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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 9B. Other Information

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-K


ý

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Fiscal Year Ended March 3, 2012

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Transition Period From                To              

Commission File Number 1-5742

RITE AID CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  23-1614034
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

17011
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (717) 761-2633

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value   New York Stock Exchange

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "Accelerated Filer" and "Large Accelerated Filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer ý   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price at which such stock was sold on the New York Stock Exchange on August 27, 2011 was approximately $682,941,816. For purposes of this calculation, executive officers, directors and 5% shareholders are deemed to be affiliates of the registrant.

         As of April 10, 2012 the registrant had outstanding 898,966,064 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the proxy statement for the registrant's annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 21, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

   


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page  

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    3  

PART I

           

ITEM 1.

 

Business

    4  

ITEM 1A.

 

Risk Factors

    11  

ITEM 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

    20  

ITEM 2.

 

Properties

    20  

ITEM 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

    23  

ITEM 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

    24  

PART II

           

ITEM 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

    24  

ITEM 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

    25  

ITEM 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    27  

ITEM 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    45  

ITEM 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

    46  

ITEM 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

    46  

ITEM 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

    46  

ITEM 9B.

 

Other Information

    49  

PART III

           

ITEM 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

       

ITEM 11.

 

Executive Compensation

       

ITEM 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

       

ITEM 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

       

ITEM 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

       

PART IV

           

ITEM 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

    49  


SIGNATURES


 

 

117

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This report, as well as our other public filings or public statements, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are often identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "should," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "will" and similar expressions and include references to assumptions and relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies.

        Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

        We undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements included in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this report. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences are discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview and Factors Affecting Our Future Prospects" included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

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PART I

Item 1.    Business

Overview

        We are the third largest retail drugstore chain in the United States based on revenues and number of stores. We operate our drugstores in 31 states across the country and in the District of Columbia. As of March 3, 2012, we operated 4,667 stores.

        In our stores, we sell prescription drugs and a wide assortment of other merchandise, which we call "front end" products. In fiscal 2012, prescription drug sales accounted for 68.1% of our total sales. We believe that our pharmacy operations will continue to represent a significant part of our business due to favorable industry trends, including an aging population, increased life expectancy, anticipated growth in the federally funded Medicare Part D prescription program as "baby boomers" start to enroll, expanded coverage for uninsured Americans as the result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the discovery of new and better drug therapies. We carry a full assortment of front end products, which accounted for the remaining 31.9% of our total sales in fiscal 2012. Front end products include over-the-counter medications, health and beauty aids, personal care items, cosmetics, household items, beverages, convenience foods, greeting cards, seasonal merchandise and numerous other everyday and convenience products, as well as photo processing. We attempt to distinguish our stores from other national chain drugstores, in part, through our wellness + loyalty program, private brands and our strategic alliance with GNC, a leading retailer of vitamin and mineral supplements. We offer a wide variety of products under our private brands, which contributed approximately 17.0% and 16.0% of our front end sales in the categories where private brand products were offered in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively.

        The overall average size of each store in our chain is approximately 12,600 square feet. The average size of our stores is larger in the western United States. As of March 3, 2012, 60% of our stores were freestanding; 51% of our stores included a drive-thru pharmacy; 24% included one-hour photo shops; and 46% included a GNC store-within-Rite Aid-store.

        Our headquarters are located at 30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011, and our telephone number is (717) 761-2633. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol of "RAD." We were incorporated in 1968 and are a Delaware corporation.

Industry Trends

        The rate of pharmacy sales growth in the United States in recent years has slowed, driven by the decline in new blockbuster drugs, a longer FDA approval process, drug safety concerns, higher copays, the loss of individual health insurance with the rise of unemployment and an increase in the use of generic (non-brand name) drugs, which are less expensive but generate higher gross margins. However, we expect prescription sales to grow in the coming years due to the aging population, increased life expectancy, "baby boomers" becoming eligible for the federally funded Medicare prescription program and new drug therapies. Furthermore, we expect the estimated additional 33 million people who will be covered by health insurance in 2014, and the closing of the "donut hole" in Medicare Part D to be good for our business.

        Generic prescription drugs help lower overall costs for customers and third party payors. We believe the utilization of existing generic pharmaceuticals will continue to increase. Further, a significant number of new generics are expected to be introduced in 2012 and 2013 as many popular branded drugs are scheduled to lose patent protection. The gross profit from a generic drug prescription in the retail drugstore industry is greater than the gross profit from a brand drug prescription, however, the sale amount can be substantially less.

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        The retail drugstore industry is highly competitive and has been experiencing consolidation. We believe that the continued consolidation of the drugstore industry, continued new store openings, increased competition from internet based providers and aggressive generic pricing programs at competitors such as Wal-Mart and various supermarket chains will further increase competitive pressures in the industry. The pharmacy business has become increasingly promotional, which contributes to additional competitive pressures.

        The retail drugstore industry relies significantly on third party payors. Third party payors, including the Medicare Part D plans and the state sponsored Medicaid and related managed care Medicaid agencies, at times change the eligibility requirements of participants or reduce certain reimbursement rates. These changes and reductions are expected to continue. When third party payors, including the Medicare Part D program and state sponsored Medicaid agencies, reduce the number of participants and/or reduce their reimbursement rates, sales and margins in the industry could be reduced, and profitability of the industry adversely affected. These possible adverse effects can be partially or entirely offset by controlling expenses, dispensing more higher margin generics and dispensing more prescriptions overall.

Strategy

        Our primary goal for fiscal 2013, consistent with fiscal 2012, is to grow same stores sales, which is critical for our future financial success. Same store sales growth will enable us to take full advantage of the improvements that we have made in the areas of cost control and working capital management. We also plan to take advantage of the costs savings and gross profit improvement opportunities that will result from the conversion of numerous brand drugs to generic alternatives in fiscal 2013 and beyond. We also plan to increase our capital investment in our store base, which we expect to lead to additional sales growth. We expect these initiatives to lead to growth in long term shareholder value. Following is a description of these initiatives:

        wellness +—We rolled out our wellness + loyalty program in April of 2010. wellness + is a free customer loyalty program that provides benefits to enrolled members based on the accumulation of points for certain front end and prescription purchases. This program provides significant value to customers who achieve Gold, Silver, and Bronze tier levels in the program and has been very well received by our customers. As of April 2012, we had over 52 million members enrolled in the wellness + program. At the end of our fiscal year, wellness + members accounted for 74% of front end sales and 68% of prescriptions filled. wellness + members have higher basket sizes than non-members and also have a much higher rate of prescription retention. wellness + members also are eligible to receive plus-up rewards, which are discounts on certain items featured in our weekly circular and provide members with additional savings for return shopping trips. Beginning in January 2012, we added additional features to the program, which include the creation of a Bronze member tier and the rollout of our Load2Card feature. The Bronze tier is achieved when a member reaches 250 points, Bronze tier members receive 10% off on the purchase of all Rite Aid private brand merchandise and a one-time10% shopping pass. Load2Card is a new coupon management program and is the first of its kind in the drugstore retailer space. It enables customers to save, manage and redeem Rite Aid and manufacturer coupons available throughout the internet via their wellness + card. Customers have responded favorably to these enhancements.

        We believe that the wellness + program has contributed to the improvement in our fiscal 2012 sales trends. We plan on making additional incremental investments in wellness + in fiscal 2013, primarily in additional discounts, as we expect more customers to move into the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels.

        Express Scripts customers—As of January 1, 2012, the Express Scripts pharmacy benefit management network decreased the number of participating pharmacies. This has contributed to an

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increase in same store script volume in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. To the extent that the Express Scripts pharmacy benefit management network continues to exclude other pharmacies from their network, we have the opportunity to pick up incremental share. We plan to work proactively to ensure that we attract and retain as many new customers as possible Efforts to do so will include adjusting pharmacy staffing levels where appropriate, encouraging customers to sign up for wellness +, and continuing to communicate in print, signage and other advertising channels that we accept Express Scripts pharmacy benefit management network patients.

        Wellness remodels—During fiscal 2012, we introduced our new Wellness format store. These stores offer expanded clinical pharmacy services and new health and wellness product offerings. They are staffed with our unique Wellness Ambassadors, who serve as an added customer resource and bridge from the front end of the stores to the pharmacy. We completed 274 wellness remodels in fiscal 2012 and expect to complete an additional 500 in fiscal 2013. Our customers have responded favorably to this unique store format and recent sales results in these stores have been encouraging.

        Healthcare services—During fiscal 2012, we increased the number of Rite Aid immunizing pharmacists to 11,000, expanded our immunization services to all of our stores and administered 1.5 million flu shots. In addition to flu shots, we also expanded the scope of our immunization services to 14 different disease states. Continuing to expand the volume and types of immunizations that we can perform will be an area of focus for fiscal 2013. In conjunction with Optum Health, last August we introduced NowClinic Online Care services inside select Rite Aid pharmacies in the greater Detroit area. These clinics provide on-line access to a physician, who has the ability to diagnose and potentially write prescriptions for our patients. We have also introduced wellness + for diabetes, the first extension of our wellness + program to provide discounts on front-end products and resources for diabetes patients and caregivers. One such resource is "Diabetes Head2Toe", a unique collaboration with Web MD to provide online tools to help patients manage and live well with diabetes. We are focused on healthcare-related services because we believe these services will help build loyalty with existing customers and attract new ones.

        Script file purchases—We intend to increase the amount of capital allocated to the purchase of prescription files from $35.0 million in fiscal 2012 to $50.0 million in fiscal 2013.

        Private brands—During fiscal 2011, we began the rollout of a new private brand architecture, which includes the consolidation of our private brands in three separate tiers. We have converted about 2,900 items to the new architecture and have improved our private brand penetration by 100 basis points over the prior year. We expect to have approximately 3,000 items in these brands in fiscal 2013. Many of the new items are in our price fighter brand, Simplify, and we believe customers have found these products to be of high quality and provide great value.

        Customer service—We have put programs in place in store operations to stress the importance of greeting our customers more frequently and assisting them with their purchases. We made investments in technology in fiscal 2011 and 2012 that make it easier for our store associates to perform necessary tasks, such as price changes and backroom inventory management, which will free up their time to focus on the customer. During fiscal 2012, we increased the amount of dollars spent on training our store and field associates on customer service skills. We believe this additional focus has helped drive our same store sales increases in fiscal 2012 and this will continue to be an area of focus for us in fiscal 2013.

        We made significant reductions to our SG&A expense over the past few years through better control of store labor and other controllable costs in the stores, consolidation of our distribution center network, a centralized indirect procurement function for all non-merchandise purchases and through initiatives aimed to simplify our processes in the stores and at our Corporate office. We will continue to focus on controlling costs in fiscal 2013 so that we can maximize the benefits of our sales initiatives.

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Products and Services

        Sales of prescription drugs represented approximately 68.1%, 67.8%, and 67.9% of our total sales in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, prescription drug sales were $17.7 billion, $17.0 billion, and $17.4 billion, respectively. See "Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements.

        We carry a full assortment of non-prescription, or front end products. The types and number of front end products in each store vary, and selections are based on customer needs and preferences and available space. No single front end product category contributed significantly to our sales during fiscal 2012. Our principal classes of products in fiscal 2012 were the following:

Product Class
  Percentage of
Sales
 

Prescription drugs

    68.1 %

Over-the-counter medications and personal care

    9.8 %

Health and beauty aids

    5.2 %

General merchandise and other

    16.9 %

        We offer a wide variety of products under our private brands, which contributed approximately 17.0% of our front end sales in the categories where private brand products were offered in fiscal 2012. We intend to increase the number of private brand products during fiscal 2013, many of which will be in our price fighter brand, Simplify. We believe that our customers find these products to be of high quality and provide great value.

        We have a strategic alliance with GNC under which we have opened over 2,100 GNC "stores-within-Rite Aid-stores" as of March 3, 2012 and a contractual commitment to open additional stores by December 2014. We incorporate the GNC store-within-Rite Aid-store concept into many of our new and relocated stores and into many of our Wellness remodels. GNC is a leading nationwide retailer of vitamin and mineral supplements, personal care, fitness and other health-related products.

Technology

        All of our stores are integrated into a common information system, which enables our customers to fill or refill prescriptions in any of our stores throughout the country, reduces chances of adverse drug interactions, and enables our pharmacists to fill prescriptions more accurately and efficiently. This system can be expanded to accommodate new stores. Our customers may also order prescription refills over the Internet through www.riteaid.com, or over the phone through our telephonic automated refill systems for pick up at a Rite Aid store. We have automated pharmacy dispensing units in high volume stores, which are linked to our pharmacists' computers that fill and label prescription drug orders. The efficiency of these units allows our pharmacists to spend more time consulting with our customers. Additionally, each of our stores employs point-of-sale technology that supports sales analysis and recognition of customer trends. This same point-of-sale technology facilitates the maintenance of perpetual inventory records which, together with our sales analysis, drives our automated inventory replenishment process.

        We continue to embrace technology as a way to enhance the customer experience. We completed the development of our new mobile app, which is now available for download for both the Android and iPhone platforms. This free app allows our customers to use their smartphones to order refills by scanning their prescription bottle, manage their wellness + account, access the weekly circular to view sale items and locate a nearby Rite Aid store using GPS.

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Suppliers

        During fiscal 2012, we purchased brand pharmaceuticals and some generic pharmaceuticals, which amounted to approximately 90.9% of the dollar volume of our prescription drugs, from a single wholesaler, McKesson Corp ("McKesson"), under a contract which runs through April 1, 2013. Under the contract, with limited exceptions, we are required to purchase all of our branded pharmaceutical products from McKesson. If our relationship with McKesson was disrupted, we could temporarily have difficulty filling prescriptions for brand-named drugs until we executed a replacement wholesaler agreement or developed and implemented self-distribution processes, which could negatively affect our business.

        We purchase most of our generic (non-brand name) pharmaceuticals directly from manufacturers which account for approximately 76% of our prescription volume. We believe the loss of any one generic supplier would not disrupt our ability to fill generic (non-brand name) prescriptions but could negatively impact our results.

        We purchase our non-pharmaceutical merchandise from numerous manufacturers and wholesalers. We believe that competitive sources are readily available for substantially all of the non-pharmaceutical merchandise we carry and that the loss of any one supplier would not have a material effect on our business.

        We sell private brand and co-branded products that generally are supplied by numerous competitive sources. The Rite Aid and GNC co-branded PharmAssure vitamin and mineral supplement products and the GNC branded vitamin and mineral supplement products that we sell in our stores are developed by GNC, and along with our Rite Aid brand vitamin and mineral supplements, are manufactured by GNC.

Customers and Third Party Payors

        During fiscal 2012, our stores filled approximately 295 million prescriptions and served an average of 2.1 million customers per day. The loss of any one customer would not have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

        In fiscal 2012, 96.5% of our pharmacy sales were to customers covered by third party payors (such as insurance companies, prescription benefit management companies, government agencies, private employers or other managed care providers) that agree to pay for all or a portion of a customer's eligible prescription purchases based on negotiated and contracted reimbursement rates. During fiscal 2012, the top five third party payors accounted for approximately 66.4% of our pharmacy sales. The largest third party payor represented 22.9% of our pharmacy sales.

        During fiscal 2012, Medicaid and related managed care Medicaid payors sales were approximately 17.7% of our pharmacy sales, of which the largest single Medicaid payor was approximately 2.1% of our pharmacy sales. During fiscal 2012, approximately 28.2% of our pharmacy sales were to customers covered by Medicare Part D.

Competition

        The retail drugstore industry is highly competitive. We compete with, among others, retail drugstore chains, independently owned drugstores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, discount stores, dollar stores and mail order pharmacies. We compete on the basis of store location and convenient access, customer service, product selection and price. We believe continued consolidation of the drugstore industry, the aggressive discounting of generic drugs by supermarkets and mass merchandisers and the increase of promotional incentives to drive prescription sales will further increase competitive pressures in the industry.

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Marketing and Advertising

        In fiscal 2012, marketing and advertising expense was approximately $369.4 million, which was spent primarily on weekly circular advertising. Our marketing and advertising activities centered primarily on the following:

        Under the umbrella of our "With Us It's Personal" brand positioning, we promote educational programs focusing on specific health conditions and incentives for patients to transfer their prescriptions to Rite Aid. We are also emphasizing our automated courtesy refill service. We believe all of these programs will help us improve customer satisfaction and grow profitable sales.

Associates

        We believe that our relationships with our associates are good. As of March 3, 2012, we had approximately 90,000 associates: 12% were pharmacists, 43% were part-time and 26% were represented by unions. Associate satisfaction is critical to the success of our strategy. We have surveyed our associates to obtain feedback on various employment-related topics, including job satisfaction and their understanding of our core values and mission. We have also instituted an internal group, consisting of managers and staff from all components of our business that is responsible for using feedback from associates throughout the Company to create a better work environment.

        The pharmacist shortage has eased significantly. The increase in the number of graduates from U.S. Schools of Pharmacy is starting to meet the workforce demand. However, pharmacist employment opportunities still exist in certain areas.

Research and Development

        We do not make significant expenditures for research and development.

Licenses, Trademarks and Patents

        The Rite Aid name is our most significant trademark and the most important factor in marketing our stores and private brand products. We hold licenses to sell beer, wine and liquor, cigarettes and lottery tickets. As part of our strategic alliance with GNC, we have a license to operate GNC "stores-within-Rite Aid-stores." We also hold licenses to operate our pharmacies and our distribution facilities. Collectively, these licenses are material to our operations.

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Seasonality

        We experience moderate seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations concentrated in the first and fourth fiscal quarters as the result of the concentration of the cough, cold and flu season and the holidays. We tailor certain front end merchandise to capitalize on holidays and seasons. We increase our inventory levels during our third fiscal quarter in anticipation of the seasonal fluctuations described above. Our results of operations in the fourth and first fiscal quarters may fluctuate based upon the timing and severity of the cough, cold and flu season, both of which are unpredictable.

Regulation

        Our business is subject to federal, state, and local government laws, regulations and administrative practices. We must comply with numerous provisions regulating health and safety, equal employment opportunity, minimum wage and licensing for the sale of drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and other products. In addition we must comply with regulations pertaining to product content, labeling, dating and pricing.

        Pursuant to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA") and comparable state regulations, our pharmacists are required to offer counseling, without additional charge, to our customers about medication, dosage, delivery systems, common side effects and other information deemed significant by the pharmacists and may have a duty to warn customers regarding any potential adverse effects of a prescription drug if the warning could reduce or negate such effect.

        The appropriate state boards of pharmacy must license our pharmacies and pharmacists. Our pharmacies and distribution centers are also registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and are subject to Federal Drug Enforcement Agency regulations relative to our pharmacy operations, including regulations governing purchasing, storing and dispensing of controlled substances. Applicable licensing and registration requirements require our compliance with various state statutes, rules and/or regulations. If we were to violate any applicable statute, rule or regulation, our licenses and registrations could be suspended or revoked or we could be subject to fines or penalties. Any such violation could also damage our reputation and brand.

        In recent years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been enacted (including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), introduced or proposed in Congress and in some state legislatures that affect or would affect major changes in the healthcare system, either nationally or at the state level. The legislative initiatives include changes in reimbursement levels, changes in qualified participants, changes in drug safety regulations and e-prescribing. We cannot predict the timing of enactment of any such proposals to the extent not yet approved or the long-term outcome or effect of legislation from these efforts on our business.

        Our pharmacy business is subject to patient privacy and other obligations, including corporate, pharmacy and associate responsibility imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. As a covered entity, we are required to implement privacy standards, train our associates on the permitted uses and disclosures of protected health information, provide a notice of privacy practice to our pharmacy customers and permit pharmacy customers to access and amend their records and receive an accounting of disclosures of protected health information. Failure to properly adhere to these requirements could result in the imposition of civil as well as criminal penalties.

        We are also subject to laws governing our relationship with our associates, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and unionizing efforts. Increases in the federal minimum wage rate, associate benefit costs or other costs related to associates could adversely affect our results of operations.

        In addition, in connection with the ownership and operations of our stores, distribution centers and other sites, we are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and

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health and safety matters, including those governing the management and disposal of hazardous substances and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Violations or liabilities under these laws and regulations as a result of our current or former operations or historical activities at our sites, such as gasoline service stations and dry cleaners, could result in significant costs.

Corporate Governance and Internet Address

        We recognize that good corporate governance is an important means of protecting the interests of our stockholders, associates, customers and the community. We have closely monitored and implemented relevant legislative and regulatory corporate governance reforms, including provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley"), the rules of the SEC interpreting and implementing Sarbanes-Oxley and the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE.

        Our corporate governance information and materials, including our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, our Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and our Related Person Transaction Policy are posted on the corporate governance section of our website at www.riteaid.com and are available in print upon request to Rite Aid Corporation, 30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Our Board will regularly review corporate governance developments and modify these materials and practices as warranted.

        Our website also provides information on how to contact us and other items of interest to investors. We make available on our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) data files of our annual report and quarterly reports beginning with our fiscal 2011 second quarter 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file these reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. We do not intend for the information contained on our website to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Factors Affecting our Future Prospects

        Set forth below is a description of certain risk factors which we believe may be relevant to an understanding of us and our business. Security holders are cautioned that these and other factors may affect future performance and cause actual results to differ from those which may be anticipated. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."


Risks Related to our Financial Condition

Current economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.

        The United States economy is continuing to feel the impact of the economic downturn that began in late 2007, and the future economic environment may not fully recover to levels prior to the downturn. This economic uncertainty has and could further lead to reduced consumer spending for the foreseeable future. If consumer spending continues to decrease or does not recover, we may not be able to sustain the improvement in our same store sales. In addition, reduced or flat consumer spending may drive us and our competitors to offer additional products at promotional prices, which would have a negative impact on our gross profit. We operate a number of stores in areas that are experiencing a lower recovery than the economy on a national level. A continued softening or slow recovery in consumer spending may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations. Reduced revenues as a result of decreased consumer spending may also reduce our liquidity and otherwise hinder our ability to implement our long term strategy.

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We are highly leveraged. Our substantial indebtedness could limit cash flow available for our operations and could adversely affect our ability to service debt or obtain additional financing if necessary.

        We had, as of March 3, 2012, $6.3 billion of outstanding indebtedness and stockholders' deficit of $2.6 billion. We also had additional borrowing capacity under our $1.175 billion senior secured revolving credit facility of approximately $910.8 million, net of outstanding letters of credit of $128.2 million. Our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 by $412.4 million, $564.8 million, $498.4 million, $2.6 billion and $340.6 million, respectively.

        Our high level of indebtedness will continue to restrict our operations. Among other things, our indebtedness will:

        Our ability to meet our cash requirements, including our debt service obligations, is dependent upon our ability to substantially improve our operating performance, which will be subject to general economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot provide any assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our cash requirements and debt service obligations.

        We believe we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, debt service and capital expenditures through fiscal 2013 and have no significant maturities prior to June 2014. However, if our operating results, cash flow or capital resources prove inadequate, or if interest rates rise significantly, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt and other obligations or otherwise be required to delay our planned activities. If we are unable to service our debt or experience a significant reduction in our liquidity, we could be forced to reduce or delay planned capital expenditures and other initiatives, sell assets, restructure or refinance our debt or seek additional equity capital, and we may be unable to take any of these actions on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner. Further, any of these actions may not be sufficient to allow us to service our debt obligations or may have an adverse impact on our business. Our existing debt agreements limit our ability to take certain of these actions. Our failure to generate sufficient operating cash flow to pay our debts or refinance our indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on us.

Borrowings under our senior secured credit facility are based upon variable rates of interest, which could result in higher expense in the event of increases in interest rates.

        As of March 3, 2012, approximately $1.5 billion of our outstanding indebtedness bore interest at a rate that varies depending upon the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). Borrowings under our Tranche 5 Term Loan due March 2018 are subject to a minimum LIBOR floor of 125 basis points. Our Tranche 2 Term Loan due June 2014 and borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility are most sensitive to LIBOR fluctuations because there is no floor. If LIBOR rises, the interest rates on outstanding debt will increase. Therefore an increase in LIBOR would increase our interest payment obligations under those loans and have a negative effect on our cash flow and financial condition. We currently do not maintain hedging contracts that would limit our exposure to variable rates of interest.

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The covenants in the instruments that govern our current indebtedness may limit our operating and financial flexibility.

        The covenants in the instruments that govern our current indebtedness limit our ability to:

        The senior secured credit facility contains covenants which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt beyond the restrictions described above, the payment of dividends, sale of assets, mergers and acquisitions and the granting of liens. Our credit facility has a financial covenant which requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenant requires that, if availability on the revolving credit facility is less than $150.0 million, we maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.05 to 1.00. As of March 3, 2012, we had availability under our revolving credit facility of approximately $910.8 million and were in compliance with the senior secured credit facility's financial covenant.

Our stockholders will experience dilution if we issue additional common stock.

        Subject to any required approval under the stockholder agreement (the "Stockholder Agreement") that we entered into at the time of the Brooks Eckerd acquisition, we are generally not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common shares or preferred stock, including, subject to the terms of our outstanding debt instruments, any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common shares or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities, whether for cash, as part of incentive compensation or in refinancing transactions. Any additional future issuances of common stock will reduce the percentage of our common stock owned by investors who do not participate in such issuances. In most circumstances, stockholders will not be entitled to vote on whether or not we issue additional shares of common stock. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of issuances of a large number of shares of our common stock or the perception that such issuances could occur.

Subject to certain limitations, Jean Coutu Group may sell Rite Aid common stock at any time, which could cause our stock price to decrease.

        The shares of Rite Aid common stock that the Jean Coutu Group currently holds are generally restricted, but Jean Coutu Group may sell these shares under certain circumstances, including pursuant to a registered underwritten public offering under the Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. On April 20, 2012, the Jean Coutu Group announced that it had disposed of

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56,000,000 of its 234,401,162 shares of our common stock. We have entered into a registration rights agreement with Jean Coutu Group, which will give Jean Coutu Group the right to require us to register all or a portion of its shares at any time (subject to certain exceptions). The sale of a substantial number of our shares by Jean Coutu Group or our other stockholders within a short period of time could cause our stock price to decrease, make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of Rite Aid common stock or acquire other businesses using Rite Aid common stock as consideration.

We are in compliance with all New York Stock Exchange continued listing requirements. However, if we do not continue to maintain compliance with such requirements, our common stock may be delisted.

        On March 1, 2011, we were notified by the NYSE that, as of March 1, 2011, we regained compliance with the NYSE minimum share price listing requirement. We are now in compliance with all NYSE listing rules, have actively been taking steps to maintain our listing and expect our efforts to maintain our NYSE listing will be successful. However, there can be no assurance that we will maintain compliance with the NYSE minimum share price rule or other continued listing requirements. In the event of a delisting, all holders of our $64.2 million of outstanding 8.5% Convertible Notes due May 2015 ("Convertible Notes") would be entitled to require us to repurchase their Convertible Notes. Our senior secured credit facility permits us to make such a repurchase of the Convertible Notes; provided that, before and after such transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing under the senior secured credit facility and we have more than $100.0 million of availability under our revolving credit facility. Our ability to pay cash to holders of the Convertible Notes may be limited by our financial resources at the time of such repurchase. We cannot assure you that sufficient financing will be available on terms acceptable to us if necessary to make any required repurchase of the Convertible Notes.


Risks Related to our Operations

We need to improve our operations in order to improve our financial condition, but our operations will not improve if we cannot effectively implement our business strategy or if our strategy is negatively affected by worsening economic conditions.

        We have not yet achieved the sales productivity level of our major competitors. We believe that improving the sales of existing stores is important to improving profitability and operating cash flow. If we are not successful in implementing our strategies, including our efforts to increase sales and further reduce costs, or if our strategies are not effective, we may not be able to improve our operations. In addition, any further adverse change or continued weakness in general economic conditions or major industries can adversely affect drug benefit plans and reduce our pharmacy sales. Adverse changes in general economic conditions could affect consumer buying practices and consequently reduce our sales of front end products, and cause a decrease in our profitability. Failure to improve operations or a continued weakness in major industries or general economic conditions would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and our ability to make principal or interest payments on our debt.

For so long as Jean Coutu Group (and, subject to certain conditions, certain members of the Coutu family) maintain certain levels of Rite Aid stock ownership, Jean Coutu Group (and, subject to certain conditions, certain members of the Coutu family) could exercise significant influence over us.

        At March 3, 2012, Jean Coutu Group owned approximately 25.2% of the voting power of Rite Aid. Jean Coutu Group (and, subject to certain conditions, certain members of the Coutu family) generally has the ability to significantly influence the outcome of any matter submitted for the vote of our stockholders. The Stockholder Agreement provides that Jean Coutu Group (and, subject to certain conditions, certain members of the Coutu family) has the right to designate three of the eleven

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members of our board of directors, subject to adjustment based on its ownership position in us. On April 20, 2012, the Jean Coutu Group announced that it had disposed of 56,000,000 of its 234,401,162 shares of our common stock. As a result of such sale, the Jean Coutu Group was required to cause one of its designees to immediately resign from our board of directors and Andre Belzile resigned from our board of directors effective April 23, 2012. Following Mr. Belzile's resignation and reduction of the size of our board of directors from eleven to ten members, the Jean Coutu Group will continue to have the right to designate two members of our board of directors, subject to adjustment for future reductions in its ownership position in us. Accordingly, Jean Coutu Group generally is, and is expected to continue to be, able to significantly influence the outcome of all matters that come before our board of directors. As a result of its significant interest in us, Jean Coutu Group may have the power, subject to applicable law (including the fiduciary duties of the directors designated by Jean Coutu Group), to significantly influence actions that might be favorable to Jean Coutu Group, but not necessarily favorable to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the ownership position and governance rights of Jean Coutu Group could discourage a third party from proposing a change of control or other strategic transaction concerning us.

Conflicts of interest may arise between us and Jean Coutu Group, which may be resolved in a manner that adversely affects our business, financial condition or results of operations.

        Following the Brooks Eckerd acquisition, Jean Coutu Group has continued its Canadian operations but no longer has any operations in the United States, and we currently have no operations in Canada. Despite the lack of geographic overlap, conflicts of interest may arise between us and Jean Coutu Group in areas relating to past, ongoing and future relationships, including corporate opportunities, potential acquisitions or financing transactions, sales or other dispositions by Jean Coutu Group of its interests in us and the exercise by Jean Coutu Group of its influence over our management and affairs.

        A number of the directors on our board of directors are persons who are also officers or directors of Jean Coutu Group or its subsidiaries. Service as a director or officer of both Rite Aid and Jean Coutu Group or its other subsidiaries could create conflicts of interest if such directors or officers are faced with decisions that could have materially different implications for Rite Aid and for Jean Coutu Group. Apart from the conflicts of interest policy contained in our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and applicable to our directors, we and Jean Coutu Group have not established any formal procedures for us and Jean Coutu Group to resolve potential or actual conflicts of interest between us. There can be no assurance that any of the foregoing conflicts will be resolved in a manner that does not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are dependent on our management team, and the loss of their services could have a material adverse effect on our business and the results of our operations or financial condition.

        The success of our business is materially dependent upon the continued services of our executive management team. The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition or cash flows. Additionally, we cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or retain other skilled personnel in the future.

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We are substantially dependent on a single wholesaler of branded pharmaceutical products to sell products to us on satisfactory terms. A disruption in this relationship may have a negative effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

        We purchase all of our brand prescription drugs from a single wholesaler, McKesson, pursuant to a contract that runs through April 1, 2013. Pharmacy sales represented approximately 68.1% of our total sales during fiscal 2012, and, therefore, our relationship with McKesson is important to us. Any significant disruptions in our relationship with McKesson would make it difficult for us to continue to operate our business until we executed a replacement wholesaler agreement or developed and implemented self-distribution processes. There can be no assurance that we would be able to find a replacement wholesaler on a timely basis or that such a wholesaler would be able to fulfill our demands on similar terms, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, because McKesson acts as a wholesaler for drugs purchased from ultimate manufacturers worldwide, any disruption in the supply of a given drug could adversely impact McKesson's ability to fulfill our demands, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

A significant disruption in our computer systems or a cyber security breach could adversely affect our operations.

        We rely extensively on our computer systems to manage our ordering, pricing, point-of-sale, inventory replenishment and other processes. Our systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber security breaches, vandalism, severe weather conditions, catastrophic events and human error, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. If our systems are damaged, fail to function properly or otherwise become unavailable, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them, and may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to perform critical functions, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Any compromise of our security could also result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, loss or misuse of the information and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could harm our business.


Risks Related to our Industry

The markets in which we operate are very competitive and further increases in competition could adversely affect us.

        We face intense competition with local, regional and national companies, including other drugstore chains, independently owned drugstores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, dollar stores and internet pharmacies. Competition from discount stores and mail order has significantly increased during the past few years. Our industry also faces growing competition from companies who import drugs directly from other countries, such as Canada, as well as from large-scale retailers that offer generic drugs at a substantial discount. Some of our competitors have or may merge with or acquire pharmaceutical services companies or pharmacy benefit managers, which may further increase competition. We may not be able to effectively compete against them because our existing or potential competitors may have financial and other resources that are superior to ours. In addition, we may be at a competitive disadvantage because we are more highly leveraged than our competitors. The ability of our stores to achieve profitability depends on their ability to achieve a critical mass of loyal, repeat customers. We believe that the continued consolidation of the drugstore industry will further increase competitive pressures in the industry. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to effectively compete in our markets or increase our sales volume in response to further increased competition.

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Consolidation in the healthcare industry could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Many organizations in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers, have consolidated or are in the process of consolidating, such as the recent merger of Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, to create larger healthcare enterprises with greater market power, which has resulted in greater pricing pressures. If this consolidation trend continues, it could give the resulting enterprises even greater bargaining power, which may lead to further pressure on the prices for our products and services. If these pressures result in reductions in our prices, our business will become less profitable unless we are able to achieve corresponding reductions in costs or develop profitable new revenue streams. We expect that market demand, government regulation, third-party reimbursement policies, government contracting requirements, and societal pressures will continue to cause the healthcare industry to evolve, potentially resulting in further business consolidations and alliances among the industry participants we engage with, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Drug benefit plan sponsors and third party payors could change their plan eligibility criteria and further encourage or require the use of mail-order prescriptions which could decrease our sales and reduce our margins and have a material adverse effect on our business.

        An adverse trend for drugstore retailing has been initiatives to contain rising healthcare costs leading to the rapid growth in mail-order prescription processors. These prescription distribution methods have grown in market share relative to drugstores as a result of the rapid rise in drug costs experienced in recent years and are predicted to continue to rise. Mail-order prescription distribution methods are perceived by employers and insurers as being less costly than traditional distribution methods and are being encouraged, and, in some cases, required, by third party pharmacy benefit managers, employers and unions that administer benefits. As a result, some labor unions and employers are requiring, and others may encourage or require, that their members or employees obtain medications from mail-order pharmacies which offer drug prescriptions at prices lower than we are able to offer.

        Another adverse trend for drugstore retailing has been for drug benefit plan sponsors and third party payors to change their plan eligibility requirements resulting in fewer beneficiaries covered and a reduction in the number of prescriptions allowed.

        Mail-order prescription distribution and drug benefit plan eligibility changes have negatively affected sales for traditional chain drug retailers, including us, and we expect such negative effect to continue in the future. There can be no assurance that our efforts to offset the effects of mail order and eligibility changes will be successful nor can we predict whether the recently adopted health care reform legislation will exacerbate this risk.

The availability of pharmacy drugs is subject to governmental regulations.

        The continued conversion of various prescription drugs, including the planned conversion of a number of popular medications, to over-the-counter medications may reduce our pharmacy sales and customers may seek to purchase such medications at non-pharmacy stores. Also, if the rate at which new prescription drugs become available slows or if new prescription drugs that are introduced into the market fail to achieve popularity, our pharmacy sales may be adversely affected. The withdrawal of certain drugs from the market or concerns about the safety or effectiveness of certain drugs or negative publicity surrounding certain categories of drugs may also have a negative effect on our pharmacy sales or may cause shifts in our pharmacy or front end product mix.

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Changes in third party reimbursement levels for prescription drugs and changes in industry pricing benchmarks could reduce our margins and have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Sales of prescription drugs reimbursed by third party payors, including the Medicare Part D plans and state sponsored Medicaid and related managed care Medicaid agencies, represented 96.5% of our business in fiscal 2012.

        The continued efforts of the Federal government, health maintenance organizations, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, other State and local government entities, and other third-party payors to reduce prescription drug costs and pharmacy reimbursement rates, as well as litigation relating to how drugs are priced, may impact our profitability. In addition, some of these entities may offer pricing terms that we may not be willing to accept or otherwise restrict our participation in their networks of pharmacy providers. Any significant loss of third-party business could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        Certain provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 ("DRA") sought to reduce federal spending by altering the Medicaid reimbursement formula for multi-source (i.e., generic) drugs ("AMP"). Although those reductions did not go into effect, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law on March 23, 2010 (the "Patient Care Act") enacted a modified AMP reimbursement formula for multi-source drugs. The modified formula, when implemented, may reduce Medicaid reimbursements which could affect our revenues and profits. There have also been a number of other recent proposals and enactments by the Federal government and various states to reduce Medicare Part D and Medicaid reimbursement levels in response to budget problems. We expect other similar proposals in the future.

We are subject to governmental regulations, procedures and requirements; our noncompliance or a significant regulatory change could adversely affect our business, the results of our operations or our financial condition.

        Our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local regulations. Changes in these regulations may require extensive system and operating changes that may be difficult to implement. Untimely compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations could result in the imposition of civil and criminal penalties that could adversely affect the continued operation of our business, including: (i) suspension of payments from government programs; (ii) loss of required government certifications; (iii) loss of authorizations to participate in or exclusion from government reimbursement programs, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs; (iv) loss of licenses; or (v) significant fines or monetary penalties. The regulations to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, federal, state and local registration and regulation of pharmacies; applicable Medicare and Medicaid regulations; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or ("HIPAA"); laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and health and safety matters, including those governing exposure to and the management and disposal of hazardous substances; regulations of the U. S. Federal Trade Commission, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as state regulatory authorities, governing the sale, advertisement and promotion of products we sell; anti-kickback laws; false claims laws and federal and state laws governing the practice of the profession of pharmacy. We are also governed by federal and state laws of general applicability, including laws regulating matters of wage and hour laws, working conditions, health and safety and equal employment opportunity.

Certain risks are inherent in providing pharmacy services; our insurance may not be adequate to cover any claims against us.

        Pharmacies are exposed to risks inherent in the packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals and other healthcare products, such as with respect to improper filling of prescriptions, labeling of prescriptions, adequacy of warnings, unintentional distribution of counterfeit drugs and expiration of

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drugs. In addition, federal and state laws that require our pharmacists to offer counseling, without additional charge, to their customers about medication, dosage, delivery systems, common side effects and other information the pharmacists deem significant can impact our business. Our pharmacists may also have a duty to warn customers regarding any potential negative effects of a prescription drug if the warning could reduce or negate these effects. Although we maintain professional liability and errors and omissions liability insurance, from time to time, claims result in the payment of significant amounts, some portions of which are not funded by insurance. We cannot assure you that the coverage limits under our insurance programs will be adequate to protect us against future claims, or that we will be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms in the future. Our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows may be adversely affected if in the future our insurance coverage proves to be inadequate or unavailable or there is an increase in liability for which we self-insure or we suffer reputational harm as a result of an error or omission.

We will not be able to compete effectively if we are unable to attract, hire and retain qualified pharmacists.

        Although more licensed pharmacists and new graduates are seeking positions in many markets there is still an unmet demand for pharmacists in limited regions of the country that are challenging to staff. We continue to offer competitive compensation plans to retain and attract current and future pharmacists, work with colleges of pharmacy across the U.S. to recruit both pharmacy interns and pharmacy graduates, but if the shortage recurs in one or more markets, our ability to compete effectively in any market could be adversely impacted.

We may be subject to significant liability should the consumption of any of our products cause injury, illness or death.

        Products that we sell could become subject to contamination, product tampering, mislabeling or other damage requiring us to recall our private brand products. In addition, errors in the dispensing and packaging of pharmaceuticals could lead to serious injury or death. Product liability claims may be asserted against us with respect to any of the products or pharmaceuticals we sell and we may be obligated to recall our private brand products. A product liability judgment against us or a product recall could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers and associates, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions or private litigation.

        Through our sales and marketing activities, we collect and store certain personal information that our customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs, register on our web site, or otherwise communicate and interact with us. We also gather and retain information about our associates in the normal course of business. We may share information about such persons with vendors that assist with certain aspects of our business. Despite instituted safeguards for the protection of such information, security could be compromised and confidential customer or business information misappropriated. Loss of customer or business information could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and expose us to claims from customers, financial institutions, payment card associations and other persons, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, compliance with tougher privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes. For example, in July 2010, settlement orders between us and the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights were accepted by the agencies. The agencies' allegations were that we failed to protect patient and associate identifiable information. As a result of these settlement orders, we, without admitting any liability, agreed to pay a $1.1 million penalty and are required to establish a

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comprehensive information security program, revise HIPAA-related policies and procedures and retain an independent assessor to conduct periodic compliance reviews.

Item 1B.    Unresolved SEC Staff Comments

        None

Item 2.    Properties

        As of March 3, 2012, we operated 4,667 retail drugstores. The overall average selling square feet of each store in our chain is approximately 10,000 square feet. The overall average total square feet of each store in our chain is 12,600. The stores in the eastern part of the U.S. average 8,900 selling square feet per store (11,100 average total square feet per store). The stores in the western part of the U.S. average 15,100 selling square feet per store (19,500 average total square feet per store).

        Our Customer World store has an overall average selling square footage of 11,700 and an overall average total square feet of 14,900. The Customer World store in the eastern part of the U.S. averages 11,000 selling square feet (14,000 average total square feet per store). The Customer World store prototype in the western part of the U.S. averages 13,800 selling square feet (17,500 average total square feet per store).

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        The table below identifies the number of stores by state as of March 3, 2012:

State
  Store Count  

Alabama

    94  

California

    588  

Colorado

    20  

Connecticut

    77  

Delaware

    43  

District of Columbia

    7  

Georgia

    191  

Idaho

    13  

Indiana

    10  

Kentucky

    116  

Louisiana

    65  

Massachusetts

    155  

Maine

    79  

Maryland

    144  

Michigan

    282  

Mississippi

    27  

North Carolina

    228  

Nevada

    1  

New Hampshire

    68  

New Jersey

    264  

New York

    630  

Ohio

    227  

Oregon

    71  

Pennsylvania

    548  

Rhode Island

    45  

South Carolina

    96  

Tennessee

    83  

Utah

    22  

Vermont

    38  

Virginia

    192  

Washington

    139  

West Virginia

    104  
       

Total

    4,667  
       

        Our stores have the following attributes at March 3, 2012:

Attribute
  Number   Percentage  

Freestanding

    2,803     60.1 %

Drive through pharmacy

    2,400     51.4 %

Photo finishing capability

    4,651     99.7 %

GNC stores-within a Rite Aid-store

    2,138     45.8 %

        We lease 4,408 of our operating drugstore facilities under non-cancelable leases, many of which have original terms of 10 to 22 years. In addition to minimum rental payments, which are set at competitive market rates, certain leases require additional payments based on sales volume, as well as reimbursement for taxes, maintenance and insurance. Most of our leases contain renewal options, some of which involve rent increases. The remaining 259 drugstore facilities are owned.

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        We own our corporate headquarters, which is located in a 205,000 square foot building at 30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011. We lease 366,400 square feet of space in various buildings near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for document warehousing use and additional administrative personnel. We own additional buildings near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania which total 105,800 square feet and house our model store and additional administrative personnel.

        We operate the following distribution centers and satellite distribution locations, which we own or lease as indicated:

Location
  Owned or
Leased
  Approximate
Square
Footage
 

Poca, West Virginia

  Owned     255,000  

Dunbar, West Virginia(1)

  Leased     110,000  

Perryman, Maryland

  Owned     885,000  

Perryman, Maryland(1)

  Leased     262,000  

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

  Owned     230,000  

Cottondale, Alabama(1)

  Leased     224,000  

Pontiac, Michigan

  Owned     325,000  

Woodland, California

  Owned     513,000  

Woodland, California(1)

  Leased     200,000  

Wilsonville, Oregon

  Leased     547,000  

Lancaster, California

  Owned     914,000  

Charlotte, North Carolina

  Owned     585,500  

Charlotte, North Carolina(1)

  Leased     291,000  

Dayville, Connecticut

  Owned     460,000  

Liverpool, New York

  Owned     828,000  

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  Owned     245,000  

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania(1)

  Leased     415,000  

(1)
Satellite distribution locations.

        The original terms of the leases for our distribution centers and satellite distribution locations range from 5 to 22 years. In addition to minimum rental payments, certain distribution centers require tax reimbursement, maintenance and insurance. Most leases contain renewal options, some of which involve rent increases. Although from time to time, we may be near capacity at some of our distribution facilities, particularly at our older facilities, we believe that the capacity of our facilities is adequate.

        We also own a 55,800 square foot ice cream manufacturing facility located in El Monte, California.

        On a regular basis and as part of our normal business, we evaluate store performance and may reduce in size, close or relocate a store if the store is redundant, underperforming or otherwise deemed unsuitable. We also evaluate strategic dispositions and acquisitions of facilities and prescription files. When we reduce in size, close or relocate a store or close distribution center facilities, we often continue to have leasing obligations or own the property. We attempt to sublease this space. As of March 3, 2012, we had 8,633,833 square feet of excess space, 4,907,155 square feet of which was subleased.

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        While we cannot predict with certainty the timing or outcome of the legal matters described below, we do not believe that any of these matters will have a material effect on our business or financial condition. We cannot give assurance, however, that an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters will not have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which they are resolved.

        We are currently a defendant in several putative collective or class action lawsuits filed in federal or state courts in several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Washington and Oregon, purportedly on behalf of, in some cases (i) current and former assistant store managers and co-managers or (ii) current and former store managers and assistant store managers, respectively, working in the our stores at various locations. The lawsuits allege violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and of certain state wage and hour statutes. The lawsuits seek various combinations of unpaid compensation (including overtime compensation), liquidated damages, exemplary damages, pre-and post-judgment interest as well as attorneys' fees and costs. In one of the cases, Craig et al v. Rite Aid Corporation et al, pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, brought on behalf of current and former assistant store managers, the Court, on December 9, 2009, conditionally certified a nationwide collective group of individuals who worked for us as assistant store managers since December 9, 2006. Notice of the Craig action was sent to the purported members of the collective group (approximately 6,700 current and former assistant store managers) and approximately 1,100 joined the Craig action. We have filed a motion to decertify the class which is presently pending. In another of the cases, Indergit v. Rite Aid Corporation et al, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, brought on behalf of current and former store managers, the Court, on April 2, 2010, conditionally certified a nationwide collective group of individuals who worked for the Company as store managers since March 31, 2007. The Court ordered that Notice of the Indergit action be sent to the purported members of the collective group (approximately 7,000 current and former store managers) and approximately 1,550 joined the Indergit action. In another of the cases, Ibea v. Rite Aid Corporation et al, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, brought on behalf of former salaried co-managers, the Court, on January 9, 2012, conditionally certified a collective group of individuals who worked for us as salaried co-managers. The Court ordered that Notice of the Ibea action be sent to the purported members of the collective group (approximately 650 former salaried co-managers) and approximately 140 joined the Ibea action. At this time, we are not able to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or any possible monetary exposure associated with the lawsuits. Our management believes, however, that the lawsuits are without merit and not appropriate for collective or class action treatment. We are vigorously defending all of these claims.

        We are currently a defendant in several putative class action lawsuits filed in state courts in California alleging violations of California wage and hour laws, rules and regulations pertaining primarily to pay for missed meals and rest periods and failure to provide employee seating. These suits purport to be class actions and seek substantial damages. At this time, we are not able to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or any possible monetary exposure associated with the lawsuits. Our management believes, however, that the plaintiffs' allegations are without merit and that their claims are not appropriate for class action treatment. We are vigorously defending all of these claims.

        We were served with a United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("OIG") subpoena dated March 5, 2010 in connection with an investigation being conducted by the OIG, the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the United States Department of Justice Commercial Litigation Branch. The subpoena requests records related to any gift card or similar programs for customers who transferred prescriptions for drugs or medicines to our pharmacies, and whether any customers who receive federally funded prescription benefits (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) may have benefited from those programs. We are in the process

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of completing our production of records in response to the subpoena and are unable to predict with certainty the timing or outcome of any review by the government of such information.

        We received a subpoena dated May 9, 2011 from certain California counties seeking information regarding compliance with environmental regulations governing the management of hazardous waste. We are completing our production of records in response to the subpoena. We are unable to predict with certainty the timing or outcome of any review by the government of such information.

        We were served with a Civil Investigative Demand Subpoena Duces Tecum dated August 26, 2011 by the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The subpoena requests records regarding the relationship of Rite Aid's Rx Savings Program to the reporting of usual and customary charges to publicly funded health programs. We are in the process of communicating with the U.S. Attorney's Office regarding the scope of the subpoena and are unable to predict with certainty the timing or outcome of any review by the government of such information.

        We are subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits and governmental investigations arising in the ordinary course of our business. While our management cannot predict the outcome of these claims with certainty, our management does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material effect on its financial statements.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

        Not applicable


PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuers Purchases of Equity Securities.

        Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "RAD." On April 10, 2012, we had approximately 24,997 stockholders of record. Quarterly high and low closing stock prices, based on the composite transactions, are shown below.

Fiscal Year
  Quarter   High   Low  

2013 (through April 10, 2012)

  First   $ 2.05   $ 1.65  

2012

  First     1.31     0.98  

  Second     1.35     0.97  

  Third     1.33     0.91  

  Fourth     1.67     1.14  

2011

  First     1.74     1.08  

  Second     1.18     0.88  

  Third     1.10     0.87  

  Fourth     1.41     0.88  

        We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Our senior secured credit facility and some of the indentures that govern our other outstanding indebtedness restrict our ability to pay dividends.

        We have not sold any unregistered equity securities during the period covered by this report, nor have we repurchased any equity securities, during the period covered by this report.

        Our Chief Executive Officer certified to the NYSE on July 13, 2011 that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE's corporate governance listing standards.

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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

        The graph below compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return on (i) the Russell 1000 Consumer Staples Index and (ii) the Russell 1000 Index, over the same period (assuming the investment of $100.00 in our common stock and such indexes on March 3, 2007 and reinvestment of dividends).

        For comparison of cumulative total return, we have elected to use the Russell 1000 Consumer Staples Index, consisting of 49 companies, including two of our largest competitors, and the Russell 1000 Index. This allows comparison of the company to a peer group of similar sized companies. The Russell 1000 Consumer Staples Index is a capitalization-weighted index of companies that provide products directly to consumers that are typically considered nondiscretionary items based on consumer purchasing habits. The Russell 1000 Index consists of the largest 1000 companies in the Russell 3000 Index and represents the universe of large capitalization stocks from which many active money managers typically select.


STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Assumes Initial Investment of $100
March 2012

GRAPHIC

 
  2008   2009   2010   2011   2012  

RITE AID CORP

    45.96     4.82     26.16     22.03     28.78  

Russell 1000 Index

    97.64     55.05     85.51     105.12     111.16  

Russell 1000 Consumer Staples Index

    109.22     79.54     110.70     126.79     147.53  

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.

        Selected financial data for the fiscal years 2009 and 2008 have been adjusted to reflect the operations of our 28 stores in the Las Vegas market area as a discontinued operations as we entered into an agreement to sell the prescription files and terminate the operations of these stores during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

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        Selected financial data for March 1, 2008 includes Brooks Eckerd results of operations for the thirty-nine week period ended March 1, 2008.

 
  Fiscal Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 weeks)
  February 28,
2009
(52 weeks)
  March 1,
2008
(52 weeks)
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 

Summary of Operations:

                               

Revenues

  $ 26,121,222   $ 25,214,907   $ 25,669,117   $ 26,289,268   $ 24,326,846  

Costs and expense:

                               

Cost of goods sold

    19,327,887     18,522,403     18,845,027     19,253,616     17,689,272  

Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)

    6,531,411     6,457,833     6,603,372     6,985,367     6,366,137  

Goodwill impairment charge

                1,810,223      

Lease termination and impairment charges

    100,053     210,893     208,017     293,743     86,166  

Interest expense

    529,255     547,581     515,763     477,627     449,596  

Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net

    33,576     44,003     993     39,905     12,900  

(Gain) loss on sale of assets and investments, net

    (8,703 )   (22,224 )   (24,137 )   11,581     (3,726 )
                       

Total costs and expenses

    26,513,479     25,760,489     26,149,035     28,872,062     24,600,345  
                       

Loss before income taxes

    (392,257 )   (545,582 )   (479,918 )   (2,582,794 )   (273,499 )

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (23,686 )   9,842     26,758     329,257     802,701  
                       

Net loss from continuing operations

    (368,571 )   (555,424 )   (506,676 )   (2,912,051 )   (1,076,200 )

Loss from discontinued operations, net of gain on disposal and income tax benefit

                (3,369 )   (2,790 )
                       

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 ) $ (2,915,420 ) $ (1,078,990 )
                       

Basic and diluted loss per share:

                               

Basic loss per share

  $ (0.43 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (3.49 ) $ (1.54 )
                       

Diluted loss per share

  $ (0.43 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (3.49 ) $ (1.54 )
                       

Year-End Financial Position:

                               

Working capital

  $ 1,934,267   $ 1,991,042   $ 2,332,976   $ 2,062,505   $ 2,123,855  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    1,902,021     2,039,383     2,293,153     2,587,356     2,873,009  

Total assets

    7,364,291     7,555,850     8,049,911     8,326,540     11,488,023  

Total debt(2)

    6,328,201     6,219,865     6,370,899     6,011,709     5,985,524  

Stockholders' (deficit) equity

    (2,586,756 )   (2,211,367 )   (1,673,551 )   (1,199,652 )   1,711,185  

Other Data:

                               

Cash flows (used in) provided by:

                               

Operating activities

    266,537     395,849     (325,063 )   359,910     79,368  

Investing activities

    (221,169 )   (156,677 )   (120,486 )   (346,358 )   (2,933,744 )

Financing activities

    25,801     (251,650 )   397,108     (17,279 )   2,903,990  

Capital expenditures

    250,137     186,520     193,630     541,346     740,375  

Basic weighted average shares

    885,819,000     882,947,000     880,843,000     840,812,000     723,923,000  

Diluted weighted average shares

    885,819,000     882,947,000     880,843,000     840,812,000     723,923,000  

Number of retail drugstores

    4,667     4,714     4,780     4,901     5,059  

Number of associates

    90,000     91,800     97,500     103,000     112,800  

(1)
Includes stock-based compensation expense. Stock based compensation expense for all fiscal years presented was determined using the fair value method set forth in ASC 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation."

(2)
Total debt included capital lease obligations of $127.0 million, $140.3 million, $152.7 million, $193.8 million, and $216.3 million, as of March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011, February 27, 2010, February 28, 2009, and March 1, 2008, respectively.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

        Net loss for fiscal 2012 was $368.6 million or $0.43 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss for fiscal 2011 of $555.4 million or $0.64 per basic and diluted share and a net loss for fiscal 2010 of $506.7 million or $0.59 per basic and diluted share. Our operating results are described in detail in the Results of Operations section of this Item 7. Some of the key factors that impacted our results in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 are summarized as follows:

        Sales Trends:    Our revenue growth for fiscal 2012 was 3.6% compared to revenue declines of 1.8% and 2.4% for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

        Lease termination and impairment charges:    We recorded lease terminations and impairment charges of $100.1 million in fiscal 2012 compared to $210.9 million and $208.0 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

        LIFO Charges:    We record the value of our inventory on the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method. We recorded non-cash LIFO charges of $188.7 million, $44.9 million and $88.5 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The higher LIFO charge this year is due to higher inflation on both pharmacy and front end products.

        Debt Refinancing:    In fiscal 2012, we continued to take steps to extend the terms of our debt and obtain more flexibility. In March 2011, we entered into a new $343.0 million Tranche 5 Term Loan under our senior secured credit facility, the proceeds of which were used to repay and retire all borrowings under our Tranche 3 Term Loans. In connection with the Tranche 3 Term Loan repayment and retirement we recorded a loss on debt modification of $22.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 due to the write off of debt issue costs of $2.7 million and unamortized original issuance discount of $19.7 million.

        In August 2011, we repurchased $41.0 million of our 8.625% senior notes due March 2015, $5.0 million of our 9.375% senior notes due December 2015 and $4.5 million of our 6.875% senior debentures due August 2013. These repurchases resulted in a gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 of $5.0 million.

        In February 2012, we issued $481.0 million of our 9.25% senior notes due March 2020. These notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness. Our obligations under the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured unsubordinated basis, by all of our subsidiaries that guarantee our obligations under our senior secured credit facility and our outstanding 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020, 9.75% senior secured notes due 2016, 10.375% senior secured notes due 2016, 7.5% senior secured notes due 2017, 10.25% senior secured notes due 2019, 9.375% senior notes due 2015 and 9.5% senior notes due 2017. The proceeds of the notes, together with available cash, were used to repurchase and repay all of the outstanding 8.625% senior notes due March 2015. In February 2012, we completed a tender offer for the 8.625% notes in which $404.8 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 8.625% notes were tendered and repurchased by us. In February 2012, we called for the redemption of the remaining 8.625% notes. We redeemed the remaining 8.625% notes in March 2012 for $55.7 million which included the call premium and interest through the call date. The refinancing resulted in a loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 of $16.1 million.

        These transactions are described in more detail in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below.

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        Income Tax:    Net loss for fiscal 2012 included income tax benefit of $23.7 million, compared to income tax expense of $9.8 million for fiscal 2011 and income tax expense of $26.8 million for fiscal 2010. The benefit recognized in fiscal 2012 was primarily comprised of adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of statute of limitations compared to income tax expense for fiscal 2011 and 2010 primarily for the accrual of state and local taxes and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits. We maintain a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets. ASC 740, "Income Taxes" requires a company to evaluate its deferred tax assets on a regular basis to determine if a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets is required. A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Based on the negative evidence, ASC 740 precludes relying on projections of future taxable income to support the recognition of deferred tax assets.

        Dilutive Equity Issuances:    On March 3, 2012, 898.7 million shares of common stock were outstanding and an additional 129.8 million shares of common stock were issuable related to outstanding stock options, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes.

        On March 3, 2012, our 129.8 million shares of potentially issuable common stock consisted of the following (shares in thousands):

Strike price
  Outstanding
Stock
Options(a)(b)
  Preferred
Stock
  Convertible
Notes
  Total  

$0.99 and under

    12,684             12,684  

$1.00 to $1.99

    52,227             52,227  

$2.00 to $2.99

    1,789         24,800     26,589  

$3.00 to $3.99

    740             740  

$4.00 to $4.99

    3,044             3,044  

$5.00 to $5.99

    1,062     31,195         32,257  

$6.00 and over

    2,252             2,252  
                   

Total issuable shares

    73,798     31,195     24,800     129,793  
                   

(a)
The exercise of these options would provide cash of $112.4 million.

(b)
On March 21, 2011, we launched a Stock Option Exchange Program ("Program") for eligible associates only. Under the Program, eligible associates had the opportunity to surrender certain stock options for a lesser number of new stock options with an exercise price that was determined based on the closing market price on April 21, 2011, the day the Program concluded. The number of new options was determined by applying exchange ratios that resulted in providing new stock options with an aggregate fair value that approximated the aggregate fair value of the options they replaced. The new options vest over two years and have a five year life with an exercise price of $1.03. A total of 14.0 million options with an average exercise price in excess of $1.77 were cancelled and 5.3 million new options were granted with an exercise price of $1.03. The Company recognized a minimal incremental compensation expense as a result of the Program.

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Results of Operations

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Revenues

  $ 26,121,222   $ 25,214,907   $ 25,669,117  

Revenue growth (decline)

    3.6 %   (1.8 )%   (2.4 )%

Same store sales growth (decline)

    2.0 %   (0.7 )%   (0.9 )%

Pharmacy sales growth (decline)

    1.9 %   (1.8 )%   (1.4 )%

Same store pharmacy sales growth (decline)

    2.4 %   (0.9 )%   0.1 %

Pharmacy sales as a % of total sales

    68.1 %   67.8 %   67.9 %

Third party sales as a % of total pharmacy sales

    96.5 %   96.2 %   96.2 %

Front end sales growth (decline)

    0.7 %   (1.6 )%   (4.3 )%

Same store front end sales growth (decline)

    1.1 %   (0.3 )%   (2.9 )%

Front end sales as a % of total sales

    31.9 %   32.2 %   32.1 %

Store data:

                   

Total stores (beginning of period)

    4,714     4,780     4,901  

New stores

        3     17  

Closed stores

    (47 )   (69 )   (138 )

Store acquisitions, net

             

Total stores (end of period)

    4,667     4,714     4,780  

Remodeled stores

    279     19     8  

Relocated stores

    15     28     41  

        Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011:    The 3.6% increase in revenue was primarily driven by an increase in same store sales and an additional week in fiscal 2012. The increase in same store sales was driven by the positive impact of our wellness + loyalty program, our flu immunization program and other management initiatives to increase sales and prescriptions. These increases were partially offset due to lower pharmacy reimbursement rates and by operating fewer stores than last year. Same store sales trends for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 are described in the following paragraphs. We include in same store sales all stores that have been open at least one year. Stores in liquidation are considered closed. Relocation stores are not included in same store sales until one year has lapsed.

        Pharmacy same store sales increased 2.4%. Pharmacy same store sales were positively impacted by an increase of 0.9% in same store prescriptions driven in part by our immunization program, our wellness + loyalty program and inflation on brand drugs. Same store sales were also positively impacted by new customers resulting from the decrease in the number of pharmacies in the Express Scripts pharmacy benefit management network, partially offset by an approximate 1.7% negative impact from new generic introductions and lower reimbursement rates from pharmacy benefit managers and government payors.

        Front end same store sales increased 1.1% from the prior year reflecting the positive impact of our wellness + program and other management initiatives to increase sales in the front end. The trend improved during our fourth quarter to a same store sales increase of 1.6% due to continued growth in our wellness + program and strong seasonal sales.

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        Fiscal 2011 compared to Fiscal 2010:    The 1.8% decline in revenue was primarily driven by a reduction in our store base and a decline in same store sales, which decreased 0.7% compared to prior year. This decline consisted of 0.9% pharmacy same store sales decrease and a 0.3% decrease in front end same store sales. Additionally, revenues decreased 0.2% compared to the prior year due to revenue deferrals related to our wellness + loyalty program.

        Pharmacy same store sales decreased 0.9%. Same store prescriptions decreased 1.2%. The decline in same store prescriptions was impacted by a slower start and overall softer cough, cold and flu season, coupled with an increase in 90-day prescriptions compared to last year. Same store sales were negatively impacted by lower reimbursement rates, increased generic penetration and the prescription decline. These trends improved during our fourth quarter as the cough, cold and flu season intensified contributing to same store pharmacy sales increased 0.8%.

        Front end same store sales decreased 0.3% from the prior year due to weakness in the overall economic environment and its impact on consumer spending behavior, partially offset by various management initiatives, such as our wellness + loyalty card program. The trend improved during our fourth quarter due largely to the later cough, cold and flu season and our wellness + loyalty card program, which resulted in a front-end same store sales increase of 1.0% compared to the fourth quarter last year.

Costs and Expenses

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3, 2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26, 2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27, 2010
(52 Weeks)
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Costs of goods sold

  $ 19,327,887   $ 18,522,403   $ 18,845,027  

Gross profit

    6,793,335     6,692,504     6,824,090  

Gross margin

    26.0 %   26.5 %   26.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 6,531,411   $ 6,457,833   $ 6,603,372  

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues

    25.0 %   25.6 %   25.7 %

Lease termination and impairment charges

    100,053     210,893     208,017  

Interest expense

    529,255     547,581     515,763  

Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net

    33,576     44,003     993  

Gain on sale of assets, net

    (8,703 )   (22,224 )   (24,137 )

        Gross profit increased by $100.8 million in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 due to overall revenue growth. Pharmacy gross profit was higher due to increased prescription volume and the introduction of new generics including generic Lipitor, partially offset by continued pressure on pharmacy benefit manager and governmental reimbursement rates. Front-end gross profit was driven by higher sales reflecting the positive impact of our wellness + loyalty program and continued strong Rite Aid Brand private label penetration.

        Overall gross margin was 26.0% for fiscal 2012 compared to 26.5% in fiscal 2011. Front end gross margin was lower due to a higher LIFO charge partially offset by increased private label penetration.

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Pharmacy gross margin was lower due to a higher LIFO charge and continued reimburse rate pressure partially offset by new generic introductions.

        Gross profit decreased for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 due to lower same store sales and higher wellness + loyalty program revenue deferrals. Gross margin was 26.5% for fiscal 2011 compared to 26.6% in fiscal 2010. The decline in gross margin was due primarily to deferred revenue related to our wellness + customer loyalty program and a slight reduction in pharmacy gross margin, partially offset by lower product costs and new generic introductions. There was a negative impact from the reductions in Medicare reimbursements resulting from the AWP rollback which was fully cycled in September 2010. The pharmacy margin pressure slowed as we continued to cycle the more significant maximum allowable costs ("MAC") of new generics which occurred last year. Front-end gross margin was lower due primarily to an increase in deferred revenue related to our wellness + customer loyalty program and related discounts. Partially offsetting the lower gross margin discussed above was a reduction in LIFO and inventory cost capitalization charges.

        We use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory valuation, which is determined annually when inflation rates and inventory levels are finalized. Therefore, LIFO costs for interim period financial statements are estimated. The LIFO charge was $188.7 million in fiscal 2012, $44.9 million in fiscal 2011, and $88.5 million in fiscal 2010. The increase in the LIFO charge in fiscal 2012 is due to higher inflation on both pharmacy and front end products. The pharmacy inflation rate in fiscal 2012 was 6.6% higher than the prior year and front-end inflation was over 1.7% higher than the prior year.

        SG&A expenses increased by $73.6 million in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 due mostly to expenses associated with the fifty-third week in fiscal 2012. SG&A as a percentage of revenue improved over fiscal 2011 due to leveraging our fixed costs relative to revenue growth. SG&A for fiscal 2012 was 25.0% as a percentage of revenue, compared to 25.6% in fiscal 2011. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of revenues is mostly due to a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from continued labor control initiatives, lower occupancy and lower depreciation and amortization, and other cost containment initiatives. These favorable variances were partially offset by an increase in bonus expense relating to improved results and higher workers' compensation costs associated with unfavorable discount rate changes.

        SG&A for fiscal 2011 was 25.6% as a percentage of revenue, compared to 25.7% in fiscal 2010. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of revenues is mostly due to a decrease in salaries and benefit costs due to better labor control and reductions in store operating expenses and corporate administrative expenses resulting from our various cost reduction initiatives. Additionally, we incurred no securitization fees due to our elimination of the receivables securitization facilities on October 26, 2009. These cost reductions were partially offset by an increase in debit and credit card fees, and higher workers' compensation and general liability costs due to a reserve reduction caused by favorable claims experience recorded in the prior year.

Impairment Charges:

        We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group has a carrying value that may not be recoverable. The individual operating store is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. As such, we evaluate individual stores for recoverability. To determine if a store needs to be tested for recoverability, we consider items such as decreases in market prices, changes in the manner in which the store is being used or physical condition, changes in legal factors or business climate, an accumulation of losses significantly in excess

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of budget, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection of continuing losses, or an expectation that the store will be closed or sold.

        We monitor new and recently relocated stores against operational projections and other strategic factors such as regional economics, new competitive entries and other local market considerations to determine if an impairment evaluation is required. For other stores, we perform a recoverability analysis if they have experienced current-period and historical cash flow losses.

        In performing the recoverability test, we compare the expected future cash flows of a store to the carrying amount of its assets. Significant judgment is used to estimate future cash flows. Major assumptions that contribute to our future cash flow projections include expected sales, gross profit, and distribution expenses; expected costs such as payroll, occupancy costs and advertising expenses; and estimates for other significant selling, and general and administrative expenses. Many long-term macro-economic and industry factors are considered, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in our future cash flow assumptions. In addition to current and expected economic conditions such as inflation, interest and unemployment rates that affect customer shopping patterns, we consider that we operate in a highly competitive industry which includes the actions of other national and regional drugstore chains, independently owned drugstores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, dollar stores and internet pharmacies. Many of our competitors are spending significant capital and promotional dollars in certain geographies to gain market share. We have assumed certain sales growth from a new loyalty program, which although it's in its early marketing stages, is expected to not only retain but gain loyal customers. Recent and proposed Pharmacy Benefit Management consolidation and efforts of third party public and private payers have reduced pharmacy reimbursement rates in recent years. We expect this rate compression, which currently affects over 96% of our pharmacy business, to continue to affect us in the foreseeable future. We operate in a highly regulated industry and must make assumptions related to Federal and State efforts and proposals to affect the pricing and regulations related to prescription drugs, as well as, expected revenues and costs related to the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (health care reform).

        Additionally, we take into consideration that certain operating stores are executing specific improvement plans which are monitored quarterly to recoup recent capital investments, such as an acquisition of an independent pharmacy, which we have made to respond to specific competitive or local market conditions, or have specific programs tailored towards a specific geography or market.

        We recorded impairment charges of $52.0 million in fiscal 2012, $115.1 million in fiscal 2011 and $75.5 million in fiscal 2010. Our methodology for recording impairment charges has not changed materially, and has been consistently applied in the periods presented.

        At March 3, 2012, approximately $2.0 billion of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets, were associated with 4,667 active operating stores.

        If an operating store's estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover its carrying value, its carrying value is reduced to fair value which is its estimated future discounted cash flows. The discount rate is commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of a similar asset.

        An impairment charge is recorded in the period that the store does not meet its original return on investment and/or has an operating loss for the last two years and its projected cash flows do not exceed its current carrying cost. The amount of the impairment charge is the entire difference between the current carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets using discounted future cash flows. Most stores are fully impaired in the period that the impairment charge is originally recorded.

        We recorded impairment charges for active stores of $43.4 million in fiscal 2012, $109.0 million in fiscal 2011 and $48.9 million in fiscal 2010.

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        We review key performance results for active stores on a quarterly basis and approve certain stores for closure. Impairment for closed stores, if any (many stores are closed on lease expiration), are recorded in the quarter the closure decision is made and approved. Most stores are physically closed within a quarter of the closure decision. Closure decisions are made on an individual store or regional basis considering all of the macro-economic, industry and other factors discussed above, in addition to, the operating store's individual operating results. We currently have no plans to close a significant number of active stores in future periods. In the next fiscal year, we currently expect to close 50 stores, primarily as a result of lease expirations. We recorded impairment charges for closed facilities of $8.6 million in fiscal 2012, $6.1 million in fiscal 2011 and $26.6 million in fiscal 2010.

        Included in the impairment charges noted above were charges of $5.9 million in fiscal 2012, $2.4 million in fiscal 2011 and $12.3 million in fiscal 2010 for existing owned surplus property. Assets to be disposed of are evaluated quarterly to determine if an additional impairment charge is required. Fair value estimates are provided by independent brokers who operate in the local markets where the assets are located.

        The following table summarizes the impairment charges and number of locations, segregated by closed facilities and active stores that have been recorded in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3, 2012   February 26, 2011   February 27, 2010  
 
  Number   Charge   Number   Charge   Number   Charge  

Closed facilities:

                                     

Actual and approved store closings

    55   $ 2,283     51   $ 3,278     67   $ 5,479  

Actual and approved relocations

    2     499     1     317     7     3,108  

Distribution center closings

            1     94     1     5,689  

Existing surplus properties

    12     5,863     17     2,433     23     12,315  
                           

Total impairment charges-closed facilities

    69     8,645     70     6,122     98     26,591  

Active stores:

                                     

Additional current period charges for stores previously impaired in prior periods(1)

    591     9,822     584     17,825     437     7,710  

Charges for new and relocated stores that did not meet their asset recoverability test in the current period(2)

    19     18,926     44     36,015     32     17,260  

Charges for the remaining stores that did not meet their asset recoverability test in the current period(3)

    53     14,605     167     55,159     104     23,914  
                           

Total impairment charges-active stores

    663     43,353     795     108,999     573     48,884  

Total impairment charges-all locations

   
732
 
$

51,998
   
865
 
$

115,121
   
671
 
$

75,475
 
                           

Total number of active stores

    4,667           4,714           4,780        

Stores impaired in prior periods with no current charge

   
428
         
263
         
321
       

Stores with a current period charge

    663           795           573        
                                 

Total cumulative active stores with impairment charges

    1,091           1,058           894        
                                 

(1)
These charges are related to stores that were impaired for the first time in prior periods. Most active stores, requiring an impairment charge, are fully impaired in the first period that they do not meet their asset recoverability test. However, in each prior period presented, a minority of

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(2)
These charges are related to new stores (open at least 3 years) and relocated stores (relocated in the last 2 years) that did not meet their recoverability test during the current period. These stores have not met our original return on investment projections and have a historical loss of at least 2 years. Their future cash flow projections do not recover their current carrying value. Of this total, 19, 43 and 30 stores for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively have been fully impaired.

(3)
These charges are related to the remaining active stores that did not meet the recoverability test during the current period. These stores have a historical loss of at least 2 years. Their future cash flow projections do not recover their current carrying value. Of this total, 43, 141 and 92 stores for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively have been fully impaired.

        The primary drivers of our impairment charges are each store's current and historical operating performance and the assumptions that we make about each store's operating performance in future periods. Projected cash flows are updated based on the next year's operating budget which includes the qualitative factors noted above. We are unable to predict with any degree of certainty which individual stores will fall short or exceed future operating plans. Accordingly, we are unable to describe future trends that would affect our impairment charges, including the likely stores and their related asset values that may fail their recoverability test in future periods.

        To the extent that actual future cash flows differ from our projections materially, because of the reasons discussed above, certain stores that are either not impaired or partially impaired in the current period may be further impaired in future periods. A 100 basis point decrease in our future sales assumptions as of March 3, 2012 would have resulted in an additional fiscal 2012 impairment charge of $11.0 million. A 100 basis point increase in our future sales assumptions as of March 3, 2012 would have reduced the fiscal 2012 impairment charge by $7.0 million. Changes in our discount rate of 50 basis points would not have a material impact on the total impairment recorded in fiscal 2012.

        Facility and Equipment Lease Exit Charges:    Charges to close a store, which principally consist of continuing lease obligations, are recorded at the time the store is closed and all inventory is liquidated, pursuant to the guidance set forth in ASC 420, "Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations." We calculate our liability for closed stores on a store-by-store basis. The calculation includes the discounted effect of future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs, from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated cost recoveries that may be achieved through subletting properties or through favorable lease terminations. We evaluate these assumptions each quarter and adjust the liability accordingly. As part of our ongoing business activities, we assess stores and distribution centers for potential closure. Decisions to close stores or distribution centers in future periods would result in charges for lease exit costs and liquidation of inventory, as well as impairment of assets at these locations.

        In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded facility and equipment lease exit charges of $48.1 million, $95.8 million and $132.5 million. These charges related to changes in future assumptions, interest accretion and provisions for 23 stores in fiscal 2012, 52 stores and one distribution center in fiscal 2011, and 108 stores and one distribution center in fiscal 2010.

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        In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, interest expense was $529.3 million, $547.6 million and $515.8 million, respectively. The reduction in interest expense in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is primarily due to favorable interest rates resulting from our March 2011 Tranche 3 Term Loan refinancing and the August 2010 refinancing of our Tranche 4 Term Loan partially offset by the impact of the fifty-third week. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 is primarily due to the prior year refinancing of our senior secured credit facility and the elimination of our securitization program which was previously recorded in SG&A, partially offset by savings from our current year refinancing of our $650.0 million senior secured credit facility term loan.

        The annual weighted average interest rates on our indebtedness in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 7.4%, 7.5% and 6.8%, respectively.

        Income tax benefit of $23.7 million, income tax expense of $9.8 million and income tax expense of $26.8 million, has been recorded for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Net loss for fiscal 2012 included income tax benefit of $23.7 million and was primarily comprised of adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of statute of limitations. We maintain a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. ASC 740, "Income Taxes" requires a company to evaluate its deferred tax assets on a regular basis to determine if a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets is required. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required, we take into account all available positive and negative evidence with regard to the recognition of a deferred tax asset including our past earnings history, expected future earnings, the character and jurisdiction of such earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect recognition of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset. A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Based on the negative evidence, ASC 740 precludes relying on projections of future taxable income to support the recognition of deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the existence of sufficient taxable income generated in the carryforward periods.

        The fiscal 2011 income tax expense of $9.8 million was primarily comprised of an accrual for state and local taxes, adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits and the need for an accrual of additional state taxes resulting from the receipt of a final audit determination. The fiscal 2010 income tax expense of $26.8 million was primarily comprised of an accrual for state and local taxes net of federal tax recoveries and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits. We monitor all available evidence related to our ability to utilize our remaining net deferred tax assets. We maintained a full valuation allowance of $2,317.4 million and $2,199.3 million against remaining net deferred tax assets at fiscal year end 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

        We have three primary sources of liquidity: (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) cash provided by operating activities and (iii) borrowings under the revolving credit facility of our senior secured credit facility. Our principal uses of cash are to provide working capital for operations, to service our obligations to pay interest and principal on debt and to fund capital expenditures. Total liquidity as of March 3, 2012 was $913.7 million, which consisted of revolver borrowing capacity of $910.8 million and invested cash of $2.9 million. We also had cash of $55.7 million at year end that we had set aside to finalize the call of our remaining 8.625% guaranteed unsecured notes due 2015. These notes were satisfied and discharged on March 14, 2012.

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Credit Facility

        Our senior secured credit facility consists of a $1.175 billion revolving credit facility and two term loans. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum between LIBOR plus 3.25% and LIBOR plus 3.75%, if we choose to make LIBOR borrowings, or between Citibank's base rate plus 2.25% and Citibank's base rate plus 2.75% in each case based upon the amount of revolver availability as defined in the senior secured credit facility. We are required to pay fees between 0.50% and 0.75% per annum on the daily unused amount of the revolver, depending on the amount of revolver availability. Amounts drawn under the revolver become due and payable on August 19, 2015, provided that such maturity date shall instead be April 18, 2014 in the event that on or prior to April 18, 2014 we do not repay, refinance or otherwise extend the maturity date of our Tranche 2 Term Loan (as defined below) to a date that is at least 90 days after August 19, 2015 and, in the case of a repayment or refinancing, we must have at least $500.0 million of availability under the revolver.

        Our ability to borrow under the revolver is based upon a specified borrowing base consisting of accounts receivable, inventory and prescription files. At March 3, 2012, we had $136.0 million borrowings outstanding under the revolver and had letters of credit outstanding against the revolver of $128.2 million, which resulted in additional borrowing capacity of $910.8 million.

        The credit facility also includes our $1.044 billion senior secured term loan (the "Tranche 2 Term Loan"). The Tranche 2 Term Loan will mature on June 4, 2014 and currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 1.75%, if we choose to make LIBOR borrowings, or at Citibank's base rate plus 0.75%. We must make mandatory prepayments of the Tranche 2 Term Loan with the proceeds of asset dispositions and casualty events (subject to certain limitations), with a portion of any excess cash flow generated by us (as defined in the senior secured credit facility) and with the proceeds of certain issuances of equity and debt (subject to certain exceptions). If at any time there is a shortfall in our borrowing base under our senior secured credit facility, prepayment of the Tranche 2 Term Loan may also be required.

        On March 3, 2011, we refinanced the Tranche 3 Term Loan with a $331.8 million senior secured term loan (the "Tranche 5 Term Loan"). The Tranche 5 Term Loan matures on March 3, 2018, although the maturity will instead be September 16, 2015, in the event that we do not repay or refinance our outstanding 9.375% senior notes due 2015 prior to that time. The Tranche 5 Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 3.25% with a 1.25% LIBOR floor. We must make mandatory prepayments of the Tranche 5 Term Loan with the proceeds of asset dispositions and casualty events (subject to certain limitations), with a portion of any excess cash flow generated by us (as defined in the senior secured credit facility) and with the proceeds of certain issuances of equity and debt (subject to certain exceptions). If at any time there is a shortfall in our borrowing base under our senior secured credit facility, prepayment of the Tranche 5 Term Loan may also be required.

        The senior secured credit facility also restricts us and the subsidiary guarantors from accumulating cash on hand in excess of $200.0 million at any time when revolving loans are outstanding (not including cash located in our store deposit accounts, cash necessary to cover our current liabilities and certain other exceptions) and from accumulating cash on hand with revolver borrowings in excess of $100.0 million over three consecutive business days. The senior secured credit facility also states that if at any time (other than following the exercise of remedies or acceleration of any senior obligations or second priority debt and receipt of a triggering notice by the senior collateral agent from a representative of the senior obligations or the second priority debt) either (a) an event of default exists under our senior secured credit facility or (b) the sum of revolver availability under our senior secured credit facility and certain amounts held on deposit with the senior collateral agent in a concentration account is less than $100.0 million for three consecutive business days (a "cash sweep period"), the funds in our deposit accounts will be swept to a concentration account with the senior collateral agent and will be applied first to repay outstanding revolving loans under the senior secured credit facility,

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and then held as Collateral for the senior obligations until such cash sweep period is rescinded pursuant to the terms of our senior secured credit facility.

        The senior secured credit facility allows us to have outstanding, at any time, up to $1.5 billion in secured second priority debt and unsecured debt in addition to borrowings under the senior secured credit facility and existing indebtedness, provided that not in excess of $750.0 million of such secured second priority debt and unsecured debt shall mature or require scheduled payments of principal prior to three months after June 4, 2014. The senior secured credit facility allows us to incur an unlimited amount of unsecured debt with a maturity beyond three months after June 4, 2014; however, other outstanding indebtedness limits the amount of unsecured debt that can be incurred if certain interest coverage levels are not met at the time of incurrence of said debt. The senior secured facility also allows, so long as the senior secured credit facility is not in default, for the repurchase of any debt with a maturity on or before June 4, 2014, for the voluntary repurchase of debt with a maturity after June 4, 2014 and the mandatory repurchase of our 8.5% convertible notes due 2015 if we maintain availability on the revolving credit facility of more than $100.0 million.

        Our senior secured credit facility contains covenants which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt beyond the restrictions described above, the payment of dividends, sale of assets, mergers and acquisitions and the granting of liens. Our credit facility has a financial covenant, which is the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenant requires that, if availability on the revolving credit facility is less than $150.0 million, we maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.05 to 1.00. As of March 3, 2012, we were in compliance with this financial covenant.

        The senior secured credit facility provides for events of default including nonpayment, misrepresentation, breach of covenants and bankruptcy. It is also an event of default if we fail to make any required payment on debt having a principal amount in excess of $50.0 million or any event occurs that enables, or which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would enable, the holder of such debt to accelerate the maturity or require the repurchase of such debt. The August 2010 amendments to the senior secured credit facility exclude the mandatory repurchase of the 8.5% convertible notes due 2015 from this event of default.

        The indentures that govern our secured and guaranteed unsecured notes contain restrictions on the amount of additional secured and unsecured debt that can be incurred by us. As of March 3, 2012, the amount of additional secured debt that could be incurred under these indentures was approximately $1.0 billion (which amount does not include the ability to enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions). However, we could not incur any additional secured debt as of February 27, 2010 assuming a fully drawn revolver and the outstanding letters of credit. The ability to issue additional unsecured debt under these indentures is governed by an interest coverage ratio test.

Other 2012 Transactions

        During August 2011, we repurchased $41.0 million of our 8.625% senior notes due March 2015, $5.0 million of our 9.375% senior notes due December 2015 and $4.5 million of our 6.875% senior debentures due August 2013. These repurchases resulted in a gain for the period of $5.0 million.

        In February 2012, we issued $481.0 million of our 9.25% senior notes due March 2020. These notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness. Our obligations under the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured unsubordinated basis, by all of our subsidiaries that guarantee our obligations under our senior secured credit facility and our outstanding 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020, 9.75% senior secured notes due 2016, 10.375% senior secured notes due 2016, 7.5% senior secured notes due 2017, 10.25% senior secured notes due 2019, 9.375% senior notes due 2015 and 9.5% senior notes due 2017. The proceeds of the notes, together with available cash, will be used to repurchase and repay all the outstanding 8.625% senior notes due

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March 1, 2015. In February 2012, $404.8 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 8.625% notes were tendered and repurchased by us. In February 2012, we called for the redemption of the remaining 8.625% notes. We redeemed the remaining 8.625% notes in March 2012 for $55.7 million which included the call premium and interest through the call date. The refinancing resulted in a loss for the period of $16.1 million.

2011 Transactions

        In August 2010, we issued $650.0 million of our 8.00% senior secured notes due August 15, 2020. These notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness. Our obligations under these notes are guaranteed, subject to certain limitations, by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the senior secured credit facility and our 9.75% senior secured notes due 2016. These guarantees are shared, on a senior basis, with debt outstanding under the senior secured credit facility and our 9.75% senior secured notes due 2016. The indenture that governs the 8.00% notes contains covenant provisions that, among other things, allow the holders of the notes to participate along with the term loan holders and holders of our 9.75% senior secured notes due 2016 in the mandatory prepayments resulting from the proceeds of certain asset dispositions (at the option of the noteholder) and include limitations on our ability to pay dividends, make investments or other restricted payments, incur debt, grant liens, sell assets and enter into sale-leaseback transactions.

        In July 2010, we repurchased $93.8 million of our $158.0 million outstanding 8.5% convertible notes. The remaining 8.5% convertible notes require us to maintain a listing on the NYSE or certain other exchanges. In the event of a NYSE delisting, holders of these notes could require us to repurchase them, which we have the ability to do under the terms of our senior secured credit facility. On July 30, 2010, we received a notice of non-compliance from the NYSE because the price of our common stock has fallen below the NYSE's minimum share price rule. Our common stock continued to trade as usual on the NYSE and on March 1, 2011, we received notice that we have regained compliance with the NYSE's minimum share price listing requirement. We are currently in compliance with all NYSE listing rules.

2010 Transactions

        In October 2009, we issued $270.0 million of our 10.25% senior secured notes due October 15, 2019. The notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness. Our obligations under these notes are guaranteed, subject to certain limitations, by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the senior secured credit facility. The guarantees are secured by shared second priority liens with holders of the 10.375% senior secured notes due 2016 and 7.5% senior secured notes due 2017. The indenture that governs the 10.25% notes contains covenant provisions that, among other things, include limitations on our ability to pay dividends, make investments or other restricted payments, incur debt, grant liens, sell assets and enter into sale-leaseback transactions. The 10.25% senior secured notes due October 2019 were issued at 99.2% of par.

        In June 2009, we issued $410.0 million of 9.75% senior secured notes due June 12, 2016. These notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness. Our obligations under these notes are guaranteed, subject to certain limitations, by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the senior secured credit facility and our 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020. These guarantees are shared, on a senior basis, with debt outstanding under the senior secured credit facility and our 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020. The indenture that governs the 9.75% notes contains covenant provisions that, among other things, allow the holders of the notes to participate along with the term loan holders and holders of our 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020 in mandatory prepayments resulting from the

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proceeds of certain asset dispositions (at the option of the noteholder) and include limitations on our ability to pay dividends, make investments or other restricted payments, incur debt, grant liens, sell assets and enter into sale-leaseback transactions. The 9.75% senior secured notes due June 2016 were issued at 98.2% of par.

Off Balance Sheet Obligations

        Until October 26, 2009, we maintained securitization agreements (the "First Lien Facility") with several multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper vehicles ("CPVs"). Under the terms of the First Lien Facility, we sold substantially all of our eligible third party pharmaceutical receivables to a bankruptcy remote Special Purpose Entity ("SPE") and retained servicing responsibility. The SPE then transferred an interest in these receivables to various CPVs. We also maintained a $225.0 million second priority accounts receivable securitization term loan ("Second Lien Facility").

        On October 26, 2009, we terminated both accounts receivable securitization facilities and replaced them with senior secured notes, increased borrowing capacity under our existing senior secured revolving credit facility and an increase in borrowings under our Tranche 4 Term Loan. As part of this refinancing, we incurred a prepayment penalty of $2.3 million in relation to the Second Lien Facility and recognized $3.8 million of unamortized discount related to the Second Lien Facility. These charges were recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses.

        As of March 3, 2012, we had no material off balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases included in the table below.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

        The following table details the maturities of our indebtedness and lease financing obligations as of March 3, 2012, as well as other contractual cash obligations and commitments.

 
  Payment due by period  
 
  Less Than
1 Year
  1 to 3 Years   3 to 5 Years   After 5 Years   Total  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Contractual Cash Obligations

                               

Long term debt(1)

  $ 522,824   $ 2,125,045   $ 2,237,702   $ 4,285,670   $ 9,171,241  

Capital lease obligations(2)

    30,716     43,560     40,897     59,908     175,081  

Operating leases(3)

    1,002,062     1,880,275     1,639,047     4,304,798     8,826,182  

Open purchase orders

    432,340                 432,340  

Redeemable preferred stock(4)

                21,300     21,300  

Other, primarily self insurance and retirement plan obligations(5)

    117,450     154,190     49,520     116,233     437,393  

Minimum purchase commitments(6)

    153,894     318,455     248,072     413,765     1,134,186  
                       

Total contractual cash obligations

  $ 2,259,286   $ 4,521,525   $ 4,215,238   $ 9,201,674   $ 20,197,723  
                       

Commitments

                               

Lease guarantees(7)

  $ 26,832   $ 52,680   $ 48,610   $ 53,041   $ 181,163  

Outstanding letters of credit

    128,190                 128,190  
                       

Total commitments

  $ 2,414,308   $ 4,574,205   $ 4,263,848   $ 9,254,715   $ 20,507,076  
                       

(1)
Includes principal and interest payments for all outstanding debt instruments. Interest was calculated on variable rate instruments using rates as of March 3, 2012.

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(2)
Represents the minimum lease payments on non-cancelable leases, including interest, but net of sublease income.

(3)
Represents the minimum lease payments on non-cancelable leases, including interest, but net of sublease income.

(4)
Represents value of redeemable preferred stock at its redemption date.

(5)
Includes the undiscounted payments for self-insured medical coverage, actuarially determined undiscounted payments for self-insured workers' compensation and general liability, and actuarially determined obligations for defined benefit pension and nonqualified executive retirement plans.

(6)
Represents commitments to purchase products and licensing fees from certain vendors.

(7)
Represents lease guarantee obligations for 123 former stores related to certain business dispositions. The respective purchasers assume the obligations and are, therefore, primarily liable for these obligations.

        Obligations for income tax uncertainties pursuant to ASC 740, "Income Taxes" of approximately $83.8 million are not included in the table above as we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

        Cash flow provided by operating activities was $266.5 million in fiscal 2012. Cash flow was positively impacted by the reduction in net loss, an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of purchases partially offset by an increase in inventory resulting primarily from price inflation and increased store inventory to support sales growth.

        Cash flow provided by operating activities was $395.8 million in fiscal 2011. Cash flow was positively impacted by a reduction in inventory and an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of purchases. Additionally, the reductions in accounts receivable were no longer offset by repayments to the receivables securitization facility which was eliminated in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

        Cash flow used in operating activities was $325.1 million in fiscal 2010. Cash flow was negatively impacted by the repayments of the accounts receivable securitization facilities totaling $555.0 million and a decrease in accounts payable offset by a reduction in inventory and accounts receivable. The decreases in accounts receivables, inventory and accounts payable were due to operating fewer stores and various working capital initiatives.

        Cash used in investing activities was $221.2 million in fiscal 2012. Cash was used for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and prescription files which was partially offset by proceeds from asset dispositions and sale-leaseback transactions.

        Cash used in investing activities was $156.7 million in fiscal 2011. Cash was used for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and prescription files which was partially offset by proceeds from asset dispositions.

        Cash used in investing activities was $120.5 million in fiscal 2010. Cash was used for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and prescription files which was offset in part by proceeds from asset dispositions.

        Cash provided by financing activities was $25.8 million in fiscal 2012 and was primarily due to increased revolver borrowings coupled with the February 2012 issuance of $481.0 million of our 9.25% senior notes due March 15, 2020 and concurrent repurchase of $404.8 million of our 8.625% senior notes due March 2015. The remaining $54.2 million of the 8.625% senior notes due March 2015 were repurchased in March 2012.

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        Cash used in financing activities was $251.7 million in fiscal 2011 and was primarily due to the refinancing activity that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the repurchase of $93.8 million of the Convertible Notes, other scheduled debt repayments and a small decrease in our zero balance cash accounts.

        Cash provided by financing activities was $397.1 million in fiscal 2010 due to proceeds from refinancings offset by a reduction in borrowings on our revolving credit facility and the payment of financing fees related to the refinancings.

Capital Expenditures

        During the fifty-three week period ended March 3, 2012, we spent $250.1 million on capital expenditures, consisting of $94.0 million related to new store construction, store relocation and store remodel projects, $121.0 million related to technology enhancements, improvements to distribution centers and other corporate requirements, and $35.1 million related to the purchase of prescription files from independent pharmacists. We plan on making total capital expenditures of approximately $300.0 million during fiscal 2013, consisting of approximately 58.3% related to store relocations and remodels and new store construction, 25.0% related to infrastructure and maintenance requirements and 16.7% related to prescription file purchases. Management expects that these capital expenditures will be financed primarily with cash flow from operating activities.

Future Liquidity

        We are highly leveraged. Our high level of indebtedness: (i) limits our ability to obtain additional financing; (ii) limits our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; (iii) places us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors with less debt; (iv) renders us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and (v) requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to service our debt. Based upon our current levels of operations, we believe that cash flow from operations together with available borrowings under the senior secured credit facility and other sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our requirements for working capital, debt service and capital expenditures at least for the next twelve months. Based on our liquidity position, which we expect to remain strong throughout the year, we do not expect the restriction on our credit facility, that could result if we fail to meet the fixed charge covenant in our senior secured credit facility, to impact our business in the next twelve months. We will continue to assess our liquidity position and potential sources of supplemental liquidity in light of our operating performance, and other relevant circumstances. Should we determine, at any time, that it is necessary to obtain additional short-term liquidity, we will evaluate our alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain sufficient additional funds. There can be no assurance that any such supplemental funding, if sought, could be obtained or if obtained, would be on terms acceptable to us. From time to time, we may seek deleveraging transactions, including entering into transactions to exchange debt for shares of common stock, issuance of equity, repurchase outstanding indebtedness, or seek to refinance our outstanding debt or may otherwise seek transactions to reduce interest expense and extend debt maturities. Any of these transactions could impact our financial results.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventory shrink, impairment of long-lived assets, revenue recognition, self insurance liabilities, lease exit liabilities, income taxes and litigation. We base

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our estimates on historical experience, current and anticipated business conditions, the condition of the financial markets and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under existing conditions. Variability reflected in the sensitivity analyses presented below is based on our recent historical experience. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and sensitivity analyses.

        The following critical accounting policies require the use of significant judgments and estimates by management:

        Inventory shrink:    The carrying value of our inventory is reduced by a reserve for estimated shrink losses that occur between physical inventory dates. When estimating these losses, we consider historical loss results at specific locations (including stores and distribution centers), as well as overall loss trends as determined during physical inventory procedures. The estimated shrink rate is calculated by dividing historical shrink results for stores inventoried in the most recent six months by the sales for the same period. Shrink expense is recognized by applying the estimated shrink rate to sales since the last physical inventory. There have been no significant changes in the assumptions used to calculate our shrink rate over the last three years. Although possible, we do not expect a significant change to our shrink rate in future periods. A 10 basis point difference in our estimated shrink rate for the year ended March 3, 2012, would have affected pre-tax income by approximately $9.7 million.

        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:    We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group has a carrying value that may not be recoverable. The individual operating store is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. As such, we evaluate individual stores for recoverability. To determine if a store needs to be tested for recoverability, we consider items such as decreases in market prices, changes in the manner in which the store is being used or physical condition, changes in legal factors or business climate, an accumulation of losses significantly in excess of budget, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection of continuing losses, or an expectation that the store will be closed or sold.

        We monitor new and recently relocated stores against operational projections and other strategic factors such as regional economics, new competitive entries and other local market considerations to determine if an impairment evaluation is required. For other stores, we perform a recoverability analysis if they have experienced current-period and historical cash flow losses.

        In performing the recoverability test, we compare the expected future cash flows of a store to the carrying amount of its assets. Significant judgment is used to estimate future cash flows. Major assumptions that contribute to our future cash flow projections include expected sales and gross profit; expected costs such as payroll, occupancy costs and advertising expenses; and estimates for other significant selling, general and administrative expenses.

        If an operating store's estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover its carrying value, its carrying value is reduced to fair value which is its estimated future discounted cash flows. The discount rate is commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of a similar asset.

        We regularly approve certain stores for closure. Impairment charges for closed stores, if any, are evaluated and recorded in the quarter the closure decision is approved.

        We also evaluate assets to be disposed of on a quarterly basis to determine if an additional impairment charge is required. Fair value estimates are provided by independent brokers who operate in the local markets where the assets are located.

        If our actual future cash flows differ from our projections materially, certain stores that are either not impaired or partially impaired in the current period may be further impaired in future periods. A 100 basis point decrease in our future sales assumptions as of March 3, 2012 would have resulted in an additional fiscal 2012 impairment charge of $11.0 million. A 100 basis point increase in our future sales

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assumptions as of March 3, 2012 would have reduced the fiscal 2012 impairment charge by $7.0 million. Changes in our discount rate of 50 basis points would not have a material impact on the total impairment recorded in fiscal 2012.

        Revenue recognition:    For all sales other than third party pharmacy sales, we recognize revenue from the sale of merchandise at the time the merchandise is sold. For third party pharmacy sales, revenue is recognized at the time the prescription is filled, which is or approximates when the customer picks up the prescription. We record revenue net of an allowance for estimated future returns. Return activity is immaterial to revenues and results of operations in all periods presented.

        On April 18, 2010, we launched our wellness+ loyalty card program chain wide. Members participating in our wellness+ loyalty card program earn points on a calendar year basis for eligible front end merchandise purchases and qualifying prescriptions. One point is awarded for each dollar spent towards front end merchandise and 25 points are awarded for each qualifying prescription.

        Members reach specific wellness+ tiers based on the points accumulated during the calendar year, which entitle them to certain future discounts and other benefits upon reaching that tier. For example, any customer that reaches 1,000 points in a calendar year achieves the "Gold" tier, enabling the customer to receive a 20% discount on qualifying purchases of front end merchandise for the remaining portion of the calendar year and the next calendar year. There are also similar "Silver" and "Bronze" levels with lower thresholds and benefit levels.

        As wellness+ customers accumulate points, we defer the value of the points earned as deferred revenue based on the expected usage. The amount deferred is based on historic and projected customer activity (e.g., tier level, spending level). As customers receive discounted front end merchandise, we recognize an allocable portion of the deferred revenue. If the achieved combined Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels differ from the assumptions by 5.0% then the revenue deferral changes by $1.1 million. If the assumed spending levels, which are the drivers of future discounts, differ by 5.0% then the revenue deferral changes by $1.1 million.

        Self-insurance liabilities:    We expense claims for self-insured workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage as incurred including an estimate for claims incurred but not paid. The expense for self-insured workers' compensation and general liability claims incurred but not paid is determined using several factors, including historical claims experience and development, severity of claims, medical costs and the time needed to settle claims. We discount the estimated expense for workers' compensation to present value as the time period from incurrence of the claim to final settlement can be several years. We base our estimates for such timing on previous settlement activity. The discount rate is based on the current market rates for Treasury bills that approximate the average time to settle the workers' compensation claims. These assumptions are updated on an annual basis. A 25 basis point difference in the discount rate for the year ended March 3, 2012, would have affected pretax income by approximately $1.8 million.

        Lease exit liabilities:    We record reserves for closed stores based on future lease commitments, anticipated ancillary occupancy costs and anticipated future subleases of properties. The reserves are calculated at the individual location level and the assumptions are assessed at that level. The reserve for lease exit liabilities is discounted using a credit adjusted risk free interest rate. Reserve estimates and related assumptions are updated on a quarterly basis.

        A substantial amount of our closed stores were closed prior to our adoption of ASC 420, "Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations." Therefore, if interest rates change, reserves may be increased or decreased. In addition, changes in the real estate leasing markets can have an impact on the reserve. As of March 3, 2012, a 50 basis point variance in the credit adjusted risk free interest rate would have affected pretax income by approximately $2.2 million for fiscal 2012.

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        Income taxes:    We currently have net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards that can be utilized to offset future income for federal and state tax purposes. These NOLs generate significant deferred tax assets which are currently offset by a valuation allowance. We regularly review the deferred tax assets for recoverability considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence including our historical profitability, projected taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The weight given to the potential effect of the negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. We establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when we determine that it is more likely than not that some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. There have been no significant changes in the assumptions used to calculate our valuation allowance over the last three years. However, changes in market conditions and the impact of the acquisition of Brooks Eckerd on operations have caused changes in the valuation allowance from period to period which were included in the tax provision in the period of change.

        We recognize tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes" and we adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities.

        Litigation reserves:    We are involved in litigation on an on-going basis. We accrue our best estimate of the probable loss related to legal claims. Such estimates are based upon a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. These estimates are updated as the facts and circumstances of the cases develop and/or change. To the extent additional information arises or our strategies change, it is possible that our best estimate of the probable liability may also change. Changes to these reserves during the last three fiscal years were not material.

Non GAAP Measures

        In addition to net income determined in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP measures, such as "Adjusted EBITDA", in assessing our operating performance. We believe the non-GAAP measures serve as an appropriate measure to be used in evaluating the performance of our business. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding the impact of income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, LIFO adjustments, charges or credits for facility closing and impairment, inventory write-downs related to store closings, stock-based compensation expense, debt modifications and retirements, sale of assets and investments, revenue deferrals related to customer loyalty programs and other items. We reference this particular non-GAAP financial measure frequently in our decision-making because it provides supplemental information that facilitates internal comparisons to the historical operating performance of prior periods and external comparisons to competitors' historical operating performance. In addition, incentive compensation is based on Adjusted EBITDA and we base certain of our forward- looking estimates on Adjusted EBITDA to facilitate quantification of planned business activities and enhance subsequent follow-up with comparisons of actual to planned Adjusted EBITDA.

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        The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net loss for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 
  March 3,
2012
(53 weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 weeks)
 

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 )

Interest expense and securitization costs

    529,255     547,581     552,625  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (23,686 )   9,842     26,758  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    440,582     505,546     534,238  

LIFO charges

    188,722     44,905     88,450  

Lease termination and impairment charges

    100,053     210,893     208,017  

Stock-based compensation expense

    15,861     17,336     23,794  

Gain on sale of assets, net

    (8,703 )   (22,224 )   (24,137 )

Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net

    33,576     44,003     993  

Closed facility liquidation expense

    6,505     9,881     14,801  

Severance costs

    256     4,883     6,184  

Customer loyalty card programs revenue deferral

    30,856     41,669      

Other

    (1,804 )   71     (73 )
               

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 942,902   $ 858,962   $ 924,974  
               

        In addition to Adjusted EBITDA, we occasionally refer to several other Non-GAAP measures, on a less frequent basis, in order to describe certain components of our business and how we utilize them to describe our results. These measures include but are not limited to Adjusted EBITDA Gross Margin and Gross Profit (gross margin/gross profit adjusted for non-EBITDA items), Adjusted EBITDA SG&A (SG&A expenses adjusted for non-EBITDA items), FIFO Gross Margin (gross margin before LIFO charges) and Free Cash Flow (Adjusted EBITDA less cash paid for interest, rent on closed stores, capital expenditures and the change in working capital).

        We include these non-GAAP financial measures in our earnings announcements and guidance in order to provide transparency to our investors and enable investors to better compare our operating performance with the operating performance of our competitors including with those of our competitors having different capital structures. Adjusted EBITDA or other non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, and are not intended to represent an alternative measure of, operating results or of cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our definition of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements reported by other companies.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Our future earnings, cash flow and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevalent market rates. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our major market risk exposure is changing interest rates. Increases in interest rates would increase our interest expense. We enter into debt obligations to support capital expenditures, acquisitions, working capital needs and general corporate purposes. Our policy is to manage interest rates through the use of a combination of variable-rate credit facilities, fixed-rate long-term obligations and derivative transactions. We currently do not have any derivative transactions outstanding.

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        The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents principal payments and the related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for each fiscal year as of March 3, 2012.

 
  2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   Thereafter   Total   Fair Value at
March 3,
2012
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Long-term debt, including current portion, excluding capital lease obligations

                                                 

Fixed Rate

  $ 59,445   $ 186,345   $   $ 469,187   $ 880,000   $ 3,134,000   $ 4,728,977   $ 4,934,587  

Average Interest Rate

    8.00 %   6.95 %   0.00 %   9.26 %   10.08 %   8.62 %   8.88 %      

Variable Rate

  $   $ 2,971   $ 1,044,692   $ 139,430   $   $ 326,708   $ 1,513,801   $ 1,469,813  

Average Interest Rate

    0.00 %   2.01 %   2.01 %   5.48 %   0.00 %   4.50 %   2.87 %      

        Our ability to satisfy interest payment obligations on our outstanding debt will depend largely on our future performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If we do not have sufficient cash flow to service our interest payment obligations on our outstanding indebtedness and if we cannot borrow or obtain equity financing to satisfy those obligations, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. We cannot be assured that any replacement borrowing or equity financing could be successfully completed.

        The interest rate on our variable rate borrowings, which include our revolving credit facility and our Tranche 2 Term loans and Tranche 5 Term loans, are all based on LIBOR. However, the interest rate on our Tranche 5 Term loans has a LIBOR floor of 125 basis points. If the market rates of interest for LIBOR changed by 100 basis points as of March 3, 2012, our annual interest expense would change by approximately $10.4 million.

        A change in interest rates does not have an impact upon our future earnings and cash flow for fixed-rate debt instruments. As fixed-rate debt matures, however, and if additional debt is acquired to fund the debt repayment, future earnings and cash flow may be affected by changes in interest rates. This effect would be realized in the periods subsequent to the periods when the debt matures. Increases in interest rates would also impact our ability to refinance existing maturities on favorable terms.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        Our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are included elsewhere in this report and are incorporated by reference herein. See Item 15 of Part IV.

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        Not applicable

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

(a)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

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(b)
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control—Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of March 3, 2012, we did not have any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

        The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, on our internal control over financial reporting is included after the next paragraph.

(c)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our fourth fiscal quarter ended March 3, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Rite Aid Corporation
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

        We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Rite Aid Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of March 3, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 3, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended March 3, 2012 of the Company and our report dated April 24, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 24, 2012

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Item 9B.    Other Information

        On April 20, 2012, the Jean Coutu Group announced that it has disposed of 56,000,000 of its 234,401,162 shares of our common stock. On April 23, 2012, Andre Belzile notified our board of directors of his resignation as required pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement effective April 23, 2012. In connection with Mr. Belzile's resignation, our board of directors has determined to reduce the size of the board from eleven to ten members. The board has also appointed François Coutu to replace Mr. Belzile on our audit committee effective immediately.


PART III

        We intend to file with the SEC a definitive proxy statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on June 21, 2012, pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after March 3, 2012. The information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) is incorporated by reference from that proxy statement.


PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

        (a)   The consolidated financial statements of the Company and report of the independent registered public accounting firm identified in the following index are included in this report from the individual pages filed as a part of this report:

1.     Financial Statements

        The following financial statements, report of the independent registered public accounting firm and supplementary data are included herein:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  63

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011

  64

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

  65

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

  66

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

  67

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  68

2.     Financial Statement Schedule

        All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

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3.     Exhibits

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  2.1   Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement, dated August 23, 2006, amended and restated as of June 4, 2007, by and between Rite Aid Corporation, The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc., Jean Coutu, Marcelle Coutu, Francois J. Coutu, Michel Coutu, Louis Coutu, Sylvie Coutu and Marie-Josee Coutu   Exhibit 2.2 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 12, 2007

 

2.2

 

Letter Agreement to the Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement, dated April 20, 2010, by and between Rite Aid Corporation and The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.

 

Exhibit 2.2 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 6, 2010

 

2.3

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 23, 2006, by and between Rite Aid Corporation and The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2006

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 12, 1996

 

Exhibit 3(i) to Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 1999

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated February 22, 1999

 

Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 1999

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 27, 2001

 

Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-64950, filed on July 12, 2001

 

3.4

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 4, 2007

 

Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-146531, filed on October 5, 2007

 

3.5

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 25, 2009

 

Exhibit 3.5 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 8, 2009

 

3.6

 

7% Series G Cumulative Convertible Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation dated January 28, 2005

 

Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K, filed on February 2, 2005

 

3.7

 

6% Series H Cumulative Convertible Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation dated January 28, 2005

 

Exhibit 3.3 to Form 8-K, filed on February 2, 2005

 

3.8

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws

 

Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K, filed on January 27, 2010

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Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  4.1   Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1993, by and between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as trustee, related to the Company's 7.70% Notes due 2027 and 6.875% Notes due 2013   Exhibit 4A to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 033-63794, filed on June 3, 1993

 

4.2

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 3, 2000, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association as successor to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, to the Indenture dated as of August 1, 1993, relating to the Company's 7.70% Notes due 2027 and 6.875% Notes due 2013

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2000

 

4.3

 

Indenture, dated as of December 21, 1998, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee, related to the Company's 6.875% Notes due 2028

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-74751, filed on March 19, 1999

 

4.4

 

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2000, between Rite Aid Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, to the Indenture dated December 21, 1998, between Rite Aid Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, related to the Company's 6.875% Notes due 2028

 

Exhibit 4.4 to Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2000

 

4.5

 

Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee, related to the Company's 9.25% Senior Notes due 2013

 

Exhibit 4.12 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 3, 2003

 

4.6

 

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, between Rite Aid Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company, related to the Company's 9.25% Senior Notes due 2013

 

Exhibit 4.8 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 9, 2008

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Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  4.7   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 17, 2008, between Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, to the Indenture dated as of May 20, 2003, between Rite Aid Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company, related to the Company's 9.25% Senior Notes due 2013   Exhibit 4.10 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

 

4.8

 

Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

 

Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K, filed on February 26, 2007

 

4.9

 

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. to the Indenture dated as of February 21, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

 

Exhibit 4.12 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 9, 2008

 

4.10

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2008, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of February 15, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

 

Exhibit 4.13 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

 

4.11

 

Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 8.625% Senior Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K, filed on February 26, 2007

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  4.12   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. to the Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 8.625% Senior Notes due 2015   Exhibit 4.14 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 9, 2008

 

4.13

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2008, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of February 15, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 8.625% Senior Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 4.16 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

 

4.14

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2012, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of February 15, 2007, between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 8.625% Senior Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K, filed on February 27, 2012

 

4.15

 

Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation (as successor to Rite Aid Escrow Corp.), the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, related to the Company's 9.375% Senior Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on June 7, 2007

 

4.16

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2008, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation (as successor to Rite Aid Escrow Corp.), the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 9.375% Senior Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 4.18 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  4.17   Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation (as successor to Rite Aid Escrow Corp.), the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, related to the Company's 9.5% Senior Notes due 2017   Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K, filed on June 7, 2007

 

4.18

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2008, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007, among Rite Aid Corporation (as successor to Rite Aid Escrow Corp.), the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 9.5% Senior Notes due 2017

 

Exhibit 4.20 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

 

4.19

 

Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2008, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's Senior Debt Securities

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on June 2, 2008

 

4.20

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2008, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiaries named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. to the Indenture dated as of May 29, 2008 between Rite Aid Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., related to the Company's 8.5% Convertible Notes due 2015

 

Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K, filed on June 2, 2008

 

4.21

 

Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2008, between Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 10.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2016

 

Exhibit 4.23 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 10, 2008

 

4.22

 

Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 9.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2016

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on June 16, 2009

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Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  4.23   Indenture, dated as of October 26, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 10.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2019   Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2009

 

4.24

 

Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2010, among Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2020

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on August 19, 2010

 

4.25

 

Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2012, among Rite Aid Corporation, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to the Company's 9.25% Senior Notes due 2020

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, filed on February 27, 2012

 

10.1

 

1999 Stock Option Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K, filed on May 21, 2001

 

10.2

 

2000 Omnibus Equity Plan*

 

Included in Proxy Statement dated October 24, 2000

 

10.3

 

2001 Stock Option Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K, filed on May 21, 2001

 

10.4

 

2004 Omnibus Equity Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K, filed on April 28, 2005

 

10.5

 

2006 Omnibus Equity Plan*

 

Exhibit 10 to Form 8-K, filed on January 22, 2007

 

10.6

 

2010 Omnibus Equity Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on June 25, 2010

 

10.7

 

Amendment No. 1, dated September 21, 2010, to the 2010 Omnibus Equity Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 7, 2010

 

10.8

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K, filed on April 28, 2010

 

10.9

 

Executive Incentive Plan for Officers of Rite Aid Corporation*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on February 24, 2012

 

10.10

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and John T. Standley, dated as of January 21, 2010*

 

Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K, filed on April 28, 2010

 

10.11

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Frank G. Vitrano, dated as of September 24, 2008*

 

Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 8, 2008

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.12   Letter Agreement, dated July 27, 2010, to the Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Frank G. Vitrano, dated as of September 24, 2008*   Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 7, 2010

 

10.13

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Marc A. Strassler, dated as of March 9, 2009*

 

Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K, filed on April 17, 2009

 

10.14

 

Letter Agreement, dated July 27, 2010, to the Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Marc A. Strassler, dated as of March 9, 2009*

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 7, 2010

 

10.15

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Mary F. Sammons, dated as of December 5, 1999*

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on January 18, 2000

 

10.16

 

Amendment No. 4 to Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Mary F. Sammons, dated as of January 21, 2010*

 

Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-K, filed on April 28, 2010

 

10.17

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Douglas E. Donley, dated as of August 1, 2000*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q, filed on December 22, 2005

 

10.18

 

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Douglas E. Donley, dated as of December 18, 2008*

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 7, 2009

 

10.19

 

Rite Aid Corporation Special Executive Retirement Plan*

 

Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-K, filed on April 26, 2004

 

10.20

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Brian Fiala, dated as of June 26, 2007*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q, filed on July 12, 2007

 

10.21

 

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Brian Fiala, dated as of December 18, 2008*

 

Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 7, 2009

 

10.22

 

Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Ken Martindale, dated as of December 3, 2008*

 

Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 7, 2009

 

10.23

 

Letter Agreement, dated July 27, 2010, to the Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Ken Martindale, dated as of December 3, 2008*

 

Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 7, 2010

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Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.24   Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Robert I. Thompson, dated as of February 3, 2008*   Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 6, 2010

 

10.25

 

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Robert I. Thompson, dated as of September 23, 2009*

 

Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 6, 2010

 

10.26

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 11, 2011, between Rite Aid Corporation and Robert K. Thompson*

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 5, 2011

 

10.27

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2011, between Rite Aid Corporation and Enio A. Montini, Jr.*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q, filed on October 5, 2011

 

10.28

 

Supply Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and McKesson Corporation, dated as of December 22, 2003**

 

Exhibit 10.25 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

 

10.29

 

First Amendment to Supply Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and McKesson Corporation, dated as of December 8, 2007**

 

Exhibit 10.26 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

 

10.30

 

Second Amendment to Supply Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and McKesson Corporation, dated as of November 7, 2008**

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 7, 2009

 

10.31

 

Third Amendment to Supply Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and McKesson Corporation, dated as of February 1, 2009**

 

Exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-K, filed on April 17, 2009

 

10.32

 

Fourth Amendment to Supply Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and McKesson Corporation, dated as of December 10, 2009**

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q, filed on January 6, 2010

 

10.33

 

Management Services Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., dated as of January 1, 2003

 

Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

 

10.34

 

Fourth Amendment to Management Services Agreement by and between Rite Aid Corporation and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., dated as of February 12, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.28 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.35   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent   Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on June 11, 2009

 

10.36

 

Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 19, 2010, relating to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on August 19, 2010

 

10.37

 

Refinancing Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 10, 2009, relating to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lender party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Administrative Agent

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on June 11, 2009

 

10.38

 

Refinancing Amendment No. 2, dated as of June 26, 2009, relating to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Processing Agent

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2009

 

10.39

 

Refinancing Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 19, 2010, relating to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on August 19, 2010

 

10.40

 

Refinancing Amendment No. 4, dated as of March 3, 2011, relating to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on March 3, 2011

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.41   Amended and Restated Collateral Trust and Intercreditor Agreement, including the related definitions annex, dated as of June 5, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, each subsidiary named therein or which becomes a party thereto, Wilmington Trust Company, as collateral trustee, Citicorp North America, Inc., as senior collateral processing agent, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the 2017 7.5% Note Indenture (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the 2016 10.375% Note Indenture (as defined therein), and each other Second Priority Representative and Senior Representative which becomes a party thereto   Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K, filed on June 11, 2009

 

10.42

 

Amended and Restated Senior Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009 among the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as senior collateral agent

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K, filed on June 11, 2009

 

10.43

 

Amended and Restated Senior Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, by the subsidiary guarantors party thereto in favor of the Citicorp North America, Inc., as senior collateral agent

 

Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K, filed on June 11, 2009

 

10.44

 

Amended and Restated Senior Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2003, and supplemented as of September 27, 2004, among Rite Aid Corporation, the Subsidiary Guarantors, and Citicorp North America, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as collateral processing co-agents

 

Exhibit 4.27 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

 

10.45

 

Second Priority Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2001, as amended and restated as of May 28, 2003, and as supplemented as of January 5, 2005, among the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as collateral agent

 

Exhibit 4.36 to Form 10-K, filed on April 17, 2009

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.46   Second Priority Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2001, as amended and restated as of May 28, 2003, as supplemented as of January 5, 2005, and as amended in the Reaffirmation Agreement and Amendment dates as of January 11, 2005, by the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of Wilmington Trust Company, as collateral trustee   Exhibit 4.37 to Form 10-K, filed on April 17, 2009

 

10.47

 

Amended and Restated Second Priority Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2003, and as supplemented as of January 5, 2005, among the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as collateral agent

 

Exhibit 4.33 to Form 10-K, filed on April 29, 2008

 

10.48

 

Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2009, by and among Citicorp North America, Inc. and Citicorp North America, Inc., and acknowledged and agreed to by Rite Aid Funding II

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2009

 

10.49

 

Senior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of June 12, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Citicorp North America, Inc., as senior collateral agent for the Senior Secured Parties (as defined therein), Citicorp North America, Inc., as senior representative for the Senior Loan Secured Parties (as defined therein), The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Senior Representative (as defined therein) for the Initial Additional Senior Debt Parties (as defined therein), and each additional Senior Representative from time to time party thereto

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on June 16, 2009

 

10.50

 

Incremental Facility Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 26, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other agents party thereto.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2009

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  10.51   Incremental Facility Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 19, 2009 and effective as of October 26, 2009, among Rite Aid Corporation, the lenders party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other agents party thereto   Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2009

 

10.52

 

Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2020, dated February 27, 2012, among Rite Aid Corporation, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as the Initial Purchasers

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed on February 27, 2012

 

11

 

Statement regarding computation of earnings per share (See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements)

 

Filed herewith

 

12

 

Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

 

Filed herewith

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Filed herewith

 

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Filed herewith

 

31.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

 

Filed herewith

 

31.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

 

Filed herewith

 

32

 

Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 United States Code, Section 1350, as enacted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Filed herewith

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers
  Description   Incorporation By Reference To
  101.   The following materials are formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the fiscal years ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail.***    

*
Constitutes a compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed with this Form 10-K.

**
Confidential portions of these Exhibits were redacted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to requests for confidential treatment.

***
Furnished, not filed.

        In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K please remember they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Rite Aid Corporation, its subsidiaries or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements may contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

        Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Rite Aid Corporation may be found elsewhere in this report and the Company's other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Rite Aid Corporation
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rite Aid Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 3, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rite Aid Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 3, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of March 3, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 24, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 24, 2012

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  March 3,
2012
  February 26,
2011
 

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 162,285   $ 91,116  

Accounts receivable, net

    1,013,233     966,457  

Inventories, net

    3,138,455     3,158,145  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    190,613     195,647  
           

Total current assets

    4,504,586     4,411,365  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    1,902,021     2,039,383  

Other intangibles, net

    528,775     646,177  

Other assets

    428,909     458,925  
           

Total assets

  $ 7,364,291   $ 7,555,850  
           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

             

Current liabilities:

             

Current maturities of long-term debt and lease financing obligations

  $ 79,421   $ 63,045  

Accounts payable

    1,426,391     1,307,872  

Accrued salaries, wages and other current liabilities

    1,064,507     1,049,406  
           

Total current liabilities

    2,570,319     2,420,323  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

    6,141,773     6,034,525  

Lease financing obligations, less current maturities

    107,007     122,295  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    1,131,948     1,190,074  
           

Total liabilities

    9,951,047     9,767,217  

Commitments and contingencies

         

Stockholders' deficit:

             

Preferred stock—series G, par value $1 per share; liquidation value $100 per share; 2,000 shares authorized; shares issued .006 and ..006

    1     1  

Preferred stock—series H, par value $1 per share; liquidation value $100 per share; 2,000 shares authorized; shares issued 1,715 and 1,616

    171,569     161,650  

Common stock, par value $1 per share; 1,500,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding 898,687 and 890,297

    898,687     890,297  

Additional paid-in capital

    4,278,988     4,281,623  

Accumulated deficit

    (7,883,367 )   (7,514,796 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (52,634 )   (30,142 )
           

Total stockholders' deficit

    (2,586,756 )   (2,211,367 )
           

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

  $ 7,364,291   $ 7,555,850  
           

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Revenues

  $ 26,121,222   $ 25,214,907   $ 25,669,117  

Costs and expenses:

                   

Cost of goods sold

    19,327,887     18,522,403     18,845,027  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    6,531,411     6,457,833     6,603,372  

Lease termination and impairment charges

    100,053     210,893     208,017  

Interest expense

    529,255     547,581     515,763  

Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net

    33,576     44,003     993  

Gain on sale of assets, net

    (8,703 )   (22,224 )   (24,137 )
               

    26,513,479     25,760,489     26,149,035  
               

Loss before income taxes

    (392,257 )   (545,582 )   (479,918 )

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (23,686 )   9,842     26,758  
               

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 )
               

Computation of loss applicable to common stockholders:

                   

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 )

Accretion of redeemable preferred stock

    (102 )   (102 )   (102 )

Cumulative preferred stock dividends

    (9,919 )   (9,346 )   (8,807 )
               

Loss applicable to common stockholders

  $ (378,592 ) $ (564,872 ) $ (515,585 )
               

Basic and diluted loss per share:

                   

Basic loss per share

  $ (0.43 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (0.59 )
               

Diluted loss per share

  $ (0.43 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (0.59 )
               

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands)

 
  Preferred
Stock—Series G
  Preferred
Stock—Series H
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Common Stock    
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
   
 
 
  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Total  

BALANCE FEBRUARY 28, 2009

      $ 1     1,435   $ 143,498     886,113   $ 886,113   $ 4,265,211   $ (6,452,696 ) $ (41,779 ) $ (1,199,652 )

Net loss

                                              (506,676 )         (506,676 )

Other comprehensive income:

                                                             

Changes in Defined Benefit Plans

                                                    10,459     10,459  
                                                             

Comprehensive loss

                                                          (496,217 )

Exchange of restricted shares for taxes

                            (1,198 )   (1,198 )   (343 )               (1,541 )

Issuance of restricted stock

                            3,289     3,289     (3,289 )                

Cancellation of restricted stock

                            (642 )   (642 )   642                  

Amortization of restricted stock balance

                                        11,772                 11,772  

Stock-based compensation expense

                                        12,022                 12,022  

Stock options exercised

                            74     74     (8 )               66  

Dividends on preferred stock

                88     8,806                 (8,807 )               (1 )
                                           

BALANCE FEBRUARY 27, 2010

      $ 1     1,523   $ 152,304     887,636   $ 887,636   $ 4,277,200   $ (6,959,372 ) $ (31,320 ) $ (1,673,551 )
                                           

Net loss

                                              (555,424 )         (555,424 )

Other comprehensive income:

                                                             

Changes in Defined Benefit Plans

                                                    1,178     1,178  
                                                             

Comprehensive loss

                                                          (554,246 )

Exchange of restricted shares for taxes

                            (1,103 )   (1,103 )   (29 )               (1,132 )

Issuance of restricted stock

                            3,905     3,905     (3,905 )                

Cancellation of restricted stock

                            (385 )   (385 )   385                  

Amortization of restricted stock balance

                                        6,053                 6,053  

Stock-based compensation expense

                                        11,283                 11,283  

Stock options exercised

                            244     244     (18 )               226  

Dividends on preferred stock

                93     9,346                 (9,346 )                
                                           

BALANCE FEBRUARY 26, 2011

      $ 1     1,616   $ 161,650     890,297   $ 890,297   $ 4,281,623   $ (7,514,796 ) $ (30,142 ) $ (2,211,367 )
                                           

Net loss

                                              (368,571 )         (368,571 )

Other comprehensive income:

                                                             

Changes in Defined Benefit Plans

                                                    (22,492 )   (22,492 )
                                                             

Comprehensive loss

                                                          (391,063 )

Exchange of restricted shares for taxes

                            (970 )   (970 )   (132 )               (1,102 )

Issuance of restricted stock

                            9,195     9,195     (9,195 )                

Cancellation of restricted stock

                            (731 )   (731 )   731                  

Amortization of restricted stock balance

                                        5,406                 5,406  

Stock-based compensation expense

                                        10,456                 10,456  

Stock options exercised

                            896     896     18                 914  

Dividends on preferred stock

                99     9,919                 (9,919 )                
                                           

BALANCE MARCH 3, 2012

        $ 1     1,715   $ 171,569     898,687   $ 898,687   $ 4,278,988   $ (7,883,367 ) $ (52,634 ) $ (2,586,756 )
                                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                   

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 )

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

                   

Depreciation and amortization

    440,582     505,546     534,238  

Lease termination and impairment charges

    100,053     210,893     208,017  

LIFO charges

    188,722     44,905     88,450  

Gain on sale of assets, net

    (8,703 )   (22,224 )   (24,137 )

Stock-based compensation expense

    15,861     17,336     23,794  

Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net

    33,576     44,003     993  

Proceeds from insured loss

            1,380  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                   

Net repayments to accounts receivable securitization

            (555,000 )

Accounts receivable

    (48,781 )   (10,955 )   118,240  

Inventories

    (169,935 )   35,111     181,542  

Accounts payable

    146,302     156,116     (194,655 )

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (62,569 )   (29,458 )   (201,249 )
               

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    266,537     395,849     (325,063 )
               

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                   

Payments for property, plant and equipment

    (215,004 )   (162,287 )   (183,858 )

Intangible assets acquired

    (35,133 )   (24,233 )   (9,772 )

Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions

    6,038         7,967  

Proceeds from dispositions of assets and investments

    22,930     29,843     65,177  
               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (221,169 )   (156,677 )   (120,486 )
               

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    822,285     650,000     1,303,307  

Net proceeds from (repayments to) revolver

    108,000     (52,000 )   (758,000 )

Principal payments on long-term debt

    (848,373 )   (779,706 )   (174,706 )

Change in zero balance cash accounts

    (32,838 )   (15,657 )   86,650  

Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock

    914     226     66  

Financing fees for early debt redemption

    (11,778 )   (19,666 )    

Deferred financing costs paid

    (12,409 )   (34,847 )   (60,209 )
               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    25,801     (251,650 )   397,108  
               

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    71,169     (12,478 )   (48,441 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    91,116     103,594     152,035  
               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 162,285   $ 91,116   $ 103,594  
               

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        The Company is a Delaware corporation and through its 100 percent owned subsidiaries, operates retail drugstores in the United States of America. It is one of the largest retail drugstore chains in the United States, with 4,667 stores in operation as of March 3, 2012. The Company's drugstores' primary business is pharmacy services. The Company also sells a full selection of health and beauty aids and personal care products, seasonal merchandise and a large private brand product line.

        The Company's operations consist solely of the retail drug segment. Revenues are as follows:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Pharmacy sales

  $ 17,725,645   $ 17,036,027   $ 17,355,964  

Front end sales

    8,293,643     8,081,576     8,213,388  

Other revenue

    101,934     97,304     99,765  
               

  $ 26,121,222   $ 25,214,907   $ 25,669,117  
               

        Sales of prescription drugs represented approximately 68.1%, 67.8%, and 67.9% of the Company's total sales in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company's principal classes of products in fiscal 2012 were the following:

Product Class
  Percentage
of Sales
 

Prescription drugs

    68.1 %

Over-the-counter medications and personal care

    9.8 %

Health and beauty aids

    5.2 %

General merchandise and other

    16.9 %

        The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to February 29 or March 1. The fiscal year ended March 3, 2012 included 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 included 52 weeks.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its 100 percent owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased.

        Approximately 96.5% of prescription sales are made to customers who are covered by third-party payors, such as insurance companies, government agencies and employers. The Company recognizes receivables that represent the amount owed to the Company for sales made to customers or employees of those payors that have not yet been paid. The Company maintains a reserve for the amount of these receivables deemed to be uncollectible. This reserve is calculated based upon historical collection activity adjusted for current conditions.

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory balances include the capitalization of certain costs related to purchasing, freight and handling costs associated with placing inventory in its location and condition for sale. The Company uses the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method of accounting for substantially all of its inventories. At March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011, inventories were $1,063,123 and $875,012, respectively, lower than the amounts that would have been reported using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. The Company calculates its FIFO inventory valuation using the retail method for store inventories and the cost method for distribution facility inventories. The LIFO charge was $188,722, $44,905 and $88,450 for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, a reduction in inventories related to working capital initiatives resulted in the liquidation of applicable LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs in prior years. This LIFO liquidation resulted in a $11,004, $2,647 and $33,085 cost of sales decrease, with a corresponding reduction to the adjustment to LIFO for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively.

        Asset impairments are recorded when the carrying value of assets are not recoverable. For purposes of recognizing and measuring impairment of long-lived assets, the Company categorizes assets of operating stores as "Assets to Be Held and Used" and "Assets to Be Disposed Of." The Company evaluates assets at the store level because this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows ascertainable to evaluate impairment. Assets being tested for recoverability at the store level include tangible long-lived assets and identifiable, finite-lived intangibles that arose in purchase business combinations. Corporate assets to be held and used are evaluated for impairment based on excess cash flows from the stores that support those assets.

        The Company reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company recognizes an impairment loss. Impairment losses are measured as the

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. When fair values are not available, the Company estimates fair value using the expected future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of the asset.

        Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the following useful lives: buildings—30 to 45 years; equipment—3 to 15 years.

        Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. When determining the amortization period of a leasehold improvement, the Company considers whether discretionary exercise of a lease renewal option is reasonably assured. If it is determined that the exercise of such option is reasonably assured, the Company will amortize the leasehold improvement asset over the minimum lease term, plus the option period. This determination depends on the remaining life of the minimum lease term and any economic penalties that would be incurred if the lease option is not exercised.

        Capitalized lease assets are recorded at the lesser of the present value of minimum lease payments or fair market value and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related property or term of the lease.

        The Company capitalizes direct internal and external development costs associated with internal-use software. Neither preliminary evaluation costs nor costs associated with the software after implementation are capitalized. For fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company capitalized costs of approximately $6,371, $4,759 and $4,256, respectively.

        The Company has certain finite-lived intangible assets that are amortized over their useful lives. The value of favorable and unfavorable leases on stores acquired in business combinations are amortized over the terms of the leases on a straight-line basis. Prescription files acquired in business combinations are amortized over an estimated useful life of ten years on an accelerated basis, which approximates the anticipated prescription file retention and related cash flows. Purchased prescription files acquired in other than business combinations are amortized over their estimated useful lives of five years on a straight-line basis.

        Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs was $22,049, $23,797 and $20,789 for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        For all sales other than third party pharmacy sales, the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of merchandise at the time the merchandise is sold. For third party pharmacy sales, revenue is recognized at the time the prescription is filled, which is or approximates when the customer picks up the prescription. The Company records revenue net of an allowance for estimated future returns. Return activity is immaterial to revenues and results of operations in all periods presented.

        On April 18, 2010, the Company launched its wellness + loyalty card program chain wide. Members participating in the wellness + loyalty card program earn points on a calendar year basis for eligible front end merchandise purchases and qualifying prescriptions. One point is awarded for each dollar spent towards front end merchandise and 25 points are awarded for each qualifying prescription.

        Members reach specific wellness + tiers based on the points accumulated during the calendar year, which entitles such customers to certain future discounts and other benefits upon reaching that tier. For example, any customer that reaches 1,000 points in a calendar year achieves the "Gold" tier, enabling them to receive a 20% discount on qualifying purchases of front end merchandise for the remaining portion of the calendar year and also the next calendar year. There are also similar "Silver" and "Bronze" levels with lower thresholds and benefit levels.

        As wellness + customers accumulate points, the Company defers the retail value of the points earned as deferred revenue (included in other current and noncurrent liabilities, based on the expected usage). The amount deferred is based on historic and projected customer activity (e.g., tier level, spending level). As customers receive discounted front end merchandise, the Company recognizes an allocable portion of the deferred revenue.

        Cost of goods sold includes the following: the cost of inventory sold during the period, including related vendor rebates and allowances, LIFO charges, costs incurred to return merchandise to vendors, inventory shrink, purchasing costs and warehousing costs, which include inbound freight costs from the vendor, distribution payroll and benefit costs, distribution center occupancy costs and depreciation expense and delivery expenses to the stores.

        Rebates and allowances received from vendors relate to either buying and merchandising or promoting the product. Buying and merchandising related rebates and allowances are recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold as product is sold. Buying and merchandising rebates and allowances include all types of vendor programs such as cash discounts from timely payment of invoices, purchase discounts or rebates, volume purchase allowances, price reduction allowances and slotting allowances. Certain product promotion related rebates and allowances, primarily related to advertising, are recorded as a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses when the advertising commitment has been satisfied.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        The Company records rent expense on operating leases on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. The Company begins to record rent expense at the time that the Company has the right to use the property. From time to time, the Company receives incentive payments from landlords that subsidize lease improvement construction. These leasehold incentives are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses include store and corporate administrative payroll and benefit costs, occupancy costs which include retail store and corporate rent costs, facility and leasehold improvement depreciation and utility costs, advertising, repair and maintenance, insurance, equipment depreciation and professional fees.

        Routine repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Improvements and major repairs, which extend the useful life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated.

        Advertising costs, net of specific vendor advertising allowances, are expensed in the period the advertisement first takes place. Advertising expenses, net of vendor advertising allowances, for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $369,405, $367,412 and $375,118, respectively.

        The Company is self-insured for certain general liability and workers' compensation claims. For claims that are self-insured, stop-loss insurance coverage is maintained for workers' compensation occurrences exceeding $1,000 and general liability occurrences exceeding $2,000. The Company utilizes actuarial studies as the basis for developing reported claims and estimating claims incurred but not reported relating to the Company's self-insurance. Workers' compensation claims are discounted to present value using a risk-free interest rate.

        The Company has several defined benefit plans, under which participants earn a retirement benefit based upon a formula set forth in the plan. The Company records expense related to these plans using actuarially determined amounts that are calculated under the provisions of ASC 715, "Compensation—Retirement Benefits." Key assumptions used in the actuarial valuations include the discount rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets and the rate of increase in future compensation levels.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        The Company has several stock option plans, which are described in detail in Note 13. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under ASC 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation." The Company recognizes option expense over the requisite service period of the award, net of an estimate for the impact of award forfeitures.

        Costs incurred prior to the opening of a new or relocated store, associated with a remodeled store or related to the opening of a distribution facility are charged against earnings when incurred.

        The Company is involved in litigation on an ongoing basis. The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable loss related to legal claims. Such estimates are developed in consultation with in-house counsel, and are based upon a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.

        When a store or distribution center is closed, the Company records an expense for unrecoverable costs and accrues a liability equal to the present value at current credit adjusted risk-free interest rates of the remaining lease obligations and anticipated ancillary occupancy costs, net of estimated sublease income. Other store or distribution center closing and liquidation costs are expensed when incurred.

        Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) represents the change during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions and dispositions. Deferred tax assets include tax loss and credit carryforwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the tax provision in the period of change.

        The Company has net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards that can be utilized to offset future income for federal and state tax purposes. These NOLs generate a significant deferred tax asset. The Company regularly reviews the deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies.

        The Company recognizes tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes" and the Company adjusts these liabilities with changes in judgment as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities.

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RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to various governmental agencies are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the Company's statement of operations.

        The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The Company's pharmacy sales were primarily to customers covered by health plan contracts, which typically contract with a third party payor that agrees to pay for all or a portion of a customer's eligible prescription purchases. During fiscal 2012, the top five third party payors accounted for approximately 66.4% of the Company's pharmacy sales. The largest third party payor represented 22.9%, 23.8% and 21.2% of pharmacy sales during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Third party payors are entities such as an insurance company, governmental agency, health maintenance organization or other managed care provider, and typically represent several health care contracts and customers.

        During fiscal 2012, state sponsored Medicaid agencies and related managed care Medicaid payors accounted for approximately 17.7% of the Company's pharmacy sales, the largest of which was approximately 2.1% of the Company's pharmacy sales. During fiscal 2012, approximately 28.2% of the Company's pharmacy sales were to customers covered by Medicare Part D. Any significant loss of third-party payor business could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

        During fiscal 2012, the Company purchased brand pharmaceuticals and some generic pharmaceuticals which amounted to approximately 90.9% of the dollar volume of its prescription drugs from a single wholesaler, McKesson Corp. ("McKesson"), under a contract expiring April 1, 2013. With limited exceptions, the Company is required to purchase all of its branded pharmaceutical products from McKesson. If the Company's relationship with McKesson was disrupted, the Company could have temporary difficulty filling prescriptions for brand named drugs until a replacement wholesaler agreement was executed, which would negatively impact the business. The Company purchases almost all of its generic (non-brand name) pharmaceuticals directly from manufacturers which account for approximately 76% of its prescription volume. The loss of any one of the generic suppliers would not disrupt the Company's ability to fill generic (non-brand name) prescriptions but could negatively impact the Company's results.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        The U.S. economy is currently in a continued downturn and the future economic environment may not fully recover to levels prior to the downturn. The Company is highly leveraged and its substantial indebtedness could limit cash flow available for operations and could adversely affect its ability to service debt or obtain additional financing. As a result of the current condition of the credit markets, the Company may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. If the Company's operating results, cash flow or capital resources prove inadequate, or if interest rates rise significantly, the Company could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet its debt and other obligations or otherwise be required to delay its planned activities.

        Management believes that the Company has adequate sources of liquidity to meet its anticipated requirements for working capital, debt service and capital expenditures through fiscal 2013. The Company has a $1,175,000 senior secured revolving credit facility of which $136,000 was outstanding at March 3, 2012.

        The Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the exposure to increasing rates with respect to its variable rate debt, when the Company deems it prudent to do so. Upon inception of interest rate swap agreements, or modifications thereto, the Company performs a comprehensive review of the interest rate swap agreements based on the criteria as provided by ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." As of March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011, the Company had no interest rate swap arrangements or other derivatives.

        For purposes of determining discontinued operations, the Company has determined that the store level is a component of the entity within the context of ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." A component of an entity comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company. The Company routinely evaluates its store base and closes non-performing stores. The Company evaluates the results of operations of these closed stores both quantitatively and qualitatively to determine if it is appropriate for reporting as discontinued operations. Stores sold where the Company retains the prescription files are excluded from the analysis as the Company retains direct cash flows resulting from the migration of revenue to existing stores.

        In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment related to multiemployer pension plans. This amendment increases the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about an employer's participation in individually significant multiemployer plans that offer pension and other postretirement benefits. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ended after December 15, 2011. The Company has adopted the guidance and modified the disclosures surrounding our participation in multiemployer plans in Note 15, Multiemployer Plans that Provide Benefits.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        In June 2011, the FASB issued an amendment related to statements of comprehensive income. This amendment requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This amended guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. In December 2011, the FASB issued another amendment related to statements of comprehensive income. The Company will adopt this guidance in fiscal 2013.

        In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to revise certain fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. This amendment establishes common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on our financial results.

2. Loss Per Share

        Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the income of the Company subject to anti-dilution limitations.

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Numerator for loss per share:

                   

Net loss

  $ (368,571 ) $ (555,424 ) $ (506,676 )

Accretion of redeemable preferred stock

    (102 )   (102 )   (102 )

Cumulative preferred stock dividends

    (9,919 )   (9,346 )   (8,807 )
               

Loss applicable to common stockholders—basic and diluted

  $ (378,592 ) $ (564,872 ) $ (515,585 )
               

Denominator:

                   

Basic and diluted weighted average shares

    885,819     882,947     880,843  

Basic and diluted loss per share

  $ (0.43 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (0.59 )
               

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2. Loss Per Share (Continued)

        Due to their antidilutive effect, the following potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as of March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Stock options

    73,798     74,298     76,114  

Convertible preferred stock

    31,195     29,391     27,692  

Convertible debt

    24,800     24,800     61,045  
               

    129,793     128,489     164,851  
               

        Also excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as of March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 are restricted shares and restricted stock units of 11,506, 7,078, and 5,944 which are included in shares outstanding.

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges

        The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group has a carrying value that may not be recoverable. The individual operating store is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. As such, the Company evaluates individual stores for recoverability. To determine if a store needs to be tested for recoverability, the Company considers items such as decreases in market prices, changes in the manner in which the store is being used or physical condition, changes in legal factors or business climate, an accumulation of losses significantly in excess of budget, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection of continuing losses, or an expectation that the store will be closed or sold.

        The Company monitors new and recently relocated stores against operational projections and other strategic factors such as regional economics, new competitive entries and other local market considerations to determine if an impairment evaluation is required. For other stores, it performs a recoverability analysis if it has experienced current-period and historical cash flow losses.

        In performing the recoverability test, the Company compares the expected future cash flows of a store to the carrying amount of its assets. Significant judgment is used to estimate future cash flows. Major assumptions that contribute to its future cash flow projections include expected sales, gross profit, and distribution expenses; expected costs such as payroll, occupancy costs and advertising expenses; and estimates for other significant selling, and general and administrative expenses. Many long-term macro-economic and industry factors are considered, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in the future cash flow assumptions. In addition to current and expected economic conditions such as inflation, interest and unemployment rates that affect customer shopping patterns, the Company considers that it operates in a highly competitive industry which includes the actions of other national and regional drugstore chains,

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Continued)

independently owned drugstores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, dollar stores and internet pharmacies. Many of its competitors are spending significant capital and promotional dollars in certain geographies to gain market share. The Company has assumed certain sales growth from a new loyalty program, which although it's in its early marketing stages, is expected to not only retain but gain loyal customers. Recent and proposed Pharmacy Benefit Management consolidation and efforts of third party public and private payers have reduced pharmacy reimbursement rates in recent years. The Company expects this rate compression, which currently affects over 96% of its pharmacy business, to continue to affect it in the foreseeable future. The Company operates in a highly regulated industry and must make assumptions related to Federal and State efforts and proposals to affect the pricing and regulations related to prescription drugs, as well as, expected revenues and costs related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (health care reform).

        Additionally, the Company takes into consideration that certain operating stores are executing specific improvement plans which are monitored quarterly to recoup recent capital investments, such as an acquisition of an independent pharmacy, which it has made to respond to specific competitive or local market conditions, or have specific programs tailored towards a specific geography or market.

        The Company recorded impairment charges of $51,998 in fiscal 2012, $115,121 in fiscal 2011 and $75,475 in fiscal 2010. The Company's methodology for recording impairment charges has not changed materially, and has been consistently applied in the periods presented.

        At March 3, 2012, $1.979 billion of the Company's long-lived assets, including intangible assets, were associated with 4,667 active operating stores.

        If an operating store's estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover its carrying value, its carrying value is reduced to fair value which is its estimated future discounted cash flows. The discount rate is commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of a similar asset.

        An impairment charge is recorded in the period that the store does not meet its original return on investment and/or has an operating loss for the last 2 years and its projected cash flows do not exceed its current carrying cost. The amount of the impairment charge is the entire difference between the current carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets using discounted future cash flows. Most stores are fully impaired in the period that the impairment charge is originally recorded.

        The Company recorded impairment charges for active stores of $43,353 in fiscal 2012, $108,999 in fiscal 2011 and $48,884 in fiscal 2010.

        The Company reviews key performance results for active stores on a quarterly basis and approves certain stores for closure. Impairment for closed stores, if any (many stores are closed on lease expiration), are recorded in the quarter the closure decision is made and approved. Most stores are physically closed within a quarter of the closure decision. Closure decisions are made on an individual store or regional basis considering all of the macro-economic, industry and other factors discussed above, in addition to, the active store's individual operating results. The Company currently has no plans to close a significant number of operating stores in future periods. In the next fiscal year, the Company currently expects to close 50 stores, primarily as a result of lease expirations. The Company recorded impairment charges for closed facilities of $8,645 in fiscal 2012, $6,122 in fiscal 2011 and $26,591 in fiscal 2010.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Continued)

        Included in the impairment charges noted above, the Company recorded charges of $5,863 in fiscal 2012, $2,433 in fiscal 2011 and $12,315 in fiscal 2010 for existing owned surplus property. Assets to be disposed of are evaluated quarterly to determine if an additional impairment charge is required. Fair value estimates are provided by independent brokers who operate in the local markets where the assets are located.

        The following table summarizes the impairment charges and number of locations, segregated by closed facilities and active stores that have been recorded in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3, 2012   February 26, 2011   February 27, 2010  
 
  Number   Charge   Number   Charge   Number   Charge  

Closed facilities:

                                     

Actual and approved store closings

    55   $ 2,283     51   $ 3,278     67   $ 5,479  

Actual and approved relocations

    2     499     1     317     7     3,108  

Distribution center closings

            1     94     1     5,689  

Existing surplus properties

    12     5,863     17     2,433     23     12,315  
                           

Total impairment charges-closed facilities

    69     8,645     70     6,122     98     26,591  

Active stores:

                                     

Additional current period charges for stores previously impaired in prior periods(1)

    591     9,822     584     17,825     437     7,710  

Charges for new and relocated stores that did not meet their asset recoverability test in the current period(2)

    19     18,926     44     36,015     32     17,260  

Charges for the remaining stores that did not meet their asset recoverability test in the current period(3)

    53     14,605     167     55,159     104     23,914  
                           

Total impairment charges-active stores

    663     43,353     795     108,999     573     48,884  

Total impairment charges-all locations

    732   $ 51,998     865   $ 115,121     671   $ 75,475  
                           

Total number of active stores

    4,667           4,714           4,780        

Stores impaired in prior periods with no current charge

    428           263           321        

Stores with a current period charge

    663           795           573        
                                 

Total cumulative active stores with impairment charges

    1,091           1,058           894        
                                 

(1)
These charges are related to stores that were impaired for the first time in prior periods. Most active stores, requiring an impairment charge, are fully impaired in the first period that they do not meet their asset recoverability test. However, in each prior period presented, a minority of stores were partially impaired since their fair value supported a reduced net book value.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Continued)

(2)
These charges are related to new stores (open at least 3 years) and relocated stores (relocated in the last 2 years) that did not meet their recoverability test during the current period. These stores have not met their original return on investment projections and have a historical loss of at least 2 years. Their future cash flow projections do not recover their current carrying value. Of this total, 19, 43 and 30 stores for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively have been fully impaired.

(3)
These charges are related to the remaining active stores that did not meet the recoverability test during the current period. These stores have a historical loss of at least 2 years. Their future cash flow projections do not recover their current carrying value. Of this total, 43, 141 and 92 stores for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively have been fully impaired.

        The primary drivers of its impairment charges are each store's current and historical operating performance and the assumptions that the Company makes about each store's operating performance in future periods. Projected cash flows are updated based on the next year's operating budget which includes the qualitative factors noted above. The Company is unable to predict with any degree of certainty which individual stores will fall short or exceed future operating plans. Accordingly, the Company is unable to describe future trends that would affect its impairment charges, including the likely stores and their related asset values that may fail their recoverability test in future periods.

        The Company prioritizes inputs used in measuring the fair value of its nonfinancial assets and liabilities into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3—unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

        Long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for purposes of calculating impairment using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of long-lived assets using Level 2 inputs is determined by evaluating the current economic conditions in the geographic area for similar use assets. The fair value of long-lived assets using Level 3 inputs is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows and discounting them using a risk-adjusted rate of interest. The Company estimates future cash flows based on its experience and knowledge of the market in which the store is located.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Continued)

        The table below sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the long-lived assets as of the impairment measurement date for which an impairment assessment was performed and total losses as of March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011

 
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Fair Values
as of
Impairment
Date
  Total Charges
March 3,
2012
 

Long-lived assets held and used

  $   $ 23,254   $ 36,485   $ 59,739   $ (50,718 )

Long-lived assets held for sale

        5,407         5,407     (1,280 )
                       

Total

  $   $ 28,661   $ 36,485   $ 65,146   $ (51,998 )
                       

 

 
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Fair Values
as of
Impairment
Date
  Total Charges
February 26,
2011
 

Long-lived assets held and used

  $   $ 21,822   $ 43,129   $ 64,951   $ (114,330 )

Long-lived assets held for sale

        2,479         2,479     (791 )
                       

Total

  $   $ 24,301   $ 43,129   $ 67,430   $ (115,121 )
                       

        Charges to close a store, which principally consist of continuing lease obligations, are recorded at the time the store is closed and all inventory is liquidated, pursuant to the guidance set forth in ASC 420, "Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations." The Company calculates the liability for closed stores on a store-by-store basis. The calculation includes the discounted effect of future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs, from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated cost recoveries that may be achieved through subletting or favorable lease terminations. The Company evaluates these assumptions each quarter and adjusts the liability accordingly.

        In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded facility and equipment lease exit charges of $48,055, $95,772 and $132,542. These charges related to changes in future assumptions, interest accretion and provisions for 23 stores in fiscal 2012, 52 stores and one distribution center in fiscal 2011, and 108 stores and one distribution center in fiscal 2010.

        As part of its ongoing business activities, the Company assesses stores and distribution centers for potential closure. Decisions to close stores or distribution centers in future periods would result in charges for lease exit costs and liquidation of inventory, as well as impairment of assets at these

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Continued)

locations. The following table reflects the closed store and distribution center charges that relate to new closures, changes in assumptions and interest accretion:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Balance—beginning of year

  $ 405,350   $ 412,654   $ 381,411  

Provision for present value of noncancellable lease payments of closed stores

    11,832     51,369     80,331  

Changes in assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and change in interest rates

    11,305     19,585     31,014  

Interest accretion

    26,084     26,234     26,693  

Cash payments, net of sublease income

    (86,707 )   (104,492 )   (106,795 )
               

Balance—end of year

  $ 367,864   $ 405,350   $ 412,654  
               

        The Company's revenues and income (loss) before income taxes for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 included results from stores that have been closed or are approved for closure as of March 3, 2012. The revenue, operating expenses, and income (loss) before income taxes of these stores for the periods are presented as follows:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
  February 26,
2011
  February 27,
2010
 

Revenues

  $ 179,064   $ 352,260   $ 640,014  

Operating expenses

    198,214     393,465     707,699  

Gain from sale of assets

    (11,969 )   (19,407 )   (32,967 )

Other expenses

    (7,220 )   4,232     9,832  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    39     (26,030 )   (44,550 )

Included in these stores' income (loss) before income taxes are:

                   

Depreciation and amortization

    2,183     5,336     11,312  

Inventory liquidation charges

    1,112     4,897     5,236  

        The above results are not necessarily indicative of the impact that these closures will have on revenues and operating results of the Company in the future, as the Company often transfers the business of a closed store to another Company store, thereby retaining a portion of these revenues and operating expenses.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

4. Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes was as follows:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Current tax expense (benefit):

                   

Federal

  $ 0   $ (36 ) $ (4,819 )

State

    3,654     9,348     3,330  
               

    3,654     9,312     (1,489 )

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

                   

Federal

    1,729     1,959     1,849  

State

    (29,069 )   (1,429 )   26,398  
               

    (27,340 )   530     28,247  
               

Total income tax expense (benefit)

  $ (23,686 ) $ 9,842   $ 26,758  
               

        A reconciliation of the expected statutory federal tax and the total income tax benefit was as follows:

 
  Year Ended  
 
  March 3,
2012
(53 Weeks)
  February 26,
2011
(52 Weeks)
  February 27,
2010
(52 Weeks)
 

Expected federal statutory expense at 35%

  $ (137,279 ) $ (190,956 ) $ (167,972 )

Nondeductible expenses

    2,408     1,354     2,941  

State income taxes, net

    11,492     (18,139 )   (24,662 )

Increase (decrease) of previously recorded liabilities

    (17,771 )   647     18,359  

Recoverable AMT tax due to special 5-year NOL carryback

            (4,790 )

Valuation allowance

    117,464     216,936     202,882  
               

Total income tax expense (benefit)

  $ (23,686 ) $ 9,842   $ 26,758  
               

        Net loss for fiscal 2012 included income tax benefit of $23,686 and was primarily comprised of adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of statute of limitations. The Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. ASC 740, "Income Taxes" requires a company to evaluate its deferred tax assets on a regular basis to determine if a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets is required. According to ASC 740, a cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Based on the negative evidence, ASC 740 precludes relying on projections of future taxable income to support the recognition of deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the existence of sufficient taxable income generated in the carryforward periods.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended March 3, 2012, February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

4. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The fiscal 2011 income tax expense was primarily comprised of an accrual for state and local taxes, adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits and the need for an accrual of additional state taxes resulting from the receipt of a final audit determination.

        The fiscal 2010 income tax expense was primarily comprised of an accrual for state and local taxes net of federal tax recoveries and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits.

        The tax effect of temporary differences that gave rise to significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at March 3, 2012 and February 26, 2011:

 
  2012   2011  

Deferred tax assets:

             

Accounts receivable

  $ 54,119   $ 39,021  

Accrued expenses

    252,560     266,523  

Liability for lease exit costs

    158,454     175,547  

Pension, retirement and other benefits