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Extended Protection Plans
6 Months Ended
Aug. 04, 2017
Extended Protection Plans  
Extended Protection Plans
Note 7: Extended Protection Plans - The Company sells separately-priced extended protection plan contracts under a Lowe’s-branded program for which the Company is self-insured. The Company recognizes revenue from extended protection plan sales on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Extended protection plan contract terms primarily range from one to four years from the date of purchase or the end of the manufacturer’s warranty, as applicable. Changes in deferred revenue for extended protection plan contracts are summarized as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(In millions)
August 4, 2017
 
July 29, 2016
 
August 4, 2017
 
July 29, 2016
Deferred revenue - extended protection plans, beginning of period
$
769

 
$
726

 
$
763

 
$
729

Additions to deferred revenue
112

 
106

 
208

 
192

Deferred revenue recognized
(91
)
 
(88
)
 
(181
)
 
(177
)
Deferred revenue - extended protection plans, end of period
$
790

 
$
744

 
$
790

 
$
744



Incremental direct acquisition costs associated with the sale of extended protection plans are also deferred and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Deferred costs associated with extended protection plan contracts were $19 million at August 4, 2017, $18 million at July 29, 2016, and $18 million at February 3, 2017. The Company’s extended protection plan deferred costs are included in other assets (noncurrent) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All other costs, such as costs of services performed under the contract, general and administrative expenses, and advertising expenses are expensed as incurred.

The liability for extended protection plan claims incurred is included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and was not material in any of the periods presented. Expenses for claims are recognized when incurred and totaled $40 million and $76 million for the three and six months ended August 4, 2017, respectively, and $38 million and $68 million for the three and six months ended July 29, 2016, respectively.