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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended May 1, 2020
or 
☐
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 1-7898
lowesgraphicimage01.jpg
LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina
 
56-0578072
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
1000 Lowe’s Blvd.
 
 
 
Mooresville,
 
North Carolina
 
28117
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
(704)
758-1000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.50 per share
LOW
New York Stock Exchange

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  ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). ☒ Yes  ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
 
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
 
Smaller reporting company
☐
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
CLASS
 
OUTSTANDING AT 5/26/2020
Common Stock, $0.50 par value
 
755,002,775


LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.
- TABLE OF CONTENTS -
 
 
 
Page No.
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 2.
 
Item 6.
 
 

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “desire”, “project”, “estimate”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “strategy”, “potential”, “opportunity” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, Lowe’s plans, objectives, business outlook, priorities, expectations and intentions, expectations for sales growth, comparable sales, earnings and performance, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for services, share repurchases, Lowe’s strategic initiatives, including those relating to acquisitions and dispositions by Lowe’s and the expected impact of such transactions on our strategic and operational plans and financial results, and any statement of an assumption underlying any of the foregoing and other statements that are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations, opinions, projections and comments reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

A wide variety of potential risks, uncertainties and other factors could materially affect our ability to achieve the results either expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, such as the rate of unemployment, interest rate and currency fluctuations, fuel and other energy costs, slower growth in personal income, changes in consumer spending, changes in the rate of housing turnover, the availability of consumer credit and of mortgage financing, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, recently enacted, proposed or threatened tariffs, any disruptions caused by our recent management and key personnel changes, and other factors that can negatively affect our customers, as well as our ability to: (i) respond to adverse trends in the housing industry, a reduced rate of growth in household formation, and slower rates of growth in housing renovation and repair activity, as well as uneven recovery in commercial building activity; (ii) secure, develop, and otherwise implement new technologies and processes necessary to realize the benefits of our strategic initiatives focused on omni-channel sales and marketing presence and enhance our efficiency and otherwise successfully execute on our strategy and implement our strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, dispositions and the closing of certain stores and facilities; (iii) attract, train, and retain highly-qualified associates; (iv) manage our business effectively as we adapt our operating model to meet the changing expectations of our customers; (v) maintain, improve, upgrade and protect our critical information systems from system outages, data security breaches, ransomware and other cyber threats; (vi) respond to fluctuations in the prices and availability of services, supplies, and products; (vii) respond to the growth and impact of competition; (viii) address changes in existing or new laws or regulations that affect consumer credit, employment/labor, trade, product safety, transportation/logistics, energy costs, health care, tax, environmental issues or privacy and data protection; (ix) positively and effectively manage our public image and reputation and respond appropriately to unanticipated failures to maintain a high level of product and service quality that could result in a negative impact on customer confidence and adversely affect sales; (x) effectively manage our relationships with selected suppliers of brand name products and key vendors and service providers, including third-party installers; and (xi) respond successfully to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects. In addition, we could experience impairment losses and other charges if either the actual results of our operating stores are not consistent with the assumptions and judgments we have made in estimating future cash flows and determining asset fair values, or we are required to reduce the carrying amount of our investment in certain unconsolidated entities. With respect to acquisitions and dispositions, potential risks include the effect of such transactions on Lowe’s and the target company’s or operating business’s strategic relationships, operating results and businesses generally; our ability to integrate or divest personnel, labor models, financial, IT and other systems successfully; disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management; hiring additional management and other critical personnel; increasing or decreasing the scope, geographic diversity, and complexity of our operations; significant integration or disposition costs or unknown liabilities; and failure to realize the expected benefits of the transaction. For more information about these and other risks and uncertainties that we are exposed to, you should read “Item 1A - Risk Factors” and “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and the description of material changes thereto, if any, included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or subsequent filings with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this Form 10-Q or other specified date and speak only as of such date.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf about any of the matters covered in this Form 10-Q are qualified by these cautionary statements and the risk factors disclosed in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in the Annual Report and the description of

3
Table of Contents

material changes thereto, if any, included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or subsequent filings with the SEC. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, change in circumstances, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.


4
Table of Contents

Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Par Value Data
 
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
January 31, 2020
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,955

 
$
2,973

 
$
716

Short-term investments
 
201

 
190

 
160

Merchandise inventory – net
 
14,283

 
15,026

 
13,179

Other current assets
 
1,487

 
1,146

 
1,263

Total current assets
 
21,926

 
19,335

 
15,318

Property, less accumulated depreciation
 
18,501

 
18,150

 
18,669

Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
3,876

 
3,926

 
3,891

Long-term investments
 
300

 
235

 
372

Deferred income taxes – net
 
215

 
495

 
216

Other assets
 
1,014

 
1,078

 
1,005

Total assets
 
$
45,832

 
$
43,219

 
$
39,471

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
 
$
1,000

 
$
—

 
$
1,941

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
604

 
1,008

 
597

Current operating lease liabilities
 
506

 
500

 
501

Accounts payable
 
10,841

 
11,485

 
7,659

Accrued compensation and employee benefits
 
982

 
769

 
684

Deferred revenue
 
1,212

 
1,376

 
1,219

Other current liabilities
 
3,180

 
2,643

 
2,581

Total current liabilities
 
18,325

 
17,781

 
15,182

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
 
20,200

 
16,542

 
16,768

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
 
3,915

 
4,064

 
3,943

Deferred revenue – extended protection plans
 
915

 
837

 
894

Other liabilities
 
761

 
759

 
712

Total liabilities
 
44,116

 
39,983

 
37,499

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $5 par value: Authorized – 5.0 million shares; Issued and outstanding – none
 
—

 
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.50 par value: Authorized – 5.6 billion shares; Issued and outstanding – 755 million, 795 million, and 763 million shares, respectively
 
377

 
397

 
381

Capital in excess of par value
 
10

 
—

 
—

Retained earnings
 
1,722

 
3,095

 
1,727

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(393
)
 
(256
)
 
(136
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
1,716

 
3,236

 
1,972

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
45,832

 
$
43,219

 
$
39,471

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5
Table of Contents

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Per Share and Percentage Data
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Current Earnings
 
Amount
 
% Sales
 
Amount
 
% Sales
Net sales
 
$
19,675

 
100.00
 
$
17,741

 
100.00
Cost of sales
 
13,162

 
66.90
 
12,160

 
68.54
Gross margin
 
6,513

 
33.10
 
5,581

 
31.46
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
4,196

 
21.32
 
3,862

 
21.77
Depreciation and amortization
 
326

 
1.66
 
302

 
1.70
Operating income
 
1,991

 
10.12
 
1,417

 
7.99
Interest – net
 
205

 
1.04
 
162

 
0.92
Pre-tax earnings
 
1,786

 
9.08
 
1,255

 
7.07
Income tax provision
 
449

 
2.28
 
209

 
1.17
Net earnings
 
$
1,337

 
6.80
 
$
1,046

 
5.90
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
 
755

 
 
 
796

 
 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.76

 
 
 
$
1.31

 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
 
756

 
 
 
797

 
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
1.76

 
 
 
$
1.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Percentage Data
 
Three Months Ended
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
Amount
 
% Sales
 
Amount
 
% Sales
Net earnings
$
1,337

 
6.80

 
$
1,046

 
5.90

Foreign currency translation adjustments – net of tax
(159
)
 
(0.82
)
 
(33
)
 
(0.18
)
Cash flow hedges – net of tax
(102
)
 
(0.52
)
 
(15
)
 
(0.09
)
Other
4

 
0.03

 
—

 
—

Other comprehensive loss
(257
)
 
(1.31
)
 
(48
)
 
(0.27
)
Comprehensive income
$
1,080

 
5.49

 
$
998

 
5.63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
In Millions
 
Common Stock
 
Capital in Excess
of Par Value
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
 
 
 
Balance January 31, 2020
763

 
$
381

 
$
—

 
$
1,727

 
$
(136
)
 
$
1,972

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,337

 
 
 
1,337

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(257
)
 
(257
)
Cash dividends declared, $0.55 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
(415
)
 
 
 
(415
)
Share-based payment expense
 
 
 
 
23

 
 
 
 
 
23

Repurchase of common stock
(10
)
 
(5
)
 
(15
)
 
(927
)
 
 
 
(947
)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans
2

 
1

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
3

Balance May 1, 2020
755

 
$
377

 
$
10

 
$
1,722

 
$
(393
)
 
$
1,716

Balance February 1, 2019
801

 
$
401

 
$
—

 
$
3,452

 
$
(209
)
 
$
3,644

Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
 
 
 
 
 
(263
)
 
 
 
(263
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,046

 
 
 
1,046

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(47
)
 
(47
)
Cash dividends declared, $0.48 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
(382
)
 
 
 
(382
)
Share-based payment expense
 
 
 
 
39

 
 
 
 
 
39

Repurchase of common stock
(8
)
 
(5
)
 
(70
)
 
(758
)
 
 
 
(833
)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans
2

 
1

 
31

 
 
 
 
 
32

Balance May 3, 2019
795

 
$
397

 
$
—

 
$
3,095

 
$
(256
)
 
$
3,236

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
In Millions
 
Three Months Ended
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
1,337

 
$
1,046

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
373

 
337

Noncash lease expense
116

 
114

Deferred income taxes
46

 
(106
)
Loss (gain) on property and other assets – net
17

 
(2
)
Share-based payment expense
27

 
42

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Merchandise inventory – net
(1,183
)
 
(2,478
)
Other operating assets
(206
)
 
(275
)
Accounts payable
3,207

 
3,199

Other operating liabilities
716

 
260

Net cash provided by operating activities
4,450

 
2,137

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of investments
(70
)
 
(3
)
Proceeds from sale/maturity of investments
107

 
54

Capital expenditures
(328
)
 
(205
)
Proceeds from sale of property and other long-term assets
25

 
24

Other – net
(22
)
 
(1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(288
)
 
(131
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net change in commercial paper
(941
)
 
(722
)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
3,961

 
2,972

Repayment of debt
(543
)
 
(616
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans
4

 
32

Cash dividend payments
(420
)
 
(385
)
Repurchase of common stock
(966
)
 
(826
)
Other – net
(3
)
 
(9
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
1,092

 
446

 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(15
)
 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents, including cash classified within current assets
   held for sale
5,239

 
2,450

Less: Net decrease in cash classified within current assets held for sale
—

 
12

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
5,239

 
2,462

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
716

 
511

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
5,955

 
$
2,973

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all the disclosures normally required in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The consolidated financial statements (unaudited), in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position as of May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, the results of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019. The January 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet was derived from the audited financial statements.

These interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Company) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 (the Annual Report). The financial results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the financial results for the entire fiscal year.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation, including the addition of cash flow hedges – net of tax on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and the inclusion of goodwill within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recent accounting pronouncements pending adoption are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Note 2: Revenue - Net sales consists primarily of revenue, net of sales tax, associated with contracts with customers for the sale of goods and services in amounts that reflect consideration the Company is entitled to in exchange for those goods and services.

The following table presents the Company’s sources of revenue:
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Products
$
19,020

 
$
16,900

Services
399

 
554

Other
256

 
287

Net sales
$
19,675

 
$
17,741



Revenue from products primarily relates to in-store and online merchandise purchases, which are recognized at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the merchandise. This occurs at the time of in-store purchase, in-store or curbside pick-up, or delivery of the product to the customer. A provision for anticipated merchandise returns is provided through a reduction of sales and cost of sales in the period that the related sales are recorded.  The merchandise return reserve is presented on a gross basis, with a separate asset and liability included in the consolidated balance sheets. Anticipated sales returns reflected in other current liabilities were $352 million at May 1, 2020, and $287 million at May 3, 2019. The associated right of return assets reflected in other current assets were $226 million at May 1, 2020, and $190 million at May 3, 2019.
Revenues from services primarily relate to professional installation services the Company provides through subcontractors related to merchandise purchased by a customer. In certain instances, installation services include materials provided by the subcontractor, and both product and installation are included in service revenue. The Company recognizes revenue associated with services as they are rendered, and the majority of services are completed within one week from initiation.

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Deferred revenue - retail
Deferred revenue is presented for merchandise in which control has not yet transferred to the customer and for services that have not yet been provided, but for which tender has been accepted. Deferred revenue is recognized in sales either at a point in time when the customer obtains control of merchandise through in-store pick-up, curbside pickup, or delivery, or over time as services are provided to the customer. Deferred revenues associated with amounts received for which customers have not taken possession of the merchandise or for which installation has not yet been completed were $774 million at May 1, 2020, and $935 million at May 3, 2019. The majority of revenue for goods and services is recognized in the quarter following revenue deferral.
Deferred revenue - stored-value cards
The Company defers revenues from stored-value cards, which include gift cards and returned merchandise credits, and recognizes revenue into sales when the cards are redeemed.  The liability associated with outstanding stored-value cards was $438 million and $441 million at May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively, and these amounts are included in deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes income from unredeemed stored-value cards in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer. Amounts recognized as breakage were insignificant for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019.
Deferred revenue - extended protection plans
The Company defers revenues for its separately-priced extended protection plan contracts, which is a Lowe’s-branded program for which the Company is ultimately 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 five years from the date of purchase or the end of the manufacturer’s warranty, as applicable. Deferred revenue from extended protection plans recognized into sales were $107 million for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and $99 million for the three months ended May 3, 2019. 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 and were insignificant at May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively.  The Company’s extended protection plan deferred costs are included in other assets (noncurrent) on the 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 $36 million for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and $48 million for the three months ended May 3, 2019.

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by merchandise division:
 
Three Months Ended
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
(In millions)
Net Sales
 
%
 
Net Sales
 
%
Home Décor ¹
$
6,930

 
35
 
$
6,336

 
36
Hardlines ²
6,433

 
33
 
5,555

 
31
Building Products ³
5,965

 
30
 
5,397

 
30
Other
347

 
2
 
453

 
3
Total
$
19,675

 
100
 
$
17,741

 
100
Note: Merchandise division net sales for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
1 
Home Décor includes the following product categories: Appliances, Décor, Flooring, Kitchens & Bath, and Paint
2 
Hardlines includes the following product categories: Hardware, Lawn & Garden, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, and Tools
3 
Building Products includes the following product categories: Building Materials, Electrical, Lighting, Lumber, Millwork, and Rough Plumbing



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Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by geographical area:
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
United States
$
18,760

 
$
16,647

International
915

 
1,094

Net Sales
$
19,675

 
$
17,741



Note 3: Fair Value Measurements - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a three-level hierarchy, which encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
•
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation techniques that are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation techniques that are other than quoted prices but are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly
•
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation techniques that are unobservable for the assets or liabilities

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 1, 2020, May 3, 2019, and January 31, 2020. The fair values of these instruments approximated amortized costs.
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at
(In millions)
Measurement Level
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
January 31, 2020
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale debt securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
Level 1
 
$
133

 
$
—

 
$
13

Money market funds
Level 1
 
33

 
156

 
105

Corporate debt securities
Level 2
 
28

 
12

 
23

Agency securities
Level 2
 
7

 
22

 
19

Total short-term investments
 
 
$
201

 
$
190

 
$
160

Long-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale debt securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
Level 1
 
$
214

 
$
26

 
$
280

Corporate debt securities
Level 2
 
56

 
181

 
62

Agency securities
Level 2
 
30

 
28

 
30

Total long-term investments
 
 
$
300

 
$
235

 
$
372

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward interest rate swaps
Level 2
 
$
15

 
$
—

 
$
11

Total other current liabilities
 
 
$
15

 
$
—

 
$
11

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward interest rate swaps
Level 2
 
$
17

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total other liabilities
 
 
$
17

 
$
—

 
$
—



11
Table of Contents


There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3 during any of the periods presented.

When available, quoted prices were used to determine fair value. When quoted prices in active markets were available, investments were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted prices in active markets were not available, fair values were determined using pricing models, and the inputs to those pricing models were based on observable market inputs. The inputs to the pricing models were typically benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, and benchmark securities, among others.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

During the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, the Company had no significant measurements of assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and long-term debt and are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value for these items due to their short-term nature. The fair values of the Company’s unsecured notes were estimated using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s mortgage notes were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the future cash outflows associated with these arrangements and discounted using the applicable incremental borrowing rate.

Carrying amounts and the related estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, are as follows:
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
January 31, 2020
(In millions)
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Unsecured notes (Level 1)
$
20,106

 
$
23,209

 
$
17,090

 
$
17,261

 
$
16,648

 
$
18,808

Mortgage notes (Level 2)
5

 
5

 
6

 
6

 
5

 
6

Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)
$
20,111

 
$
23,214

 
$
17,096

 
$
17,267

 
$
16,653

 
$
18,814



Note 4: Restricted Investment Balances - Short-term and long-term investments include restricted balances pledged as collateral primarily for the Company’s extended protection plan program. Restricted balances included in short-term investments were $201 million at May 1, 2020, $190 million at May 3, 2019, and $160 million at January 31, 2020.

Restricted balances included in long-term investments were $300 million at May 1, 2020, $235 million at May 3, 2019, and $372 million at January 31, 2020.

Note 5: Property and Accumulated Depreciation - Property is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $17.4 billion at May 1, 2020, $17.3 billion at May 3, 2019, and $17.3 billion at January 31, 2020. The Company recognized depreciation expense, inclusive of amounts presented in cost of sales and depreciation and amortization, of $359 million for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and $324 million for the three months ended May 3, 2019.

Note 6: Short-Term Borrowings - In March 2020, the Company entered into a $1.02 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement (the 2020 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks. In connection with the 2020 Credit Agreement, the Company refinanced the 364-Day Credit Agreement (2019 Credit Agreement), dated as of September 9, 2019, and terminated any commitments under the 2019 Credit Agreement as of March 23, 2020. Borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement will bear interest calculated according to a Base Rate or a Eurocurrency Rate plus an applicable margin. The 2020 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this type. The Company was in compliance with those financial covenants at May 1, 2020.

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Table of Contents

The 2020 Credit Agreement, along with the $1.98 billion five year unsecured second amended and restated credit agreement (Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) entered into in September 2018, supports the Company’s commercial paper program.  The amounts available to be drawn under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are reduced by the amount of borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement, Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, or the Company’s commercial paper program. Total combined availability under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was $3.0 billion as of May 1, 2020.
As of May 1, 2020, the Company held a $1.0 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility (Term Loan) entered in January 2020 that matures in December 2020. The weighted average interest rate of outstanding borrowings on the Term Loan was 1.86% as of May 1, 2020.
Note 7: Long-Term Debt - On March 26, 2020, the Company issued $4.0 billion of unsecured fixed rate notes as follows:
Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Discount (in millions)
$
750

 
April 2025
 
4.000%
 
$
4

$
1,250

 
April 2030
 
4.500%
 
$
12

$
750

 
April 2040
 
5.000%
 
$
10

$
1,250

 
April 2050
 
5.125%
 
$
13



Interest on the notes is payable semiannually in arrears in April and October of each year until maturity.

The indenture governing the notes contains a provision that allows the Company to redeem these notes at any time, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the date of redemption. The indenture also contains a provision that allows the holders of the notes to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of their notes if a change of control triggering event occurs. If elected under the change of control provisions, the repurchase of the notes will occur at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such notes up to, but excluding, the date of purchase. The indenture governing the notes does not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that the Company may issue and does not require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios or levels of net worth or liquidity.

Note 8: Derivative Instruments - The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates on forecasted debt issuances. The Company held forward interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $638 million at May 1, 2020, and $770 million at January 31, 2020. The Company did not hold forward interest rate swaps at May 3, 2019. See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, for the gross fair values of the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments and corresponding fair value classifications. The cash flows related to forward interest rate swaps are included within operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company accounts for these contracts as cash flow hedges, thus the effective portion of gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of tax effects, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and is recognized in earnings when the underlying hedged transaction impacts the consolidated statements of earnings. A summary of the gain/(loss) on forward interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive loss and earnings for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, including its line item in the financial statements, is as follows:
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - net of tax
$
(104
)
 
$
(15
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
Interest - net
$
1

 
$
—



Note 9: Shareholders’ Equity - The Company has a share repurchase program that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market, which may be made under pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or through private off-market transactions. Shares purchased under the

13
Table of Contents

repurchase program are retired and returned to authorized and unissued status. As of May 1, 2020, the Company had $8.7 billion remaining in its share repurchase program.

In February 2020, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $500 million of the Company’s common stock. At inception, pursuant to the agreement, the Company paid $500 million to the financial institution using cash on hand and took delivery of 3.9 million shares. The Company finalized the transaction and received an additional 1.6 million shares prior to the end of the first quarter.

Under the terms of the ASR agreement, upon settlement, the Company would either receive additional shares from the financial institution or be required to deliver additional shares or cash to the financial institution. The Company controlled its election to either deliver additional shares or cash to the financial institution and was subject to provisions which limit the number of shares the Company would be required to deliver.

The final number of shares received upon settlement of the ASR agreement was determined with reference to the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the applicable ASR agreement. The initial repurchase of shares under the agreements resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share.

The ASR agreement was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction and forward stock purchase contract. The par value of the shares received was recorded as a reduction to common stock with the remainder recorded as a reduction to capital in excess of par value and retained earnings. The forward stock purchase contract was considered indexed to the Company’s own stock and was classified as an equity instrument.

In addition, during the three months ended May 1, 2020, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock through the open market totaling 4.0 million shares for a cost of $440 million.

The Company also withholds shares from employees to satisfy either the exercise price of stock options exercised or the statutory withholding tax liability resulting from the vesting of share-based awards.

Shares repurchased for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
(In millions)
Shares

 
Cost 1

 
Shares

 
Cost 1

Share repurchase program
9.5

 
$
940

 
8.0

 
$
818

Shares withheld from employees
0.1

 
7

 
0.1

 
13

Total share repurchases
9.6

 
$
947

 
8.1

 
$
831


1 
Reductions of $927 million and $758 million were recorded to retained earnings, after capital in excess of par value was depleted, for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively.

Note 10: Earnings Per Share - The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company’s participating securities consist of share-based payment awards that contain a nonforfeitable right to receive dividends and, therefore, are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders.

Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares as of the balance sheet date, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards. The following table reconciles earnings per common share for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:

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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
1,337

 
$
1,046

Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(4
)
 
(3
)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, basic
$
1,333

 
$
1,043

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
755

 
796

Basic earnings per common share
$
1.76

 
$
1.31

Diluted earnings per common share:
 

 
 

Net earnings
$
1,337

 
$
1,046

Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(4
)
 
(3
)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, diluted
$
1,333

 
$
1,043

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
755

 
796

Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards
1

 
1

Weighted-average common shares, as adjusted
756

 
797

Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.76

 
$
1.31



Stock options to purchase 1.0 million and 0.6 million shares of common stock were anti-dilutive for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively.

Note 11: Income Taxes - The Company’s effective income tax rates were 25.1% for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and 16.6% for the three months ended May 3, 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate for the quarter is primarily due to a favorable tax benefit recorded during the first quarter of 2019 associated with the planned exit of the Mexico retail operations.

Note 12: Supplemental Disclosure

Net interest expense is comprised of the following:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Long-term debt
$
187

 
$
154

Short-term borrowings
10

 
6

Finance lease obligations
8

 
7

Interest income
(5
)
 
(7
)
Other
5

 
2

Interest – net
$
205

 
$
162


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized
$
345

 
$
287

Cash paid for income taxes – net
$
9

 
$
19

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities
$
34

 
$
3

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$
153

 
$
145

Cash dividends declared but not paid
$
416

 
$
382



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Results of Review of Interim Financial Information

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of May 1, 2020 and May 3, 2019, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the fiscal three-month periods ended May 1, 2020 and May 3, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of January 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 23, 2020, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2020, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results

This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
May 28, 2020

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Table of Contents

Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, liquidity and capital resources during the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 (the Annual Report), as well as the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained in this report. Unless otherwise specified, all comparisons made are to the corresponding period of 2019. This discussion and analysis is presented in six sections:

•
•
•
•
•
•

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Performance Overview

Net sales in the first quarter of 2020 increased 10.9% to $19.7 billion compared to net sales of $17.7 billion in the first quarter of 2019. The increase in total sales was driven by an increase in comparable sales. Net earnings in the first quarter of 2020 increased 27.8% to $1.3 billion compared to net earnings of $1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2019. Diluted earnings per common share increased 34.7% in the first quarter of 2020 to $1.76 from $1.31 in the first quarter of 2019. Excluding the impact of operating costs related to the Canada restructuring, adjusted diluted earnings per common share increased 44.6% to $1.77 in the first quarter of 2020 from adjusted diluted earnings per common share of $1.22 in the first quarter of 2019 (see the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures).

For the first three months of 2020, cash flows from operating activities were approximately $4.5 billion, while $328 million was used for capital expenditures. In addition, during the first three months of 2020, we repurchased $947 million of common stock through our share repurchase program; however, during the quarter, we decided to suspend our share repurchases and do not currently anticipate any additional share repurchases in fiscal 2020. We remain committed to returning capital to our shareholders through our dividend program and paid $420 million in dividends during the first quarter of 2020.

Overall, customer demand exceeded our expectations during the first quarter of 2020, during a time of global economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the latter half of the quarter. We experienced a comparable sales increase of 11.2% and broad-based growth with all 15 U.S. regions generating positive comparable sales. Fourteen of fifteen product categories generated positive comparable sales with weakness limited to interior installation-heavy product in Kitchens & Bath as consumers were reluctant to invite people into their homes.

COVID-19 Response

As a Company, we began the first quarter focused on executing our retail strategy; however, we rapidly re-prioritized our first quarter objectives to address the impacts of COVID-19. With the onset of COVID-19, our focus shifted from running a business to achieve our financial plan to functioning as an essential retailer operating in a pandemic with three key priorities as follows:
1.
Creating a safe store environment for our associates and customers,
2.
Providing support for our community, including health care providers and first responders, and
3.
Financially supporting our associates during this unprecedented time.

We implemented a number of measures to facilitate a safer store environment including shortening our store hours, adding signage and floor markers, adding social distancing ambassadors to monitor customer traffic flow, implementing more stringent cleaning procedures, installing plexiglass shields at the point-of-sale areas, and distributing gloves and masks to our associates to wear during their shifts. We incurred $342 million of COVID-19 related expenses in the first quarter for support for our associates, vendors, and communities. This support included two special payments to hourly associates to help with

17
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unexpected expenses, as well as a $2 per hour temporary wage increase for hourly associates during the month of April. We also offered fourteen days of emergency paid leave for all associates who needed it, with an additional two weeks paid leave for those at higher risk for severe illness, and provided telemedicine services to all our associates and their families. In addition, within our communities, we began donating essential protective product to help protect first responders and front-line medical workers.

Our strategic investments and intense focus on our retail fundamentals over the past eighteen months have enabled us to respond more effectively in this rapidly changing environment, and we established the agility to be able to provide our customers with the essential products they need to keep their homes safe and functional. Our associates were able to leverage their SMART mobile devices to fulfill Buy Online Pick-up In Store and Curbside Pick-up more efficiently. In addition, our new customer-centric scheduling system allowed us to monitor store traffic and associate availability to customize priorities based on store capacity levels.

Supply Chain

Our previous inventory investments gave us a strong in-stock position for Pro and seasonal products. Our supply chain organization also met the unprecedented customer demand in the first quarter, partly due to the efforts put forth in the past year to bolster our international and domestic carrier network which allowed us to manage through the global health crisis without transportation interruptions.  We also leveraged cross-functional collaboration and partnership with vendors to redirect product where necessary.  Finally, technology improvements that we previously implemented across our supply chain have created better visibility for our stores with regard to product availability.  

Looking Forward

While we are pleased with the strong performance for the quarter, we have limited visibility into future business trends. The volume of demand in future periods is uncertain as it is difficult to predict the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic or its impact on our operations and supply chain for the remainder of the year.

We are continuing to prioritize investment in the business for future growth, and in certain cases, we have re-prioritized some capital projects to focus on the near-term improvement of our omni-channel capabilities. We also continue to focus on completing our Google Cloud migration in the second quarter to ensure we build a strong infrastructure for Lowes.com. Although our future environment is unpredictable, we are confident in our ability to execute and continue to provide the essential products and services our communities need. We remain committed to serving our customers and communities in the coming months as we navigate the public health challenge of COVID-19.

OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of each line item of the consolidated statements of earnings (unaudited), as well as the percentage change in dollar amounts from the prior period. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and analysis and the consolidated financial statements (unaudited), including the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Three Months Ended
 
Basis Point Increase / (Decrease) in Percentage of Net Sales from Prior Period

 
Percentage Increase / (Decrease) in Dollar Amounts from Prior Period

 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
2020 vs. 2019

 
2020 vs. 2019

Net sales
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
N/A

 
10.9
%
Gross margin
33.10

 
31.46

 
164

 
16.7

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
21.32

 
21.77

 
(45
)
 
8.6

Depreciation and amortization
1.66

 
1.70

 
(4
)
 
7.9

Operating income
10.12

 
7.99

 
213

 
40.5

Interest – net
1.04

 
0.92

 
12

 
26.2

Pre-tax earnings
9.08

 
7.07

 
201

 
42.4

Income tax provision
2.28

 
1.17

 
111

 
115.5

Net earnings
6.80
%
 
5.90
%
 
90

 
27.8
%

The following table sets forth key metrics utilized by management in assessing business performance. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and analysis and the consolidated financial statements (unaudited), including the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Beginning on February 1, 2020, the Company changed the basis in which it presents the comparable sales metric. The current metric is presented on a transacted basis when tender is accepted from a customer. Prior to this change, the Company’s comparable sales metric was based on when control of the good or service passed to the customer, which included timing impacts of deferred sales. These timing impacts have historically had an insignificant impact on annual comparable sales. The purpose of the change was to align the metric with how the Lowe’s management team evaluates the business throughout the year and views performance relative to peers. For the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, the impact of excluding deferred sales decreased the comparable sales metric by 60 basis points and 30 basis points, respectively. The comparable sales metric for the three months ended May 3, 2019 has been recast to conform to the current year presentation.

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Three Months Ended
Other Metrics
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Comparable sales increase 1
11.2
%
 
3.2
%
Total customer transactions (in millions)
233

 
230

Average ticket 2
$
84.38

 
$
77.19

At end of period:
 
 
 
Number of stores
1,970

 
2,002

Sales floor square feet (in millions)
208

 
209

Average store size selling square feet (in thousands) 3
106

 
104

Net earnings to average debt and equity 4
17.2
%
 
9.2
%
Return on invested capital 4
19.7
%
 
11.5
%
1 
A comparable location is defined as a location that has been open longer than 13 months. A location that is identified for relocation is no longer considered comparable in the month of its relocation. The relocated location must then remain open longer than 13 months to be considered comparable. A location we have decided to close is no longer considered comparable as of the beginning of the month in which we announce its closing. Comparable sales include online sales, which positively impacted first quarter fiscal 2020 and first quarter fiscal 2019 comparable sales by approximately 430 basis points and 70 basis points, respectively. The comparable store sales calculation included in the preceding table was calculated using comparable 13-week periods.
2 
Average ticket is defined as net sales divided by the total number of customer transactions.
3 
Average store size selling square feet is defined as sales floor square feet divided by the number of stores open at the end of the period. The average Lowe’s-branded home improvement store has approximately 112 thousand square feet of retail selling space.
4 
Return on invested capital is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Net earnings to average debt and equity is the most comparable GAAP ratio. See below for additional information and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful insight for analysts and investors in evaluating what management considers the Company’s core financial performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of certain discrete items, as further described below, not contemplated in the Company’s business outlooks for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019. Unless otherwise noted, the income tax effect of these adjustments is calculated using the marginal rates for the respective periods.

Fiscal 2020 Impacts
•
Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company began a strategic review of its Canadian operations, and in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company announced additional actions to improve future performance and profitability of its Canadian operations. As a result of this review and related actions, during the three months ended May 1, 2020, the Company recognized $9 million of pre-tax operating costs related to exit costs (Canada restructuring).

Fiscal 2019 Impacts
•
Prior to the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company announced its intention to exit its Mexico retail operations and had planned to sell the operating business. However, in the first quarter of 2019, after an extensive market evaluation, the decision was made to instead sell the assets of the business through liquidation. That decision resulted in an $82 million tax benefit in the first quarter, partially offset by $12 million in pre-tax operating losses associated with the exit and ongoing wind-down of the Mexico retail operations (Mexico adjustments).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful indicator of, the Company’s diluted earnings per common share as prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s methods of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the method used by other companies for this or similar non-GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, this non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to the measures used by other companies.
 
Three Months Ended
 
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
 
Pre-Tax Earnings
 
Tax
 
Net Earnings
 
Pre-Tax Earnings
 
Tax
 
Net Earnings
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
 
 
 
 
$
1.76

 
 
 
 
 
$
1.31

Non-GAAP adjustments – per share impacts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canada restructuring
0.01

 
—

 
0.01

 
—

 
—

 
—

Mexico adjustments
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.01

 
(0.10
)
 
(0.09
)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
$
1.77

 
 
 
 
 
$
1.22



20
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Return on Invested Capital

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe ROIC is a meaningful metric for investors because it represents management’s measure of how effectively the Company is using capital to generate profits. Although ROIC is a common financial metric, numerous methods exist for calculating ROIC.  Accordingly, the method used by our management may differ from the methods used by other companies.  We encourage you to understand the methods used by another company to calculate ROIC before comparing its ROIC to ours.

We define ROIC as rolling 12 months’ lease adjusted net operating profit after tax (Lease adjusted NOPAT) divided by the average of current year and prior year ending debt and equity. Lease adjusted NOPAT is a non-GAAP financial measure, and net earnings is considered to be the most comparable GAAP financial measure. The calculation of ROIC, together with a reconciliation of net earnings to Lease adjusted NOPAT, is as follows:
 
For the Periods Ended
(In millions, except percentage data)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Calculation of Return on Invested Capital
 
 
 
Numerator 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
4,572

 
$
2,372

Plus:
 
 
 
Interest expense – net
733

 
626

Operating lease interest
189

 
201

Provision for income taxes
1,583

 
972

Lease adjusted net operating profit
7,077

 
4,171

Less:
 
 
 
Income tax adjustment 1
1,820

 
1,212

Lease adjusted net operating profit after tax
$
5,257

 
$
2,959

 
 
 
 
Denominator
 
 
 
Average debt and equity 2
$
26,645

 
$
25,676

Net earnings to average debt and equity
17.2
%
 
9.2
%
Return on invested capital
19.7
%
 
11.5
%
1 
Income tax adjustment is defined as net operating profit multiplied by the effective tax rate, which was 25.7% and 29.1% for the periods ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively.
2 
Average debt and equity is defined as average current year and prior year ending debt, including current maturities, short-term borrowings, and operating lease liabilities, plus the average current year and prior year ending total equity.

Results of Operations

Net Sales – Net sales in the first quarter of 2020 increased 10.9% to $19.7 billion. The increase in total sales was primarily driven by comparable sales growth and new stores, partially offset by closed locations. Comparable sales increased 11.2% over the same period, driven by a 9.6% increase in comparable average ticket and a 1.6% increase in comparable customer transactions.

During the first quarter of 2020, we experienced comparable sales increases in fourteen of fifteen product categories with strength in performance across both do-it-yourself (DIY) and Pro customers. Comparable sales were above the Company average in Paint, Lawn & Garden, Lumber, Hardware, Tools, Appliances, and Seasonal & Outdoor Living. During the quarter, we saw very strong COVID-related demand for essential cleaning products, along with other home necessities such as refrigerators, freezers and DIY home repair products. As customers began isolating in their homes this quarter, they engaged in a variety of projects which drove double-digit comparable sales in core spring-related categories, as well as Paint, and critical repair and maintenance categories. Favorable weather driven demand was a key driver in Lawn & Garden and Seasonal & Outdoor Living categories. Lumber experienced double-digit comparable sales, with strong unit demand from both DIY and Pro customers, as well as benefited from our improved investments in job lot quantities. Product categories with heavy in-home installation, such as Kitchens & Bath, experienced softness during the quarter. Geographically, all 15 U.S. regions experienced positive comparable sales with the strongest results in the West and South.

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Table of Contents


Gross Margin – For the first quarter of 2020, gross margin as a percentage of sales increased 164 basis points. The gross margin increase for the quarter is driven by approximately 110 basis points of total rate improvement, comprised of 150 basis points due to rate mitigation strategies, partially offset by 40 basis points of deleverage due to tariff pressure. In addition to these rate improvement measures, gross margin increased 55 basis points due to a favorable product mix as demand shifted away from lower margin categories.

SG&A – For the first quarter of 2020, SG&A expense leveraged 45 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to the first quarter of 2019. This is primarily driven by approximately 105 basis points of leverage in retail operating salaries due to increased sales and reduced operating hours, 40 basis points of leverage in advertising due primarily to timing shifts as a result of COVID-19, and 25 basis points of leverage in employee insurance resulting from lower claims due to COVID-19 deferral of elective medical care. This was partially offset by 130 basis points of deleverage due to COVID-19 related compensation, including hourly employee special payments to help with unexpected expenses, temporary time off, and an additional $2 per hour temporary wage increase in the month of April.

Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization leveraged 4 basis points for the first quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in sales during the period. Property, less accumulated depreciation, increased to $18.5 billion at May 1, 2020, compared to $18.2 billion at May 3, 2019. As of May 1, 2020 and May 3, 2019, we owned 84% and 83% of our stores, respectively, which included stores on leased land.

Interest – Net – Interest expense for the first quarter of 2020 increased primarily as a result of the issuance of $4.0 billion unsecured notes in March 2020 and the $1.0 billion term loan entered in January 2020.

Income Tax Provision – Our effective income tax rates were 25.1% and 16.6% for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the quarter is primarily due to a favorable tax benefit recorded during the first quarter of 2019 associated with a change in approach to pursue a sale of the Mexico operations through liquidation.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources of Liquidity

Cash flows from operations, supplemented with our short-term and long-term borrowings, have been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to make strategic investments that will grow our business, and to return excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. We have also bolstered our liquidity to plan for unforeseen disruptions with a $4.0 billion unsecured notes issuance and a net increase in the capacity of our revolving credit facilities by $770 million, as further described below. We believe that our sources of liquidity will continue to be adequate to fund our operations and investments to grow our business, repay our debt as it becomes due, and pay dividends over the next 12 months. Due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended our share repurchases and do not anticipate any additional share repurchases in fiscal 2020 beyond what we executed in the first quarter.

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,450

 
$
2,137


Cash flows from operating activities continued to provide the primary source of our liquidity.  The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended May 1, 2020, versus the three months ended May 3, 2019, was driven primarily by higher net earnings and changes in working capital. Inventory increased for the first three months of 2020 by $1.2 billion, compared to an increase for the first three months of 2019 of $2.5 billion, driving an additional $1.3 billion in operating cash flows for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, primarily due to an earlier spring demand caused by COVID-19 related product purchasing and favorable weather. Additionally, accounts payable and other operating liabilities increased operating cash flow for the first three months of 2020 by approximately $3.9 billion, compared to an increase of approximately $3.5 billion for the first three months of 2019.



22
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Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(288
)
 
$
(131
)

Net cash used in investing activities primarily consists of transactions related to capital expenditures and investments.

Capital expenditures

Our capital expenditures generally consist of investments in our strategic initiatives to enhance our ability to serve customers, existing stores, and expansion plans. The following table provides our capital expenditures for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Existing store investments 1
$
266

 
$
147

Strategic initiatives 2
40

 
17

New stores, new corporate facilities and international 3
22

 
41

Total capital expenditures
$
328

 
$
205

1 
Includes merchandising resets, facility repairs, replacements of IT and store equipment, among other specific efforts.
2 
Represents investments related to our strategic focus areas aimed at improving customers’ experience and driving improved performance in the near and long term.
3 
Represents expenditures primarily related to land purchases, buildings, and personal property for new store projects and new corporate facilities projects, as well as expenditures related to our international operations.

Our 2020 capital expenditures forecast is approximately $1.6 billion.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Net cash provided by financing activities
$
1,092

 
$
446


Net cash provided by financing activities primarily consists of transactions related to our long-term debt, short-term borrowings, share repurchases, and cash dividend payments.

Short-term Borrowing Facilities

In January 2020, we entered into a $1.0 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility (the Term Loan), which has a maturity date of December 31, 2020. Outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan were $1.0 billion, with an interest rate of 1.86%, as of May 1, 2020.

In March 2020, we entered into a $1.02 billion five year unsecured revolving credit agreement (the 2020 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks. The 2020 Credit Agreement has a maturity date of March 2025. In connection with the 2020 Credit Agreement, the Company refinanced the $250 million 364-Day Credit Agreement (2019 Credit Agreement), dated as of September 9, 2019, and terminated any commitments under the 2019 Credit Agreement as of March 23, 2020. Subject to obtaining commitments from the lenders and satisfying other conditions specified in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company may increase the aggregate availability of the 2020 Credit Agreement by an additional $250 million.

In addition, we have a $1.98 billion five year unsecured revolving second amended and restated credit agreement (the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 2023. Subject to obtaining commitments from the lenders and satisfying other conditions specified in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company may increase the aggregate availability by an additional $270 million.

23
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The 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement support our commercial paper program. The amount available to be drawn under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of borrowings under our commercial paper program. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program as of May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019. There were no outstanding borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement or the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019. Total combined availability under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of May 1, 2020, was $3.0 billion.

The following table includes additional information related to our short-term borrowings for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except for interest rate data)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Net change in commercial paper
$
(941
)
 
$
(722
)
Maximum commercial paper outstanding at any month-end
$
1,858

 
$
1,189

Short-term borrowings outstanding at quarter-end
$
1,000

 
$
—

Weighted-average interest rate of short-term borrowings outstanding
1.86
%
 
—
%

The 2020 Credit Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants at May 1, 2020.

Long-Term Debt

The following table includes additional information related to the Company’s long-term debt for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
$
3,961

 
$
2,972

Repayment of debt
$
(543
)
 
$
(616
)

During the three months ended May 1, 2020, we issued $4.0 billion of unsecured notes to finance current year maturities and for other general corporate purposes. During the three months ended May 1, 2020, we also paid $500 million to retire scheduled debts at maturity.

Share Repurchases

We have an ongoing share repurchase program, authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market or through private off-market transactions. We also withhold shares from employees to satisfy tax withholding liabilities. Shares repurchased are retired and returned to authorized and unissued status. The following table provides, on a settlement date basis, the total number of shares repurchased, average price paid per share, and the total amount paid for share repurchases for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Total amount paid for share repurchases
$
966

 
$
826

Total number of shares repurchased
9.8

 
8.1

Average price paid per share
$
98.78

 
$
102.35


As of May 1, 2020, we had $8.7 billion remaining available under our share repurchase program with no expiration date. During the quarter, we suspended share repurchases and at this time do not anticipate any additional share repurchases this year beyond what we executed during the first quarter. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included herein for additional information regarding share repurchases.


24
Table of Contents

Dividends

Dividends are paid in the quarter immediately following the quarter in which they are declared. The following table provides additional information related to our dividend payments for the three months ended May 1, 2020, and May 3, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 1, 2020
 
May 3, 2019
Total cash dividend payments
$
420

 
$
385

Dividends paid per share
$
0.55

 
$
0.48


Capital Resources

We expect to continue to have access to the capital markets on both short-term and long-term bases when needed for liquidity purposes by issuing commercial paper or new long-term debt. The availability and the borrowing costs of these funds could be adversely affected, however, by a downgrade of our debt ratings or a deterioration of certain financial ratios.  The table below reflects our debt ratings by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s as of May 28, 2020, which we are disclosing to enhance understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effect of our ratings on our cost of funds.  Our debt ratings have enabled, and should continue to enable, us to refinance our debt as it becomes due at favorable rates in capital markets. Our commercial paper and senior debt ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Debt Ratings
S&P
Moody’s
Commercial Paper
A-2
P-2
Senior Debt
BBB+
Baa1
Senior Debt Outlook
Stable
Stable

There are no provisions in any agreements that would require early cash settlement of existing debt or leases as a result of a downgrade in our debt rating or a decrease in our stock price.  In addition, we do not believe it will be necessary to repatriate significant cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held in foreign affiliates to fund domestic operations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing that has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material, current or future effect on our financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

During the first quarter of 2020, we issued $4.0 billion of unsecured notes in the ordinary course of business and used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes for the repayment of $500 million aggregate principal amount due April 2020. The table below summarizes our contractual obligations relating to long-term debt, excluding operating and finance lease obligations, at May 1, 2020. The unsecured notes issued in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 are further described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included herein.

 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
 
Less Than
 
1-3
 
4-5
 
After 5
(In millions)
Total
 
1 Year
 
Years
 
Years
 
Years
Long-term debt (principal amounts, excluding discounts and debt issuance costs)
$
20,312

 
$
525

 
$
1,266

 
$
1,702

 
$
16,819

Long-term debt (interest payments)
13,796

 
853

 
1,603

 
1,523

 
9,817

Total
$
34,108

 
$
1,378

 
$
2,869

 
$
3,225

 
$
26,636


As of May 1, 2020, there were no other material changes to our contractual obligations and commercial commitments outside the ordinary course of business since the end of 2019. Refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our contractual obligations and commercial commitments.


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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented in the Annual Report. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report. Our significant and critical accounting policies have not changed significantly since the filing of the Annual Report.

Item 3. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company is exposed to certain market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our international operations, interest rates, and commodity prices. The Company’s market risks have not changed materially from that disclosed in the Annual Report for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020.

Item 4. - Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based upon their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of May 1, 2020, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the SEC (1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In addition, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended May 1, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Although most of our corporate employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 global health crisis, we have not experienced a material impact to our internal control over financial reporting. We continue to monitor the pandemic and its effects on the design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls.


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Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. - Legal Proceedings

The Company is from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, the Company records reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company maintains liability insurance for certain risks that are subject to certain self-insurance limits.

Item 1A. - Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 23, 2020, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results, as well as the following:

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on our net sales, results of operations, financial position, and earnings.
The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local, and foreign governments have put in place travel restrictions, quarantines, “shelter-in-place” orders, and similar government orders and restrictions, in an attempt to control the spread of the disease. Such restrictions or orders have resulted in, and will continue to result in, business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, among other effects that could negatively impact our operations, as well as the operations of our customers and business partners.

The Company's business has been deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Company is committed to maintaining a safe work and shopping environment. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a number of measures to facilitate a safer store environment for our associates and customers, such as reducing store operating hours, adding signage and floor markers, adding social distancing ambassadors to monitor customer traffic flow, implementing more stringent cleaning procedures, installing plexiglass shields at the point-of-sale areas, and distributing gloves and masks to our store associates to wear during their shifts. In addition, we are providing hourly wage increases and special payments to our store associates. The measures we have implemented to slow and/or reduce the impact of COVID-19 have increased our operating expenses and impacted sales. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic further impacts our business, operations, financial results and financial condition will depend on numerous evolving factors which are uncertain and cannot be predicted, including:
•
the duration and scope of the pandemic and associated disruptions;
•
the effects of current and future governmental and public responses to changing conditions;
•
the financial condition and purchasing power of our customers; and
•
the ability of the third parties on which we rely, including our suppliers and other external business partners, to meet their obligations to the company, or significant disruptions in their ability to do so which may be caused by their own financial or operational difficulties.
Any of the foregoing factors, or other effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or another disease pandemic could materially increase our costs, negatively impact our sales, suppliers or customers, and damage our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our liquidity position, possibly to a significant degree.

If our domestic or international supply chain or our fulfillment network for our products is ineffective or disrupted for any reason, including the COVID-19 pandemic, or if these operations are subject to trade policy changes, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Circumstances surrounding and related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created unprecedented impacts on the global supply chain. We source, stock and sell products from domestic and international vendors, and their ability to reliably and efficiently fulfill our orders is critical to our business success. Impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic are placing strains on the domestic and international supply chain that may negatively affect the flow or availability of our products. This can result in higher out-of-stock inventory positions due to difficulties in timely obtaining products from the manufacturers and suppliers of our products as well as transportation of those products to our distribution centers and stores, which could negatively affect our business and financial results. Even if we are able to find alternate sources for such products, they may cost more, which could adversely impact our profitability and financial condition.


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Table of Contents

We source a large number of our products from foreign manufacturers, with China being the dominant import source. The current United States administration has enacted, and signaled the possibility of additional, changes in certain tax and trade policies, tariffs and other regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries, such as the imposition of additional tariffs or duties on imported products and the exit or renegotiation of certain trade agreements and the rules of the World Trade Organization. While it is not possible to predict the long term impacts such changes may have, because we source a large percentage of our merchandise from outside the United States, future changes in tax or trade policies, tariffs or trade relations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, effective income tax rate, liquidity and net income. In addition, other countries may change their business and trade policies in anticipation of or in response to increased import tariffs and other changes in United States trade policy and regulations. The degree of our exposure is dependent on, among other things, the type of goods, rates imposed, and timing of tariffs. The impact to our business, including net sales and gross margin, will be influenced in part by merchandising and pricing strategies in response to potential costs increases by us and our competitors. While these potential impacts are uncertain, they could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

Financial instability among key vendors, political instability and labor unrest in source countries or elsewhere in our supply chain, changes in the total costs in our supply chain (fuel, labor and currency exchange rates), port labor disputes and security, the outbreak of pandemics, weather-related events, natural disasters, work stoppages, shipping capacity restraints, changes in trade policy, retaliatory trade restrictions imposed by either the United States or a major source country, tariffs or duties, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and transport availability, capacity and costs are beyond our control and could negatively impact our business if they seriously disrupted the movement of products through our supply chain or increased their costs. Additionally, as we add fulfillment capabilities or pursue strategies with different fulfillment requirements, our fulfillment network becomes increasingly complex and operating it becomes more challenging. If our fulfillment network does not operate properly or if a vendor fails to deliver on its commitments, we could experience delays in inventory, increased delivery costs or merchandise out-of-stocks that could lead to lost sales and decreased customer confidence, and adversely affect our results of operations.

Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of the Company’s common stock made during the first quarter of fiscal 2020:
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1

 
Average Price Paid per Share

 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 2

 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 2

February 1, 2020 - February 28, 2020 3
6,035,344

 
$
99.90

 
6,033,518

 
$
8,911,781,233

February 29, 2020 - April 3, 2020
2,002,107

 
100.39

 
1,917,339

 
8,717,610,699

April 4, 2020 - May 1, 2020 3
1,580,320

 
90.43

 
1,580,175

 
8,717,610,699

As of May 1, 2020
9,617,771

 
$
98.45

 
9,531,032

 
$
8,717,610,699

1 
The total number of shares repurchased includes shares withheld from employees to satisfy either the exercise price of stock options or the statutory withholding tax liability upon the vesting of share-based awards.
2 
On December 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $10.0 billion share repurchase program with no expiration, which was announced on the same day.
3 
In February 2020, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase the Company’s common stock. At inception, pursuant to the agreement, the Company paid $500 million to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 3.9 million shares. In May, prior to the end of the first quarter, the Company finalized the transaction and received an additional 1.6 million shares. The average price paid per share in settlement of the ASR agreement included in the table above was determined with reference to the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR agreement. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included herein for additional information regarding share repurchases.


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Item 6. - Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
10-Q
 
001-07898
 
3.1
 
September 1, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
8-K
 
001-07898
 
3.1
 
May 4, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1
 
 
8-K
 
001-07898
 
4.2
 
March 27, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
8-K
 
001-07898
 
10.1
 
March 24, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101).‡
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
‡
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
†
 
Furnished herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
May 28, 2020
 
By: /s/ David M. Denton
Date
 
David M. Denton
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

31