FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity of the valuation inputs are defined as follows:
• Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
• Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument
• Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, borrowings and derivatives. Management believes that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values. In conjunction with the fair value measurement of the derivative instruments, the Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio, as the gross values would not be materially different. The fair value of the Company's debt at October 3, 2025 and September 27, 2024 was $5,445.7 million and $5,300.7 million, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's debt at October 3, 2025 and September 27, 2024 was $5,405.9 million and $5,271.5 million, respectively. The fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the respective periods. The inputs utilized in estimating the fair value of the Company's debt has been classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy levels.
As part of acquisitions completed in fiscal 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded contingent consideration obligations. During fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024, and fiscal 2023, the Company adjusted the contingent consideration liability, resulting in expense of $11.1 million, income of $9.0 million and income of $85.7 million, respectively, which is included in "Cost of services provided (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)" on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The earnout periods have ended and the contingent consideration liability at October 3, 2025 and September 27, 2024 was zero.