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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Feb. 28, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (A)Business and Background CarMax, Inc. (“we,” “our,” “us,” “CarMax” and “the company”), including its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the nation’s largest and most profitable retailer of used vehicles. We operate in two reportable segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (“CAF”). Our CarMax Sales Operations segment consists of all aspects of our auto merchandising and service operations, excluding financing provided by CAF. Our CAF segment consists solely of our own finance operation that provides financing to customers buying retail vehicles from CarMax. We deliver an unrivaled customer experience by offering a broad selection of quality used vehicles and related products and services at competitive, no-haggle prices using a customer-friendly sales process. Our omni-channel platform, which gives us the largest addressable market in the used car industry, empowers customers to buy a car on their terms – online, in-store or a seamless combination of both. Customers can choose to complete the car-buying experience in-person at one of our stores; or buy the car online and receive delivery through contactless curbside pickup, available nationwide, or home delivery, available to most customers. We offer customers a range of related products and services, including the appraisal and purchase of vehicles directly from consumers; the financing of retail vehicle purchases through CAF and third-party finance providers; the sale of extended protection plan (“EPP”) products, which include extended service plans (“ESPs”) and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”); and vehicle repair service. Vehicles purchased through the appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards are sold to licensed dealers through on-site or virtual wholesale auctions. (B)Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CarMax and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and the resulting adverse impacts to global economic conditions, as well as our operations, may impact future estimates including, but not limited to, our allowance for loan losses, inventory valuations, fair value measurements, downward adjustments to investments in equity securities, asset impairment charges, the effectiveness of the company’s hedging instruments, deferred tax valuation allowances, cancellation reserves, actuarial losses on our retirement benefit plans and discount rate assumptions. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Amounts and percentages may not total due to rounding. (C)Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consisting of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, were $46.9 million as of February 28, 2021 and were not significant to the consolidated balance sheet as of February 29, 2020. (D)Restricted Cash from Collections on Auto Loans Receivable Cash equivalents, totaling $496.4 million as of February 28, 2021 and $481.0 million as of February 29, 2020, consisted of collections of principal, interest and fee payments on auto loans receivable that are restricted for payment to holders of non-recourse notes payable pursuant to the applicable agreements. (E)Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, includes certain amounts due from third-party finance providers and customers, and other miscellaneous receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience and trends. (F)Financing and Securitization Transactions We maintain a revolving funding program composed of three warehouse facilities (“warehouse facilities”) that we use to fund auto loans receivable originated by CAF. We typically elect to fund these receivables through an asset-backed term funding transaction, such as a term securitization or alternative funding arrangement, at a later date. We sell the auto loans receivable to one of three wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that transfer an undivided percentage ownership interest in the receivables, but not the receivables themselves, to entities formed by third-party investors. These entities issue asset-backed commercial paper or utilize other funding sources supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds are used to finance the related receivables. We typically use term securitizations to provide long-term funding for most of the auto loans receivable initially funded through the warehouse facilities. In these transactions, a pool of auto loans receivable is sold to a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity that, in turn, transfers the receivables to a special purpose securitization trust. The securitization trust issues asset-backed securities, secured or otherwise supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds from the sale of the asset-backed securities are used to finance the securitized receivables. We are required to evaluate term securitization trusts for consolidation. In our capacity as servicer, we have the power to direct the activities of the trusts that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts. In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses (subject to limitations) and the rights to receive any returns of the trusts, which could be significant. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary of the trusts and are required to consolidate them. We recognize transfers of auto loans receivable into the warehouse facilities and asset-backed term funding transactions, including term securitizations (together, “non-recourse funding vehicles”), as secured borrowings, which result in recording the auto loans receivable and the related non-recourse notes payable on our consolidated balance sheets. These receivables can only be used as collateral to settle obligations of the related non-recourse funding vehicles. The non-recourse funding vehicles and investors have no recourse to our assets beyond the related receivables, the amounts on deposit in reserve accounts and the restricted cash from collections on auto loans receivable. We have not provided financial or other support to the non-recourse funding vehicles that was not previously contractually required, and there are no additional arrangements, guarantees or other commitments that could require us to provide financial support to the non-recourse funding vehicles. See Notes 4 and 11 for additional information on auto loans receivable and non-recourse notes payable. (G)Inventory Inventory is primarily comprised of vehicles held for sale or currently undergoing reconditioning and is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”). Vehicle inventory cost is determined by specific identification. Parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning vehicles, as well as transportation and other incremental expenses associated with acquiring and reconditioning vehicles, are included in inventory. (H)Auto Loans Receivable, Net Auto loans receivable include amounts due from customers related to retail vehicle sales financed through CAF and are presented net of an allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses represents the net credit losses expected over the remaining contractual life of our managed receivables. See Note 4 for additional information on our significant accounting policies related to auto loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses. (I)Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if applicable. Costs incurred during new store construction are capitalized as construction-in-progress and reclassified to the appropriate fixed asset categories when the store is completed. Estimated Useful Lives
| Life
Buildings | 25 years
Leasehold improvements | 15 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 3 – 15 years
We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We recognize impairment when the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value of the asset. See Note 7 for additional information on property and equipment. (J)Other Assets Restricted Cash on Deposit in Reserve Accounts. The restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is for the benefit of holders of non-recourse notes payable, and these funds are not expected to be available to the company or its creditors. In the event that the cash generated by the related receivables in a given period was insufficient to pay the interest, principal and other required payments, the balances on deposit in the reserve accounts would be used to pay those amounts. Restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is invested in money market securities or bank deposit accounts and was $97.2 million as of February 28, 2021 and $67.8 million as of February 29, 2020. Other Investments. Other investments includes restricted money market securities primarily held to satisfy certain insurance program requirements, investments held in a rabbi trust established to fund informally our executive deferred compensation plan and investments in equity securities. Money market securities and mutual funds are reported at fair value, and investments in equity securities are reported at cost less any impairment and adjusted for any observable changes in price. Gains and losses on these securities are reflected as a component of other (income) expense. Other investments totaled $152.9 million as of February 28, 2021 and $156.7 million as of February 29, 2020. (K)Financing Obligations We generally account for sale-leaseback transactions as financing obligations. Accordingly, we record certain of the assets subject to these transactions on our consolidated balance sheets in property and equipment and the related sales proceeds as financing obligations in long-term debt. Depreciation is recognized on the assets over their estimated useful lives, generally 25 years. A portion of the periodic lease payments is recognized as interest expense and the remainder reduces the obligation. In the event the sale-leasebacks are modified or extended beyond their original term, the related obligation is increased based on the present value of the revised future minimum lease payments on the date of the modification, with a corresponding increase to the net carrying amount of the assets subject to these transactions. See Note 11 for additional information on financing obligations. (L)Accrued Expenses As of February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020, accrued expenses and other current liabilities included accrued compensation and benefits of $223.1 million and $142.9 million, respectively; loss reserves for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance of $42.9 million and $41.0 million, respectively; and the current portion of cancellation reserves. See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves. (M)Defined Benefit Plan Obligations The recognized funded status of defined benefit retirement plan obligations is included both in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and in other liabilities. The current portion represents benefits expected to be paid from our benefit restoration plan over the next 12 months. The defined benefit retirement plan obligations are determined using a number of actuarial assumptions. Key assumptions used in measuring the plan obligations include the discount rate, rate of return on plan assets and mortality rate. See Note 10 for additional information on our benefit plans. (N)Insurance Liabilities Insurance liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability and employee-related health care costs, a portion of which is paid by associates. Estimated insurance liabilities are determined by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. (O)Revenue Recognition Our revenue consists primarily of used and wholesale vehicle sales, as well as sales from EPP products and vehicle repair service. See Note 2 for additional information on our significant accounting policies related to revenue recognition. (P)Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes the cost to acquire vehicles and the reconditioning and transportation costs associated with preparing the vehicles for resale. It also includes payroll, fringe benefits, and parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning and vehicle repair services. The gross profit earned by our service department for used vehicle reconditioning service is a reduction of cost of sales. We maintain a reserve to eliminate the internal profit on vehicles that have not been sold. (Q)Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, other than payroll related to reconditioning and vehicle repair services; depreciation, rent and other occupancy costs; advertising; and IT expenses, non-CAF bad debt, insurance, preopening and relocation costs, charitable contributions, travel, and other administrative expenses. (R)Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and substantially all are included in SG&A expenses. Total advertising expenses were $218.6 million in fiscal 2021, $191.8 million in fiscal 2020 and $167.0 million in fiscal 2019. (S)Store Opening Expenses Costs related to store openings, including preopening costs, are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. (T)Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation represents the cost related to share-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and we recognize the cost on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the grantee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. We estimate the fair value of stock options using a binomial valuation model. Key assumptions used in estimating the fair value of options are dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected term. The fair values of restricted stock, stock-settled performance stock units and stock-settled deferred stock units are based on the volume-weighted average market prices or closing prices on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock-settled market stock units is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation based on the expected market price of our common stock on the vesting date and the expected number of converted common shares. Cash-settled restricted stock units are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the volume-weighted average market price or closing price of CarMax common stock as of the end of each reporting period. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in either cost of sales, CAF income or SG&A expenses based on the recipients’ respective function. We record deferred tax assets for awards that result in deductions on our income tax returns, based on the amount of compensation expense recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which we will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the income tax return are recorded in income tax expense. See Note 12 for additional information on stock-based compensation. (U)Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We enter into derivative instruments to manage certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions that result in the future known receipt or payment of uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are impacted by interest rates. We recognize the derivatives at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, and where applicable, such contracts covered by master netting agreements are reported net. Gross positive fair values are netted with gross negative fair values by counterparty. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risks, even though hedge accounting may not apply or we do not elect to apply hedge accounting. See Note 5 for additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities. (V)Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return for a majority of our subsidiaries. Certain subsidiaries are required to file separate partnership or corporate federal income tax returns. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes, measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. A deferred tax asset is recognized if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized. Changes in tax laws and tax rates are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which the changes are enacted. We evaluate the need to record valuation allowances that would reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider available loss carrybacks, tax planning strategies, future reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income. We recognize uncertain tax liabilities when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that the tax positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions are measured at the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The current portion of these tax liabilities is included in accrued income taxes and any noncurrent portion is included in other liabilities. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, the differences impact income tax expense in the period in which the determination is made. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are included in SG&A expenses. See Note 9 for additional information on income taxes. (W)Net Earnings Per Share Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for basic common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for diluted common shares by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive potential common stock. Diluted net earnings per share is calculated using the “if-converted” treasury stock method. See Note 13 for additional information on net earnings per share. (X)Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Period. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2016-13 or “CECL”) related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This pronouncement, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions of ASU 2016-13, changed the impairment model for most financial assets and requires the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. Under this model, entities are required to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance to offset the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. In developing the estimate for lifetime expected credit loss, entities must incorporate historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This pronouncement was effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. We designed an allowance for loan loss methodology to comply with these new requirements, which was adopted for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this pronouncement resulted in the recognition of a $202.0 million increase in the allowance for loan losses on our opening consolidated balance sheet as of March 1, 2020, with a corresponding net-of-tax $153.3 million reduction in retained earnings. The increase in the allowance for loan losses on the opening bal ance sheet was primarily the result of extending the loan loss forecast period from 12 months to the entire lifetime of the loan portfolio. This methodology has increased volatility in our quarterly provision for loan losses. This volatility is the result of estimating loan losses over a longer forecast period and the incorporation of economic adjustment factors, including changes in U.S. unemployment rates and the National Automobile Dealers Association (“NADA”) used vehicle price index. At the time of adoption, we implemented testing of the effectiveness of our n ew allowance for loan loss methodology, as well as relevant controls and governance structure. Prior to the adoption of CECL, the allowance for loan losses represented an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date and expected to become evident during the following 12 months. The allowance for loan losses was primarily based on the composition of the portfolio of managed receivables, historical observation periods and net loss data, the period of time between the loss event inherent in the portfolio and the charge-off date and forecasted forward loss curves. We also considered recent trends in delinquencies and defaults, recovery rates and the economic environment in assessing the models used in estimating the allowance for loan losses. Allowance for loan loss amounts presented for prior years continue to reflect this previous methodology. In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2018-14) related to disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The pronouncement eliminates, modifies and adds disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. We adopted this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2020, and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2018, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2018-17) related to related party guidance for variable interest entities. We adopted this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2020, and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2020-04) related to reference rate reform. The pronouncement provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden of accounting for reference rate reform. This guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We expect to utilize this optional guidance but do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Effective in Future Periods. In December 2019, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2019-12) related to simplifying the accounting for income taxes. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2021, and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2020, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2020-06) related to the measurement and disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity's own equity. The pronouncement simplifies and adds disclosure requirements for the accounting and measurement of convertible instruments and the settlement assessment for contracts in an entity's own equity. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021. We plan to adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2022, and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

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