FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to satisfy a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a fair value hierarchy is established, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
A summary of financial instruments and contingent consideration recognized at fair value, and the fair value measurements used, is as follows:
(In millions)TotalQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
Other observable inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2025    
Cash$622 $622 $— $— 
Short-term investments181 181 — — 
Derivative contract assets
26 — 26 — 
Derivative contract liabilities
(64)— (64)— 
Contingent future payments from acquisition of Resilient Power Systems Inc. (Note 2)(31)— — (31)
December 31, 2024    
Cash$555 $555 $— $— 
Short-term investments1,525 1,525 — — 
Derivative contract assets
28 — 28 — 
Derivative contract liabilities
(44)— (44)— 
Eaton values its financial instruments using an industry standard market approach, in which prices and other relevant information is generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
Other Fair Value Measurements
Long-term debt and the current portion of long-term debt had a carrying value of $9,894 million and fair value of $9,587 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $9,152 million and $8,651 million, respectively, at December 31, 2024. The fair value of Eaton's debt instruments was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Short-Term Investments
Eaton invests excess cash generated from operations in short-term marketable investments. Short-term investments are recorded at carrying value, which approximates the fair value due to the short-term maturities of these investments. A summary of short-term investments is as follows:
December 31
(In millions)20252024
Time deposits and certificates of deposit with banks$181 $157 
Money market investments— 1,368 
Total short-term investments$181 $1,525 

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Feb 26, 2026Showing above
2024Feb 27, 2025
2023Feb 29, 2024
2022Feb 23, 2023
2021Feb 23, 2022
2020Feb 24, 2021
2019Feb 26, 2020
2018Feb 27, 2019
2017Feb 28, 2018
2016Feb 22, 2017
2015Feb 24, 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.