Rite Aid (RAD)

these receivables. The SPE then transfers an interest in these receivables to various CPVs.  Transferred outstanding receivables cannot exceed $400.0 million.

The amount of transferred receivables outstanding at any one time is dependent upon a formula that takes into account such factors as default history, obligor concentrations and potential dilution (“Securitization Formula”). Adjustments to this amount can occur on a weekly basis. At March 4, 2006 and February 26, 2005, the total of outstanding receivables that had been transferred to the CPVs were $330.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively. The average amount of outstanding receivables transferred during fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $243.6 million and $263.3 million, respectively.  Total receivable transfers for fiscal 2006 and 2005 totaled $3.7 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. Collections made by us as part of the servicing arrangement on behalf of the CPVs, for fiscal 2006 and 2005 totaled $3.5 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. At March 4, 2006 and February 26, 2005, we retained an interest in the third party pharmaceutical receivables not transferred to the CPVs of $274.5 million and $426.4 million, respectively, exclusive of the allowance for uncollectible accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net, on the consolidated balance sheet at allocated cost, which approximates fair value.

We are subject to an ongoing program fee of approximately LIBOR plus 1.125% on the amount transferred to the CPVs under the securitization agreements and must pay a liquidity fee of 0.375% on the daily unused amount under the securitization agreements. The program and the liquidity fees are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Program and liquidity fees for fiscal 2006 and 2005 were $12.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Rite Aid Corporation guarantees certain performance obligations of its affiliates under the securitization agreements, which includes the continued servicing of such receivables, but does not guarantee the collectibility of the receivables and obligor creditworthiness.  The CPVs have a commitment to purchase that ends September 2006 with the option to annually extend the commitment to purchase. Should any of the CPVs fail to renew their commitment under these securitization agreements, the Company has access to a backstop credit facility, which is backed by the CPVs and which expires in September 2007, to continue to provide liquidity to us.

Proceeds from the collections under the receivables securitization agreements are submitted to an independent trustee on a daily basis. The trustee withholds any cash necessary to (1) fund amounts owed to the CPVs as a result of such collections and, (2) fund the CPVs when the Securitization Formula indicates a lesser amount of outstanding receivables transferred is warranted. The remaining collections are swept to the Company’s corporate concentration account. At March 4, 2006 and February 26, 2005, we had $2.2 million and $0.8 million of cash, respectively that was restricted for the payment of trustee fees. 

We have determined that the transactions meet the criteria for sales treatment in accordance with SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”. Additionally, we have determined that we do not hold a variable interest in the CPVs, pursuant to the guidance in FIN 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, and therefore have determined that the de-recognition of the transferred receivables is appropriate.

As of March 4, 2006, we had no material off balance sheet arrangements, other than the receivables securitization agreements described above and operating leases, which are included in the table below.

32