Macy's 2014 Annual Report Download - page 34

29
If the Company commits to a plan to dispose of a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful
life, estimated cash flows are revised accordingly, and the Company may be required to record an asset impairment write-
down. Additionally, related liabilities arise such as severance, contractual obligations and other accruals associated with
store closings from decisions to dispose of assets. The Company estimates these liabilities based on the facts and
circumstances in existence for each restructuring decision. The amounts the Company will ultimately realize or disburse
could differ from the amounts assumed in arriving at the asset impairment and restructuring charge recorded.
The Company classifies certain long-lived assets as held for disposal by sale and ceases depreciation when the
particular criteria for such classification are met, including the probable sale within one year. For long-lived assets to be
disposed of by sale, an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value less costs to
sell. Such valuations include estimations of fair values and incremental direct costs to transact a sale.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are estimated based on the tax statutes, regulations and case law of the various jurisdictions in which
the Company operates. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases, and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated for recoverability based on all available
evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies.
Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the
deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions are recognized if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that
the tax position will be sustained on examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based
on the technical merits of the position. Uncertain tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are
then measured to determine the amount of benefit eligible for recognition in the financial statements. Each uncertain tax
position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.
Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits of
various taxing jurisdictions. The Company does not anticipate that resolution of these matters will have a material impact
on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions, provision for income taxes, and
any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. Although the Company believes that its judgments are
reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is
reflected in the Company's historical income provisions and accruals.
Self-Insurance Reserves
The Company, through its insurance subsidiary, is self-insured for workers' compensation and general liability claims
up to certain maximum liability amounts. Although the amounts accrued are actuarially determined by third parties based
on analysis of historical trends of losses, settlements, litigation costs and other factors, the amounts the Company will
ultimately disburse could differ from such accrued amounts.
Pension and Supplementary Retirement Plans
The Company has a funded defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) and an unfunded defined benefit
supplementary retirement plan (the “SERP”). The Company accounts for these plans in accordance with ASC Topic 715,
“Compensation - Retirement Benefits.” Under ASC Topic 715, an employer recognizes the funded status of a defined
benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and recognizes changes in that funded status in the
year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. Additionally, pension expense is generally recognized on
an accrual basis over employees' approximate service periods. The pension expense calculation is generally independent of
funding decisions or requirements.
In February 2013, the Company announced changes to the Pension Plan and SERP whereby eligible employees no
longer earn future pension service credits after December 31, 2013, with limited exceptions. All retirement benefits
attributable to service in subsequent periods will be provided through defined contribution plans.