Anixter International Inc. Financial Statement Analysis
How We
Addressed
the Matter in
Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company's goodwill impairment review process, including controls over management's review of the
significant assumptions described above.
To test the estimated fair value of the Company's reporting units, we performed audit procedures that
included, among others, assessing the methodology and testing the significant assumptions discussed above
and the underlying data used by the Company in its analysis. For example, we compared the significant
assumptions used by management in the prospective financial information to current industry and economic
trends and to historical results. We also assessed the historical accuracy of management's prospective financial
information by comparing management's past projections to actual performance. We evaluated the weighted
average cost of capital by comparing it to a weighted average cost of capital range that was independently
developed using publicly available market data for comparable entities. We performed sensitivity analyses of
the significant assumptions discussed above to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting units that
would result from changes in the assumptions. In addition, we tested management's reconciliation of the fair
value of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company. We also involved a valuation
specialist to assist in our evaluation of the Company's valuation methodology and certain significant
assumptions, such as the weighted average cost of capital.
Description
of the Matter
How We
Addressed
the Matter in
Our Audit
Realizability of deferred tax assets
As more fully described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, for the year ended January 3, 2020,
the Company reversed a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credit carryforwards
in the amount of $41.7 million. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, deferred tax
assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some
portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Auditing management's assessment of recoverability of deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credit
carryforwards involved subjective estimation and complex auditor judgment in determining whether sufficient
future taxable income will be generated to support the realization of the existing deferred tax assets before
expiration. These projections are sensitive because they can be affected by future market or economic
conditions.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company's income tax review process, including controls over management's review of projections of future
taxable income and the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences to support the realizability of
the deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credit carryforwards.
To test the realizability of the foreign tax credit carryforwards, with the assistance of our income tax
professionals, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the assumptions used by
the Company to develop projections of future taxable income by income tax jurisdiction and testing the
completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the projections. For example, we compared the
projections of future taxable income with the actual results of prior periods and evaluated the effect of current
industry and economic trends. We also compared the projections of future taxable income with other
forecasted financial information prepared by the Company.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1980.
Chicago, Illinois
February 20, 2020
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