CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS INCCWST

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS INC Fair Value Disclosure

10-KFiled Feb 20, 20262 min read
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, as applicable, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of market prices and observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, we rely on market data or assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Our financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, restricted investment securities held in trust on deposit with various banks as collateral for our obligations relative to our landfill final capping, closure and post-closure costs, interest rate derivatives, trade payables and debt. The carrying values of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable and trade payables approximate their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of restricted investment securities held in trust, which are valued using quoted market prices, are included as restricted assets in the Level 1 tier below. The fair value of interest rate derivatives included in the Level 2 tier below is calculated using discounted cash flow valuation methodologies based upon Term SOFR yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the swaps. We recognize all derivatives accounted for on the balance sheet at fair value. See Note 12, Debt for disclosure about the fair value of debt.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Summaries of our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
 Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2025 Using:
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swaps$— $2,916 $— 
Restricted investment securities - landfill closure3,179 — — 
$3,179 $2,916 $— 
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps$— $8,421 $— 
Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2024 Using:
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swaps$— $7,642 $— 
Restricted investment securities - landfill closure2,499 — — 
$2,499 $7,642 $— 
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps$— $2,852 $— 

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Feb 20, 2026Showing above
2024Feb 18, 2025
2023Feb 16, 2024
2022Feb 17, 2023
2021Feb 18, 2022
2020Feb 19, 2021
2019Feb 21, 2020
2018Feb 22, 2019
2017Mar 2, 2018
2016Mar 2, 2017
2015Mar 2, 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.

Other Available Disclosures

Income TaxesRevenueEarnings Per SharePP&EGoodwill & IntangiblesLeasesSegmentsDebtCommitmentsNew StandardsPay vs Performance