7.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, net, and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Fair value measurements were applied to our long-term debt portfolio.  We believe the carrying value of our Term Loan approximates the fair market value primarily due to the fact that the non-performance risk of servicing our debt obligations, as reflected in our business and credit risk profile, has not materially changed since we assumed our debt obligations under the Credit Agreement.  In addition, due to the floating-rate nature of our Term Loan, the market value is not subject to variability solely due to changes in the general level of interest rates as is the case with a fixed-rate debt obligation.

Based on active market trades of our 3.625% Senior Notes, 4.125% Senior Notes and 5.625% Senior Notes close to December 31, 2025 (Level 1 fair value measurements), we estimate the fair value of each in the table below:

As of December 31, 2025

Fair Value

Gross Carrying Value

3.625% Senior Notes

$

388,500

$

400,000

4.125% Senior Notes

$

476,250

$

500,000

5.625% Senior Notes

$

758,438

$

750,000

During all periods presented, there were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Feb 26, 2026Showing above
2024Feb 25, 2025
2023Feb 28, 2024
2022Feb 23, 2023
2021Feb 22, 2022
2020Feb 23, 2021
2019Feb 25, 2020
2018Feb 26, 2019
2017Feb 27, 2018
2016Feb 28, 2017
2015Mar 3, 2016

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.