ACCO BRANDS Corp Fair Value Disclosure
15. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In establishing a fair value, there is a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The basis of the fair value measurement is categorized in three levels, in order of priority, as described below:
Level 1 |
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
Level 2 |
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or |
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Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or |
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Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability |
Level 3 |
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability |
We utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
We have determined that our financial assets and liabilities described in "Note 14. Derivative Financial Instruments" are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2025, and 2024:
(in millions) |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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Assets: |
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Forward currency contracts |
|
$ |
0.6 |
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|
$ |
13.3 |
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Liabilities: |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Forward currency contracts |
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
|
$ |
9.3 |
|
Our forward currency contracts are included in "Other current assets," "Other current liabilities," "Other non-current assets," or "Other non-current liabilities." The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are primarily valued based on the foreign
currency spot and forward rates quoted by banks or foreign currency dealers. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes payable to banks, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts due principally to their short maturities. The carrying amount of total debt was $840.9 million and $839.7 million, and the estimated fair value of total debt was $799.2 million and $789.4 million, each as of December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, where available, and from using current interest rates based on credit ratings and the remaining terms of maturity.
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements
On a non-recurring basis, we remeasure the fair value of the goodwill of our reporting units and of our trade name indefinite-lived intangibles if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. The fair value of our reporting units and trade names are considered Level 3 measurements. Level 3 measurements require significant unobservable inputs that are reflected in our assumptions. See "Note 10. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets" for more information.
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Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mar 9, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2024 | Feb 21, 2025 | |
| 2023 | Feb 23, 2024 | |
| 2022 | Feb 24, 2023 | |
| 2019 | Feb 27, 2020 | |
About Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.
Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.