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Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Feb. 02, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of The TJX Companies, Inc. (referred to as “TJX,” “we” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the financial statements of all of TJX’s subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All of its activities are conducted by TJX or its subsidiaries and are consolidated in these financial statements. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year
TJX’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to the last day of January of each year. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 (“fiscal 2019”) was a 52-week fiscal year. Fiscal 2018 was a 53-week year and fiscal 2017 was a 52-week fiscal year.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of TJX’s financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. TJX considers its accounting policies relating to inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and tradenames, reserves for uncertain tax positions and loss contingencies to be the most significant accounting policies that involve management estimates and judgments. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material.
Summary of Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
TJX adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (referred to as “ASC 606”), on February 4, 2018 (“the adoption date”). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. TJX adopted the new guidance under the modified retrospective approach which resulted in a $59 million cumulative adjustment to increase retained earnings. The cumulative adjustment primarily related to revenue recognized on the value of unredeemed rewards certificates issued to customers as part of the Company’s U.S. co-branded credit card loyalty program. We now recognize the estimated unredeemed awards when they are earned, rather than when merchandise credits expire or when the likelihood of redemption becomes remote. In addition, online sales are now recognized at the shipping point rather than receipt by the customer. Other changes relate to the presentation of revenue as certain expenses previously presented as a reduction of revenue are now classified as selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”). The new standard required a change in the presentation of our sales return reserve on the balance sheet, which we previously recorded net of the value of returned merchandise and now is presented at gross sales value with an asset established for the value of the merchandise returned. There was no change in the timing or amount of revenue recognized under the new standard as it related to revenue from point of sale at the registers in our stores, which constitutes more than 98% of our revenue. Financial results for fiscal periods after the adoption date are presented under ASC 606 while results from prior periods are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. We applied ASC 606 only to contracts that were not completed prior to fiscal 2019.
Net Sales
Net sales consist primarily of merchandise sales, which are recorded net of a reserve for estimated returns, any discounts and sales taxes, for the sales of merchandise both within our stores and online. Net sales also include an immaterial amount of other revenues that represent less than 1.0% of total revenues, primarily generated from TJX’s co-branded loyalty rewards credit card program offered in the United States only. In addition, certain customers may receive discounts that are accounted for as consideration reducing the transaction price. Merchandise sales from our stores are recognized at the point of sale when TJX provides the merchandise to the customer. The performance obligation is fulfilled at this point when the customer has obtained control by paying for and leaving with the merchandise. Merchandise sales made online are recognized when the product has been shipped, which is when legal title has passed and when TJX is entitled to payment, and the customer has obtained the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the goods. Shipping and handling activities related to online sales occur after the customer obtains control of the goods. TJX’s policy is to treat shipping costs as part of our fulfillment center costs within our operating expenditures. As a result, shipping fee revenues received is recognized when control of the goods transfer to the customer and is recorded as net sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred by TJX are included in cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs. TJX disaggregates revenue by operating segment, see Note G—Segment Information of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deferred Gift Card Revenue
Proceeds from the sale of gift cards as well as the value of store cards issued to customers as a result of a return or exchange are deferred until the customers use the cards to acquire merchandise, as TJX does not fulfill its performance obligation until the gift card has been redeemed. While gift cards have an indefinite life, substantially all are redeemed in the first year of issuance.
 
 
 
Fiscal Period
In thousands
 
 
February 2,
2019
Balance, February 3, 2018
 
 
$
406,506

Deferred revenue
 
 
1,677,251

Effect of exchange rates changes on deferred revenue
 
 
(6,279
)
Revenue recognized
 
 
(1,627,176
)
Balance, February 2, 2019
 
 
$
450,302


TJX recognized $1.6 billion in gift card revenue for the fiscal period 2019. Gift cards are combined in one homogeneous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue recognized consists of gift cards that were part of the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period as well as gift cards that were issued during the period. Based on historical experience, we estimate the amount of gift cards and store cards that will not be redeemed (referred to as breakage) and, to the extent allowed by local law, these amounts are amortized into income over the redemption period. Revenue recognized from breakage was $20.6 million in fiscal 2019, $21.1 million in fiscal 2018 and $20.5 million in fiscal 2017.
Sales Return Reserve
Our products are generally sold with a right of return and we may provide other credits or incentives, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. We have elected to apply the portfolio practical expedient. We estimate the variable consideration using the expected value method when calculating the returns reserve because the difference in applying it to the individual contract would not differ materially. Returns are estimated based on historical experience and are required to be established and presented at the gross sales value with an asset established for the estimated value of the merchandise returned separate from the refund liability. Liabilities for return allowances are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and the estimated value of the merchandise to be returned is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Consolidated Statements of Income Classifications
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs, includes the cost of merchandise sold including foreign currency gains and losses on merchandise purchases denominated in other currencies; gains and losses on inventory and fuel-related derivative contracts; asset retirement obligation costs; divisional occupancy costs (including real estate taxes, utility and maintenance costs and fixed asset depreciation); the costs of operating distribution centers; payroll, benefits and travel costs directly associated with buying inventory; and systems costs related to the buying and tracking of inventory.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include store payroll and benefit costs; communication costs; credit and check expenses; advertising; administrative and field management payroll, benefits and travel costs; corporate administrative costs and depreciation; gains and losses on non-inventory related foreign currency exchange contracts; and other miscellaneous income and expense items.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
TJX generally considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than 90 days but less than one year at the date of purchase are included in short-term investments. These investments are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value. Investments are classified as either short- or long-term based on their original maturities. TJX’s investments are primarily high-grade commercial paper, institutional money market funds and time deposits with major banks.
As of February 2, 2019, TJX’s cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. were $1.2 billion, of which $420.6 million was held in countries where TJX has the intention to reinvest any undistributed earnings indefinitely.
Merchandise Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. TJX uses the retail method for valuing inventories at all of its businesses, except T.K. Maxx in Australia. The businesses that utilize the retail method have some inventory that is initially valued at cost before the retail method is applied as that inventory has not been fully processed for sale (e.g. inventory in transit and unprocessed inventory in our distribution centers). Under the retail method, TJX utilizes a permanent markdown strategy and lowers the cost value of the inventory that is subject to markdown at the time the retail prices are lowered in the stores. TJX records inventory at the time title transfers, which is typically at the time when inventory is shipped. As a result, merchandise inventories on TJX’s balance sheet include in-transit inventory of $832.1 million at February 2, 2019 and $755.4 million at February 3, 2018. Comparable amounts were reflected in accounts payable at those dates.
Common Stock and Equity
In fiscal 2019, we completed a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock in the form of a stock dividend. For additional information see Note D - Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Equity transactions consist primarily of the repurchase by TJX of its common stock under its stock repurchase programs and the recognition of compensation expense and issuance of common stock under TJX’s Stock Incentive Plan. Under TJX’s stock repurchase programs, the Company repurchases its common stock on the open market. The par value of the shares repurchased is charged to common stock with the excess of the purchase price over par first charged against any available additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) and the balance charged to retained earnings. Due to the high volume of repurchases over the past several years, TJX has no remaining balance in APIC at the end of any of the years presented. All shares repurchased have been retired.
Shares issued under TJX’s Stock Incentive Plan are issued from authorized but unissued shares, and proceeds received are recorded by increasing common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess over par added to APIC. Income tax benefits upon the expensing of options result in the creation of a deferred tax asset, while income tax benefits due to the exercise of stock options reduce deferred tax assets up to the amount that an asset for the related grant has been created. Prior to fiscal 2018, any tax benefits greater than the deferred tax assets created at the time of expensing the options were credited to APIC; any deficiencies in the tax benefits were debited to APIC to the extent a pool for such deficiencies existed. In the absence of a pool, any deficiencies were realized in the related periods’ statements of income through the provision for income taxes. Beginning in fiscal 2018, upon adoption of ASU 2016-9-Compensation-Stock compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to employee share-based payment accounting, any excess tax benefits or deficiencies are included in the provision for income taxes. The par value of performance-based deferred stock awards, performance share units and restricted stock units is added to common stock when shares are delivered following vesting. The par value of performance-based restricted stock awards is added to common stock when the stock is issued, generally at grant date. The fair value of stock awards and units in excess of any par value is added to APIC as the awards are amortized into earnings over the related requisite service periods.
Share-Based Compensation
TJX accounts for share-based compensation by estimating the fair value of each award on the date of grant. TJX uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for options awarded and the market price on the grant date for stock awards. See Note H – Stock Incentive Plan of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of share-based compensation.
Interest
TJX’s interest expense is presented net of capitalized interest and interest income. The following is a summary of interest expense, net:
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended
In thousands
February 2,
2019
February 3,
2018
January 28,
2017
 
 
(53 weeks)
 
Interest expense
$
69,102

$
69,237

$
69,219

Capitalized interest
(4,263
)
(4,942
)
(7,548
)
Interest (income)
(55,979
)
(32,707
)
(18,137
)
Interest expense, net
$
8,860

$
31,588

$
43,534


TJX capitalizes interest during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the related assets. Capitalized interest in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 relates to costs on owned real estate projects and development costs on a merchandising system.
Depreciation and Amortization
For financial reporting purposes, TJX provides for depreciation and amortization of property using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated over 33 years. Leasehold costs and improvements are generally amortized over their useful life or the committed lease term (typically 10 years to 15 years), whichever is shorter. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 10 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property was $818.9 million in fiscal 2019, $727.2 million in fiscal 2018 and $664.5 million in fiscal 2017. TJX had no property held under capital leases during fiscal 2019, 2018, or 2017. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant costs incurred for internally developed software are capitalized and amortized over 5 years. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of disposed assets and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated and any gain or loss is included in income. Pre-opening costs, including rent, are expensed as incurred.
Lease Accounting
The Company generally leases stores, distribution centers and office space under operating leases. Store lease agreements generally include rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions for percentage of sales in excess of specified levels. We recognize rent on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, including rent holiday periods and scheduled rent increases. We begin recording rent expense when we take possession of a store, which is typically 30 to 60 days prior to the opening of the store and generally occurs before the commencement of the lease term, as specified in the lease.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company establishes an asset retirement obligation, and related asset, for leases of property that require us to return the property to its original condition (commonly referred to as a reinstatement provision) if and when we exit the facility. These reinstatement provisions are primarily applicable to our TJX International locations. The income statement impact of our asset retirement obligation is recorded in general corporate expenses and our operating divisions are charged the actual costs incurred when a retirement takes place.
Build-to-Suit Accounting
Lease agreements involving property built to our specifications are reviewed to determine if our involvement in the construction project requires that we account for the project costs as if we were the owner for accounting purposes. We have entered into several lease agreements where we are deemed the owner of a construction project for accounting purposes. Thus, during construction of the facility the construction costs incurred by us as the lessor are included as a construction in progress asset along with a related liability of the same amount on our balance sheet. Upon completion of the project, a sale-leaseback analysis is performed to determine if the Company should record a sale to remove the related asset and related obligation and record the lease as either an operating or capital lease obligation. If the Company is precluded from derecognizing the asset when construction is complete, due to continuing involvement beyond a normal leaseback, the lease is accounted for as a financing transaction and the recorded asset and related financing obligation remain on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accordingly, the asset is depreciated over its estimated useful life in accordance with the Company’s policy and a portion of the lease payments is allocated to ground rent and treated as an operating lease. The portion of the lease payment allocated to ground rental expense is based on the fair value of the land at the commencement of construction. Lease payments allocated to the non-land asset are recognized as reductions to the financing obligation and interest expense. As disclosed in “Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards,” our accounting for build-to-suit leases will change upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard.
Goodwill and Tradenames
Goodwill includes the excess of the purchase price paid over the carrying value of the minority interest acquired in fiscal 1990 in TJX’s former 83%-owned subsidiary and represents goodwill associated with the T.J. Maxx chain, as well as the excess of cost over the estimated fair market value of the net assets acquired by TJX in the purchase of Winners in fiscal 1991, the purchase of Sierra Trading Post in fiscal 2013, rebranded as Sierra in fiscal 2019, and the purchase of Trade Secret in fiscal 2016, which was re-branded under the T.K. Maxx name during fiscal 2018. The following is a roll forward of goodwill by component:
In thousands
Marmaxx
Winners
Sierra
T.K.
Maxx in
Australia
Total
Balance, January 28, 2017
70,027

1,686

97,254

26,904

195,871

Impairment


(97,254
)

(97,254
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on goodwill

98


1,354

1,452

Balance, February 3, 2018
70,027

1,784


28,258

100,069

Effect of exchange rate changes on goodwill


(92
)


(2,425
)
(2,517
)
Balance, February 2, 2019
$
70,027

$
1,692

$

$
25,833

$
97,552


Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life and accordingly is not amortized. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $99.3 million which included $97.3 million of Sierra goodwill and $2.0 million for certain long-lived assets of Sierra as the estimated fair value of this business fell below the carrying value due to a decrease in projected revenue growth rates. The impairment charge is included within the Marmaxx segment results.
Tradenames, which are included in other assets, are the value assigned to the name “Marshalls,” acquired by TJX in fiscal 1996 as part of the acquisition of the Marshalls chain, the value assigned to the name “Sierra Trading Post,” acquired by TJX in fiscal 2013 and the value assigned to the name “Trade Secret,” acquired by TJX in fiscal 2016. The tradenames were valued by calculating the discounted present value of assumed after-tax royalty payments. The Marshalls tradename is considered to have an indefinite life and accordingly is not amortized. The Sierra Trading Post tradename is being amortized over 15 years. The Trade Secret tradename is being amortized over 7 years. The following is a roll forward of tradenames.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
February 2, 2019
 
 
February 3, 2018
In thousands
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Impact of FX
Net Carrying Value
 
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Impact of FX
Net Carrying Value
Definite-lived intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sierra Trading Post
$
38,500

$
(15,614
)
$

$
22,886

 
$
38,500

$
(13,029
)
$

$
25,471

Trade Secret
$
12,541

$
(4,117
)
$
(1,048
)
$
7,376

 
$
12,541

$
(2,899
)
$
2,072

$
11,714

Indefinite-lived intangible asset
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Marshalls
$
107,695

$

$

$
107,695

 
$
107,695

$

$

$
107,695


TJX occasionally acquires or licenses other trademarks to be used in connection with private label merchandise. Such trademarks are included in other assets and are amortized to cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs, over their useful life, generally from 7 to 10 years.
Goodwill, tradenames and trademarks, and the related accumulated amortization or impairment if any, are included in the respective operating segment to which they relate.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Tradenames
TJX evaluates its long-lived assets, goodwill and tradenames for indicators of impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
The evaluation for long-lived assets including tradenames that are amortized, is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows which are largely independent of other groups of assets, generally at the individual store level for fixed assets and the reporting unit for tradenames that are amortized. If indicators of impairment are identified, an undiscounted cash flow analysis is performed to determine if the carrying value of the asset or asset group is recoverable. If the cash flow is less than the carrying value then an impairment charge will be recorded to the extent the fair value of an asset or asset group is less than the carrying value of that asset or asset group. This analysis resulted in immaterial impairment charges of store fixed assets in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018. The store-by-store evaluations did not indicate any recoverability issues in fiscal 2017.
Goodwill and tradenames with an indefinite life are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred and at least annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The carrying value of tradenames with an indefinite life is compared to its fair value determined by calculating the discounted present value of assumed after-tax royalty payments to the carrying value of the tradename. There was no impairment related to tradenames in fiscal 2019, 2018 or 2017. Goodwill is tested for impairment by using a quantitative assessment by comparing the carrying value of the related reporting unit to its fair value. An impairment exists when this analysis, using typical valuation models such as the discounted cash flow method, shows that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying cost of the reporting unit. We may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at the Company’s discretion. In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, we bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test. In fiscal 2018 the Company recorded an impairment charge of $97.3 million for Sierra goodwill as the estimated fair value of this business fell below the carrying value due to a decrease in projected revenue growth rates. There were no impairments related to our goodwill in fiscal 2019 or 2017.
Advertising Costs
TJX expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $446.3 million for fiscal 2019, $412.4 million for fiscal 2018 and $402.6 million for fiscal 2017.
Foreign Currency Translation
TJX’s foreign assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates with resulting translation gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. Activity of the foreign operations that affect the statements of income and cash flows is translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal year.
Loss Contingencies
TJX records a reserve for loss contingencies when it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. TJX evaluates pending litigation and other contingencies at least quarterly and adjusts the reserve for such contingencies for changes in probable and reasonably estimable losses. TJX includes an estimate for related legal costs at the time such costs are both probable and reasonably estimable.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies issue new accounting pronouncements. Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification are communicated through issuance of an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”). Unless otherwise discussed, we have reviewed the guidance and have determined that they will not apply or are not expected to be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption and therefore, are not disclosed.
Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued updated guidance on leases to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods; early adoption is permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which allows entities to apply the transition requirements at the effective date rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented as previously required. The effect of initially applying the standard can be recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption and an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption would continue to be in accordance with ASC 840, Leases (Topic 840) (“ASC 840”), including the disclosure requirements of ASC 840. If the new transition method in ASU 2018-11 is not elected, the new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and requires application of the new guidance for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We will adopt this standard on February 3, 2019 using the optional transition method under ASU 2018-11.

The Company implemented a new lease accounting system and evaluated our lease portfolio to assess the impact this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The Company has determined that the initial lease term will not differ under the new standard versus current accounting practice, and therefore the income statement impact of the new standard will not be material. Any impact to the income statement will be the result of the timing of expense recognition and will not be incremental over the term of the lease. For example, under ASC 842 certain initial direct costs will no longer be capitalized and amortized over the lease term and will be expensed as incurred. In addition, in certain instances, the cost of our renewal options may be recognized earlier in the life of the lease than under the existing lease accounting rules. On adoption of this standard we will recognize an operating lease liability of approximately $9 billion on our statement of financial condition as of February 3, 2019 with corresponding right of use assets based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments associated with our more than 4,300 leased locations. This impact includes the derecognition of build-to-suit lease assets and liabilities when we do not control the building during the construction period. We do not believe the new standard will have a notable impact on our liquidity and we do not believe it will have an impact on our debt-covenant compliance under our current agreements. We will implement the transition package of three practical expedients permitted within the standard, which among other things, allows for the carryforward of historical lease classifications. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, nor is one readily available, we will use our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments.
Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance related to reporting comprehensive income. The amendments in the update allow for a one-time reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings for stranded tax effect as a result from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Act”). The updated guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The updated guidance should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the 2017 Tax Act is recognized. The Company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and plans on electing not to reclassify the stranded tax effects as of result of the 2017 Tax Act to retained earnings. The Company is still evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated disclosures.
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance related to accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing
arrangement that is a service contract. The standard allows entities who are customers in hosting arrangements that are service
contracts to apply the existing internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset
related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The guidance specifies classification for capitalizing implementation
costs and related amortization expense within the financial statements and requires additional disclosures. The guidance will be
effective for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the
transition methods and the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Revenue Recognition
See Revenue Recognition in this Note A for the impact upon adoption.
Cash Flows
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, TJX adopted a pronouncement that addresses differences in the way certain cash receipts and
cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance provides clarity around the cash flow
classification for eight specific issues in an effort to reduce the current and potential future differences in practice. The standard
did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Retirement Benefits
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, TJX adopted a pronouncement related to retirement benefits, which requires that an employer report the service cost component of net periodic pension and net periodic post retirement cost in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. It also requires the other components of net periodic pension and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if such a subtotal is presented. The amendments in this update were applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. The impact to prior periods was immaterial. As a result of the adoption, for all periods presented, service costs are recorded in the same line items as other compensation costs and non-service costs are recorded in SG&A in our income statement.
Income Taxes
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, TJX adopted Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. This guidance allows a company to record a provisional amount when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in the tax law during the measurement period. The measurement period ends when the company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. We completed our analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and determined there is no material adjustment to the income tax expense.
Compensation Retirement Defined Benefit Plans Disclosure Framework
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, TJX early adopted Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which this new pronouncement removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and requires certain additional disclosures. Adopting the pronouncement did not result in any change to TJX disclosures.