Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | Note 1 –Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations We distribute health care products and services primarily to office-based dental and medical practitioners, across dental practices, laboratories, physician practices, and ambulatory surgery centers, as well as government, institutional health care clinics and alternate care clinics. We also provide software, technology and other value-added services to health care practitioners. Our dental businesses serve office-based dental practitioners, dental laboratories, schools, government and other institutions. Our medical businesses serve physician offices, urgent care centers, ambulatory care sites, emergency medical technicians, dialysis centers, home health, federal and state governments and large enterprises, such as group practices and integrated delivery networks, among other providers across a wide range of specialties. We have operations or affiliates in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Henry Schein, Inc. and all of our controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates in which we have the ability to influence the operating or financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. We consolidate the results of operations and financial position of a trade accounts receivable securitization which we consider a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) because we are the primary beneficiary, and we have the power to direct activities that most significantly affect the economic performance and have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses or benefits. For this VIE, the trade accounts receivable transferred to the VIE are pledged as collateral to the related debt. The creditors have recourse to us for losses on these trade accounts receivable. At December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020, certain trade accounts receivable that can only be used to settle obligations of this VIE were $ 138.0 million and $ 0.0 million, respectively and the liabilities of this VIE where the creditors have recourse to us were $ 105.0 million and $ 0.0 million, respectively. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of global financial markets. In response, many countries implemented business closures and restrictions, stay-at-home and social distancing ordinances and similar measures to combat the pandemic, which significantly impacted global business and dramatically reduced demand for dental products and certain medical products in the second quarter of 2020. Demand increased in the second half of 2020 and continued throughout 2021 resulting in growth over the prior year. Our consolidated financial statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by us that affect, among other things, our goodwill, long-lived asset and definite-lived intangible asset valuation; inventory valuation; equity investment valuation; assessment of the annual effective tax rate; valuation of deferred income taxes and income tax contingencies; the allowance for doubtful accounts; hedging activity; supplier rebates; measurement of compensation cost for certain share-based performance awards and cash bonus plans; and pension plan assumptions. Due to the significant uncertainty surrounding the future impact of COVID-19, our judgments regarding estimates and impairments could change in the future and may result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity. However, the extent of the potential impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Fiscal Year We report our results of operations and cash flows on a 52- 53 week basis ending on the last Saturday of December. The years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 consisted of 52 weeks. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive for those goods or services. To recognize revenue, we do the following: • identify the contract(s) with a customer; • identify the performance obligations in the contract; • determine the transaction price; • allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and • recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. We generate revenue from the sale of dental and medical consumable products, equipment (Health care distribution revenues), software products and services and other sources (Technology and value-added services revenues). Provisions for discounts, rebates to customers, customer returns and other contra revenue adjustments are included in the transaction price at contract inception by estimating the most likely amount based upon historical data and estimates and are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recognized. Revenue derived from the sale of consumable products is recognized at a point in time when control transfers to the customer. Such sales typically entail high-volume, low-dollar orders shipped using third-party common carriers. We believe that the shipment date is the most appropriate point in time indicating control has transferred to the customer because we have no post-shipment obligations and this is when legal title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the point at which we have an enforceable right to payment. Revenue derived from the sale of equipment is recognized when control transfers to the customer. This occurs when the equipment is delivered. Such sales typically entail scheduled deliveries of large equipment primarily by equipment service technicians. Most equipment requires minimal installation, which is typically completed at the time of delivery. Our product generally carries standard warranty terms provided by the manufacturer, however, in instances where we provide warranty labor services, the warranty costs are accrued in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 460 “Guarantees”. At December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020, we had accrued approximately $ 8.1 million and $ 6.9 million, respectively, for warranty costs. Revenue derived from the sale of software products is recognized when products are delivered to customers or made available electronically. Such software is generally installed by customers and does not require extensive training due to the nature of its design. Revenue derived from post-contract customer support for software, including annual support and/or training, is generally recognized over time using time elapsed as the input method that best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Revenue derived from software sold on Software-as-a -Service basis is recognized ratably over the subscription period as control is transferred to the customer. Revenue derived from other sources, including freight charges, equipment repairs and financial services, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the services are provided. We apply the practical expedient to treat shipping and handling activities performed after the customer obtains control as fulfillment activities, rather than a separate performance obligation in the contract. Sales, value-add and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Certain of our revenue is derived from bundled arrangements that include multiple distinct performance obligations, which are accounted for separately. When we sell software products together with related services (i.e., training and technical support), we allocate revenue to software using the residual method, using an estimate of the standalone selling price to estimate the fair value of the undelivered elements. Bundled arrangements that include elements that are not considered software consist primarily of equipment and the related installation service. We allocate revenue for such arrangements based on the relative selling prices of the goods or services. If an observable selling price is not available (i.e., we do not sell the goods or services separately), we use one of the following techniques to estimate the standalone selling price: adjusted market approach; cost-plus approach; or the residual method. There is no specific hierarchy for the use of these methods, but the estimated selling price reflects our best estimate of what the selling prices of each deliverable would be if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis taking into consideration the cost structure of our business, technical skill required, customer location and other market conditions. Cost of Sales The primary components of cost of sales include the cost of the product (net of purchase discounts, supplier chargebacks and rebates) and inbound and outbound freight charges. Costs related to purchasing, receiving, inspections, warehousing, internal inventory transfers and other costs of our distribution network are included in selling, general and administrative expenses along with other operating costs. Total distribution network costs were $ 89.2 million, $ 71.7 million and $ 72.3 million for the years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Sales Returns Sales returns are recognized as a reduction of revenue by the amount of expected returns and are recorded as refund liability within current liabilities. We estimate the amount of revenue expected to be reversed to calculate the sales return liability based on historical data for specific products, adjusted as necessary for new products. The allowance for returns is presented gross as a refund liability and we record an inventory asset (and a corresponding adjustment to cost of sales) for any products that we expect to be returned. Supplier Rebates Supplier rebates are included as a reduction of cost of sales and are recognized over the period they are earned. The factors we consider in estimating supplier rebate accruals include forecasted inventory purchases and sales, in conjunction with supplier rebate contract terms, which generally provide for increasing rebates based on either increased purchase or sales volume. Direct Shipping and Handling Costs Freight and other direct shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Direct handling costs, which represent primarily direct compensation costs of employees who pick, pack and otherwise prepare, if necessary, merchandise for shipment to our customers are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Direct handling costs were $ 96.7 million, $ 79.2 million and $ 73.8 million for the years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Advertising and Promotional Costs We generally expense advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $ 45.9 million, $ 30.8 million and $ 25.2 million for the years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Stock Compensation Costs We measure stock-based compensation at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and recognize the cost (net of estimated forfeitures) as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for time-based restricted stock units and on a graded vesting basis for the option awards. For performance-based awards, the Company reassesses at each reporting date whether achievement of the performance condition is probable and accrues compensation expense when achievement of the performance condition is probable. Our stock-based compensation expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Due to the short-term maturity of such investments, the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit of $ 2.0 million and $ 1.3 million, primarily related to payments for inventory, were classified as accounts payable as of December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020. Contract Balances Contract balances represent amounts presented in our consolidated balance sheets when either we have transferred goods or services to the customer or the customer has paid consideration to us under the contract. These contract balances include accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts receivable are generally recognized when health care distribution and technology and value-added services revenues are recognized. In accordance with the “expected credit loss” model, the carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by a valuation allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amounts that we do not expect to collect. In addition to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, we consider many factors in estimating our reserve, including types of customers and their credit worthiness, experience and historical data adjusted for current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. We record allowances for credit losses based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices. For those invoices not specifically reviewed, provisions are provided at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable, the collection history associated with the geographic region that the receivable was recorded in, current economic trends and reasonable supportable forecasts. We write-off a receivable and charge it against its recorded allowance when we deem them uncollectible. Contract Assets Contract assets include amounts related to any conditional right to consideration for work completed but not billed as of the reporting date and generally represent amounts owed to us by customers, but not yet billed. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable when the right becomes unconditional. The contract assets primarily relate to our bundled arrangements for the sale of equipment and consumables and sales of term software licenses. Current contract assets are included in Prepaid expenses and other and the non-current contract assets are included in investments and other within our consolidated balance sheets. Current and non-current contract asset balances as of December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020 were not material. Contract Liabilities Contract liabilities are comprised of advance payments and upfront payments for service arrangements provided over time that are accounted for as deferred revenue amounts. Contract liabilities are transferred to revenue once the performance obligation has been satisfied. Current contract liabilities are included in accrued expenses: other and the non-current contract liabilities are included in other liabilities within our consolidated balance sheets. At December 26, 2020, the current portion of contract liabilities of $ 71.5 million was reported in accrued expenses: other, and $ 8.2 million related to non-current contract liabilities were reported in other liabilities. During the year ended December 25, 2021, we recognized substantially all of the current contract liability amounts that were previously deferred at December 26, 2020. At December 25, 2021, the current and non-current portion of contract liabilities were $ 89.2 million and $ 9.7 million, respectively. Inventories and Reserves Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method for merchandise or actual cost for large equipment and high tech equipment. In accordance with our policy for inventory valuation, we consider many factors including the condition and salability of the inventory, historical sales, forecasted sales and market and economic trends. From time to time, we adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect the value of inventory. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed primarily under the straight-line method Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or the lease term. Capitalized Software Development Costs Capitalized internal-use software costs consist of costs to purchase and develop software. For software to be used solely to meet internal needs and cloud-based applications used to deliver our services, we capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage and include such costs within property and equipment, net within our consolidated balance sheets. For software to be sold, leased, or marketed to external users, we capitalize software development costs when technological feasibility is reached and include such costs in Investments and other within our consolidated balance sheets . Leases We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, operating lease liabilities, and non-current operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt, and long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for fully collateralized and fully amortizing borrowings over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. When readily determinable, we use the implicit rate. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Expenses associated with operating leases and finance leases are included in “selling, general and administrative” and “interest expense”, respectively within our consolidated statement of income. Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not capitalized. During the years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, such short-term lease expense was $ 3.9 million, $ 1.9 million, and $ 0.9 million, respectively. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for as a single lease component, except non-lease components for leases of vehicles, which are accounted for separately. When a vehicle lease contains both lease and non-lease components, we allocate the transaction price based on the relative standalone selling price. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is subject to impairment analysis annually or more frequently if needed. Such impairment analyses for goodwill requires a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of reporting units. We regard our reporting units to be our operating segments: global dental; global medical; and technology and value-added services. Goodwill was allocated to such reporting units, for the purposes of preparing our impairment analyses, based on a specific identification basis. For the years ended December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020 we tested goodwill for impairment, on the first day of the fourth quarter, using a quantitative analysis comparing the carrying value of our reporting units, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow methodology. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. Conversely, impairment loss would be equivalent to the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities that are considered shared services to the reporting units, and ultimately the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is calculated by applying the discounted cash flow methodology and confirming with a market approach. There are inherent uncertainties, however, related to fair value models, the inputs and our judgments in applying them to this analysis. The most significant inputs include estimation of future cash flows based on budget expectations, and determination of comparable companies to develop a weighted average cost of capital for each reporting unit. For the years ended December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020, the results of our goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairments. Intangible Assets Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets. Definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of non-compete agreements, trademarks, trade names, customer lists, customer relationships and product development. For long-lived assets used in operations, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. When an impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value. During the years ended December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020, we recorded total impairment charges, within selling, general and administrative expenses, on intangible assets of approximately $ 0.7 million and $ 20.3 million, nearly all of which was recorded in our technology and value-added services segment. Income Taxes We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with our 80% or greater owned U.S. subsidiaries. In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which allows the reclassification of stranded income tax effects, resulting from U.S. tax reform, from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2019 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We applied an individual item basis approach for releasing income tax effects from AOCI. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Some minority stockholders in certain of our consolidated subsidiaries have the right, at certain times, to require us to acquire their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. Their interests in these subsidiaries are classified outside permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheets and are carried at the estimated redemption amounts. The redemption amounts have been estimated based on expected future earnings and cash flow and, if such earnings and cash flow are not achieved, the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests might be impacted. Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the noncontrolling interests subject to put options are reflected at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Additional paid-in capital. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. The recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests cannot go below the floor level. Adjustments to the carrying amount of a noncontrolling interests to reflect a fair value redemption feature do not impact the calculation of earnings per share. Our net income is reduced by the portion of the subsidiaries’ net income that is attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling Interests Non-controlling interest represents the ownership interests of certain minority owners of our consolidated subsidiaries. Our net income is reduced by the portion of the subsidiaries net income that is attributable to noncontrolling interests. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income as such amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation gain (loss), unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities, unrealized investment gain (loss) and pension adjustment gain (loss). Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments We use derivative instruments to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective is to manage the impact that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could have on recognized asset and liability fair values, earnings and cash flows, as well as our net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Our risk management policy requires that derivative contracts used as hedges be effective at reducing the risks associated with the exposure being hedged and be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments primarily include foreign currency forward agreements related to certain intercompany loans, certain forecasted inventory purchase commitments with foreign suppliers and foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of our euro-denominated foreign operations which are designated as net investment hedges. Foreign currency forward agreements related to forecasted inventory purchase commitments with foreign suppliers and foreign currency swaps related to foreign currency denominated debt are designated as cash flow hedges. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We classify the cash flows related to our hedging activities in the same category on our consolidated statements of cash flows as the cash flows related to the hedged item. Foreign currency forward contracts related to our euro-denominated foreign operations are designated as net investment hedges. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in the foreign currency translation gain (loss) component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity until the net investment is sold or substantially liquidated. Our foreign currency forward agreements related to foreign currency balance sheet exposure provide economic hedges but are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. For agreements not designated as hedges, changes in the value of the derivative, along with the transaction gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in earnings . Total return swaps are entered into for the purpose of economically hedging our unfunded non-qualified supplemental retirement plan (“SERP”) and our d eferred compensation plan (“DCP”) . This swap will offset changes in our SERP and DCP liabilities. This swap is expected to be renewed on an annual basis. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The financial position and results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted On December 27, 2020 we adopted ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes” (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify U.S. GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. Our adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The guidance was effective beginning March 12, 2020 and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”). ASU 2021-01 provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to certain guidance in U.S. GAAP to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. The guidance is effective upon issuance, on January 7, 2021, and can be applied through December 31, 2022. We do not expect that the requirements of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021 – 08, “Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers |