The Company uses valuation approaches that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Company determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at measurement date.

There were no transfers between the valuation hierarchy Levels 1, 2, and 3 for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

The fair value of the Company's interest rate swap contract is calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows, determined on the basis of forward interest rates and present value factors. The inputs to the fair value measurements reflect Level 2 inputs. The interest rate swap contract balance is included in other long-term assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest rate swap contract is designated as a cash flow hedge with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, no significant amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The fair value of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired entities in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement. In determining fair value, we estimated the acquired entity’s future performance using financial projections developed by management for the acquired entity and market participant assumptions that were derived for revenue growth and/or profitability. We estimated future payments using the earnout formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement and the financial projections just described. The risk associated with the financial projections was evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation analysis, pursuant to which the projections were discounted to present value using a discount rate that takes into consideration market-based rates of return, and then simulated to reflect the ability of the acquired entity to achieve the earnout targets. Such calculated earnout payments were further discounted at our estimated cost of debt, to account for counterparty risk. We note that changes in financial projections, market participant assumptions for revenue growth and/or profitability, or market risk factors, would result in a change in the fair value of recorded earnout obligations.

The contingent consideration liabilities balance is included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contingent consideration liabilities, recorded in accrued expenses, totaled approximately $1.9 million and $77.4 million as of June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively. Contingent consideration liabilities, recorded in other long-term liabilities, totaled approximately $2.6 million and $3.9 million as of June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively. Changes in fair value and net present value of the contingent consideration liabilities are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We determined the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, short-term borrowings, and the revolving mortgage facility approximate their fair values because of the nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. Assets held for sale, recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, totaled approximately $7.8 million and $12.0 million as of June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively. The fair value of our mortgage facilities and term loan, which are not carried at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was determined using Level 2 inputs based on the discounted cash flow method. We estimate the fair value of our mortgage facilities using a present value technique based on current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments that reflect Level 2 inputs. The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value of our mortgage facilities and term loan as of June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024: