporary and require the recognition of an impairment loss in income. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investments. Management also considers the type of security, related-industry and sector performance, as well as published investment ratings and analyst reports, to evaluate its portfolio. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established. If market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, the Company may incur future impairments. No equity investment losses were considered to be other than temporary during the periods presented. |