Operating Leases

6 Months Ended

Feb. 29, 2016

Operating Leases [Abstract]

Operating Leases

Note 4. Operating Leases

Initial terms for leased premises in the U.S. are typically 15 to 25 years, followed by additional terms containing renewal options at five-year intervals, and may include rent escalation clauses. Non-U.S. leases are typically for shorter terms and may include cancellation clauses or renewal options. The commencement date of all lease terms is the earlier of the date the Company becomes legally obligated to make rent payments or the date the Company has the right to control the property. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition to minimum fixed rentals, some leases provide for contingent rentals based upon a portion of sales.

The Company provides for future costs related to closed locations. The liability is based on the present value of future rent obligations and other related costs (net of estimated sublease rent) to the first lease option date. During the three and six months ended February 29, 2016, the Company recorded charges of $9 million and $75 million, respectively, for facilities that were closed or relocated under long-term leases, including stores closed through the Company’s restructuring activities. This compares to no charges for the three months ended and $26 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015. Charges are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.

The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (in millions):

	Six Month Period Ended February 29, 2016			Twelve Month Period Ended August 31, 2015
Balance – beginning of period	$	446		$	257
Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities		77			231
Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates		(14	)		(6	)
Interest accretion		12			27
Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots		-			13
Cash payments, net of sublease income		(54	)		(76	)
Balance – end of period	$	467		$	446

The Company remains secondarily liable on 79 leases. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments are $348 million at February 29, 2016. Lease option dates vary, with some extending to 2039.