Investments and other assets

Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):




	June 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015

Deferred compensation investments	$	77,880	$	77,199
Cash value life insurance	66,165		68,332
Equity method investments	26,215		27,824
Available for sale investment	23,815		28,090
Deferred debt issuance cost	11,610		13,620
Other long term assets	53,271		41,925
Total	$	258,956	$	256,990

Deferred compensation investments: Employee compensation-related investments consist of debt and equity securities which are classified as trading securities and fund our deferred compensation plan liabilities.

Equity method investments: Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not control are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Significant influence typically exists when we own between 20% and 50% of the voting interests in a corporation, own more than a minimal investment in a limited liability company, or hold substantial management rights in the investee. Under this method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is included in non-operating income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies, principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain investments.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, we recognized a $1.9 million impairment on an equity method investment, which is reflected in Equity loss in unconsolidated investees, net, in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income. The impairment charge was a result of an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of the investment that occurred during the second quarter of 2016. No impairments were recorded during the three and six months ended June 28, 2015.

Cost method investments: The carrying value of cost method investments at June 30, 2016, was $23.2 million and was $8.6 million at December 31, 2015, and is included within other long-term assets in the table above. The increase is primarily due to our investment in WhistleSports, Kin Community and an additional investment in RepairPal during the six months ended June 30, 2016.