Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 03, 2018

Organization — Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) is dedicated to offering customers exclusive, one-of-a-kind products that reflect high quality at a great value. Starting with a single store in 1962, Pier 1 Imports’ product is now available in retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada and online at www.pier1.com. The Company directly imports merchandise from many countries, and sells a wide variety of decorative accessories, furniture, candles, housewares, gifts and seasonal products. Additionally, the Company has an arrangement to supply merchandise to be sold in “store within a store” locations in Mexico and El Salvador and online in Mexico that are operated by Sears Operadora de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Corporacion de Tiendas Internationales, S.A. de C.V., respectively.

Basis of consolidation

Basis of consolidation — The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all subsidiaries, and all intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Segment information

Segment information — The Company is a specialty retailer that offers a broad range of products in its stores and on its website and conducts business as one operating segment. During fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s domestic operations provided approximately 93% of its net sales, with approximately 6% provided by stores in Canada, and the remainder from royalties received primarily from Sears Operadora de Mexico S.A. de C.V. As of March 3, 2018, February 25, 2017 and February 27, 2016, $3,107,000, $3,244,000 and $3,837,000, respectively, of the Company’s long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation, were located in Canada. There were no long-lived assets in Mexico or El Salvador during any period.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates — Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal periods

Fiscal periods — The Company utilizes 5-4-4 (week) quarterly accounting periods with the fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to February 28th. Fiscal 2018 ended March 3, 2018, fiscal 2017 ended February 25, 2017, and fiscal 2016 ended February 27, 2016. Fiscal 2018 consisted of a 53-week year and both fiscal 2017 and 2016 were 52-week years.

Cash and cash equivalents, including temporary investments

Cash and cash equivalents, including temporary investments — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents, except for those investments that are restricted and have been set aside in trusts to satisfy retirement obligations and are classified as non-current assets. As of March 3, 2018 and February 25, 2017, the Company’s short-term investments classified as cash equivalents included investments primarily in mutual funds totaling $115,456,000 and $149,375,000, respectively. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash was not material.

Translation of foreign currencies

Translation of foreign currencies — Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from differences in exchange rates from period to period are included as a separate component of shareholders' equity and are included in other comprehensive income (loss). As of March 3, 2018, February 25, 2017 and February 27, 2016, the Company had cumulative other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax, of $(8,054,000), $(8,450,000) and $(9,724,000), respectively, related to cumulative translation adjustments. The adjustments for currency translation during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, resulted in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as applicable, of $396,000, $1,274,000 and $(2,299,000), respectively.

Concentrations of risk

Concentrations of risk — The Company has risk of geographic concentration with respect to sourcing the Company’s inventory purchases. However, the Company believes alternative merchandise sources could be procured over a reasonable period of time. Pier 1 Imports sells merchandise imported from many countries, with approximately 59% of its sales derived from merchandise produced in China, 17% derived from merchandise produced in India and 16% collectively derived from merchandise produced in Vietnam, Indonesia and the United States. The remaining sales were from merchandise produced in various other countries around the world.

Financial instruments

Financial instruments — The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. There were no assets or liabilities with a fair value significantly different from the recorded value as of March 3, 2018 or February 25, 2017, unless otherwise disclosed.

Risk management instruments: The Company may utilize various financial instruments to manage interest rate and market risk associated with its on- and off-balance sheet commitments.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable — The Company’s accounts receivable are stated at carrying value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. These receivables consist largely of third-party credit card receivables for which collection is reasonably assured. The remaining receivables are periodically evaluated for collectability, and an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as appropriate.

Inventories

Inventories — The Company’s inventory is comprised of finished merchandise and is stated at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value. The calculation of cost includes merchandise purchases, the costs to bring the merchandise to distribution centers, warehousing and handling expenditures, and distributing and delivering merchandise to stores and fulfillment centers (direct and indirect). These costs include depreciation of long-lived assets utilized in acquiring, warehousing and distributing inventory.

The Company recognizes known inventory losses, shortages and damages when incurred and maintains a reserve for estimated shrinkage since the last physical count, when actual shrinkage was recorded. The amount of the reserve is estimated based on historical experience from the results of its physical inventories. The reserves for estimated shrinkage at the end of fiscal 2018 and 2017 were $4,020,000 and $4,156,000, respectively.

Properties and equipment, net

Properties and equipment, net — Buildings, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight‑line method over estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, generally 30 years for buildings and three to ten years for equipment, furniture and fixtures, and three to five years for computer software. Depreciation of improvements to leased properties is based upon the shorter of the remaining primary lease term or the estimated useful lives of such assets. Depreciation for assets utilized in acquiring, warehousing, distributing and fulfilling inventory is included in cost of sales. All other depreciation costs are included in depreciation and were $53,603,000, $54,603,000 and $50,944,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals that do not materially prolong the original useful lives of the assets are charged to expense as incurred. In the case of disposals, assets and the related depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less proceeds from disposal, is credited or charged to income.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the impairment analysis indicates that the carrying value of the assets exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows, the assets may be considered impaired. For store level long-lived assets, expected cash flows are determined based on management’s estimate of future sales, merchandise margin rates and expenses over the remaining expected terms of the leases. Impairment, if any, is recorded in the period in which the impairment occurred. The Company recorded no material impairment charges in fiscal 2018 or 2016. The Company recorded impairment charges of $2,934,000 in fiscal 2017, which were included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. As the projection of future cash flows requires the use of judgment and estimates, if actual results differ from the Company’s estimates, additional charges for asset impairments may be recorded in the future.

Insurance provision

Insurance provision — The Company maintains insurance for workers’ compensation and general liability claims with deductibles of $1,000,000 and $500,000 per occurrence, respectively. The liability recorded for such claims is determined by estimating the total future claims cost for events that occurred prior to the balance sheet date. The estimates consider historical claims loss development factors as well as information obtained from and projections made by the Company’s broker, actuary, insurance carriers and third party claims administrators. The recorded liabilities for workers’ compensation and general liability claims include claims occurring in prior years but not yet settled and reserves for fees. The recorded liability for workers’ compensation claims and fees was $25,316,000 and $25,632,000 at March 3, 2018 and February 25, 2017, respectively. The recorded liability for general liability claims and fees was $6,687,000 and $5,559,000 at March 3, 2018 and February 25, 2017, respectively.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition — Revenue is recognized upon customer receipt or delivery for retail sales. A reserve has been established for estimated merchandise returns based upon historical experience and other known factors. The net reserves for estimated merchandise returns at the end of fiscal 2018 and 2017 were $2,805,000 and $3,068,000, respectively. The Company’s revenues are reported net of discounts and returns, net of sales tax, and include wholesale sales and royalties. Amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales — Cost of sales includes, from acquisition to store delivery, all cost of merchandise sold as well as store occupancy costs. The cost of merchandise sold includes product costs, freight and logistics charges, agent fees, duties, distribution and fulfillment expenses, shipping and packaging, inventory reserves for shrinkage and slow-moving inventory, and other costs necessary to bring the inventory to its final location. These costs include depreciation of long-lived assets utilized in acquiring, warehousing, fulfilling and distributing inventory.

Gift cards

Gift cards — Revenue associated with gift cards is recognized when merchandise is sold and a gift card is redeemed as payment. Gift card breakage is estimated and recorded as income based upon an analysis of the Company’s historical data and expected trends in redemption patterns and represents the remaining non-escheatable unused portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company’s estimates or if laws or regulations change, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. For all periods presented, estimated gift card breakage was recognized 30 months after the original issuance and was $4,875,000, $4,825,000 and $4,925,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Leases

Leases — The Company leases certain property consisting principally of retail stores, warehouses, its corporate headquarters and material handling and office equipment under operating leases expiring through fiscal 2030. Most retail store locations were leased for primary terms of ten years with varying renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Escalations occurring during the primary terms of the leases are included in the calculation of the future minimum lease payments, and the rent expense related to these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including free rent periods prior to the opening of its locations. The portion of rent expense applicable to a location before opening is included in SG&A expenses. Once opened for business, rent expense is included in cost of sales. Certain leases provide for additional rental payments based on a percentage of sales in excess of a specified base. This additional rent is accrued when it appears probable that the sales will exceed the specified base. Construction allowances received from landlords are initially recorded as lease liabilities and amortized as a reduction of rental expense over the primary lease term.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs — Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising occurs and all other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs primarily include event and seasonal mailers, radio, newspaper, television and digital advertising and were $99,568,000, $101,780,000 and $88,405,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Prepaid advertising at the end of fiscal years 2018 and 2017 was $3,012,000 and $3,216,000, respectively.

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans — The Company maintains supplemental retirement plans for certain of its former executive officers. These plans provide that upon death, disability, reaching retirement age or certain termination events, a participant will receive benefits based on highest compensation, years of service and years of plan participation. These benefit costs are dependent upon numerous factors, assumptions and estimates. Benefit costs may be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligation, such as discount rates. In accordance with accounting rules, changes in benefit obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs in the statement of operations, but recognized in future years over the average remaining lifetime of plan participants. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Income taxes

Income taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”), which was enacted on December 22, 2017, significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Accordingly, the Company made a provisional remeasurement of its federal deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the lower federal tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Income Taxes for additional information. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and are classified as noncurrent. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, all available evidence is considered including past operating results, estimates of future income and tax planning strategies. The Company is subject to income tax in many jurisdictions, including the United States, various states, provinces, localities and foreign countries, for which the Company records estimated reserves for unrecognized tax benefits for both domestic and foreign income tax issues. At any point in time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by these various jurisdictions. However, the timing of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may yield results different from those currently estimated. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share — Basic earnings per share amounts were determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share amounts were similarly computed, and have included the effect, if dilutive, of the Company's weighted average number of stock options outstanding and shares of unvested restricted stock.

Earnings per share amounts were calculated as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

	2018		2017		2016
Net income	$	11,626	$	30,129	$	39,634
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		80,223		80,919		84,939
Effect of dilutive stock options		1		17		316
Effect of dilutive restricted stock		30		48		115
Diluted		80,254		80,984		85,370
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.14	$	0.37	$	0.47
Diluted	$	0.14	$	0.37	$	0.46

Outstanding stock options totaling 361,523 for fiscal 2018, 900,933 for fiscal 2017 and 402,311 for fiscal 2016 were excluded from the computation of earnings per share, as the effect would be antidilutive.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation — The Company’s stock-based compensation relates to stock options, restricted stock awards and director deferred stock units. Accounting guidance requires measurement and recognition of compensation expense at an amount equal to the grant date fair value. Compensation expense is recognized for any unvested stock option awards and restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis or ratably over the requisite service period. Stock option exercise prices equal the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options is calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. For time-based and most performance-based restricted stock awards, compensation expense is measured and recorded using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. If the date of grant for stock options or restricted stock awards occurs on a day when the Company’s stock is not traded, the closing price on the last trading day before the date of grant is used. A majority of the performance-based shares vest upon the Company satisfying certain performance targets. The Company records compensation expense for these awards with a performance condition when it is probable that the condition will be achieved. The compensation expense ultimately recognized, if any, related to these awards will equal the grant date fair value for the number of shares for which the performance condition has been satisfied. The remaining performance-based shares may vest if certain annual equivalent returns of total shareholder return targets are achieved in comparison to a peer group. The fair value for these performance-based shares was determined using a lattice valuation model in accordance with accounting guidelines. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Beginning in fiscal 2018, the Company recognizes forfeitures of awards as they occur. Prior to fiscal 2018, the Company estimated forfeitures based on its historical forfeiture experience and adjusted forfeiture estimates based on actual forfeitures. The effect of any forfeiture adjustments was not material for the periods presented.

New accounting standards

New accounting standards — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date.” ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of revenue standard ASU 2014-09 by one year for all entities and permits early adoption on a limited basis. During fiscal 2017, additional ASUs were issued related to this revenue guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations.” ASU 2016-08 is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which clarifies the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2016-20 allows entities not to make quantitative disclosures about remaining performance obligations in certain cases and requires entities that use any of the new or previously existing optional exemptions to expand their qualitative disclosures. ASU 2016-20 also makes additional technical corrections and improvements to the new revenue standard. The amendments have the same effective date and transition requirements as the revenue standard. The above ASUs are effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption of this guidance will result in a change in the timing of revenue recognition for income related to gift card breakage; based on current redemption patterns, post-adoption recognition will begin in the month a gift card is issued, instead of when further redemptions are remote. The Company will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method. Under this method at adoption, the Company will record a cumulative adjustment to increase retained earnings and decrease gift cards and other deferred revenue by $9,444,000 ($7,021,000, net of tax) related to the change in gift card breakage income.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” ASU 2015-05 provides more specific guidance related to how companies account for cloud computing costs. The Company adopted ASU 2015-05 on a prospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of ASU 2015-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” to clarify guidance, correct errors and make minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). ASU 2016-19 amends ASC 350-40 to clarify that after ASU 2015-05 is adopted, companies are required to record an intangible asset for the license acquired in a software licensing arrangement. The asset for the software license is required to be recognized and measured at cost, which includes the present value of the license obligation if the license is to be paid for over time. Companies are required to record a liability for any of the software licensing fees that are not paid on or before the acquisition date of the license. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-19 on a prospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. ASU 2016-19 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which provides new guidance on accounting for leases. The Company leases its corporate headquarters, retail stores and the majority of its distribution and fulfillment centers. Under ASU 2016-02, lessees will be required to recognize most leases on the balance sheet; therefore, ASU 2016-02 is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard in fiscal 2020. ASU 2016-02 must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, with the new guidance applied to the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which outlines new provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for share-based payments and their presentation in the financial statements. ASU 2016-09 requires entities to record excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. In addition, excess tax benefits are required to be presented as an operating activity in the Statement of Cash Flows. The Company adopted these provisions of ASU 2016-09 on a prospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. ASU 2016-09 also allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either recognize forfeitures of share-based payment awards as they occur or estimate the number of awards expected to forfeit. The Company adopted this provision of ASU 2016-09 on a modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company recognizes forfeitures of share-based payment awards as they occur and recorded a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings for this change. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company expects increased volatility of income tax expense or benefit.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230).” The standard is intended to reduce the diversity in practice around how certain transactions are classified within the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company will adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with retrospective application. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.” This amendment is intended to improve accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. In accordance with this guidance, an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company will adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with modified retrospective application. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) — Restricted Cash.” The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company will adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with retrospective application. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The new guidance requires the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line items as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization. Other components will be presented separately from the line items that include the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income, if one is presented. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company will adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The guidance on the presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost requires retrospective application. The guidance limiting the capitalization of net periodic benefit cost requires prospective application. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. ASU 2017-09 will reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. Under ASU 2017-09, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the award’s fair value, vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. ASU 2017-09 will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2017-09 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company will adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2018-02 gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) that have been stranded in accumulated OCI as a result of the remeasurement of deferred taxes to reflect the lower federal income tax rate enacted as part of the Tax Act. ASU 2018-02 requires entities to make new disclosures, regardless of whether they elect to reclassify tax effects. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption in any period is permitted. ASU 2018-02 can be applied either retrospectively or in the period of adoption. ASU 2018-02 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2020. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02 on its financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.