THE COMPANY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
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| THE COMPANY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NOTE 1—THE COMPANY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including American Multi-Cinema, Inc. and its subsidiaries, (collectively with Holdings, unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company” or “AMC”), is principally involved in the theatrical exhibition business and owns, operates or has interests in theatres located in the United States and Europe. Temporarily Suspended or Limited Operations. Throughout the first quarter of 2020, the Company temporarily suspended theatre operations in its U.S. markets and International markets in compliance with local, state, and federal governmental restrictions and recommendations on social gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and as a precaution to help ensure the health and safety of the Company’s guests and theatre staff. As of March 17, 2020, all of the Company’s U.S. and International theatre operations were temporarily suspended. The Company resumed limited operations in the International markets in early June 2020 and limited operations in the U.S. markets in late August 2020. A COVID-19 resurgence during the fourth quarter of 2020 resulted in additional local, state, and federal governmental restrictions and many previously reopened theatres in International markets temporarily suspended operations again. As of March 31, 2021, the Company operated at 585 domestic theatres with limited seating capacities, representing approximately 99% of its domestic theatres. As of June 30, 2021, the Company operated 593 domestic theatres, representing approximately 100% of its domestic theatres with remaining seating capacity restrictions winding down throughout the quarter. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the Company operated 596 and 593 domestic theatres, respectively, representing essentially 100% of its domestic theatres. Total revenues for the U.S. markets increased $1,049.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the Company operated at 97 international theatres, with limited seating capacities, representing approximately 27% of its international theatres. As of June 30, 2021, the Company operated 335 international theatres with limited seating capacities, representing approximately 95% of its international theatres. The majority of international theatre operations were suspended for the first two months of the second quarter of 2021 due to a COVID-19 resurgence and did not reopen until early June 2021. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the Company operated 351 and 337 international theatres, respectively, representing approximately 99% and 95%, respectively, of its international theatres. Total revenues for the International markets increased $236.4 million for the year ended December 31. 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.6 billion. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company adjusted certain elements of its business strategy and took significant steps to preserve cash. The Company is continuing to take significant measures to further strengthen its financial position and enhance its operations, by eliminating non-essential costs, including reductions to its variable costs and elements of its fixed cost structure, introducing new initiatives, and optimizing its theatrical footprint. Additionally, the Company enhanced liquidity through debt issuances, debt exchanges and equity sales. See Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations, Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity, and Note 16—Subsequent Events for further information. The table below summarizes net increase (decrease) in cash equivalents and restricted cash by quarter for the year ended December 31, 2021:
The Company’s net cash used in operating activities improved by $79.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021, $119.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2021, and $160.4 million during the three months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. This is primarily attributable to continued increases in attendance and industry box office revenues during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company will continue to repay rent amounts that were deferred during the pandemic, which will increase its cash outflows from operating activities. See Note 3—Leases for a summary of the estimated future repayment terms for the remaining $315.1 million of rentals that were deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company’s net cash provided by (used in) investing activities included:
The Company’s net cash provided by (used in) financing activities included:
The Company believes its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to fund its operations, satisfy its obligations, including cash outflows for increased rent and planned capital expenditures, and comply with minimum liquidity and financial covenant requirements under its debt covenants related to borrowings pursuant to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and Odeon Term Loan Facility for at least the next twelve months. In order to achieve net positive operating cash flows and long-term profitability, the Company believes it will need to continue to increase attendance levels significantly compared to 2021 and achieve levels in line with pre COVID-19 attendance. The Company believes the global re-opening of its theatres, the anticipated volume of titles available for theatrical release, and the anticipated broad appeal of many of those titles will support increased attendance levels. The Company believes that the sequential increases in attendance experienced each quarter as 2021 progressed are positive signs of continued demand for the moviegoing experience. However, there remain significant risks that may negatively impact attendance, including a resurgence of COVID-19 related restrictions, potential movie-goer reluctance to attend theatres due to concerns about COVID-19 variant strains, movie studios release schedules and direct to streaming or other changing movie studio practices. The Company entered the Ninth Amendment (as defined in Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations) pursuant to which the requisite revolving lenders party thereto agreed to extend the fixed date for the termination of the suspension period for the financial covenant (the secured leverage ratio) applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations) from March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022, which was further extended by the Eleventh Amendment (as defined in Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations) from March 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023, as described, and on the terms and conditions specified, therein. The Company is currently subject to minimum liquidity requirements of approximately $144 million, of which $100 million is required under the conditions for the Extended Covenant Suspension Period ending March 31, 2023, as amended, under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, and £32.5 million (approximately $44 million) of which is required under the Odeon Term Loan Facility. Following the expiration of the Extended Covenant Suspension Period ending March 31, 2023, the Company will be subject to the financial covenant under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility as of the last day of each quarter on which the aggregate principal amount of revolving loans, and letters of credit (excluding letters of credit that are cash collateralized) in excess of $25 million, outstanding under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility exceeds 35% of the principal amount of commitments under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility then in effect, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2023. The Company currently expects it will be able to comply with this financial covenant, however, the Company does not anticipate the need to borrow under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility during the next twelve months. See Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations for further information. The Company’s liquidity needs thereafter will depend, among other things, on the timing of movie releases and its ability to generate cash from operations. The Company’s cash expenditures for rent increased significantly in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2021 as previously deferred rent payments and landlord concessions started to become current obligations. The Company received rent concessions provided by the lessors that aided in mitigating the economic effects of COVID-19 during the pandemic. These concessions primarily consisted of rent abatements and the deferral of rent payments. As a result, deferred lease amounts were approximately $315.1 million as of December 31, 2021. See Note 3—Leases for a summary of the estimated future repayment terms for the deferred lease amounts due to COVID-19. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Holdings and all subsidiaries, as discussed above. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company has control of are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries; consequently, a portion of its stockholders’ equity, net earnings (loss) and total comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented are attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company manages its business under two reportable segments for its theatrical exhibition operations, U.S. markets and International markets. Noncontrolling Interests and Baltic Theatre Sale. Majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company has control of are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements; consequently, a portion of its stockholders’ equity, net earnings (loss) and total comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented are attributable to noncontrolling interests. On August 28, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its equity interest in Forum Cinemas OU, which consists of nine theatres located in the Baltic region (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) and is included in the Company’s International markets reportable segment, for total consideration of approximately €77.25 million, including cash of approximately €64.35 million or $76.6 million prior to any transaction costs. This transaction was undertaken by the Company to further increase its liquidity and strengthen its balance sheet at a transaction multiple that demonstrates that market participants ascribe positive value to the business. The completion of the sale took place in several steps, as noted below, and was contingent upon clearance from each regulatory competition council in each country. The Company received $37.5 million (€31.53 million) cash consideration upon entering into the sale agreement on August 28, 2020 and paid $0.5 million in transaction costs during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company transferred an equity interest of 49% in Forum Cinemas OU to the purchaser and recorded an initial noncontrolling interest of $34.9 million in total equity (deficit). Transaction costs of $1.4 million and net gain of $1.2 million related to the sale of 49% equity interest of Lithuania and Estonia and the 100% disposal of Latvia were recorded in additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2020 and were recorded in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2021 when the remaining 51% interests in Lithuania and Estonia were disposed. Also, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received cash consideration of $6.2 million (€5.3 million), net of cash of $0.2 million for the remaining 51% equity interest in Latvia. At December 31, 2020, the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities included as part of the disposal group that were previously included in the International markets reportable segment were; goodwill of $41.8 million, property, net, of $13.0 million, operating lease right-of-use assets, net of $15.7 million, and current and long-term operating lease liabilities of $2.4 million and $13.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s noncontrolling interest of 49% in Lithuania and Estonia was $26.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received cash consideration of $34.2 million (€29.4 million), net of cash disposed of $0.4 million and transaction costs of $1.3 million, for the remaining 51% equity interest in Estonia, 51% equity interest in Lithuania and eliminated the Company’s noncontrolling interest in Forum Cinemas OU. The Company recorded the net gain from the sale of its equity interest in Forum Cinemas OU of $5.5 million (net of transaction costs of $2.6 million) in investment expense (income), during the year ended December 31, 2021. Revenues. The Company recognizes revenue, net of sales tax, when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. Admissions and food and beverage revenues are recorded at a point in time when a film is exhibited to a customer and when a customer takes possession of food and beverage offerings. The Company defers 100% of the revenue associated with the sales of gift cards and exchange tickets until such time as the items are redeemed or estimated income from non-redemption is recorded. The Company recognizes income from non-redeemed or partially redeemed gift cards in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer (“proportional method”) where it applies an estimated non-redemption rate for its gift card sales channels, which range from 13% to 18.5% of the current month sales of gift cards, and the Company recognizes in other theatre revenues the total amount of expected income for non-redemption for that current month’s sales as income over the next 24 months in proportion to the pattern of actual redemptions. The Company has determined its non-redeemed rates and redemption patterns using more than 10 years of accumulated data. The Company also recognizes income from non-redeemed or partially redeemed exchange tickets using the proportional method. In the International markets, certain exchange tickets are subject to expiration dates, which triggers recognition of non-redemption in other revenues. The Company recognizes ticket fee revenues based on a gross transaction price. The Company is a principal (as opposed to agent) in the arrangement with third-party internet ticketing companies in regard to the sale of online tickets because the Company controls the online tickets before they are transferred to the customer. The online ticket fee revenues and the third-party commission or service fees are recorded in the line items other theatre revenues and operating expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognizes government grants once the grant requirements have been met. Grants relating to specific costs are treated as a reduction of that cost in the consolidated statements of operations. General grants are recorded within other expense (income). Grants related to the construction of fixed assets are treated as reductions to the associated fixed asset cost. Certain grants contain stipulations around the use of funds which could trigger claw backs if the stipulations are violated. Film Exhibition Costs. Film exhibition costs are accrued based on the applicable box office receipts and estimates of the final settlement to the film licensors. Film exhibition costs include certain advertising costs. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded film payables of $150.3 million and $16.4 million, respectively, which are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Food and Beverage Costs. The Company records rebate payments from vendors as a reduction of food and beverage costs when earned. Exhibitor Services Agreement. The Company recognizes advertising revenues, which are included in other theatre revenues in the consolidated statements of operations, when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to the customers. The advertising contracts with customers generally consist of a series of distinct periods of service, satisfied over time, to provide rights to advertising services. The Company’s Exhibitor Services Agreement (“ESA”) with National CineMedia, LLC (“NCM”) includes a significant financing component due to the significant length of time between receiving the non-cash consideration and fulfilling the performance obligation. The Company receives the non-cash consideration in the form of common membership units from NCM, in exchange for rights to exclusive access to the Company’s theatre screens and attendees through February 2037. Upon recognition, the Company records an increase to advertising revenues with a similar offsetting increase in non-cash interest expense, which is recorded to non-cash NCM exhibitor service agreement in the consolidated statements of operations. Pursuant to the calculation requirements for the time value of money, the amortization method reflects the front-end loading of the significant financing component where more interest expense is recognized earlier during the term of the agreement than the back-end recognition of the deferred revenue amortization where more revenue is recognized later in the term of the agreement. See Note 6—Investments for further information regarding the common unit adjustment (“CUA”) and the fair value measurement of the non-cash consideration. The interest expense was calculated using discount rates that ranged from 6.5% to 18.25%, which are the rates at which the Company believes it could borrow in separate financing transactions. Customer Engagement Programs. AMC Stubs® is a customer loyalty program in the U.S. markets which allows members to earn rewards, receive discounts and participate in exclusive members-only offerings and services. It features both a paid tier called AMC Stubs PremiereTM for a flat annual membership fee and a non-paid tier called AMC Stubs® InsiderTM. Both programs reward loyal guests for their patronage of AMC Theatres. Rewards earned are redeemable on future purchases at AMC locations. The portion of the admissions and food and beverage revenues attributed to the rewards is deferred as a reduction of admissions and food and beverage revenues and is allocated between admissions and food and beverage revenues based on expected member redemptions. Upon redemption, deferred rewards are recognized as revenues along with associated cost of goods. The Company estimates point breakage in assigning value to the points at the time of sale based on historical trends. The program’s annual membership fee is allocated to the material rights for discounted or free products and services and is initially deferred, net of estimated refunds, and recognized as the rights are redeemed based on estimated utilization, over the one-year membership period in admissions, food and beverage, and other revenues. A portion of the revenues related to a material right are deferred as a virtual rewards performance obligation using the relative standalone selling price method and are recognized as the rights are redeemed or expire. AMC Stubs® A-List is the Company’s monthly subscription-based tier of the AMC Stubs® loyalty program. This program offers guests admission to movies at AMC up to three times per week including multiple movies per day and repeat visits to already seen movies from $19.95 and $23.95 per month depending upon geographic market. Revenue is recognized ratably over the enrollment period. The Company suspended the recognition of deferred revenues related to certain loyalty programs, gift cards, and exchange tickets during the period in which its operations were temporarily suspended. As the Company re-opened theatres, A-List members had the option to reactivate their subscription, which restarted the monthly charge for the program. Starting in July of 2021, all A-List monthly subscriptions were automatically reactivated and the Company has resumed a more normal recognition pattern for deferred revenues related to certain loyalty programs, gift cards and exchange tickets. Advertising Costs. The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred and does not have any direct-response advertising recorded as assets. Advertising costs were $28.4 million, $10.7 million, and $42.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively, and are recorded in operating expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Cash and Equivalents. All highly liquid debt instruments and investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. At December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents for the U.S. markets and International markets were $1,311.4 million and $281.1 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents were $222.9 million and $85.4 million, respectively. Restricted Cash. Restricted cash is cash held in the Company's bank accounts in International markets as a guarantee for certain landlords. Derivative Asset and Liability. Prior to September 14, 2020, the Company remeasured the derivative asset related to its contingent call option to acquire shares of its Class B common stock at no additional cost and the derivative liability related to the conversion feature in its Convertible Notes due 2026 at fair value each reporting period until the conversion price reset on September 14, 2020, with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in other expense (income). The Company obtained independent third-party valuation studies to assist in determining fair value. The Company’s valuation studies used a Monte Carlo simulation approach and were based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value measurement hierarchy. The Company’s Common Stock price at the end of each reporting period as well as the remaining amount of time until expiration for the contingent call option and conversion feature were key inputs for the estimation of fair value that were expected to change each reporting period. The Company recorded other expense (income) related to derivative asset fair value adjustments of $0, $19.6 million and $17.7 million, during the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and other expense (income) related to derivative liability fair value adjustments of $0, $89.4 million, and $(23.5) million, during the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 8—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Obligations and Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity for further discussions. Intangible Assets. Intangible assets were recorded at fair value for intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of Holdings by Wanda on August 30, 2012 and other theatre acquisitions. Intangible assets are comprised of amounts assigned to management contracts, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, and trademark and trade names. The Company evaluates definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be fully recoverable. Trademark and trade names are considered either definite or indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently as specific events or circumstances dictate. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded impairment losses related to definite-lived intangible assets of $14.4 million in the U.S. markets and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $15.2 million in the International markets. There were no intangible asset impairment charges incurred during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019. Investments. The Company accounts for its investments in non-consolidated entities using either the cost or equity methods of accounting as appropriate, and has recorded the investments within other long-term assets in its consolidated balance sheets. Equity earnings and losses are recorded when the Company’s ownership interest provides the Company with significant influence. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 323-30-35-3, investment in a limited liability company, which prescribes the use of the equity method for investments where the Company has significant influence. The Company classifies gains and losses on sales of investments or impairments accounted for using the cost method in investment expense (income). Gains and losses on cash sales are recorded using the weighted average cost of all interests in the investments. Gains and losses related to non-cash negative common unit adjustments are recorded using the weighted average cost of those units in NCM. See Note 6—Investments for further discussion of the Company’s investments in NCM. As of December 31, 2021, the Company holds equity method investments comprised of a 18.3% interest in SV Holdco LLC (“SV Holdco”), a joint venture that markets and sells cinema advertising and promotions through Screenvision; a 50.0% interest in Digital Cinema Media Ltd. (“DCM”), a joint venture that provides advertising services in International markets; a 32.0% interest in AC JV, LLC (“AC JV”), a joint venture that owns Fathom Events offering alternative content for motion picture screens; a 29.0% interest in Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC (“DCIP”), a joint venture charged with implementing digital cinema in the Company’s theatres; a 14.6% interest in Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition, LLC (“DCDC”), a satellite distribution network for feature films and other digital cinema content; a 10.0% interest in Saudi Cinema Company LLC (“SCC”); a 50% ownership interest in three U.S. motion picture theatres and approximately 50% ownership interest in 57 theatres in Europe. Indebtedness held by equity method investees is non-recourse to the Company. In 2020, the Company early adopted the amendments in S-X Rule 1-02(w) related to significant subsidiary tests of nonconsolidated entities. Goodwill. The Company’s recorded goodwill was $2,429.8 million and $2,547.3 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets related to the acquisition of Holdings by Wanda on August 30, 2012 and subsequent theatre business acquisitions. The Company evaluates goodwill recorded at the Company’s two reporting units (Domestic Theatres and International Theatres). Also, the Company evaluates goodwill and its indefinite-lived trademark and trade names for impairment annually as of the beginning of the fourth quarter and any time an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value for a reporting unit below its carrying amount. In accordance with ASC 350-20-35-30, goodwill of a reporting unit shall be tested for impairment between annual tests by assessing the qualitative factors to determine if an event occurs or changes in circumstances that would warrant an interim ASC 350 impairment analysis. If an impairment analysis is needed, the Company performs a quantitative impairment test for goodwill, which involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing that value to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the difference is recorded as goodwill impairment charge, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Qualitative impairment tests performed during 2021. The Company performed a qualitative impairment test to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its two reporting units was less than their respective carrying amounts as of its annual assessment date. The Company concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of either of the Company’s two reporting units had been reduced below their respective carrying amounts. As a result, the Company concluded that there were no triggering events as of the annual assessment date, December 31, 2021. Step 1 quantitative goodwill impairment tests performed during 2020. In accordance with ASC 350-20-35-30, the Company performed an assessment to determine whether there were any events or changes in circumstances that would warrant an interim ASC 350 impairment analysis. A decline in the Common Stock price and prices of the Company’s corporate borrowings and the resulting impact on market capitalization are two of several factors considered when making this evaluation. In performing the Step 1 quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company used an enterprise value approach to measure fair value of the reporting units. Based on sustained declines during the first quarter of 2020 in the Company’s enterprise market capitalization and the temporary suspension of operations at all the Company’s theatres on or before March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company performed a Step 1 quantitative goodwill impairment test of the Domestic and International reporting units as of March 31, 2020. The enterprise fair values of the Domestic Theatres and International Theatres reporting units were less than their carrying values and goodwill impairment charges of $1,124.9 million and $619.4 million, respectively, were recorded as of March 31, 2020 for the Company’s Domestic Theatres and International Theatres reporting units. Due to the suspension of operations during the second and third quarters of 2020 and the further delay or cancellation of film releases, the Company performed a Step 1 quantitative impairment test of the Domestic and International reporting units as of September 30, 2020. See Note 12—Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of the valuation methodology. The enterprise fair value of the Domestic Theatres and International Theatres reporting units was less than their carrying values and goodwill impairment charges of $151.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively, were recorded as of September 30, 2020 for the Company’s Domestic Theatres and International Theatres reporting units. Due to the further delay or cancellation of film releases and the further suspension of operations in the International markets, the Company performed a Step 1 quantitative impairment test of the Domestic and International reporting units as of December 31, 2020. See Note 12—Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of the valuation methodology. The enterprise fair value of the Domestic Theatres reporting unit was greater than its carrying value and the enterprise fair value of the International Theatre reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, goodwill impairment charge of $405.3 million was recorded as of December 31, 2020 for the Company’s International Theatres reporting unit. There is considerable management judgment with respect to cash flow estimates and discount rates to be used in determining fair value, which fall under Level 3 within the fair value measurement hierarchy. Given the nature of the Company’s business and its recent history, future impairments are possible based upon business conditions, movie release dates, and attendance levels. Other Long-term Assets. Other long-term assets are comprised principally of investments in partnerships and joint ventures and capitalized computer software, which is amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. See Note 7—Supplemental Balance Sheet Information. Accounts Payable. Under the Company’s cash management system, checks issued but not presented to banks frequently result in book overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified within accounts payable in the balance sheet. The change in book overdrafts are reported as a component of operating cash flows for accounts payable as they do not represent bank overdrafts. The amount of these checks included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $3.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Leases. The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. Upon transition to the new standard, the Company elected the package of practical expedients, which permitted the Company not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company leases theatres and equipment under operating and finance leases. The majority of the Company’s operations are conducted in premises occupied under lease agreements with initial base terms ranging generally from 12 to 15 years, with certain leases containing options to extend the leases for up to an additional 20 years. The Company typically does not believe that exercise of the renewal options is reasonably assured at the inception of the lease agreements and, therefore, considers the initial base term as the lease term. Lease terms vary but generally, the leases provide for fixed and escalating rentals, contingent escalating rentals based on the Consumer Price Index and other indexes not to exceed certain specified amounts and variable rentals based on a percentage of revenues. The Company often receives contributions from landlords for renovations at existing locations. The Company records the amounts received from landlords as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and amortizes the balance as a reduction to rent expense over the base term of the lease agreement. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities were recorded at commencement date based on the present value of minimum lease payments over the remaining lease term. The minimum lease payments include base rent and other fixed payments, including fixed maintenance costs. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 25 years, which may include the option to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise that option. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using the incremental borrowing rate for operating leases, which was determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. Operating lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components and also elected the short-term practical expedient for all leases that qualify. As a result, the Company will not recognize right-of-use assets or liabilities for short-term leases that qualify for the short-term practical expedient, but instead will recognize the lease payments as lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees. Short-term leases and sublease arrangements are immaterial. Equipment leases primarily consist of food and beverage and digital equipment. Impairment of Long-lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangibles and theatre assets (including operating lease right-of-use assets) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be fully recoverable. The Company identifies impairments related to internal use software when management determines that the remaining carrying value of the software will not be realized through future use. The Company evaluates events or circumstances, including competition in the markets where it operates, that would indicate the carrying value of theatre assets may not be fully recoverable. If an event or circumstance is identified indicating carrying value may not be recoverable, the sum of future undiscounted cash flows is compared to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to fair value, with the difference recorded as an impairment charge. Assets are evaluated for impairment on an individual theatre basis, which management believes is the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. The Company evaluates theatres using historical and projected data of theatre level cash flow as its primary indicator of potential impairment and considers the seasonality of its business when making these evaluations. The fair value of assets is determined as either the expected selling price less selling costs (where appropriate) or the present value of the estimated future cash flows, adjusted as necessary for market participant factors. There is considerable management judgment necessary to determine the estimated future cash flows and fair values of the Company’s theatres and other long-lived assets, and, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates, which fall under Level 3 within the fair value measurement hierarchy, see Note 12—Fair Value Measurements. The following table summarizes the Company’s assets that were impaired:
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded non-cash impairment of long-lived assets of $61.3 million on 77 theatres in the U.S. markets with 805 screens (in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and $15.9 million on 14 theatres in the International markets with 118 screens (in Italy, Norway, Spain, and the UK), which were related to property, net, operating lease right-of-use assets, net, and other long-term assets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded non-cash impairment of long-lived assets of $152.5 million on 101 theatres in the U.S. markets with 1,139 screens (in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming) and $25.4 million on 37 theatres in the International markets with 340 screens (in Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and UK), which were related to property, net and operating lease right-of-use assets, net. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded impairment losses related to definite-lived intangible assets of $14.4 million in the U.S. markets. For indefinite-lived intangible asset, the Company recorded impairment charges related to the Odeon trade name of $12.5 million and Nordic trade names of $2.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded impairment losses in the International markets related to equity method investments of $8.6 million in equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded impairment losses of $15.9 million within investment expense (income), related to equity interest investments without a readily determinable fair value accounted for under the cost method in the U.S. markets. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded an impairment of long-lived assets loss of $76.6 million on 40 theatres in the U.S. markets with 512 screens and an impairment of long-lived assets loss of $7.7 million on 14 theatres with 148 screens in the International markets, which was related to property held and used, operating lease right-of-use assets, and a U.S. property held and not used in other long-term assets. In addition, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $3.6 million within investment expense (income), related to an equity interest investment without a readily determinable fair value accounted for under the cost method. Foreign Currency Translation. Operations outside the United States are generally measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange. The resultant translation adjustments are included in foreign currency translation adjustment, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings (loss), except those intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature, and also the Company’s £4.0 million, 6.375% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024, which have been designated as a non-derivative net investment hedge of the Company’s investment in Odeon and UCI Cinemas Holdings Limited (“Odeon”). If the Company substantially liquidates its investment in a foreign entity, any gain or loss on currency translation or transaction balance recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded as part of a gain or loss on disposition. Employee Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors frozen non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and frozen defined benefit pension plans in the U.K. and Sweden. The Company also sponsors a postretirement deferred compensation plan, which was terminated on May 3, 2021 and will be liquidated in 2022, and also a defined contribution plan. The following table sets forth the plans’ benefit obligations and plan assets and the accrued liability for benefit costs included in the consolidated balance sheets:
The Company does not expect to make a material contribution to the U.S. pension plans during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company intends to make future cash contributions to the plans in an amount necessary to meet minimum funding requirements according to applicable benefit plan regulations. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
The offset to the pension liability is recorded in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss. For further information, see Note 14—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for pension amounts and activity recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, net periodic benefit costs (credits) were $(0.9) million, $1.8 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. The non-operating component of net periodic benefit costs is recorded in other expense (income) in the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, before the Sweden pension benefit plan was frozen, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost was recorded in general and administrative other. The following table provides the benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter:
The Company’s investment objectives for its U.S. defined benefit pension plan investments are: (1) to preserve the value of its principal; (2) to maximize a real long-term return with respect to the plan assets consistent with minimizing risk; (3) to achieve and maintain adequate asset coverage for accrued benefits under the plan; and (4) to maintain sufficient liquidity for payment of the plan obligations and expenses. The Company uses a diversified allocation of equity, debt, commodity and real estate exposures that are customized to the plan’s cash flow benefit needs. A weighted average targeted allocation percentage is assigned to each asset class as follows: equity securities of 49%, debt securities of 45%, and private real estate of 6%. The International pension benefit plans do not have an established asset target allocation. Investments in the pension plan assets are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. As of December 31, 2021, for the U.S. investment portfolio, 94% were valued using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and 6% of the investment included pooled separate accounts valued using market prices for the underlying instruments that were observable in the market or could be derived by observable market data from independent external valuation information (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). As of December 31, 2021, for the International investment portfolio 37% included mutual funds and collective trust funds valued using market prices for the underlying instruments that were observable in the market or could be derived by observable market data from independent external valuation information (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) and 63% were valued using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. Under the defined contribution plan, the Company sponsors a voluntary 401(k) savings plan covering certain U.S. employees age 21 or older and who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan, except during the 2020 furlough period, the Company matched 100% of each eligible employee’s elective contributions up to 3% and 50% of contributions up to 5% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Income and Operating Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10. Under ASC 740-10, deferred income tax effects of transactions reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax return purposes are recorded by the asset and liability method. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences of deferred income or expense items and recognizes changes in income tax laws in the period of enactment. Holdings and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and combined income tax returns in certain state jurisdictions. Foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in foreign jurisdictions. Income taxes are determined based on separate Company computations of income or loss. Tax sharing arrangements are in place and utilized when tax benefits from affiliates in the consolidated group are used to offset what would otherwise be taxable income generated by Holdings or another affiliate. Casualty Insurance. The Company is self-insured for general liability up to $1.0 million per occurrence and carries a $0.5 million deductible limit per occurrence for workers’ compensation claims. The Company utilizes actuarial projections of its ultimate losses to calculate its reserves and expense. The actuarial method includes an allowance for adverse developments on known claims and an allowance for claims which have been incurred but which have not yet been reported. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded casualty insurance reserves of $34.6 million and $32.7 million, respectively. The Company recorded expenses related to general liability and workers’ compensation claims of $37.1 million, $32.8 million, and $32.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. Casualty insurance expense is recorded in operating expense. Other Expense (Income): The following table sets forth the components of other expense (income):
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Income Taxes. In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to improve consistency and simplify several areas of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis for goodwill. ASU 2019-12 was effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2021. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted Government Assistance. In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832) Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance (“ASU 2021-10”). The amendments in ASU 2021-10 require annual disclosures about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy, including (1) information about the nature of the transactions and the related accounting policy used to account for the transactions, (2) the line items on the balance sheet and income statement that are affected by the transactions, and the amounts applicable to each financial statement line item, and (3) significant terms and conditions of the transactions, including commitments and contingencies. The annual government assistance disclosure requirements are effective for the Company during the year ended December 31, 2022. |
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