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

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Parent’s cost of acquiring CEC Entertainment has been pushed down to establish a new accounting basis for the Company. Accordingly, the accompanying interim Consolidated Financial Statements are presented for two periods, Predecessor and Successor, which relate to the accounting periods preceding and succeeding the completion of the Merger. The Predecessor and Successor periods have been separated by a vertical line on the face of the Consolidated Financial Statements to highlight the fact that the financial information for such periods has been prepared under two different historical cost bases of accounting. For the purpose of presentation and disclosure, all references to the "Predecessor" relate to CEC Entertainment and its subsidiaries for periods prior to the Merger. All references to the "Successor" relate to the CEC Entertainment and its subsidiaries after giving effect to the Merger for periods subsequent to the Merger. References to "CEC Entertainment," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" relate to the Predecessor for periods prior to the Merger and to the Successor for periods subsequent to the Merger.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include variable interest entities ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. Judgments are made in assessing whether we are the primary beneficiary, including determination of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance. The Company eliminates the intercompany portion of transactions with VIE's from our financial results.

In August 2014, the Company assigned a portion of its rights in the purchase and sale agreement executed by us in relation to the sale leaseback transaction, as further discussed in Note 8 "Sale Leaseback Transaction". The assignment resulted in $12.1 million of the proceeds from the sale leaseback transaction being received by a newly formed trust. The Company is the sole beneficiary of the trust, and the funds are being used by a special purpose entity, a VIE, created by a Qualified Intermediary to facilitate a like-kind exchange pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. The funds held by the trust are used by the VIE to construct capital improvements on properties leased by the Company. The Company will acquire the VIE, along with its capital improvements, in the first quarter of 2015. At that time, to the extent there are any remaining funds held by the trust and not fully exhausted from construction, those remaining funds will be released to the Company. We included this VIE in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as we concluded that we are the sole beneficiary of its variable interests and will benefit from the capital improvements which will be acquired by the Company in the first quarter of 2015. The assets, liabilities and operating results of the VIE are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company also has a controlling financial interest in International Association of CEC Entertainment, Inc. (the "Association"), a VIE. The Association primarily administers the collection and disbursement of funds (the "Association Funds") used for advertising, entertainment and media programs that benefit both us and our franchisees. We and our franchisees are required to contribute a percentage of gross sales to these funds and could be required to make additional contributions to fund any deficits that may be incurred by the Association. We include the Association in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of its variable interests because we (a) have the power to direct the majority of its significant operating activities; (b) provide it unsecured lines of credit; and (c) own the majority of the stores that benefit from the Association’s advertising, entertainment and media expenditures. The assets, liabilities and operating results of the Association are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because the Association Funds are required to be segregated and used for specified purposes, we do not reflect franchisee contributions to the Association Funds as revenue, but rather record franchisee contributions as an offset to reported advertising expenses. Our contributions to the Association Funds are eliminated in consolidation. Contributions to the advertising, entertainment and media funds from our franchisees were $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, $1.5 million for the 226 day period ended September 28, 2014, $0.4 million for the 47 day period ended February 14, 2014 and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2013.

The preparation of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") 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 our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 28, 2014 and for the three months ended September 28, 2014, the 226 day period ended September 28, 2014, the 47 day period ended February 14, 2014, and the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013 are unaudited and are presented in accordance with the requirements for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and, consequently, do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented in accordance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all necessary reclassification adjustments to conform prior year results to the current period presentation.

Consolidated results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2014.

Acquisition

The Acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values on the Merger date. Fair value measurements have been applied based on assumptions that market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability. The purchase price allocation could change in subsequent periods, up to one year from the Merger date. Any subsequent changes to the purchase price allocation that result in material changes to our Consolidated Financial Statements will be adjusted retroactively.

Property and Equipment

Asset impairments represent adjustments we recognize to write down the carrying amount of the property and equipment at our stores to their estimated fair value, as the store’s operations are not expected to generate sufficient projected future cash flows to recover the current net book value of its long-lived assets. We estimate the fair value of a store’s long-lived assets (property and equipment) by discounting the expected future cash flows of the store using a weighted average cost of capital commensurate with the risk. Accordingly, the fair value measurement of the stores for which we recognized an impairment charge is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following estimates and assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis impact the fair value of a store’s long-lived assets:


•	Discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital and the risk-free rate of return;


•	Sales growth rates and cash flow margins;


•	Strategic plans, including projected capital spending and intent to exercise lease renewal options for the store;


•	Salvage values; and


•	Other risks and qualitative factors specific to the asset or market conditions in which the asset is located at the time the assessment was made.

During the first nine months of 2013, the average discount rate, average sales growth rate and average cash flow margin used for impaired stores were 7%, 0% and 12%, respectively. We believe our assumptions in calculating the fair value of our long-lived assets are similar to those used by other marketplace participants. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, we may be exposed to additional impairment charges, which could be material to our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities of an acquired business ("goodwill"), trademarks and trade names and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. We assess the recoverability of the carrying amount of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets either qualitatively or quantitatively annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.

When assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not the carrying amount exceeds fair value, a quantitative analysis may be required. We may also elect to skip the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative analysis.

Recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level. In performing a quantitative analysis, we measure the recoverability of goodwill using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, tax rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.

If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying amount, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, we will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying amount.

In performing a quantitative analysis, recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value. Any excess of the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value is recognized as an impairment loss.

We test indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing the relief from royalty method to determine the estimated fair value for each indefinite-lived intangible asset, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The relief from royalty method estimates our theoretical royalty savings from ownership of the intangible asset. Key assumptions used in this model include discount rates, royalty rates, growth rates, tax rates, sales projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, royalty rates, growth rates and sales projections are the assumptions most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates used are similar to the rates estimated by the weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") considering any differences in company-specific risk factors.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Estimated weighted average useful lives are 15 years for franchise agreements and 10 years for favorable lease agreements. An impairment loss would be indicated when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be measured as the difference between the fair value (based on discounted future cash flows) and the carrying amount of the asset.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value is defined as the price that we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, GAAP establishes a three-level hierarchy used in measuring fair value, as follows:



Level 1 –	inputs are quoted prices available for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 –	inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 –	inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions.

We may also adjust the carrying amount of certain nonfinancial assets to fair value on a non-recurring basis when they are impaired. The fair values of our long-lived assets held and used are determined using Level 3 inputs based on the estimated discounted future cash flows of the respective store over its expected remaining useful life or lease term. Due to uncertainties in the estimates and assumptions used, actual results could differ from the estimated fair values. See Note 3 "Property and Equipment" for our impairment of long-lived assets disclosures and Note 6 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for our fair value disclosures.

Sale Leaseback Transaction

For accounting purposes, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense and a reduction of the sale leaseback obligation. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the property.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Accounting Guidance Adopted: In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This amendment requires an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset, unless the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes under the tax law of the applicable tax jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amendment did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This amendment revises the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, removing the lack of continuing involvement criteria and requiring discontinued operations reporting for the disposal of an equity method investment that meets the definition of discontinued operations. The update also requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations, as well as disclosures about a disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements. The amendment is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to early adopt this amendment effective December 30, 2013, which did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This amendment replaces current U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance and established a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics, and expands and improves disclosures about revenues. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early application is not permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). This amendment requires management to assess the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements and requires such assessment to be completed on a quarterly and annual basis. The update also requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for interim and annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for completed business combinations (purchase method, acquisition method or combination of entities under common control). This accounting policy may include a general discussion of the purchase method or acquisition method of accounting (including for example, the treatment accorded contingent consideration, the identification of assets and liabilities, the purchase price allocation process, how the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities are determined) and the entity's specific application thereof. An entity that acquires another entity in a leveraged buyout transaction generally discloses the accounting policy followed by the acquiring entity in determining the basis used to value its interest in the acquired entity, and the rationale for that accounting policy.

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