Bed, Bath and Beyond 2014 Annual Report Download - page 32

The following table summarizes the activity related to the gross unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions:
(in thousands)
February 28,
2015
March 1,
2014
Balance at beginning of year $ 92,614 $ 97,892
Increase related to current year positions 17,333 19,844
Increase related to prior year positions 6,549 2,292
Decrease related to prior year positions (20,082) (9,316)
Settlements (11,762) (782)
Lapse of statute of limitations (4,667) (17,316)
Balance at end of year $ 79,985 $ 92,614
At February 28, 2015, the Company has recorded approximately $80.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits in
non-current income taxes payable on the consolidated balance sheet of which approximately $79.9 million would impact the
Company’s effective tax rate. At March 1, 2014, the Company has recorded approximately $92.6 million of gross unrecognized
tax benefits in non-current income taxes payable on the consolidated balance sheet of which approximately $92.5 million
would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the liability for gross unrecognized
tax benefits included approximately $13.0 million and $16.9 million, respectively, of accrued interest. The Company recorded a
decrease of interest of approximately $3.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the years ended February 28, 2015 and
March 1, 2014 for gross unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statement of earnings.
The Company anticipates that any adjustments to gross unrecognized tax benefits which will impact income tax expense, due
to the expiration of statutes of limitations, could be approximately $5.0 to $6.0 million in the next twelve months. However,
actual results could differ from those currently anticipated.
As of February 28, 2015, the Company operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and several other
international countries and files income tax returns in the United States and various state, local and international jurisdictions.
The Company is open to examination for state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations, generally ranging
from three to five years.
For fiscal 2014, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax
rate, net of Federal benefit, of 3.01%, provision for uncertain tax positions of 0.04% and other income tax benefits of 1.72%.
For fiscal 2013, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax
rate, net of Federal benefit, of 3.07%, benefit for uncertain tax positions of 0.05% and other income tax benefits of 1.42%.
For fiscal 2012, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax
rate, net of Federal benefit, of 2.93%, provision for uncertain tax positions of 0.07% and other income tax benefits of 1.50%.
8. TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES
In fiscal 2002, the Company had an interest in certain life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Chairmen and their spouses.
The Company’s interest in these policies was equivalent to the net premiums paid by the Company. The agreements relating to
the Company’s interest in the life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Chairmen and their spouses were terminated in fiscal
2003. Upon termination in fiscal 2003, the Co-Chairmen paid to the Company $5.4 million, representing the total amount of
premiums paid by the Company under the agreements and the Company was released from its contractual obligation to make
substantial future premium payments. In order to confer a benefit to its Co-Chairmen in substitution for the aforementioned
terminated agreements, the Company has agreed to pay to the Co-Chairmen, at a future date, an aggregate amount of
$4.2 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014.
9. LEASES
The Company leases retail stores, as well as distribution facilities, offices and equipment, under agreements expiring at various
dates through 2042. Certain leases provide for contingent rents (which are based upon store sales exceeding stipulated
amounts and are immaterial in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012), scheduled rent increases and renewal options. The Company is
obligated under a majority of the leases to pay for taxes, insurance and common area maintenance charges.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
BED BATH & BEYOND 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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