Fair Value Measurements
We follow a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The following is a summary of the estimated fair values, carrying amounts, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of our financial instruments recorded at fair value (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value | | December 31, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| | Hierarchy Level | | Fair Value | | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | | Carrying Amount |
| Deferred compensation | 1 | | 27,511 | | | 27,511 | | | 26,333 | | | 26,333 | |
| Short-term investments | 2 | | — | | | — | | | 6,956 | | | 6,956 | |
| Cash flow hedge interest rate swaps | 2 | | 2,587 | | | 2,587 | | | 5,409 | | | 5,409 | |
The fair value of the underlying assets held by the deferred compensation plan are based on the quoted market prices of the underlying funds which are held by registered investment companies. The fair value of our cash flow interest rate swap agreements are obtained from independent third parties, are based upon market quotes, and represents the net amount required to terminate the interest rate swap, taking into consideration market rates and counterparty credit risk.
The carrying value of our short-term borrowings and long-term debt under our credit facilities of $618.7 million and $562.3 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, approximates fair value as the variable interest rates in the facilities reflect current market rates, which are considered level 2 inputs.
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.