Rite Aid 2013 Annual Report Download - page 43

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our
consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis,
we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventory shrink, impairment of long-lived assets,
revenue recognition, self insurance liabilities, lease exit liabilities, income taxes and litigation. We base
our estimates on historical experience, current and anticipated business conditions, the condition of the
financial markets and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under existing
conditions. Variability reflected in the sensitivity analyses presented below is based on our recent
historical experience. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and sensitivity analyses.
The following critical accounting policies require the use of significant judgments and estimates by
management:
Inventory shrink: The carrying value of our inventory is reduced by a reserve for estimated shrink
losses that occur between physical inventory dates. When estimating these losses, we consider historical
loss results at specific locations, as well as overall loss trends as determined during physical inventory
procedures. The estimated shrink rate is calculated by dividing historical shrink results for stores
inventoried in the most recent six months by the sales for the same period. Shrink expense is
recognized by applying the estimated shrink rate to sales since the last physical inventory. There have
been no significant changes in the assumptions used to calculate our shrink rate over the last three
years. Although possible, we do not expect a significant change to our shrink rate in future periods. A
10 basis point difference in our estimated shrink rate for the year ended March 2, 2013, would have
affected pre-tax income by approximately $9.1 million.
Impairment of long-lived assets: We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group has a carrying value that may not be recoverable.
The individual operating store is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. As such, we
evaluate individual stores for recoverability. To determine if a store needs to be tested for
recoverability, we consider items such as decreases in market prices, changes in the manner in which
the store is being used or physical condition, changes in legal factors or business climate, an
accumulation of losses significantly in excess of budget, a current period operating or cash flow loss
combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection of continuing losses, or an
expectation that the store will be closed or sold.
We monitor new and recently relocated stores against operational projections and other strategic
factors such as regional economics, new competitive entries and other local market considerations to
determine if an impairment evaluation is required. For other stores, we perform a recoverability
analysis if they have experienced current-period and historical cash flow losses.
In performing the recoverability test, we compare the expected future cash flows of a store to the
carrying amount of its assets. Significant judgment is used to estimate future cash flows. Major
assumptions that contribute to our future cash flow projections include expected sales and gross profit;
expected costs such as payroll, occupancy costs and advertising expenses; and estimates for other
significant selling, general and administrative expenses.
If an operating store’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover its
carrying value, its carrying value is reduced to fair value which is its estimated future discounted cash
flows. The discount rate is commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of a similar asset.
We regularly approve certain stores for closure. Impairment charges for closed stores, if any, are
evaluated and recorded in the quarter the closure decision is approved.
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