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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business: The ODP Corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries, “ODP” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of products, services and technology solutions through an integrated business-to-business (“B2B”) distribution platform and omni-channel presence, which includes supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, a B2B digital procurement solution, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day.

Basis of Presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements of ODP include the accounts of all wholly owned and financially controlled subsidiaries prior to disposition. The Company owns 88% of a subsidiary that formerly owned assets in Cuba, which were confiscated by the Cuban government in the 1960’s. Due to various asset restrictions, the fair value of this investment is not determinable, and no amounts are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Prior to the third quarter of 2022, the Company had two reportable segments (or “Divisions”), which were its Business Solutions Division and Retail Division. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company re-aligned its operations into its consumer business named Office Depot, and three distinct B2B business and digital segments which are ODP Business Solutions, Veyer and Varis. As a result, the Company re-evaluated its reportable segments, and determined that at September 24, 2022, the Company had four Divisions: ODP Business Solutions Division, Office Depot Division, Veyer Division, and Varis Division. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.

The Company’s CompuCom Division was sold through a single disposal group on December 31, 2021. The Company has reclassified the financial results of the CompuCom Division to Discontinued operations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. The Company also reclassified the related assets and liabilities as assets and liabilities held for sale on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 25, 2021, and presented cash flows from the Company’s discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods. Refer to Note 15 for additional information.

As a result of the CompuCom Division’s presentation as discontinued operations, the Company’s level of service revenue is below 10% of the Company’s total revenue for all periods presented and accordingly, revenues and cost of sales from services and products are not separately disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

MAINTAINING ALL OPERATING BUSINESSES UNDER COMMON OWNERSHIP

In May 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to pursue a separation of the Company into two independent, publicly traded companies representing its B2B and consumer businesses, which was planned to be achieved through a spin-off of its consumer business. On January 14, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors determined to delay the previously announced public company separation to evaluate a potential sale of the Company’s consumer business and that it had received a non-binding proposal from another third party, in addition to the previously received proposal from USR Parent, Inc., to acquire the Company’s consumer business.

On June 21, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors, with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors, completed its review of both proposals received by the Company to acquire its consumer business and unanimously determined it to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders not to divest the consumer business at that time. Further, due to current market conditions, the Company’s Board of Directors also determined not to resume the Company’s previously planned spin-off of its consumer business at that time and instead maintain all of its businesses under common ownership.

As discussed above, in connection with the Company’s announcement to maintain all of its businesses under common ownership, during the third quarter of 2022, the Company re-aligned its operations into its consumer business named Office Depot, and three distinct B2B business and digital segments which are ODP Business Solutions, Veyer and Varis.

Fiscal Year: Fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal year 2022 had 53 weeks and ended on December 31, 2022. Fiscal year 2021 had 52 weeks and ended on December 25, 2021. Fiscal year 2020 had 52 weeks and ended on December 26, 2020. Certain subsidiaries operate on a calendar year basis; however, the reporting difference did not have a material impact in any period presented.

Estimates and Assumptions: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been considered when making these estimates and assumptions, however, given the uncertainty related to the future effects of COVID-19, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Business Combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for acquisitions where the Company is considered the accounting acquirer in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the Company’s consolidated results prospectively from the date of acquisition. The Company allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity generally based on their fair values at the acquisition date. Various valuation methodologies are used to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including using a market participant perspective when applying cost, income and relief from royalty analyses, supplemented with market appraisals where appropriate. Significant judgments and estimates are required in preparing these fair value estimates. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity is recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired company and the Company and the value of the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies for recognition as an intangible asset. The Company did not have any acquisitions in 2022. Based on new information received, the preliminary purchase price allocations of the companies acquired in 2021 have been adjusted during the respective measurement periods. These adjustments were insignificant individually and in the aggregate to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The measurement periods for acquisitions completed in 2021 closed within 2022. Under the guidance on accounting for business combinations, merger and integration costs are not included as components of consideration transferred, instead, they are accounted for as expenses in the period in which the costs are incurred. Transaction-related expenses are included in the Merger, restructuring and other operating expenses, net line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency: International operations in Canada and China use local currencies as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average monthly exchange rates, or rates on the date of the transaction for certain significant items. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded in Stockholders’ equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Other income (expense), net or Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs, depending on the nature of the transaction.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: All short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition are classified as cash equivalents. Amounts in transit from banks for customer credit card and debit card transactions are classified as cash. The banks process the majority of these amounts within two business days.

Amounts not yet presented for payment to zero balance disbursement accounts of $16 million at December 31, 2022 are presented in Trade accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 25, 2021, there were no amounts not yet presented for payment to zero balance disbursement accounts in Trade accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and $1 million was presented in Current liabilities held for sale.

 

At December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States amounted to $113 million and $108 million, respectively. At December 25, 2021, there was $17 million cash and cash equivalents held outside the United states included in Current assets held for sale.

Restricted cash consists primarily of cash in bank committed to fund UK pension obligations based on the agreements that govern the UK pension plan. Restricted cash is valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash was $1 million at December 31, 2022. There was no restricted cash at December 25, 2021.

Receivables: Trade receivables totaled $412 million and $353 million at December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 million and $9 million, respectively, to reduce receivables to an amount expected to be collectible from customers.

Exposure to credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited by having a large customer base that extends across many different industries and geographic regions. However, receivables may be adversely affected by an economic slowdown in the United States or

internationally, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the expected credit and collectability trends. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total sales or receivables in 2022, 2021 or 2020. Other receivables were $123 million and $143 million at December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, of which $82 million and $104 million, respectively, are amounts due from vendors under purchase rebate, cooperative advertising and various other marketing programs.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and are reduced for inventory losses based on estimated obsolescence, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted sales and expected selling prices, and the results of physical counts. The weighted average method is used throughout the Company to determine the cost of inventory. In-bound freight is included as a cost of inventories; cash discounts and certain vendor allowances that are related to inventory purchases are recorded as a product cost reduction.

Income Taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount believed to be more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination. Interest related to income tax exposures is included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 4 for additional information on income taxes.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is recognized over the estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The useful lives of depreciable assets are estimated to be 15-30 years for buildings and 3-10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Computer software is amortized over three years for common office applications, five years for larger business applications and seven years for certain enterprise-wide systems. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated economic lives of the improvements or the terms of the underlying leases, including renewal options considered reasonably assured. The Company capitalizes certain costs related to internal use software that is expected to benefit future periods. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the 3 to 7 year expected life of the software. Major repairs that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized and amortized over the estimated use period. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Refer to Note 6 for additional information on property and equipment.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired entity over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The Company reviews the carrying amount of goodwill at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of the first day of fiscal month December, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances suggest that goodwill may not be recoverable. For those reporting units where events or change in circumstances indicate that potential impairment indicators exist, the Company performs a quantitative assessment to determine whether the carrying amount of goodwill can be recovered. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. The changes in reportable segments described above also resulted in the change of the Company’s reporting units during the third quarter of 2022, where each reportable segment also represents a reporting unit. Goodwill was allocated to the new reporting units using their relative fair values.

When performing the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company may start with an optional qualitative assessment. As part of the qualitative assessment, the Company evaluates all events and circumstances, including both positive and negative events, in their totality, to determine whether it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company bypasses the qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that a quantitative analysis should be performed, the Company evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including the associated goodwill. The Company estimates the reporting unit’s fair value using discounted cash flow analysis and market-based evaluations, when available. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. The Company typically uses a combination of different Level 3 valuation approaches that are dependent on several significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, cost of sales, expenses and the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually. The Company evaluates its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or sooner if indications of possible impairment are identified. When performing the annual impairment test, the Company may first start with an optional qualitative assessment to determine whether it is not more likely than not that its indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. As part of a qualitative assessment, the Company evaluates relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the Company bypasses the qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that a quantitative analysis should be performed, the Company evaluates its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount.

Intangible assets determined to have finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, where the useful life is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly, or indirectly, to the Company’s future cash flows. The Company periodically reviews its amortizable intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization or asset impairment.

Refer to Note 7 for additional information on goodwill and other intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets with identifiable cash flows are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Retail store long-lived assets are regularly reviewed for impairment indicators. Impairment is assessed at the individual store level which is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows and considers the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the asset’s remaining life. If estimated undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to recover the investment, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset and its carrying value, net of salvage, and any costs of disposition, and allocated to the asset groups at the store level based on their relative fair values. The fair value estimate is generally the discounted amount of estimated store-specific cash flows.

Facility Closure and Severance Costs: Retail store performance is regularly reviewed against expectations and retail stores not meeting performance requirements may be closed. Retail stores are also closed as part of restructuring activities which aim to optimize the Company’s retail footprint. Refer to Note 2 for additional information on the restructuring programs and associated store closures. Costs associated with facility closures, principally accrued lease costs, are recognized when the facility is no longer used in an operating capacity or when a liability has been incurred. Retail store assets, including operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, are also reviewed for possible impairment, or reduction of estimated useful lives.

The Company recognizes charges or credits to adjust remaining closed facility accruals to reflect current expectations. Adjustments to facility closure costs are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Selling, general and administrative expenses if the related facility was closed as part of ongoing operations or in Merger, restructuring and other operating expenses, net, if the related facility was closed as part of a merger integration plan or restructuring plan. Refer to Note 2 for additional information on accrued expenses relating to closed facilities. The short-term and long-term components of this liability are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Employee termination costs covered under written and substantive plans are accrued when probable and estimable and consider continuing service requirements, if any. Additionally, incremental one-time employee benefit costs are recognized when the key terms of the arrangements have been communicated to affected employees. Amounts are recognized when communicated or over the remaining service period, based on the terms of the arrangements.

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities: The major components of Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are tax liabilities, payroll and benefit accruals, customer rebates accruals, inventory receipts accruals and current portion of operating lease liabilities. Accrued payroll and benefits were $158 million and $148 million at December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The Company measures fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In developing its fair value estimates, the Company uses the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2

Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3

Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Generally, these fair value measures are model-based valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows or option pricing models using own estimates and assumptions or those expected to be used by market participants.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature. Refer to Note 13 for further fair value information.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue includes the sale of:

 

-

Supplies such as paper, writing instruments, office supplies, cleaning and breakroom items, personal protective equipment, and product subscriptions;

 

-

Technology related products such as toner and ink, printers, computers, tablets and accessories, electronic storage, and sales of third-party software, as well as technology support services offerings provided in the Company’s retail stores, such as installation and repair;

 

-

Furniture and other products such as desks, seating, luggage, gift cards and warranties, as well as supply chain services and e-procurement platform offerings; and

 

-

Copy and print services, including managed print and fulfillment services.

The Company sells its supplies, furniture and other products through its ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot Divisions. Supply chain services are provided through its Veyer Division, and e-procurement platform fees are generated through its Varis Division. Customers can purchase products through the Company’s call centers, electronically through its Internet websites, or through its retail stores. Revenues from supplies, technology, and furniture and other product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer.

Furniture also includes arrangements where customers can make special furniture interior design and installation orders that are customized to their needs. The performance obligations related to these arrangements are satisfied over time.

Substantially all of the Company’s copy and print and technology support services offerings are satisfied at a point in time and revenue is recognized as such. The majority of copy and print offerings, which includes printing, copying, and digital imaging, are fulfilled through retail stores and the related performance obligations are satisfied within a short period of time (generally within the same day).

Significant Judgments

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers for an amount that reflects the consideration the Company is entitled to receive in exchange for those products or services. For product sales, transfer of control occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. For service offerings, the transfer of control and satisfaction of the performance obligation is either over time or at a point in time. When performance obligations are satisfied over time, the Company evaluates the pattern of delivery and progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized net of allowance for returns and net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Shipping and handling costs are considered fulfillment activities and are recognized within the Company’s cost of goods sold.

Contracts with customers could include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. Determining the standalone selling price also requires judgment. The Company did not have significant revenues generated from such contracts in 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Products are generally sold with a right of return and the Company may provide other incentives, such as rebates and coupons, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. The Company estimates returns and incentives at contract inception and includes the amount in the transaction price for which significant reversal is not probable. These estimates are updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available.

The Company offers a customer loyalty program that provides customers with rewards that can be applied to future purchases or other incentives. Loyalty rewards are accounted for as a separate performance obligation and deferred revenue is recorded in the amount of

the transaction price allocated to the rewards, inclusive of the impact of estimated breakage. The estimated breakage of loyalty rewards is based on historical redemption rates experienced under the loyalty program. Revenue is recognized when the loyalty rewards are redeemed or expire. As December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had $15 million and $12 million, respectively, of deferred revenue related to the loyalty program, which is included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognizes revenue in certain circumstances before product delivery occurs (commonly referred to as bill-and-hold transactions). Revenue from bill-and-hold transactions is recognized when all specific requirements for transfer of control under a bill-and-hold arrangement have been met which include, among other things, a request from the customer that the product be held for future scheduled delivery. For these bill-and-hold arrangements, the associated product inventory is identified separately as belonging to the customer and is ready for physical transfer.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. A receivable is recognized in the period the Company delivers goods or provides services, and is recorded at the invoiced amount. A receivable is also recognized for unbilled services where the Company’s right to consideration is unconditional, and is recorded based on an estimate of time and materials. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 20 to 60 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that the contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of the Company’s invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing its products and services. 

The Company receives payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules. Contract assets include amounts related to deferred contract acquisition costs (refer to the section “Costs to Obtain a Contract” below) and if applicable, the Company’s conditional right to consideration for completed performance under a contract. The short- and long-term components of contract assets in the table below are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and Other assets, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract liabilities include payments received in advance of performance under the contract, which are recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is completed under the contract, as well as accrued contract acquisition costs, liabilities related to the Company’s loyalty program and gift cards. The short- and long-term components of contract liabilities in the table below are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

December 25,

 

(In millions)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Trade receivables, net

 

$

412

 

 

$

353

 

Short-term contract assets

 

 

8

 

 

 

16

 

Long-term contract assets

 

 

2

 

 

 

8

 

Short-term contract liabilities

 

 

41

 

 

 

52

 

Long-term contract liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

In 2022 and 2021, the Company did not have any contract assets related to conditional rights. The Company recognized revenues of $27 million and $24 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were included in the short-term contract liability balance at the beginning of the period. There were no contract assets and liabilities that were recognized in 2022 as a result of business combinations. The Company recognized no contract assets and $2 million of contract liabilities in 2021 as a result of business combinations. There were no significant adjustments to revenue from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods and there were no contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period that transferred to receivables in 2022 and 2021. Included in the table above are short- and long-term contract assets of $1 million as of December 25, 2021, related to CompuCom, which are presented as part of assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also included in the table above are short- and long-term contract liabilities of $10 million and $2 million, respectively, as of December 25, 2021 related to CompuCom, which are presented as part of liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

A majority of the purchase orders and statements of work related to contracts with customers require delivery of the product or service within one year or less. For certain service contracts that exceed one year, the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed. Accordingly, the Company has applied the optional exemption provided by the new

revenue recognition standard relating to unsatisfied performance obligations and does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for its contracts.

Costs to Obtain a Contract

The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. The Company has determined that certain rebate incentive programs meet the requirements to be capitalized. These costs are periodically reviewed for impairment and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. As of December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, short-term contract assets and long-term contract assets in the table above represent capitalized acquisition costs. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, amortization expense was $20 million, $24 million and $29 million, respectively. The Company had no asset impairment charges related to contract assets in the periods presented herein. There is uncertainty regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on the global and national economies, which could negatively affect the Company’s customers and result in future impairments of contract assets.

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs: Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs include:

 

-

inventory costs (as discussed above);

 

-

outbound freight;

 

-

employee and non-employee receiving, distribution, and occupancy costs (rent), including depreciation, real estate taxes and common area costs, of inventory-holding and selling locations; and

 

-

identifiable employee-related costs associated with services provided to customers.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses include amounts incurred related to expenses of operating and support functions, including:

 

-

employee payroll and benefits, including variable pay arrangements;

 

-

advertising;

 

-

store and field support;

 

-

executive management and various staff functions, such as information technology, human resources functions, finance, legal, internal audit, and certain merchandising and product development functions;

 

-

other operating costs incurred relating to selling activities; and

 

-

closed defined benefit pension and postretirement plans.

Selling, general and administrative expenses are included in the determination of Division operating income to the extent those costs are considered to be directly or closely related to segment activity and through allocation of support costs.

Merger, restructuring and other operating expenses, net: Merger, restructuring and other operating expenses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations includes charges and, where applicable, credits for costs such as acquisition related expenses, employee termination and retention, transaction and integration-related professional fees, facility closure costs, gains and losses on asset dispositions, and other incremental costs directly related to these activities.

This presentation is used to separately identify these significant costs apart from expenses incurred to sell to and service the Company’s customers or that are more directly related to ongoing operations. Changes in estimates and accruals related to these activities are also reflected on this line. Merger, restructuring and other operating expenses, net are not included in the measure of Division operating income. Refer to Note 2 for additional information.

Advertising: Advertising expenses are charged to Selling, general and administrative expenses when incurred. Advertising expenses recognized were $130 million in 2022, $139 million in 2021 and $177 million in 2020. Prepaid advertising expenses were $3 million as of December 31, 2022 and $4 million as of December 25, 2021.

Share-Based Compensation: Compensation expense for all share-based awards expected to vest is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related service period. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units, including performance-based awards, is determined based on the Company’s stock price on the date of grant. Share-based awards with market conditions, such as total shareholder return, are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as measured on the grant date. Share-based awards that are settled in cash are classified as liabilities and are measured to fair value at each reporting date.

Self-insurance: ODP is primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation, auto and general liability and employee medical insurance programs. The Company has stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims. Self-insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. These liabilities are not discounted.

Vendor Arrangements: The Company enters into arrangements with substantially all significant vendors that provide for some form of consideration to be received from the vendors. Arrangements vary, but some specify volume rebate thresholds, advertising support levels, as well as terms for payment and other administrative matters. The volume-based rebates, supported by a vendor agreement, are estimated throughout the year and reduce the cost of inventory and cost of goods sold during the year. This estimate is regularly monitored and adjusted for current or anticipated changes in purchase levels and for sales activity. Other promotional consideration received is event-based or represents general support and is recognized as a reduction of Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs or Inventories, as appropriate, based on the type of promotion and the agreement with the vendor. Certain arrangements meet the specific, incremental, identifiable criteria that allow for direct operating expense offset, but such arrangements are not significant.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: The Company sponsors certain closed U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans, certain closed U.S. retiree medical benefit and life insurance plans, as well as a Canadian retiree medical benefit plan open to certain employees.

The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension, retiree medical benefit and life insurance plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the funded status recognized primarily through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the year in which the changes occur. Actuarially-determined liabilities related to pension and postretirement benefits are recorded based on estimates and assumptions. Factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, rates of return on investments, healthcare cost trends, benefit payment patterns and other factors. The Company also updates periodically its assumptions about employee retirement factors, mortality, and turnover. Refer to Note 12 for additional details.

Environmental and Asbestos Matters: Environmental and asbestos liabilities relate to acquired legacy paper and forest products businesses and timberland assets. The Company accrues for losses associated with these obligations when probable and reasonably estimable. These liabilities are not discounted. A receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded when probable.

Leasing Arrangements: The Company conducts a substantial portion of its business in leased properties. The Company first determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. Once that determination is made, leasing arrangements are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows:

 

Finance leases:

 

o

Property and equipment, net –leases which were referred to as capital leases under the old accounting standard;

 

o

Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt – short-term obligations to make lease payments arising from the finance lease; and

 

o

Long-term debt, net of current maturities – long-term obligations to make lease payments arising from the finance lease.

 

Operating leases:

 

o

ROU assets – the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term;

 

o

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities – short-term obligations to make lease payments arising from the operating lease; and

 

o

Operating lease liabilities – long-term obligations to make lease payments arising from the operating lease.

 

Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. As the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable for any of the leases, the Company has utilized its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The determination of the appropriate incremental borrowing rate requires management to use significant estimates and assumptions as to its credit rating, base rates and credit spread, and other management assumptions for the impact of collateral. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Certain leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease from five to 25 years or more, which is generally at the Company’s discretion. Any option or renewal periods management believed were reasonably certain of being exercised are included in the lease term and are used in calculating the operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities. In addition, some of the Company’s leases contain escalation clauses. The Company recognizes rental expense for operating leases that contain predetermined fixed escalation clauses on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, for which it has made an accounting policy election to account for these as a single lease component.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

As of December 31, 2022, there were no recently issued accounting standards that may have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows upon their adoption.