QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 3, 2024
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
LOWE’SCOMPANIES, 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 Lowes Blvd., Mooresville, North Carolina
28117
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(704) 758-1000
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable
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.
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”, “outlook”, “scenario”, “guidance”, and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve, among other things, expectations, projections, and assumptions about future financial and operating results, objectives (including objectives related to environmental and social matters), business outlook, priorities, sales growth, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for products and services including customer acceptance of new offerings and initiatives, macroeconomic conditions and consumer spending, share repurchases, and Lowe’s strategic initiatives, including those relating to acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of such transactions on our strategic and operational plans and financial results. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that they 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 volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing to Lowe’s and its customers, slower rates of growth in real disposable personal income that could affect the rate of growth in consumer spending, inflation and its impacts on discretionary spending and on our costs, shortages, and other disruptions in the labor supply, interest rate and currency fluctuations, home price appreciation or decreasing housing turnover, age of housing stock, the availability of consumer credit and of mortgage financing, trade policy changes or additional tariffs, outbreaks of pandemics, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, geopolitical or armed conflicts, acts of both domestic and international terrorism, and other factors that can negatively affect our customers.
Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties, risks and potential events including, but not limited to, those described in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” and “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be updated from time to time in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or other subsequent filings with the SEC. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements other than as required by law.
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 – 572 million, 592 million, and 574 million shares, respectively
286
296
287
Accumulated deficit
(15,188)
(15,310)
(15,637)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
296
304
300
Total shareholders' deficit
(14,606)
(14,710)
(15,050)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit
$
45,365
$
45,917
$
41,795
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1:Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the condensed 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 condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited), in the opinion of management, contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets as of May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023, and the statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023. The February 2, 2024, consolidated balance sheet was derived from the audited financial statements.
These interim condensed 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 February 2, 2024 (the Annual Report). The financial results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the financial results for the entire fiscal year.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
There have been no significant changes in the accounting pronouncements not yet adopted from those disclosed in the Annual Report. Accounting pronouncements not disclosed in this Form 10-Q or in the Annual Report are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact to 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 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Products
$
20,691
$
21,572
Services
532
528
Other
141
247
Net sales
$
21,364
$
22,347
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. The balances and classification within the consolidated balance sheets for anticipated sales returns and the associated right of return assets are as follows:
(In millions)
Classification
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Anticipated sales returns
Other current liabilities
$
280
$
318
$
191
Right of return assets
Other current assets
164
185
111
Deferred revenue - retail and stored-value cards
Retail deferred revenue consists of amounts received for which customers have not yet taken possession of the merchandise or for which installation has not yet been completed. The majority of revenue for goods and services is recognized in the quarter following revenue deferral. Stored-value cards deferred revenue includes outstanding stored-value cards such as gift cards and returned merchandise credits that have not yet been redeemed. Deferred revenue for retail and stored-value cards are as
The Company defers revenues for its separately-priced long-term extended protection plan contracts (Lowe’s protection plans) and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Expenses for claims are recognized in cost of sales when incurred.
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Deferred revenue - Lowe’s protection plans
$
1,225
$
1,206
$
1,225
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Lowe’s protection plans deferred revenue recognized into sales
$
139
$
136
Lowe’s protection plans claim expenses
54
53
Disaggregation of Revenues
The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by merchandise division:
Three Months Ended
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
(In millions)
Net Sales
%
Net Sales
%
Home Décor 1
$
7,683
36.0
%
$
8,240
36.9
%
Building Products 2
6,643
31.1
6,855
30.7
Hardlines 3
6,628
31.0
6,748
30.2
Other
410
1.9
504
2.2
Total
$
21,364
100.0
%
$
22,347
100.0
%
Note: Merchandise division net sales for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
1Home Décor includes the following product categories: Appliances, Décor, Flooring, Kitchens & Bath, and Paint.
2Building Products includes the following product categories: Building Materials, Electrical, Lumber, Millwork, and Rough Plumbing.
3Hardlines includes the following product categories: Hardware, Lawn & Garden, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, and Tools.
Note 3: Restricted Investments
Short-term and long-term investments include restricted balances pledged as collateral primarily for the Lowe’s protection plans program and are as follows:
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Short-term restricted investments
$
264
$
423
$
307
Long-term restricted investments
306
103
252
Total restricted investments
$
570
$
526
$
559
Note 4: 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 3, 2024, May 5, 2023, and February 2, 2024:
Fair Value Measurements at
(In millions)
Classification
Measurement Level
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Available-for-sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
Short-term investments
Level 1
$
158
$
143
$
152
Money market funds
Short-term investments
Level 1
54
108
56
Certificates of deposit
Short-term investments
Level 1
27
62
42
Corporate debt securities
Short-term investments
Level 2
23
72
50
Municipal obligations
Short-term investments
Level 2
2
—
2
Commercial paper
Short-term investments
Level 2
—
38
5
U.S. Treasury securities
Long-term investments
Level 1
231
92
213
Corporate debt securities
Long-term investments
Level 2
58
9
35
Foreign government debt securities
Long-term investments
Level 2
17
—
4
Municipal obligations
Long-term investments
Level 2
—
2
—
Derivative instruments:
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps
Other liabilities
Level 2
$
81
$
69
$
76
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, financial assets were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted prices in active markets were not available, fair values for financial assets and liabilities classified within Level 2 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.
The Company has performance-based contingent consideration related to the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business which is classified as a Level 3 long-term investment and such contingent consideration had an estimated fair value of zero as of May 3, 2024, May 5, 2023, and February 2, 2024. The Company’s measurements of fair value of the contingent consideration are based on an income approach, which requires certain assumptions considering operating performance of the business and a risk-adjusted discount rate. Changes in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) in the consolidated statements of earnings.
The rollforward of the fair value of contingent consideration for the three months ended May 3, 2024 and May 5, 2023, is as follows:
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
During the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023, the Company had no material measurements of assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, 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. As further described in Note 7, certain long-term debt is associated with a fair value hedge and the changes in fair value of the hedged debt is included in the carrying value of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. 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:
The Company has an agreement with a third party to provide a supplier finance program which facilitates participating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations from the Company with designated third-party financial institutions. Participating suppliers may, at their sole discretion, make offers to finance one or more payment obligations of the Company prior to their scheduled due dates at a discounted price to participating financial institutions. The Company’s outstanding payment obligations that suppliers financed to participating financial institutions, which are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Financed payment obligations
$
1,599
$
1,894
$
1,356
Note 6: Debt
The Company’s commercial paper program is supported by the $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement entered into in September 2023 (2023 Credit Agreement), which amended and restated the Company’s $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement entered into in March 2020, and as amended (2020 Credit Agreement), and the $2.0 billion five-year unsecured third amended and restated credit agreement entered into in December 2021, and as amended (Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). The amounts available to be drawn under the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are reduced by the amount of borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of May 3, 2024, and February 2, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program, the 2023 Credit Agreement, or the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Total combined availability under the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was $4.0 billion as of May 3, 2024. Outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program were $72 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.75%, as of May 5, 2023. There were no outstanding borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement or the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of May 5, 2023.
The Company utilizes fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges on certain debt. The notional amounts for the Company’s material derivative instruments are as follows:
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
February 2, 2024
Fair value hedges:
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements
$
850
$
850
$
850
See Note 4 for the gross fair values of the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments and corresponding fair value classifications. The cash flows related to settlement of the Company’s hedging derivative financial instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying hedged items.
The Company accounts for the fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges using the shortcut method of accounting under which the hedges are assumed to be perfectly effective. Thus, the change in fair value of the derivative instruments offsets the change in fair value on the hedged debt, and there is no net impact in the consolidated statements of earnings from the fair value of the derivatives.
Note 8: Shareholders’ Deficit
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 repurchase program are returned to authorized and unissued status. Any excess of cost over par value is charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that a balance is present. Once additional paid-in capital is fully depleted, remaining excess of cost over par value is charged to accumulated deficit. As of May 3, 2024, the Company had $13.9 billion remaining in its share repurchase program.
During the three months ended May 3, 2024, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase a total of 1.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $325 million. The terms of the ASR agreement entered into during the three months ended May 3, 2024, are as follows (in millions):
Agreement Execution Date
Agreement Settlement Date
ASR Agreement Amount
Initial Shares Delivered at Inception
Additional Shares Delivered at Settlement
Total Shares Delivered
Q1 2024
Q1 2024
$
325
1.1
0.2
1.3
In addition, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock through the open market as follows:
Three Months Ended
May 3, 2024
(In millions)
Shares
Cost
Open market share repurchases
1.4
$
327
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.
Total shares repurchased for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
(In millions)
Shares
Cost
Shares
Cost
Share repurchase program 1
2.7
$
652
9.9
$
2,019
Shares withheld from employees
0.3
91
0.7
130
Total share repurchases
3.0
$
743
10.6
$
2,149
1 Includes excise tax on share repurchases in excess of issuances as part of the cost basis of the shares acquired.
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. The following table reconciles earnings per common share for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023:
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings
$
1,755
$
2,260
Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(5)
(6)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, basic
$
1,750
$
2,254
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
571
596
Basic earnings per common share
$
3.06
$
3.78
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings
$
1,755
$
2,260
Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(5)
(6)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, diluted
$
1,750
$
2,254
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
571
596
Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards
1
1
Weighted-average common shares, as adjusted
572
597
Diluted earnings per common share
$
3.06
$
3.77
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares
0.4
0.6
Note 10: Supplemental Disclosure
Net interest expense is comprised of the following:
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized
$
689
$
383
Cash paid for income taxes – net 1
29
1,234
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities
$
19
$
4
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 2
228
98
Cash dividends declared but not paid
629
624
1 Cash paid for income taxes - net for the three months ended May 5, 2023 included $1.2 billion of estimated income tax payments for the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 that were deferred under the Internal Revenue Service’s income tax relief for businesses located in states affected by Hurricane Ian.
2 Excludes $16 million of leases signed but not yet commenced as of May 3, 2024.
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 3, 2024 and May 5, 2023, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows, for the fiscal three-month periods ended May 3, 2024 and May 5, 2023, 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 February 2, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 25, 2024, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2024, 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.
This discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, liquidity and capital resources during the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023. 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 February 2, 2024 (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 fiscal 2023. This discussion and analysis is presented in four sections:
The following table highlights our financial results:
Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Net sales
$
21,364
$
22,347
Net earnings
1,755
2,260
Diluted earnings per share
$
3.06
$
3.77
Adjusted diluted earnings per share1
N/A
3.67
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,262
$
2,106
Capital expenditures
382
380
Repurchases of common stock2
743
2,149
Cash dividend payments
633
633
1 Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. See below for additional information and a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
2Repurchases of common stock on a trade-date basis.
Net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 declined 4.4% to $21.4 billion compared to net sales of $22.3 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased 4.1%, consisting of a 3.1% decrease in comparable customer transactions and a 1.0% decrease in comparable average ticket. Net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $1.8 billion, compared to net earnings of $2.3 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Diluted earnings per common share were $3.06 in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $3.77 in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Included in the first quarter of 2023 results was pre-tax income of $63 million associated with the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business, which increased diluted earnings per common share by $0.10. Excluding the impact of this item, adjusted diluted earnings per common share was $3.67 in the first quarter of 2023 (see the non-GAAP financial measures discussion).
For the first three months of fiscal 2024, cash flows from operating activities were approximately $4.3 billion, with $382 million used for capital expenditures. Continuing to deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, during the three months ended May 3, 2024, we repurchased $743 million of common stock and paid $633 million in dividends.
First quarter fiscal 2024 comparable sales declined 4.1% as we continue to experience pressure in Do-It-Yourself (DIY) bigger-ticket discretionary spending. Despite this pressure, we delivered better-than-expected spring seasonal sales, particularly in Lawn & Garden which had positive comparable sales in the quarter. We also completed the national roll-out of our DIY loyalty program, MyLowe’s RewardsTM, which is designed to reward customers for choosing Lowe’s for their home improvement needs.
We continue to gain traction with our Total Home strategy as demonstrated by positive comparable sales with our Pro customers as our investments to improve service levels resonate with these customers. We also had growth in online sales as we expanded our omnichannel fulfillment offerings.
We believe our continued focus on our Perpetual Productivity Improvement initiatives, combined with our ongoing investments in our Total Home strategy allows us to perform efficiently in this uncertain macroeconomic environment and positions us for market share growth when the home improvement market recovers, while continuing to drive meaningful long-term shareholder value.
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).
Three Months Ended
Basis Point Increase/(Decrease) in Percentage of Net Sales from Prior Period
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
2023 vs. 2022
Net sales
100.00
%
100.00
%
N/A
Gross margin
33.19
33.68
(49)
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
18.77
17.12
165
Depreciation and amortization
2.00
1.85
15
Operating income
12.42
14.71
(229)
Interest – net
1.65
1.56
9
Pre-tax earnings
10.77
13.15
(238)
Income tax provision
2.56
3.04
(48)
Net earnings
8.21
%
10.11
%
(190)
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).
Three Months Ended
Other Metrics
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Comparable sales decrease 1
(4.1)
%
(4.3)
%
Total customer transactions (in millions)
208
214
Average ticket 2
$
102.87
$
104.44
At end of period:
Number of stores
1,746
1,738
Sales floor square feet (in millions)
195
195
Average store size selling square feet (in thousands) 3
112
112
Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ deficit
28.1
%
24.2
%
Return on invested capital 4
32.6
%
28.0
%
1 A comparable location is defined as a retail 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 decide to close is no longer considered comparable as of the beginning of the month in which we announce its closing. Operating locations which are sold are included in comparable sales until the date of sale. Comparable sales are presented on a transacted basis when tender is accepted from a customer. Comparable sales include online sales, which positively
impacted first quarter fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 comparable sales by approximately 10 basis points and 60 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.
4 Return on invested capital is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. 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 understanding the comparison of operational performance to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of a certain item, further described below, not contemplated in the Company’s business outlook for fiscal 2023. There were no non-GAAP adjustments to diluted earnings per share for the three months ended May 3, 2024.
Fiscal 2023 Impacts
•In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company recognized pre-tax income of $63 million consisting of a realized gain on the contingent consideration and adjustments to the selling price associated with the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business (Canadian retail business transaction).
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 and may not be comparable.
Three Months Ended
May 5, 2023
Pre-Tax Earnings
Tax 1
Net Earnings
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
$
3.77
Non-GAAP adjustments – per share impacts
Canadian retail business transaction
(0.10)
—
(0.10)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
3.67
1Represents the corresponding tax benefit or expense specifically related to the item excluded from adjusted diluted earnings per share.
Return on Invested Capital
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes ROIC is a meaningful metric for analysts and investors as a measure of how effectively the Company is using capital to generate financial returns. 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 the 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 shareholders’ deficit. 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:
Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ deficit
28.1
%
24.2
%
Return on invested capital 3
32.6
%
28.0
%
1Income tax adjustment is defined as lease adjusted net operating profit multiplied by the effective tax rate, which was 24.3% and 28.6% for the periods ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023, respectively.
2 Average debt and shareholders’ deficit 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 shareholders’ deficit.
3For the period ended May 5, 2023, return on invested capital was negatively impacted 725 basis points as a result of the sale of the Canadian retail business.
Results of Operations
Net Sales – Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased 4.4% to $21.4 billion. Comparable sales declined 4.1% consisting of a 3.1% decrease in comparable customer transactions and a 1.0% decrease in comparable average ticket.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we experienced comparable sales increases in two of 14 product categories: Lawn & Garden and Building Materials. Positive comparable sales in Lawn & Garden was driven by smaller ticket projects within Landscape Products and Live Goods. Growth in Building Materials reflects strong demand with the Pro customer, demonstrating improvement from our investments in our Pro product and service offerings, including our enhanced assortment.
Gross Margin – For the first quarter of fiscal 2024, gross margin decreased 49 basis points as a percentage of sales. The gross margin contraction for the quarter is driven by higher costs associated with investments in our supply chain, targeted spring promotions, particularly in Lawn & Garden, and a decline in credit revenue, partially offset by lower transportation costs and other productivity initiatives.
SG&A – For the first quarter of fiscal 2024, SG&A expense deleveraged 165 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023 due primarily to cycling the prior year favorable legal settlement and gain on contingent consideration associated with the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business, as well as current year fixed cost deleverage due to lower sales.
Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization deleveraged 15 basis points for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales.
Interest – Net – Interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 deleveraged nine basis points as a percentage of sales, primarily due to lower sales.
Income Tax Provision – Our effective income tax rates were 23.7% and 23.1% for the three months ended May 3, 2024 and May 5, 2023, respectively.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources of Liquidity
Cash flows from operations, combined with our continued access to capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis, as needed, remain adequate to fund our operations, make strategic investments to support long-term growth, return excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, and repay debt maturities as they become due. We believe these sources of liquidity will continue to support our business for the next twelve months. As of May 3, 2024, we held $3.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents, as well as $4.0 billion in undrawn capacity on our revolving credit facilities.
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,262
$
2,106
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 3, 2024, compared to the three months ended May 5, 2023, was primarily driven by timing of prior year income tax payments and other changes in working capital, partially offset by lower net earnings. Cash flows relating to changes in other operating liabilities improved $1.4 billion driven by the first quarter of fiscal 2023 payment of our third and fourth quarter fiscal 2022 estimated federal tax payments that were deferred under the income tax relief announced by the Internal Revenue Service for businesses located in states impacted by Hurricane Ian. In addition, cash flows relating to changes in accounts payable improved $1.7 billion primarily due to timing of purchases as we managed inventory replenishment in line with sales trends and later spring inventory build.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(378)
$
(304)
Net cash used in investing activities primarily consists of transactions related to capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures generally consist of investments in our strategic initiatives to enhance our ability to serve customers, improve existing stores, and support expansion plans. Capital expenditures were $382 million and $380 million for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023, respectively. For fiscal 2024, our guidance for capital expenditures is approximately $2.0 billion.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(1,568)
$
(200)
Net cash used in financing activities primarily consists of transactions related to our debt, share repurchases, and cash dividend payments.
Debt
Our commercial paper program is supported by the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amounts available to be drawn under the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are reduced by the amount of borrowings under our commercial paper program. There were no outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, 2023 Credit Agreement, or the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of May 3, 2024. Total combined availability under the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of May 3, 2024 was $4.0 billion.
The 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants at May 3, 2024.
The following table includes additional information related to our debt for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023:
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
$
—
$
2,983
Repayment of debt
(22)
(22)
Net change in commercial paper
—
(427)
Maximum commercial paper outstanding at any period
250
2,195
Short-term borrowings outstanding at quarter-end
—
72
Weighted-average interest rate of short-term borrowings outstanding
—
%
5.75
%
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 cash used to repurchase shares for the three months ended May 3, 2024, and May 5, 2023:
Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 3, 2024
May 5, 2023
Total amount paid for share repurchases 1
$
923
$
2,106
Total number of shares repurchased
4.0
10.5
Average price paid per share
$
229.53
$
201.41
1 Excludes unsettled share repurchases and unpaid excise taxes.
As of May 3, 2024, we had $13.9 billion remaining available under our share repurchase program with no expiration date. The Company determines the timing and amount of repurchases based on its assessment of various factors including prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity, and the economic environment, among others. The timing and amount of these share repurchases are subject to change at any time.
Dividends
Dividends are paid in the quarter immediately following the quarter in which they are declared. Dividends paid per share increased from $1.05 per share for the three months ended May 5, 2023, to $1.10 per share for the three months ended May 3, 2024.
Capital Resources
We expect to continue to have access to the capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis 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 30, 2024, 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 given, and should continue to give, us the option to refinance our debt as it becomes due. 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.
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 and estimates 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 interest rates and commodity prices. The Company’s market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024.
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 3, 2024, 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.
The Company is undergoing a multi-year technology transformation which includes updating and modernizing our merchandise selling system, as well as certain accounting and finance systems. These updates are expected to continue for the next few years, and management will continue to evaluate the design and implementation of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as the transformation continues. No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended May 3, 2024, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
In addition to the matter referenced in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, 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 applies a threshold of $1,000,000 for purposes of disclosing environmental proceedings involving a governmental authority, if any, under this Item 1. 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
There have been no material changes in the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 25, 2024.
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 on a trade date basis made during the three months ended May 3, 2024:
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, 3
February 3, 2024 - March 1, 2024 4
1,146,937
$
242.74
1,146,709
$
14,247,002,425
March 2, 2024 - April 5, 2024
1,042,096
247.63
680,806
14,079,010,887
April 6, 2024 - May 3, 2024 4
853,354
235.22
853,050
13,939,009,783
As of May 3, 2024
3,042,387
$
242.30
2,680,565
$
13,939,009,783
1The 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.
2On December 7, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized an additional $15.0 billion of share repurchases with no expiration.
3Excludes excise tax on share repurchases in excess of issuances, which is recognized as part of the cost basis of the shares acquired in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ deficit.
4In February 2024, 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 $325 million to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 1.1 million shares. In April, the Company finalized the transaction and received an additional 0.2 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 8 to the consolidated financial statements included herein for additional information regarding share repurchases.
Item 5. - Other Information
During the three months ended May 3, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as those terms are defined in Regulation S-K, Item 408).
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.‡
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 30, 2024
By: /s/ Dan C. Griggs, Jr.
Date
Dan C. Griggs, Jr. Senior Vice President, Tax and Chief Accounting Officer