Fair value Fair value measurements are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards specify a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
•Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•Level 2—inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
•Level 3—unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.
Cash and cash equivalents are considered Level 1 instruments and are valued based on publicly available daily net asset values. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The Notes are valued based upon quoted market prices and are considered Level 2 instruments because the markets in which the Notes trade are not considered active markets. As of January 31, 2026, the fair value of the Notes was $587.0 million.
The Revolving Credit Facility is considered a Level 2 instrument, and the amounts outstanding thereunder are recorded at book value in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Revolving Credit Facility reprices frequently due to variable interest rate terms and entails no significant changes in credit risk. As a result, the fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates carrying value.
The Company classifies derivative instruments as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. These instruments are valued using industry standard valuation models that use observable inputs such as interest rate curves and implied volatilities.
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.