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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements of McKesson include the financial statements of all majority-owned or controlled companies. For those consolidated subsidiaries where the Company’s ownership is less than 100%, the portion of the net income or loss allocable to the noncontrolling interests is reported as “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.
The Company considers itself to control an entity if it is the majority owner of or has voting control over such entity. The Company also assesses control through means other than voting rights and determines which business entity is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control, but instead has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method.
Fiscal Period
Fiscal Period: The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, all references to a particular year shall mean the Company’s fiscal year.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents: All highly liquid debt and money market instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition are included in cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at fair value. Cash equivalents are primarily invested in AAA-rated U.S. government money market funds, short-term deposits with financial institutions, and short-term commercial papers issued by non-financial institutions. Deposits with financial institutions are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and the functional currencies of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, including Canadian dollars, Euro, and British pounds sterling. Deposits could exceed the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the U.S. and similar deposit insurance programs in other jurisdictions. The Company mitigates the risk of its short-term investment portfolio by depositing funds with reputable financial institutions and monitoring risk profiles and investment strategies of money market funds.
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash: Cash that is subject to legal restrictions or is unavailable for general operating purposes is classified as restricted cash and is included in “Prepaid expenses and other” and “Other non-current assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments: Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control, but instead has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that could have a significant adverse impact on the carrying value of the investment. If a loss in value has occurred that is deemed to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recorded.
Receivables, Net and Allowances for Credit Losses
Receivables, Net and Allowances for Credit Losses: The Company’s receivables are presented net of an allowance for credit losses and primarily consist of trade accounts receivable from customers that result from the sale of goods and services. Receivables, net also includes other receivables, which primarily represent amounts due from suppliers.
The Company is exposed to credit losses on accounts receivable balances. The Company estimates credit losses by considering historical credit losses, the current economic environment, customer credit ratings, collections on past due amounts, legal disputes, and bankruptcies, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts to develop its allowance for credit losses. Management reviews these factors quarterly to determine if any adjustments are needed to the allowance.
Trade accounts receivable represent the majority of the Company's financial assets, for which an allowance for credit losses of $450 million and $864 million were included in “Receivables, net” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in the allowance for the year ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a provision for bad debts recognized of $725 million related to the bankruptcy of the Company’s customer Rite Aid Corporation (including certain of its subsidiaries, “Rite Aid”). In October 2023, Rite Aid filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and this amount represents the uncollected trade accounts receivable balance due from Rite Aid prior to its bankruptcy petition filing. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company reassessed its initial estimates made in conjunction with the previously reserved prepetition balances, including cash received during the period, resulting in a reversal of $206 million recorded within “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and included within the U.S. Pharmaceutical segment. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company released $237 million of allowance for doubtful accounts against trade accounts receivables, representing the write-off of uncollectible receivables related to the Rite Aid provision in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Receivables
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Receivables: The Company’s trade accounts receivable are subject to concentrations of credit risk with customers primarily in its U.S. Pharmaceutical segment. During fiscal 2025, sales to the Company’s ten largest customers, including group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), accounted for approximately 72% of its total consolidated revenues and approximately 48% of total trade accounts receivable at March 31, 2025. Sales to the Company’s largest customer, CVS Health Corporation (“CVS”), accounted for approximately 24% of its total consolidated revenues in fiscal 2025 and comprised approximately 23% of total trade accounts receivable at March 31, 2025. As a result, the Company’s sales and credit concentration is significant. The Company has agreements with GPOs, each of which functions as a purchasing agent on behalf of member hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers, as well as with government entities and agencies. The accounts receivable balances are with individual members of the GPOs, and therefore no significant concentration of credit risk exists. A material default in payment, a material reduction in purchases from GPOs or any other large customers, or the loss of a large customer or customer groups could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. In addition, trade accounts receivables are subject to concentrations of credit risk with customers in the institutional, retail, and healthcare provider sectors, which can be affected by a downturn in the economy, changes in reimbursement policies, and other factors. This credit risk is mitigated by the size and diversity of the Company’s customer base as well as its geographic dispersion.
Inventories
Inventories: Inventories consist of merchandise held for resale. The Company reports inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value, except for inventories determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method which are valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. The LIFO method presumes that the most recent inventory purchases are the first items sold and the inventory cost under LIFO approximates market. The majority of the cost of domestic inventories is determined using the LIFO method. The majority of the cost of inventories held in foreign and certain domestic locations is based on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method or weighted-average purchase prices. Rebates, cash discounts, and other incentives received from vendors are recognized in cost of sales upon the sale of the related inventory.
At March 31, 2025 and 2024, total inventories, net were $23.0 billion and $21.1 billion, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The LIFO method was used to value approximately 63% and 62% of the Company’s inventories at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. If the Company had used the moving average method of inventory valuation, inventories would have been approximately $309 million and $227 million higher than the amounts reported at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These amounts are equivalent to the Company’s LIFO reserves. A LIFO charge is recognized when the net effect of price increases on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products held in inventory exceeds the impact of price declines, including the effect of branded pharmaceutical products that have lost market exclusivity. A LIFO credit is recognized when the net effect of price declines exceeds the impact of price increases on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products held in inventory. The Company recognized a LIFO charge of $82 million in fiscal 2025, a LIFO credit of $157 million in fiscal 2024, and a LIFO charge of $1 million in fiscal 2023, all within “Cost of sales” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. The LIFO charge in fiscal 2025 compared to a LIFO credit in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to higher brand inflation in the current fiscal year. The LIFO credit in fiscal 2024 compared to a LIFO charge in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to lower brand inflation, offset by higher brand inventory levels, lower deflation from off patent launch activity, and lower generics deflation. The Company’s LIFO valuation amount includes both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products.
The Company believes that the moving average inventory costing method provides a reasonable estimation of the current cost of replacing inventory (i.e., “market”). As such, its LIFO inventory is valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, inventories at LIFO did not exceed market.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company includes costs to pack and deliver inventory to its customers in “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. Shipping and handling costs of $1.1 billion, $1.1 billion, and $1.2 billion were recognized in fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024, and fiscal 2023, respectively.
Held for Sale
Held for Sale: Assets and liabilities to be disposed of by sale (“disposal groups”) are classified as “held for sale” if their carrying amounts are principally expected to be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The classification occurs when the disposal group is available for immediate sale and the sale is probable. These criteria are generally met when management has committed to a plan to sell the assets within one year. Disposal groups are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and long-lived assets included within the disposal group are not depreciated or amortized. The fair value of a disposal group, less any costs to sell, is assessed during each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale, and any remeasurement to the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell is reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group. When the net realizable value of a disposal group increases during a period, a gain can be recognized to the extent that it does not increase the value of the disposal group beyond its original carrying value when the disposal group was reclassified as held for sale. Refer to Financial Note 2, “Business Acquisitions and Divestitures,” for additional information.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net: Property, plant, and equipment, net is stated at historical cost and depreciated under the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset, which ranges from 15 to 30 years for building and improvements and three to 15 years for machinery, equipment, and other. Leasehold improvements and property, plant, and equipment, net under finance leases are amortized over their respective useful lives of the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset or over the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Depreciation and amortization begins when an asset is placed in service and ready for its intended use. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. When certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable, an impairment assessment may be performed on the recoverability of the carrying amounts.
Leases
Leases: The Company leases facilities and equipment primarily under operating leases. The Company recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, taking into account, when applicable, lessor incentives for tenant improvements, periods where no rent payment is required, and escalations in rent payments over the term of the lease. As a practical expedient, the Company does not separate lease components from non-lease components, such as common area maintenance, utilities, and repairs and maintenance. Remaining terms for facility leases generally range from one to 15 years, while remaining terms for equipment leases generally range from one to five years. Most real property leases contain renewal options (typically for five-year increments). Generally, the renewal option periods are not included within the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise that right at lease commencement. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Operating ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term, discounted at the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as the implicit rate in the lease is not readily determinable for most of the Company’s leases. The Company estimates the discount rate as its incremental borrowing rate based on qualitative factors including Company specific credit rating, lease term, general economics, and the interest rate environment. Operating lease liabilities are recorded in “Current portion of operating lease liabilities” and “Long-term operating lease liabilities,” and the corresponding lease assets are recorded in “Operating lease right-of-use assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance lease assets are included in “Property, plant, and equipment, net” and finance lease liabilities are included in “Current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a practical expedient, short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are excluded from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and charges from these leases are expensed as incurred.
As a lessor, the Company primarily leases certain owned equipment, classified as direct financing or sales-type leases, to physician practices.
Refer to Financial Note 9, “Leases,” for additional information on the Company’s leases.
Goodwill
Goodwill: Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first fiscal quarter and more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Impairment testing is conducted at the reporting unit level, which is generally defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component), for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results.
The Company applies the goodwill impairment test by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value and recording an impairment charge equal to the amount of excess carrying value above the estimated fair value, if any, but not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
To estimate the fair value of its reporting units, the Company generally uses a combination of the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, it estimates fair value by comparing the business to similar businesses, or guideline companies whose securities are actively traded in public markets. Under the income approach, it uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model in which cash flows anticipated over future periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent within the reporting unit. Other estimates inherent in both the market and income approaches include long-term growth rates, projected revenues, and earnings and cash flow forecasts for the reporting units. In addition, the Company compares the aggregate of the reporting units’ fair values to the Company’s market capitalization as further corroboration of the fair values. Goodwill testing requires a complex series of assumptions and judgments by management in projecting future operating results, selecting guideline public companies for comparisons, and assessing risks. The use of alternative assumptions and estimates could affect the fair values and change the impairment determinations.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets: Currently all of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized based on the pattern of their economic consumption or on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to 25 years. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment at an asset group level whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated future undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over its estimated fair value. The Company also performs a periodic review of its intangible assets and removes from the balance sheet fully amortized intangible assets that no longer provide an economic benefit, are no longer in use, or for which the related contract has expired. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company removed from the balance sheet $1.4 billion of fully amortized gross intangible assets and the corresponding accumulated amortization.
Capitalized Software Held for Internal Use
Capitalized Software Held for Internal Use: The Company capitalizes costs of software held for internal use during the application development stage of a project and amortizes those costs using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, not to exceed 10 years. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, capitalized software held for internal use was $681 million and $495 million, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $657 million and $560 million, respectively, and is included in “Other non-current assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Amortization expense for capitalized software held for internal use was $135 million, $102 million, and $101 million for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The Company performs a periodic review of its capitalized software held for internal use and removes from the balance sheet fully amortized capitalized software costs that are determined to no longer be in use. During the year ended year ended March 31, 2024, the Company removed from the balance sheet $1.0 billion of fully amortized gross capitalized software held for internal use and the corresponding accumulated amortization.
Insurance Programs
Insurance Programs: The Company maintains insurance programs through its wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiaries (“Captives”) from which it obtains coverage for various exposures, including certain exposures arising from the opioid-related claims of governmental entities against the Company as discussed in more detail in Financial Note 17, “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. It is the Company’s policy to retain a significant portion of certain losses, including those related to workers’ compensation and comprehensive general, product, and vehicle liability. Provisions for losses expected under insurance programs are recorded based on the Company’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred as well as for claims incurred but not yet reported. Such estimates utilize certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry. The Captives receive direct premiums, which are eliminated on consolidation against the Company’s premium costs within “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized when an entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a promised good or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for that good or service.
Revenues generated from the distribution of pharmaceutical and medical products represent the majority of the Company’s revenues. The Company orders product from the manufacturer, receives and carries the product at its central distribution facilities, and delivers the product directly to its customers’ warehouses, hospitals, or retail pharmacies. The distribution business primarily generates revenue from a contract related to a confirmed purchase order with a customer in a distribution arrangement. Revenue is recognized when control of goods is transferred to the customer which occurs upon the Company’s delivery to the customer or upon customer pick-up. The Company also earns revenues from a variety of other sources including its retail, services, and technology businesses. Retail revenues are recognized at the point of sale. Service revenues, including technology service revenues, are recognized when services are rendered. Revenues derived from distribution and retail business at the point of sale represent approximately 99%, 98%, and 99% of total revenues for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Revenues derived from services represent approximately 1%, 2%, and 1% of total revenues for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Revenues are recorded gross when the Company is the principal in the transaction, has the ability to direct the use of the goods or services prior to transfer to a customer, is responsible for fulfilling the promise to its customer, has latitude in establishing prices, and controls the relationship with the customer. The Company records its revenues net of sales taxes. Revenues are measured based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to receive, reduced by estimates for return allowances, discounts, and rebates using historical data. Sales returns from customers were approximately $2.9 billion, $3.0 billion, and $3.1 billion for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Assets for the right to recover products from customers and the associated refund liabilities for return allowances were not material as of March 31, 2025 and 2024. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as fulfillment costs. The Company records deferred revenues when payments are received or due in advance of its performance. Deferred revenues are primarily from the Company’s services arrangements and are recognized as revenues over the periods when services are performed.
The Company had no material contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company generally expenses costs to obtain a contract as incurred when the amortization period is less than one year.
Supplier Incentives Supplier Incentives: Fees for services and other incentives received from suppliers, relating to the purchase or distribution of inventory, are considered product discounts and are generally reported as a reduction to cost of sales.
Supplier Reserves
Supplier Reserves: The Company establishes reserves against amounts due from suppliers relating to various fees for services and price and rebate incentives, including deductions taken against payments otherwise due to it. These reserve estimates are established based on judgment after considering the status of current outstanding claims, historical experience with the suppliers, the specific incentive programs, and any other pertinent information available. The Company evaluates the amounts due from suppliers on a continual basis and adjusts the reserve estimates when appropriate based on changes in facts and circumstances. Adjustments to supplier reserves are generally included in cost of sales unless consideration from the vendor is in exchange for distinct goods or services or for pass-through rebate purchases. The ultimate outcome of any outstanding claims could be different than the Company’s estimate. The supplier reserves primarily pertain to the Company’s U.S. Pharmaceutical segment.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or the tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are 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 amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized.
Interest Expense Interest Expense: Interest expense primarily includes interest for the Company’s long-term debt obligations, commercial paper, net interest settlements of interest rate swaps, and the amortization of deferred issuance costs and original issue discounts on debt.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation: The reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Its foreign subsidiaries generally consider their local currency to be their functional currency. Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the corresponding period and stockholders’ equity or deficit accounts are primarily translated at historical exchange rates. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and the cumulative effect is included in the stockholders’ deficit section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses from currency exchange transactions are recorded in “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were not material for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. The Company releases cumulative translation adjustments from stockholders’ equity or deficit into earnings as a gain or loss only upon a complete or substantially complete liquidation of a controlling interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets within a foreign entity. It also releases all or a pro-rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustments into earnings upon the sale of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity or has a foreign component.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative financial instruments are used principally in the management of foreign currency exchange and interest rate exposures and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge the changes in the fair value of its foreign currency notes resulting from changes in benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company also uses floating interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in the fair value of its U.S. dollar notes resulting from changes in benchmark interest rates. If a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. The Company has used foreign currency-denominated notes and uses cross-currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. The Company uses cash flow hedges primarily to reduce the effects of foreign currency exchange rate risk related to intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies. The Company also uses forward contracts to hedge the variability of future benchmark interest rates on any planned bond issuances and to offset the potential income statement effects from obligations denominated in non-functional currencies. If the financial instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge or net investment hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and the cumulative effect is included in the stockholders’ deficit section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cumulative changes in fair value are reclassified to the same line as the hedged item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the hedged item affects earnings. The Company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis, and ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges and net investment hedges are recognized in earnings following the date when ineffectiveness was identified. Any cash flows received or paid as part of the termination of derivative financial instruments are classified within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in accordance with the nature of the hedged item. Derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked-to-market at the end of each accounting period with the change included in earnings. Refer to Financial Note 14, “Hedging Activities,” for additional information.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments denominated in Canadian dollars against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives attributable to the changes in spot currency exchange rates and differences between spot and forward interest rates are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and offset foreign currency translation gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments denominated in Canadian dollars. To the extent cross-currency swaps designated as hedges are ineffective, changes in carrying value attributable to the change in spot rates are recorded in earnings.
In fiscal 2025, the Company expanded the net investment hedging program by entering into new cross-currency swaps and restructuring existing cross-currency swaps as described below. As of March 31, 2025, the outstanding notional amount of cross-currency swaps was C$6.5 billion.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company entered into cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges with a total notional amount of C$2.5 billion to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments denominated in Canadian dollars against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. These cross-currency swaps mature in April 2025 and June 2026. Further, the Company terminated C$1.5 billion of cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges with original maturity dates in November 2024 and extending through March 2025.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company entered into cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges with a total notional amount of C$6.0 billion. These cross-currency swaps mature in October, November and December 2026. Further, the Company terminated C$5.0 billion of cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges with original maturity dates in April 2025, June, October and November 2026.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company entered into cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges with a total notional amount of C$3.0 billion. These cross-currency swaps mature in March 2027.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge the changes in the fair value of its foreign currency notes resulting from changes in benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. In February 2023, £450 million of cross-currency swaps matured and the Company executed new cross-currency swaps with similar terms to continue to mitigate interest rate and foreign exchange rate risks.
In fiscal 2023, the Company entered into cross-currency fixed-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of €1.1 billion to hedge the changes in the fair value of its underlying Euro-denominated notes resulting from changes in benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
In fiscal 2023, the Company entered into floating interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to convert $1.3 billion of its fixed rate debt to floating rate in order to hedge the changes in fair value caused by fluctuations in the benchmark interest rate. In fiscal 2025, $500 million of the $1.3 billion floating interest rate swaps with original maturity dates in February 2026 and callable at any time after February 2024 were terminated. Refer to Financial Note 11, “Debt and Financing Activities,” for additional information on the public offering of the 2029 Notes. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in “Interest expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The changes in the fair value of these derivatives and the offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged notes are recorded in earnings. Gains from the changes in the Company’s fair value hedges recorded in earnings were largely offset by the losses recorded in earnings on the hedged item. For components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, the initial value of the excluded component is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and then released into earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. The difference between the change in the fair value of the excluded component and the amount amortized into earnings during the period is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).
Cash Flow Hedges
From time to time, the Company enters into cross-currency swaps to hedge intercompany loans denominated in nonfunctional currencies to reduce the income statement effects arising from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company also enters into forward contracts to hedge the variability of future benchmark interest rates on any planned bond issuances and to offset the potential income statement effects from obligations denominated in non-functional currencies. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of these hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair values representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings There were no gains or losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company executed a series of forward-starting interest rate swap locks with notional amounts of $850 million to hedge cash flows associated with interest payments on upcoming financing activities. Refer to Financial Note 11, “Debt and Financing Activities,” for information on the Company’s debt obligations.
In April 2025, the Company executed forward-starting interest rate swap locks with a total notional amount of $550 million. These swaps, in combination with the swaps executed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, will hedge cash flows associated with interest payments on upcoming financing activities.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with a total notional amount of £45 million to hedge the variability of foreign currency exchange fluctuations in future cash payments due to a third party for capital expenditures, and certain of these contracts matured in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and during fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2023, the Company entered into forward-starting fixed interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, with a combined notional amount of $450 million, and in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 with a notional amount of $50 million, to hedge the variability of future benchmark interest rates on a planned bond issuance. On June 15, 2023, the Company completed a public offering of the 2033 Notes, at which point the $500 million cash flow hedges were terminated and the proceeds are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2033 Notes, or 10 years. Refer to Financial Note 11, “Debt and Financing Activities,” for additional information on the public offering of the 2033 Notes.
In fiscal 2023, the Company also terminated its $500 million notional forward-starting fixed interest rate swaps and recognized a gain of $97 million within “Other income, net” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked-to-market at the end of each accounting period with the change in fair value included in earnings. Changes in the fair values for contracts not designated as hedges were recorded directly into earnings in “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair values were not material for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Company did not enter into any derivative instruments not designated as hedges during fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income or loss refers to revenue, expenses, as well as gains and losses that are recorded as an element of stockholders’ deficit but are excluded from earnings. The Company’s other comprehensive income or loss primarily consists of foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, including gains and losses on net investment hedges, as well as unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges and unrealized gains and losses on retirement-related benefit plans.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interests: Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of profit or loss, net assets, and comprehensive income or loss that is not allocable to McKesson Corporation. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests includes third-party equity interests in the Company’s consolidated entities, including: ClarusONE Sourcing Services LLP (“ClarusONE”), a joint venture established between McKesson and Walmart Inc. in fiscal 2017; Vantage Oncology Holdings, LLC (“Vantage”), a provider of integrated oncology and radiation services acquired in fiscal 2017; and SCRI Oncology, LLC (“SCRI Oncology”), an oncology research business formed in fiscal 2023. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests also included recurring compensation that the Company was obligated to pay to the noncontrolling shareholders of McKesson Europe AG (“McKesson Europe”), formerly known as Celesio AG, under the domination and profit and loss transfer agreement. The Company’s noncontrolling interest in McKesson Europe was included in the divestiture of certain of the Company’s businesses in the European Union (“E.U.”) in October 2022.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for all share-based compensation transactions at fair value. The share-based compensation expense, for the portion of the awards that is ultimately expected to vest, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company estimates the number of share-based awards that will ultimately vest primarily based on historical experience. The estimated forfeiture rate established upon grant is re-assessed throughout the requisite service period and is adjusted when actual forfeitures occur. The actual forfeitures in future reporting periods could be higher or lower than current estimates. The share-based compensation expense recognized is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same manner as cash compensation paid to the Company’s employees and included in “Selling, distribution, general, and administrative expenses.” Refer to Financial Note 4, “Share-Based Compensation,” for additional information.
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingencies: The Company is subject to various claims, including, but not limited to, claims with customers and vendors, pending and potential legal actions for damages, investigations relating to governmental laws and regulations, and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of its business. When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, the Company records a liability in the amount of its best estimate for the ultimate loss. However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency. Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved over many years, during which time relevant developments and new information must be reevaluated at least quarterly to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate the loss or a range of possible loss. When a material loss is reasonably possible, or probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure of the proceeding is provided. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred when the legal services are provided.
The Company reviews all material contingencies at least quarterly to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or a range of the loss can be made. As discussed above, development of a meaningful estimate of loss or a range of potential loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, such as regulatory agencies, the court system, and other interested parties. Refer to Financial Note 17, “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” for additional information related to controlled substances claims to which the Company is a party.
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Charges: Restructuring charges are incurred for programs in which the Company changes its operations, the scope of a business undertaken by its business units, or the manner in which that business is conducted as well as long-lived asset impairments. Such charges may include employee severance, retention bonuses, facility closure or consolidation costs, lease or contract termination costs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation and amortization, and other related expenses. The restructuring programs may be implemented due to the sale or discontinuation of a product line, reorganization or management structure changes, headcount rationalization, realignment of operations or products, integration of acquired businesses, and/or company-wide cost saving initiatives. The amount and/or frequency of these restructuring charges are not part of the Company’s underlying business, which include normal levels of reinvestment in the business. Employee severance costs are generally recognized when payments are probable and amounts are reasonably estimable. Costs related to contracts without future benefit or contract termination are recognized at fair value at the earlier of the contract termination or the cease-use dates. Other exit-related costs are expensed as incurred. Restructuring charges may also include credit adjustments due to subsequent changes in estimates. Refer to Financial Note 3, “Restructuring, Impairment, and Related Charges, Net,” for additional information.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business, including contingent consideration, as well as any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date that the Company obtains control of the acquired business. Any purchase consideration in excess of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and related restructuring costs are expensed as incurred.
Several valuation methods may be used to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. For intangible assets, the Company typically uses a variation of the income approach, whereby a forecast of future cash flows attributable to the asset is discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income approach include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, and the assessment of the asset’s expected useful life.
Contingent consideration liabilities are measured at their fair value as of the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected operational and financial information, the probability of achievement of performance milestones or other agreed-upon events, and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to calculate the present value of the probability-weighted projected financial information. Contingent liabilities are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the liability is resolved. Changes in any of the inputs could result in a significant adjustment to the fair value.
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock: The Company records purchases of treasury stock at cost, which is reflected as a reduction to stockholders’ equity in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Incremental direct costs to purchase treasury stock, including any excise tax recognized as a result of the IRA, are included in the cost of the shares acquired. Treasury stock also includes shares withheld to satisfy the tax obligations of recipients of share-based compensation. Refer to Financial Note 18, “Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)," for additional information.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which expands reportable segment disclosures by requiring disclosure, on an annual and interim basis, of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, as well as an amount and description of other segment items. The guidance also requires interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets, disclosure of the title and position of the CODM, and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure of segment profit or loss in assessing performance and allocating resources. The adoption of this amended guidance resulted in changes in disclosures but did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (Loss), Balance Sheets, or Cash Flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring, on an annual basis, consistent categories, and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation as well as income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively, although optional retrospective application is permitted. While this accounting standard will increase disclosures related to the Company’s income taxes, it will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statement results.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. ASU 2024-03 requires disclosure of certain costs and expenses on an interim and annual basis in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40). Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Fair Value
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:
Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - significant other observable market-based inputs.
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists and requires considerable assumptions that are significant to the fair value measurement.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2025 and 2024 included investments in money market funds of $1.0 billion and $705 million, respectively, which are reported at fair value. The fair value of money market funds was determined using quoted prices for identical investments in active markets, which are considered to be Level 1 inputs under the fair value measurements and disclosure guidance. The carrying value of all other cash equivalents approximates their fair value due to their relatively short-term nature.
Fair values of the Company’s interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, and foreign currency forward contracts were determined using observable inputs from available market information, including quoted interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and other observable inputs from available market information. These inputs are considered Level 2 under the fair value measurements and disclosure guidance, and may not be representative of actual values that could have been realized or that will be realized in the future. Refer to Financial Note 14, “Hedging Activities,” for fair values and other information on the Company’s derivatives.
The Company holds investments in equity and debt securities of U.S. growth stage companies that address both current and emerging business challenges in the healthcare industry and which had a carrying value of $103 million and $240 million at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These investments primarily consist of equity securities without readily determinable fair values and are included in “Other non-current assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2025, the Company recognized impairment charges and realized gains on the exit of certain investments. During fiscal 2024, the Company recognized impairment charges and unrealized gains on certain investments. During fiscal 2023, the Company recognized impairment charges and realized gains on the exit of certain investments. The Company recognized a net gain of $101 million in fiscal 2025, a net loss of $24 million in fiscal 2024 and a net loss of $36 million in fiscal 2023. These amounts were recorded in “Other income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Of the gain recognized in fiscal 2025, $100 million relates to a recapitalization event of one of the Company’s investments in equity securities which resulted in an increase to the carrying value of this investment. Proceeds from the sale of a portion of this investment were $92 million. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company exited one of its publicly-traded investments, receiving cash of $97 million and recognizing a gain of $44 million for the year ended March 31, 2025 offset by $44 million asset impairments recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The carrying value of publicly traded investments was determined using quoted prices for identical investments in active markets and are considered to be Level 1 inputs.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
In addition to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company’s assets and liabilities are also subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges, including long-lived assets associated with the Company’s restructuring initiatives as discussed in more detail in Financial Note 3, “Restructuring, Impairment, and Related Charges, Net,” or as a result of charges to remeasure assets classified as held for sale to fair value less costs to sell.
At March 31, 2024, the contingent consideration liability related to the Company’s acquisition of RxSS in November 2022 was measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Refer to Financial Note 2, “Business Acquisitions and Divestitures" for more information on these transactions.
The aforementioned investments in equity securities of U.S. growth stage companies include the carrying value of investments without readily determinable fair values, which were determined using a measurement alternative and are recorded at cost less impairment, plus or minus any changes in observable price from orderly transactions of the same or similar security of the same issuer. These inputs related to changes in observable price are considered Level 2 under the fair value measurements and disclosure guidance and may not be representative of actual values that could have been realized or that will be realized in the future. Inputs related to impairments of investments are generally considered Level 3 fair value measurements due to their inherently unobservable nature based on significant assumptions by management and use of company-specific information.
Goodwill
Fair value assessments of the reporting unit and the reporting unit's net assets, which are performed for goodwill impairment tests, are considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using company-specific information. The Company considered a market approach as well as an income approach using a DCF model to determine the fair value of each reporting unit.
Long-lived Assets
The Company utilizes multiple approaches including the DCF model and market approaches for estimating the fair value of intangible assets. The future cash flows used in the analysis are based on internal cash flow projections from its long-range plans and include significant assumptions by management. Accordingly, the fair value assessment of long-lived assets is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The Company measures certain long-lived and intangible assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when events occur that indicate an asset group may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount by the excess over its fair value.