Dollar General 2014 Annual Report Download - page 118

10-K
assumptions. Future cash flow projections are based on management’s projections and represent best
estimates taking into account recent financial performance, market trends, strategic plans and other
available information, which in recent years have been materially accurate. Although not currently
anticipated, changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of
fair value or impairment. Future indicators of impairment could result in an asset impairment charge. If
these judgments or assumptions are incorrect or flawed, the analysis could be negatively impacted.
Our most recent testing of our goodwill and indefinite lived trade name intangible assets was
completed during the third quarter of 2014. No indicators of impairment were evident and no
assessment of or adjustment to these assets was required. We are not currently projecting a decline in
cash flows that could be expected to have an adverse effect such as a violation of debt covenants or
future impairment charges.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. We group our assets into
relatively homogeneous classes and generally provide for depreciation on a straight-line basis over the
estimated average useful life of each asset class, except for leasehold improvements, which are
amortized over the lesser of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Certain
store and warehouse fixtures, when fully depreciated, are removed from the cost and related
accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts. The valuation and classification of these assets
and the assignment of depreciable lives involves significant judgments and the use of estimates, which
we believe have been materially accurate in recent years.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets. Impairment of long-lived assets results when the carrying value
of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by the assets. Our
estimate of undiscounted future store cash flows is based upon historical operations of the stores and
estimates of future profitability which encompasses many factors that are subject to variability and are
difficult to predict. If our estimates of future cash flows are not materially accurate, our impairment
analysis could be impacted accordingly. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount
recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s
estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated based primarily upon projected future cash flows
(discounted at our credit adjusted risk-free rate) or other reasonable estimates of fair market value in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. Although not currently anticipated, changes in these estimates,
assumptions or projections could materially affect the determination of fair value or impairment.
Insurance Liabilities. We retain a significant portion of the risk for our workers’ compensation,
employee health, property loss, automobile and general liability. These represent significant costs
primarily due to our large employee base and number of stores. Provisions are made for these liabilities
on an undiscounted basis based on actual claim data and estimates of incurred but not reported claims
developed using actuarial methodologies based on historical claim trends, which have been and are
anticipated to continue to be materially accurate. If future claim trends deviate from recent historical
patterns, or other unanticipated events affect the number and significance of future claims, we may be
required to record additional expenses or expense reductions, which could be material to our future
financial results.
Contingent Liabilities—Income Taxes. Income tax reserves are determined using the methodology
established by accounting standards relating to uncertainty in income taxes. These standards require
companies to assess each income tax position taken using a two-step process. A determination is first
made as to whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, based upon the
technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the tax position is expected to meet the
more likely than not criteria, the benefit recorded for the tax position equals the largest amount that is
greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the respective tax position.
Uncertain tax positions require determinations and liabilities to be estimated based on provisions of the
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