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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include Core-Mark and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company considers the allowance for doubtful accounts, vendor rebates and promotional allowances, claims liabilities and insurance recoverables, valuation of pension assets and obligations, valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill, realizability of deferred income taxes and uncertain tax positions to be those estimates which involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue at the point at which the product is delivered and title passes to the customer. The Company includes fees charged to customers for shipping and handling activities in net sales and the related costs in cost of goods sold. Revenues are reported net of customer incentives, discounts and returns, including an allowance for estimated returns. The allowance for sales returns is calculated based on the Company’s returns experience, which has historically not been significant. The Company also earns management service fee revenue from operating third party distribution centers belonging to certain customers. These revenues represented less than 1% of the Company’s total net sales for 2016, 2015 and 2014. Service fee revenue is recognized as earned on a monthly basis in accordance with the terms of the management service fee contracts and is included in net sales on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Customers' Sales Incentives and Vendor Rebates and Promotional Allowances

Customers’ Sales Incentives

The Company also provides sales allowances or discounts to its customers on a regular basis. These customers’ sales incentives are recorded as a reduction to net sales as the sales incentive is earned by the customer. Additionally, the Company may provide allowances for the customers' commitments to continue using Core-Mark as the supplier. These incentives are known as racking allowances. These allowances may be paid at the inception of the contract or on a periodic basis. Allowances paid at the inception of the contract are deferred and amortized over the period of the distribution agreement as a reduction to sales.

Vendor Rebates and Promotional Allowances

Periodic payments from vendors in various forms including rebates, promotional allowances and volume discounts, are reflected in the carrying value of the related inventory when earned and in cost of goods sold when the related merchandise is sold. Up-front consideration received from vendors for purchase or other commitments is initially deferred and amortized ratably to cost of goods sold as the performance of the activities specified by the vendor is completed.

Cooperative marketing incentives received from vendors to fund specific programs first offset the costs of the program, and to the extent the consideration exceeds the costs relating to the program, the excess funds are recorded as reductions to cost of goods sold. These amounts are recorded in the period the related promotional or merchandising programs are provided. Certain vendor incentive promotions require the Company to make assumptions and judgments regarding, for example, the likelihood of achieving market share levels or attaining specified levels of purchases. Vendor incentives are at the discretion of the Company’s vendors and can fluctuate due to changes in vendor strategies and market requirements.

Excise Taxes

The Company is responsible for collecting and remitting state, local and provincial excise taxes on cigarette and other tobacco products. These excise taxes are a significant component of the Company’s net sales and cost of goods sold. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately $3.0 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion, or 21%, 20% and 21% of the Company’s net sales, and approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of its cost of goods sold, respectively, represented excise taxes. Federal excise taxes are levied on the manufacturers who, in turn, pass the tax on to the Company as part of the product cost. As a result, federal excise taxes are not a component of the Company’s excise taxes.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit ("RSU") awards, performance shares and stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. For service based awards, the Company recognizes the expense using a straight-line method. For performance based awards, the Company recognizes the expense ratably based on the achievement of performance conditions.

Although the Company has not granted stock options since 2011, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of stock option awards (see Note 13 - Stock Incentive Plans). Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected life of share awards and forfeiture rates. The Company develops its estimates based on historical data and market information, which can change significantly over time.

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs

Pension and other post-retirement benefit costs are estimated on the basis of annual valuations by an independent actuary. Adjustments arising from plan amendments, changes in assumptions, and experience gains and losses are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group. The Company offers certain plan participants the option to receive a lump sum payment in lieu of future annuity pension benefits. Acceptance of the lump sum payment by plan participants may result in the Company recognizing a settlement charge and an adjustment in the projected benefit plan obligation.

The Company recognizes an asset for the plan’s overfunded status or a liability for the plan’s underfunded status on its consolidated balance sheet as of the end of each fiscal year. The Company determines the plan’s funded status by measuring its assets and its obligations and recognizes changes in the funded status of its defined benefit post-retirement plan in the year in which the change occurred.

On September 14, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a motion to terminate the Company’s qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The Company expects its pension liabilities will be settled through either lump sum payments or purchased annuities

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when the Company does not consider it more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company has established an estimated liability for income tax exposures that arise and meet the criteria for accrual. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records estimates based on these judgments and interpretations. In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. Inherent uncertainties exist in estimates of tax contingencies due to changes in tax law resulting from legislation, regulation and/or as concluded through the various jurisdictions’ tax court systems. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding unvested RSUs and performance shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by weighted-average shares outstanding including common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents include stock options, RSUs and performance based awards if the impact is dilutive, using the treasury stock method

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Book Overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market funds and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash represents funds collected and set aside in trust as required by one of the Canadian provincial taxing authorities to secure amounts payable for cigarette and tobacco excise taxes. The Company had book overdrafts of $37.9 million and $29.2 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Book overdrafts consist primarily of outstanding checks in excess of cash on hand in the corresponding bank accounts at the end of the period. The Company’s policy has been to fund these outstanding checks as they clear with cash held on deposit with other financial institutions or with borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Other Receivables

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables from customers. The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable and determines the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of specific customer accounts. Account balances are charged against the allowance when collection efforts have been exhausted and the receivable is deemed uncollectible (see Note 4 - Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts Detail).

Other Receivables

Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from vendors for promotional and other incentives, which are accrued as earned. The Company evaluates the collectability of amounts due from vendors and determines the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of specific amounts outstanding

Inventories

Inventories consist of finished goods, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, food and other consumable products held for re-sale and are valued at the lower of cost or market. In the Company’s U.S. divisions, cost is determined primarily on a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis. The Company uses the link-chain dollar value LIFO method. The inventory price index computation ("IPIC") is used to calculate LIFO inflation indices for which the LIFO inflation source is the producer price indices ("PPI") published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics ("BLS"). The Company uses the IPIC pooling method for which LIFO pools are established for each PPI in accordance with current regulations. When the Company is aware of material price increases or decreases from manufacturers, the Company estimates the PPI for the respective period if it determines the price increase is not fully reflected in the PPI in order to more accurately reflect inflation rates. Under the LIFO method, current costs of goods sold are matched against current sales. Inventories in the Company’s Canadian divisions are valued on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis, as LIFO is not a permitted inventory valuation method in Canada. Approximately 82% and 88% of the Company’s inventory was valued on a LIFO basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company reduces inventory value for spoiled, aged and unrecoverable inventory based on amounts on-hand and historical experience

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization on new purchases are computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the property or the term of the lease including available renewal option terms if it is reasonably assured that those options will be exercised. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation of the assets are removed and any related gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred (see Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net).

The Company uses the following depreciable lives for its property and equipment:



	Useful Life in Years
Office furniture and equipment	3-10
Delivery equipment	4-10
Warehouse equipment	5-15
Leasehold improvements	3-25
Buildings	15-25

Other Long-lived Assets

Intangible assets with definite lives are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the following lives:



	Useful Life in Years
Customer relationships	10-15
Non-competition agreements	1-5
Trade names	1-2
Internally developed and other purchased software	3-7

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. An impairment of long-lived assets exists when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset, or asset group, exceeds its fair value, and impairment losses are recorded when the carrying amount of the impaired asset is not recoverable. Recoverability is determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) to the undiscounted cash flows which are expected to be generated from its use.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 or whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. The Company’s reporting units are its U.S. operations and Canadian operations. Whenever events or circumstances change, the Company assesses the related qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The tests to evaluate goodwill for impairment are performed at the reporting unit level. In the first step of the quantitative impairment test, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a second step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill for which an impairment loss would be recorded. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is based on the discounted cash flow method, which is based on historical and forecasted amounts specific to each reporting unit and considers net sales, gross profit, income from operations and cash flows and general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies and other estimates and assumptions for future growth rates, working capital and capital expenditures. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. Measuring the fair value of reporting units constitutes a Level 3 measurement under the fair value hierarchy.

Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use

The Company accounts for computer software systems, namely SAP Enterprise Resource Planning modules, the Company's proprietary Distribution Center Management System (“DCMS”), and software purchased from third-party vendors, using certain criteria under which costs associated with this software are either expensed or capitalized and amortized over periods from three to seven years.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs are included in deposits and prepayments and other non-current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Claims Liabilities and Insurance Recoverables

The Company maintains reserves related to health and welfare, workers’ compensation, auto and general liability programs that are principally self-insured. The Company currently has a per-claim deductible of $500,000 for its workers’ compensation, general and auto liability self-insurance programs and a per-person annual claim deductible of $250,000 for its health and welfare program. The Company purchases insurance to cover the claims that exceed the deductible up to policy limits. Self-insured reserves are for pending or future claims that fall outside the policy and reserves include an estimate of expected settlements on pending claims and a provision for claims incurred but not reported. Estimates for workers’ compensation, auto and general liability insurance are based on the Company’s assessment of potential liability using an annual actuarial analysis of available information with respect to pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. Reserves for claims under these programs are included in accrued liabilities (current portion) and claims liabilities, net of current portion on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Claims liabilities and the related recoverables from insurance carriers for estimated claims in excess of the deductible and other insured events are presented in their gross amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because there is no right of offset. The carrying values of claims liabilities and insurance recoverables are not discounted. Insurance recoverables are included in other receivables, net and other non-current assets, net.

Foreign Currency Translation

The operating assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian operations, whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar, are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Translation gains and losses are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") as a component of stockholders’ equity. Revenue and expenses from Canadian operations are translated using the monthly average exchange rates in effect during the period in which the transactions occur. The Company also recognizes gains or losses on foreign currency exchange transactions between its Canadian and U.S. operations, net of applicable income taxes, in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company currently does not hedge our Canadian foreign currency cash flow.

Total Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other transactions recorded directly to stockholders’ equity that are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income is comprised of defined benefit plan adjustments and foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s foreign operations in Canada, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar

Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The carrying amount of cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, trade accounts payable, cigarette and tobacco taxes payable and other accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value.

The Company calculates the fair value of certain assets related to acquisitions and cash based pension plan assets using assumptions that market participants would use in pricing these assets (see Note 11 - Employee Benefit Plans). The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and gives precedence to observable inputs in determining fair value. An instrument’s level within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any significant input to the fair value measurement. The following levels were established for each input:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about what market participants would assume when pricing the asset or liability.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for all business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which allocates the fair value of the purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions. Management may further adjust the acquisition date fair values for a period of up to one year from the date of acquisition. Acquisition related expenses and transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred

Risks and Concentrations

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash investments, accounts receivable and other receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in short-term instruments with high quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure in any one financial instrument. The Company pursues amounts and incentives due from vendors in the normal course of business and is often allowed to deduct these amounts and incentives from payments made to vendors.

A credit review is completed for new customers and ongoing credit evaluations of each customer’s financial condition are performed periodically, with reserves maintained for potential credit losses. Credit limits given to customers are based on a risk assessment of their ability to pay and other factors. Accounts receivable are typically not collateralized, but the Company may require prepayments or other guarantees whenever deemed necessary.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (“ASU 2014-09”), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. This standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. The Company's preliminary assessment supports that financial statement impacts may include: capitalization of successful contract costs, recognition of contract assets and liabilities for certain contracts that are performed but not completed, and the timing of recognition of variable consideration received from vendors and paid to customers. The Company expects to finalize its assessment and approach to adopting ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements by June 30, 2017.

On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No.2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes: Topic 740 (“ASU 2015-17”). The new guidance requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. ASU 2015-17 requires either prospective or retrospective application and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 will not have a material impact on the presentation of its consolidated financial statements.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which supersedes existing lease guidance. The new guidance increases transparency by requiring lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. The Company believes the new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company is currently quantifying the impact and evaluating its approach to adopting ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The new guidance simplifies several aspects of how companies account for share-based compensation, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statements of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2016-09 will result in the Company recognizing excess tax benefits or deficiencies in net income instead of being capitalized as additional paid-in capital. We expect such impact to be approximately $1.6 million in 2017.

On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment approach with a methodology that incorporates all expected credit loss estimates, resulting in more timely recognition of losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. The Company has determined the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow presentation and classification issues in the statement of cash flows to reduce existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early adoption is permitted. The Company has determined the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). The new guidance requires the Statements of Cash Flows to reconcile the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. As a result, transfers between cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will no longer be presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early adoption is permitted. As a result of this pronouncement, the Company expects that it will combine its movements of restricted cash, with those of non-restricted cash and cash equivalents, as reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

On January 26, 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of its goodwill. ASU 2017-04 requires prospective application and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has determined the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.