Fair value measurement
A. Fair value hierarchy
We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes the following hierarchy for the inputs that are used in fair value measurement:
“Level 1” inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
“Level 2” inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
“Level 3” inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are categorized in one of the three levels on the basis of the lowest-level input that is significant to its valuation.
Refer to Note 17, “Postretirement benefits,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail surrounding the defined benefit plan’s asset fair values.
B. Financial instruments not held at fair value
Certain financial assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value; however, items such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, drawings under revolving credit facilities and bank overdrafts generally attract interest at floating rates and accordingly their carrying amounts are considered to approximate fair value. Due to their short maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are also considered to approximate their fair values.
The carrying amount and fair value of our debt are set out below:
As of December 31, 2025As of December 28, 2024
(dollars in millions)
Carrying 
amount
Fair value
Carrying 
amount
Fair value
Current$36.2 $36.0 $39.1 $38.7 
Non-current2,196.3 2,230.2 2,311.5 2,314.3 
$2,232.5 $2,266.2 $2,350.6 $2,353.0 
Debt is comprised principally of borrowings under the secured credit facility and the unsecured senior notes. The dollar term loans under the secured credit facilities pay interest at floating rates, subject to a 0.50% Term SOFR floor further described in Note 15. The fair values of the term loans are derived from a market price, discounted for illiquidity. The unsecured senior notes have fixed interest rates, are traded by “Qualified Institutional Buyers” and certain other eligible investors, and their fair value is derived from their quoted market price.
C. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table categorizes the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(dollars in millions)
Quoted prices in active
markets (Level 1)
Significant observable
inputs (Level 2)
Total
As of December 31, 2025
Derivative assets$— $32.2 $32.2 
Derivative liabilities$— $(201.7)$(201.7)
Cash equivalents$— $23.1 $23.1 
As of December 28, 2024
Derivative assets$— $33.3 $33.3 
Derivative liabilities$— $(43.9)$(43.9)
Cash equivalents$41.5 $30.8 $72.3 
Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 represent foreign currency exchange forward and swap contracts, and interest rate derivative contracts. Cash equivalents included in Level 1 represent treasury bills and money market funds, while Level 2 represent certificates of deposit and commercial paper.
We value our foreign currency exchange derivatives using models consistent with those used by a market participant that maximize the use of market observable inputs including forward prices for currencies.
We value our interest rate derivative contracts using a widely accepted discounted cash flow valuation methodology that reflects the contractual terms of each derivative, including the period to maturity. The methodology derives the fair values of the derivatives using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future cash payments and the discounted expected receipts. The inputs used in the calculation are based on observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, implied volatilities and credit spreads.
We incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy
During the periods presented, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2, and Gates had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.
D. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
Gates has non-recurring fair value measurements related to certain assets, including goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment. During Fiscal 2025, we recognized an asset impairment of $3.5 million, related to restructuring actions. During Fiscal 2024, no significant impairment of fixed and other assets were recognized and during Fiscal 2023, we recognized an asset impairment of $0.1 million. During April 2024, Gates made a $5.0 million equity investment in a privately held company. Gates does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee and the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value. We elected to recognize the investment at its cost in accordance with ASC 321 “Investments – Equity Securities” and will adjust the fair value of the investment if we identify any observable price changes in orderly transactions.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Feb 12, 2026Showing above
2024Feb 6, 2025
2023Feb 8, 2024
2022Feb 9, 2023
2021Feb 10, 2021
2019Feb 21, 2020
2018Feb 14, 2019

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.