NOTE 8: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company may elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This fair value option would be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis with changes in fair value reported in earnings. The election can be made at the acquisition of an eligible financial asset, financial liability, or firm commitment or when certain specified reconsideration events occur. The fair value election may not be revoked once made. The Company has not elected the fair value measurement option for eligible items.

Fair-Value Hierarchy

The hierarchy of valuation techniques for financial instruments is based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market 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:

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Determination of Fair Value

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. In some cases where a market price is not available, the Company will use observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the items are classified in Level 2.

If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters such as interest rates, currency rates, or yield curves. Items valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable.

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure various financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate, the description includes details of the valuation models and the key inputs to those models, as well as any significant assumptions.

Derivatives

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to mitigate its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivatives used as hedges are effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and are designed as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. The Company does not hold or enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative purposes. The credit and market risk related to derivatives is reduced through diversification among various counterparties, utilizing mandatory termination clauses and/or collateral support agreements. Derivative instruments are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The cash flows underlying all derivative contracts were recorded in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company has entered into interest rate derivatives in order to manage interest rate exposures arising in the normal course of business. Interest rate derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges are being used by the Company to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates related to existing debt and anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt in future periods. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in interest expense over the period in which the Company recognizes interest expense on the related debt. As of June 30, 2025, the maximum length of time over which the Company is hedging its interest rate exposure through the use of derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedge relationships is 56 months. As of June 30, 2025, the after-tax gains deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that will be recognized in interest expense over the next 12 months are approximately ($1,431).

The Company also enters into offsetting interest rate derivatives with substantially similar economic terms that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate interest rate risk related to the Company’s committed asset-backed facilities. Unrealized and realized gains and losses resulting from fair value changes in these instruments are recognized directly in income and were insignificant for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

All of the Company’s interest rate derivatives as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 are considered Level 2. The fair market value of these derivatives is calculated using market data input and can be compared to actively traded derivatives. The total notional amount of the Company’s interest rate derivatives was $4,943,929 and $4,749,748 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The seven-month average notional amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 were $4,804,342 and $3,996,818, respectively.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

The Company uses forward contracts to hedge certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Such derivatives are considered economic hedges and are not designated as hedging instruments. The changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized directly as income in “Other expenses, net” and are expected to offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the exposures being managed.

All of the Company’s foreign exchange derivatives are considered Level 2 as the fair value is calculated using market data input and can be compared to actively traded derivatives.

Financial Statement Impact of the Company’s Derivatives

The fair values of the Company’s derivatives as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as follows:

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Pre-tax gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income related to the Company’s derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 are recorded in the following accounts:

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Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, all of which are measured as Level 2:

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There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 hierarchy levels during the periods presented.

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Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, floating-rate affiliated accounts and notes receivable, floating-rate short-term debt, interest payable and short-term affiliated debt was assumed to approximate its fair value. Under the fair value hierarchy, cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 and the remainder of the financial instruments listed is classified as Level 2.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of assets and liabilities considered financial instruments as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 are as follows:

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Receivables

The fair value of receivables was determined by discounting the estimated future payments using a discount rate which includes an estimate for credit risk.

Long-term debt

The fair values of long-term debt were based on current market quotes for identical or similar borrowings and credit risk.