Variable Interest Entities

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

We evaluate our ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to determine if they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), if we have a variable interest in those entities and the nature and extent of those interests. These evaluations are highly complex and involve judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical information and management’s judgment, among other factors. Based on our evaluations, if we determine we are the primary beneficiary of such VIEs, we consolidate such entities into our financial statements.

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

We consolidate VIEs when we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE and, as a result, are considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We consolidate certain single-lessee leasing entities where we, as the lessee, have the majority risk of the leased assets due to our minimum lease payment obligations to these leasing entities. As a result of absorbing this risk, the leases provide us with the power to direct the operations of the leased properties and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity. Consolidated VIEs do not have material impact on our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. Total assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheet for these VIEs were $821 million and $149 million at March 31, 2017 and $119 million and $44 million at March 31, 2016.

Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

We are involved with VIEs which we do not consolidate because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance and thus are not considered the primary beneficiary of the entities. Our relationships include equity investments and lending, leasing, contractual or other relationships with the VIEs. Our most significant relationships are with oncology and other specialty practices. Under these practice arrangements, we generally own or lease all of the real estate and equipment used by the affiliated practices and manage the practices’ administrative functions. We also have relationships with certain pharmacies in Europe with whom we may provide financing, have equity ownership and/or a supply agreement whereby we supply the vast majority of the pharmacies’ purchases. Our maximum exposure to loss (regardless of probability) as a result of all unconsolidated VIEs was $1.1 billion at March 31, 2017 and 2016, which primarily represents the value of intangible assets related to service agreements, equity investments and lease and loan receivables. This amount excludes the customer loan guarantees discussed in Financial Note 24, “Financial Guarantees and Warranties.” We believe there is no material loss exposure on these assets or from these relationships.