4. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Marketable securities consist of securities with original maturities greater than 90 days when purchased. The Company classifies these marketable securities as available-for-sale and records them at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss). Premiums or discounts from par value are amortized to other (expense) income over the life of the underlying security.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities consisted of the following at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Although available to be sold to meet operating needs or otherwise, securities are generally held through maturity. The cost of securities sold is determined based on the specific identification method for purposes of recording realized gains and losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no realized gains or losses on sales of investments, and no investments were adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value.

As of December 31, 2019, all marketable securities had maturities of less than twelve months when purchased and therefore were classified as short-term.