Skip to content
KStart free
AI InfrastructureDefenseQuantumAll studies →

BBY US Equity

Best Buy Co IncConsumer Discretionary · Retail-Radio, Tv & Consumer Electronics Stores · CIK 764478 · FY ends Jan 30
$85.89
+0.16 (+0.19%)
USD · as of 2026-08-21 · marketstack

BBY · 10-K · period ended 2021-01-30

← all BBY documents
filed 2021-03-19 · EDGAR original ↗

Our rendering of the filing — original pagination and typography are not reproduced, and tables are reduced to their short label cells (the figures live on FA). Nothing is summarized: every line below is the filing's own text.

blocks 4671,066 of 1,437274k characters rendered

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Unless otherwise noted, transactions and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude. Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020, for discussion of the results of operations for the year ended February 1, 2020, compared to the year ended February 2, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

23

Overview

Our purpose is to enrich lives through technology. We have two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of the operations, including our Best Buy Health business, in all states, districts and territories of the U.S. under various brand names including Best Buy, Best Buy Business, Best Buy Express, Best Buy Health, CST, Geek Squad, GreatCall, Lively, Magnolia and Pacific Kitchen and Home and the domain names bestbuy.com and greatcall.com. The International segment is comprised of all operations in Canada and Mexico under the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Express, Best Buy Mobile and Geek Squad and the domain names bestbuy.ca and bestbuy.com.mx. During the third quarter of fiscal 2021 we made the decision to exit our operations in Mexico. Refer to Note 2, Restructuring, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of January. Fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 included 52 weeks. Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal. A large proportion of our revenue and earnings is generated in the fiscal fourth quarter, which includes the majority of the holiday shopping season in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Comparable Sales

Throughout this MD&A, we refer to comparable sales. Comparable sales is a metric used by management to evaluate the performance of our existing stores, websites and call centers by measuring the change in net sales for a particular period over the comparable prior-period of equivalent length. Comparable sales includes revenue from stores, websites and call centers operating for at least 14 full months. Stores closed more than 14 days, including but not limited to relocated, remodeled, expanded and downsized stores, or stores impacted by natural disasters, are excluded from comparable sales until at least 14 full months after reopening. Acquisitions are included in comparable sales beginning with the first full quarter following the first anniversary of the date of the acquisition. Comparable sales also includes credit card revenue, gift card breakage, commercial sales and sales of merchandise to wholesalers and dealers, as applicable. Comparable sales excludes the impact of revenue from discontinued operations and the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (applicable to our International segment only). Online sales are included in comparable sales. Online sales represent those initiated on a website or app, regardless of whether customers choose to pick up product in store, curbside, at an alternative pick-up location or take delivery direct to their homes. All periods presented apply this methodology consistently.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic. All stores that were temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19 or operating a curbside-only operating model are included in comparable sales.

On November 24, 2020, we announced our decision to exit our operations in Mexico. As a result, all revenue from Mexico operations has been excluded from our comparable sales calculation beginning in December of fiscal 2021.

On March 1, 2018, we announced our intent to close all of our 257 remaining Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores in the U.S. As a result, all revenue related to these stores has been excluded from our comparable sales calculation beginning in March 2018. On October 1, 2018, we acquired all outstanding shares of GreatCall, Inc. (“GreatCall”) and on May 9, 2019, we acquired all outstanding shares of Critical Signal Technologies, Inc. (“CST”). Consistent with our comparable sales policy, the results of GreatCall are included in our comparable sales calculation beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and the results of CST are included in our comparable sales calculation beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

We believe comparable sales is a meaningful supplemental metric for investors to evaluate revenue performance resulting from growth in existing stores, websites and call centers versus the portion resulting from opening new stores or closing existing stores. The method of calculating comparable sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our method of calculating comparable sales may not be the same as other retailers' methods.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This MD&A includes financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), as well as certain adjusted or non-GAAP financial measures, such as constant currency, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP effective tax rate and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share ("EPS"). We believe that non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, can provide more information to assist investors in evaluating current period performance and in assessing future performance. For these reasons, our internal management reporting also includes non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, our non-GAAP financial measures include adjustments for items such as restructuring charges, goodwill impairments, price-fixing settlements, gains and losses on investments, intangible asset amortization, certain acquisition-related costs and the tax effect of all such items. In addition, certain other items may be excluded from non-GAAP financial measures when we believe doing so provides greater clarity to management and our investors. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not superior to or as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

24

In our discussions of the operating results of our consolidated business and our International segment, we sometimes refer to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates or the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which are references to the differences between the foreign currency exchange rates we use to convert the International segment’s operating results from local currencies into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. We also may use the term "constant currency," which represents results adjusted to exclude foreign currency impacts. We calculate those impacts as the difference between the current period results translated using the current period currency exchange rates and using the comparable prior period currency exchange rates. We believe the disclosure of revenue changes in constant currency provides useful supplementary information to investors in light of significant fluctuations in currency rates.

Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below for detailed reconciliations of items impacting non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP effective tax rate and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the presented periods.

Business Strategy and COVID-19 Update

In fiscal 2021 our Enterprise comparable sales grew 9.7% as we leveraged our unique capabilities, including our supply chain expertise, flexible store operating model and ability to shift quickly to digital, to meet what was clearly elevated demand for products that help customers work, learn, cook, entertain and connect in their homes. We provided customers with multiple options for how, when and where they shopped with us to ensure it satisfied their need for safety and convenience. The pandemic environment underscored our purpose to enrich lives through technology, and the capabilities we strengthened in fiscal 2021 will benefit us going forward as we execute our strategy.

Our strong financial performance allowed us to share our success with the community, our shareholders, and, importantly, our employees. In the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we made a $40 million donation to the Best Buy Foundation to accelerate the progress towards our goal to reach 100 Teen Tech Centers across the U.S. We believe our Teen Tech Centers help to further our commitments towards economic and social justice in our communities by making a measurable difference in the lives of underserved teens who may not otherwise have access to technology. In addition, we resumed our share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and increased our quarterly dividend by 27% to $0.70 per share. For our employees, we provided hourly appreciation pay for those who were working on the frontlines, paid recognition bonuses to field employees and established multiple hardship funds for anyone impacted physically, emotionally or financially by COVID-19. Starting August 1, 2020, we also raised our starting wage to $15 per hour for all domestic employees and enhanced our employee benefits.

Throughout the pandemic and across all the ways customers can shop, we adhered to safety protocols that limited store capacity, followed strict social distancing practices and used proper protective equipment, including requiring our employees and customers to wear masks.

This COVID-19 pandemic and the shift in customer buying behavior underscores the importance of our strong multi-channel capabilities. In fiscal 2021 our Domestic online revenue grew 144% compared to last year. We believe it is essential to provide options that let customers choose what works best for them. To best serve our customers during the pandemic, we had to be innovative and flexible. Early in the year, we quickly rolled out enhanced curbside pick-up across our stores to provide our customers convenience when we made the difficult decision to close our stores in March 2020. In May 2020 we developed an in-store appointment model that provided our customers with an option to shop in our stores as we prepared to open stores back up to customer shopping. We developed solutions like virtual consultations with advisors and video chats with our store associates. In addition, we made significant improvements to the functionality and customer experience of our app to support shopping, support and fulfillment. We provided fulfillment options that customers have come to expect from all retailers like fast and free home delivery, in-store pick-up and curbside pick-up.

As we look forward, the environment is still evolving, and our operating model and supporting cost structure are evolving as well. The pandemic has accelerated the evolution of retail and compelled us to change our operating model in the best interest of our employees and customers. We have also expedited some planned strategic changes that we believe will allow us to emerge from this time even stronger.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2021 we made the difficult decision to exit our operations in Mexico and began taking other actions to more broadly align our organizational structure in support of our strategy. As a result, we recorded $144 million of charges in our International segment in fiscal 2021, including $23 million of inventory markdowns within cost of sales and $121 million within restructuring charges primarily comprised of asset impairments, currency translation adjustments and termination benefits. As of January 30, 2021, the exit was substantially complete and we do not expect to incur material future restructuring charges in fiscal 2022 related to the exit.

We also recorded $133 million of restructuring charges in our Domestic segment in fiscal 2021, primarily related to termination benefits associated with field and corporate organizational changes in support of our strategy, as well as impairments of technology assets held in service of our Mexico operations.

As we continue to evolve our Building the New Blue Strategy, it is possible that we will incur material future restructuring costs, but we are unable to forecast the timing and magnitude of such costs. Refer to Note 2, Restructuring, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

25

We believe the following will be permanent and structural implications of the pandemic relevant to Best Buy:

• Customer shopping behavior will be permanently changed in a way that is even more digital and puts customers entirely in control to shop how they want. Our strategy is to embrace that reality, and lead, not follow.

• Our workforce will need to evolve in a way that meets the needs of customers while also providing more flexible opportunities for our people.

• Technology is playing an even more crucial role in people’s lives, and, as a result, our purpose to enrich lives through technology has never been more important. Said differently, people are using technology to address their needs in ways they never contemplated before, and we play a vital role in bringing technology to life for both customers and our vendor partners.

These implications are extensive and interdependent, and we are, as quickly as possible, both implementing change today and assessing future changes across our entire business, including how we evolve our stores and labor model, and how we spend our investment dollars.‌

In summary, during fiscal 2021 we managed through the challenging environment in a way that allowed us to accelerate many aspects of our strategy to deliver on our purpose. Our teams showed perseverance and commitment through the year and collectively changed the way we do business at a pace we never imagined.

Results of Operations

In order to align our fiscal reporting periods and comply with statutory filing requirements, we consolidate the financial results of our Mexico operations on a one-month lag. Consistent with such consolidation, the financial and non-financial information presented in our MD&A relative to these operations is also presented on a lag. Our policy is to accelerate the recording of events occurring in the lag period that significantly affect our consolidated financial statements. Other than the restructuring charges incurred related to our decision to exit our operations in Mexico, no such events were identified for the periods presented.

Consolidated Results

Selected consolidated financial data was as follows ($ in millions, except per share amounts):

Revenue % increase 8.3 % 1.8 % 1.7 %

Comparable sales growth 9.7 % 2.1 % 4.8 %

Gross profit as a % of revenue(1) 22.4 % 23.0 % 23.2 %

Restructuring charges $ 254 $ 41 $ 46

Operating income as a % of revenue 5.1 % 4.6 % 4.4 %

Diluted earnings per share $ 6.84 $ 5.75 $ 5.20

(1)Because retailers vary in how they record costs of operating their supply chain between cost of sales and SG&A, our gross profit rate and SG&A rate may not be comparable to other retailers' corresponding rates. For additional information regarding costs classified in cost of sales and SG&A, refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In fiscal 2021 we generated $47.3 billion in revenue and our comparable sales increased 9.7%. The impact of the pandemic drove strong customer demand for products to help them work, learn, cook, entertain and connect in their homes. Our strong sales performance resulted in operating income rate expansion of 50 basis points compared to fiscal 2020.

Revenue, gross profit rate, SG&A rate and operating income rate changes in fiscal 2021 were primarily driven by our Domestic segment. For further discussion of each segment's rate changes, see Segment Performance Summary, below.

26

Segment Performance Summary

Domestic Segment

Selected financial data for the Domestic segment was as follows ($ in millions):

Revenue % increase 7.9 % 2.1 % 1.7 %

Comparable sales growth(1) 9.2 % 2.3 % 4.8 %

Gross profit as a % of revenue 22.5 % 23.0 % 23.3 %

Restructuring charges $ 133 $ 41 $ 47

Operating income as a % of revenue 5.4 % 4.8 % 4.6 %

Selected Online Revenue Data

Online revenue as a % of total segment revenue 43.1 % 19.0 % 16.6 %

(1)Comparable online sales are included in the comparable sales calculation.

The increase in revenue in fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by the comparable sales growth across most of our product categories, partially offset by the loss of revenue from permanent store closures in the past year. Online revenue of $18.7 billion increased 144.4% on a comparable basis in fiscal 2021, primarily due to higher conversion rates and increased traffic as we saw a channel shift in our customer shopping behavior as a result of COVID-19.

Domestic segment stores open at the end of each of the last three fiscal years, excluding stores that were temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19 in fiscal 2021, were as follows:

We continuously monitor store performance. As we approach the expiration date of our leases, we evaluate various options for each location, including whether a store should remain open.

Domestic segment revenue mix percentages and comparable sales percentage changes by revenue category were as follows:

Revenue Mix Summary Comparable Sales Summary

Computing and Mobile Phones 46 % 45 % 13.0 % 3.2 %

Consumer Electronics 30 % 33 % (0.2) % 1.9 %

Continued strong demand in categories that help our customers work, learn, cook, entertain and connect from home contributed to our Domestic comparable sales changes across most of our categories. Notable comparable sales changes by revenue category were as follows:

• Computing and Mobile Phones: The 13.0% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by computing, tablets and networking, partially offset by declines in mobile phones.

• Consumer Electronics: The 0.2% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by headphones and digital imaging, partially offset by growth in home theater.

• Appliances: The 23.2% comparable sales growth was driven by both large and small appliances.

• Entertainment: The 17.9% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by gaming and virtual reality, partially offset by declines in movies.

• Services: The 1.4% comparable sales decline was primarily driven by our repair, delivery and installation services.

27

Our gross profit rate decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to higher supply chain costs as a result of the increased mix of online revenue and lower profit-sharing revenue from our private label and co-branded credit card arrangement, partially offset by a more favorable promotional environment.

Our SG&A decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to lower store payroll expense and other actions taken at the onset of the pandemic, such as the temporary suspension of the 401(k) employer match, reduced advertising and lower store overhead expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases in variable costs associated with higher sales volume and a $40 million donation to the Best Buy Foundation. Lower store payroll expense was primarily due to fewer labor hours as a result of reduced store operating hours, lower store-generated revenue and efficiencies in our labor model, which was partially offset by increased wage rates. SG&A also includes $81 million of employee retention credits as a result of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Restructuring charges in fiscal 2021 related to termination benefits associated with actions taken to more broadly align our organizational structure in support of our strategy. Refer to Note 2, Restructuring, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Our operating income rate increased in fiscal 2021 primarily driven by increased leverage from higher sales volume on our fixed expenses, which resulted in favorable SG&A rates, partially offset by the decrease in gross profit rate and restructuring charges described above.

International Segment

Selected financial data for the International segment was as follows ($ in millions):

Revenue % change 12.6 % (1.4) % 2.5 %

Comparable sales % change 15.0 % (0.5) % 4.6 %

Gross profit as a % of revenue 21.5 % 23.1 % 22.9 %

Restructuring charges $ 121 $ - $ (1)

Operating income as a % of revenue 1.1 % 2.9 % 2.9 %

The increase in revenue in fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by comparable sales growth across most of our product categories, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations related to our operations in Mexico and Canada, and lower revenue in Mexico as a result of our decision in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 to exit operations.

International segment stores open at the end of each of the last three fiscal years, excluding stores that were temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19 in fiscal 2021, were as follows:

Canada

Mexico

Best Buy Express 6 8 - 14 - (14) -

International segment revenue mix percentages and comparable sales percentage changes by revenue category were as follows:

Revenue Mix Summary Comparable Sales Summary

Computing and Mobile Phones 47 % 45 % 23.8 % 0.6 %

Consumer Electronics 30 % 33 % 0.3 % 1.4 %

28

Similar to the Domestic segment, strong demand in categories that help our customers work, learn, cook, entertain and connect from home contributed to our International comparable sales changes across most of our categories. Notable comparable sales changes by revenue category were as follows:

• Computing and Mobile Phones: The 23.8% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by computing, tablets and networking, partially offset by declines in mobile phones.

• Consumer Electronics: The 0.3% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by home theater and health and fitness, partially offset by declines in smart home and digital imaging.

• Appliances: The 20.9% comparable sales growth was driven by both small and large appliances.

• Entertainment: The 52.1% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by gaming and virtual reality.

• Services: The 11.0% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by warranty and repair services.

• Other: The 9.4% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by baby products.

Our gross profit rate declined in fiscal 2021 primarily due to operations in Canada, which was largely driven by higher supply chain costs as a result of the increased mix of online revenue and a lower mix of higher margin services revenue. Gross profit also decreased $23 million as a result of inventory markdowns associated with our decision to exit our operations in Mexico.

Our SG&A decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to operations in Canada as a result of lower store payroll expense, partially offset by higher incentive compensation.

Restructuring charges in fiscal 2021 primarily related to asset impairments, currency translation adjustments and termination benefits associated with our decision to exit our operations in Mexico. Refer to Note 2, Restructuring, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Our operating income rate decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily driven by restructuring charges and the lower gross profit rate described above, partially offset by a favorable SG&A rate driven by increased leverage from higher sales volume on our fixed expenses.

Additional Consolidated Results

Other Income (Expense)

Our investment income and other decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to less favorable interest rates on our investments, partially offset by an increase in the fair value of a minority equity investment.

Interest expense decreased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to more favorable interest rates related to our interest rate swap contracts, partially offset by an increase in interest expense as a result of our short-term draw on our $1.25 billion five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our revolving credit facility.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to an increase in pre-tax earnings. Our effective tax rate increased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to an increase in losses for which tax benefits were not recognized, a decrease in the tax benefit from stock-based compensation and the impact of higher pre-tax earnings on discrete tax benefits, partially offset by an increase in the tax benefit from federal tax credits and the resolution of discrete tax matters.

29

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliations of operating income, effective tax rate and diluted EPS (GAAP financial measures) to non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP effective tax rate and non-GAAP diluted EPS (non-GAAP financial measures) were as follows ($ in millions, except per share amounts):

Restructuring - inventory markdowns(1) 23 - -

Price-fixing settlement(2) (21) - -

Intangible asset amortization(3) 80 72 22

Acquisition-related transaction costs(3) - 3 13

Tax reform-related item - employee bonus(5) - - 7

Price-fixing settlement(2) 0.2 % - % - %

Intangible asset amortization(3) (0.6) % 0.1 % - %

Restructuring charges(4) (1.0) % - % (0.1) %

Gain on investments, net(6) 0.1 % - % - %

Tax reform - repatriation tax(5) - % - % 1.1 %

Tax reform - deferred tax rate change(5) - % - % 0.3 %

Non-GAAP effective tax rate 23.0 % 22.8 % 23.7 %

Restructuring - inventory markdowns(1) 0.09 - -

Price-fixing settlement(2) (0.08) - -

Gain on investments, net(6) (0.05) - (0.04)

Acquisition-related transaction costs(3) - 0.01 0.05

Tax reform-related item - employee bonus(5) - - 0.02

Tax reform - repatriation tax(5) - - (0.07)

Tax reform - deferred tax rate change(5) - - (0.02)

Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments(7) (0.16) (0.11) (0.06)

For additional information regarding the nature of charges discussed below, refer to Note 2, Restructuring; Note 3, Acquisitions; Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets; Note 6, Derivative Instruments; and Note 11, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(1)Represents inventory markdowns recorded within cost of sales associated with the decision to exit operations in Mexico.

(2)Represents a price-fixing litigation settlement received in relation to products purchased and sold in prior fiscal years.

(3)Represents charges associated with acquisitions, including: (1) the non-cash amortization of definite-lived intangible assets, including customer relationships, tradenames and developed technology; and (2) acquisition-related transaction costs primarily comprised of professional fees.

(4)Represents charges associated with actions taken to better align the company’s organizational structure with its strategic focus and the decision to exit operations in Mexico in fiscal 2021, charges and subsequent adjustments associated with U.S. retail operating model changes in fiscal 2020, and charges and subsequent adjustments primarily associated with the closure of Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores in the U.S. in fiscal 2019.

(5)Represents adjustments resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“tax reform”) enacted into law in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, including amounts associated with a deemed repatriation tax and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as a one-time bonus for certain employees in response to future tax savings created by tax reform.

(6)Represents an increase in the fair value of a minority equity investment in fiscal 2021 and a gain on sale of investments in fiscal 2019.

(7)Represents the summation of the calculated income tax charge related to each non-GAAP non-income tax adjustment. The non-GAAP adjustments primarily relate to the U.S. and Mexico. As such, the income tax charge is calculated using the statutory tax rate of 24.5% for all U.S. non-GAAP items for all periods presented. There is no income tax charge for Mexico non-GAAP items, as there was no tax benefit recognized on these expenses in the calculation of GAAP income tax expense.

Our non-GAAP operating income rate increased in fiscal 2021 primarily driven by increased leverage from higher sales volume on our fixed expenses, which resulted in a favorable SG&A rate, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit rate.

Our non-GAAP effective tax rate increased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to a decrease in the tax benefit from stock-based compensation and the impact of higher pre-tax earnings on discrete tax benefits, partially offset by an increase in the tax benefit from federal tax credits and the resolution of discrete tax matters.

Our non-GAAP diluted EPS increased in fiscal 2021 primarily driven by increases in non-GAAP operating income and lower diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding from share repurchases.

30

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We closely manage our liquidity and capital resources. Our liquidity requirements depend on key variables, including the level of investment required to support our business strategies, the performance of our business, capital expenditures, credit facilities, short-term borrowing arrangements and working capital management. Capital expenditures and share repurchases are a component of our cash flow and capital management strategy which, to a large extent, we can adjust in response to economic and other changes in our business environment. We have a disciplined approach to capital allocation, which focuses on investing in key priorities that support our strategy.

Cash and cash equivalents were as follows ($ in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,494 $ 2,229

The increase in cash and cash equivalents in fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by the increase in operating cash flows and a reduction in share repurchases, which were temporarily suspended from March to November of fiscal 2021.

Cash Flows

Cash flows from total operations were as follows ($ in millions):

Total cash provided by (used in):

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 7 (1) (14)

Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 3,270 $ 171 $ 884

Operating Activities

The increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to higher inventory turnover and the timing of inventory purchases and payments to meet continued higher demand. The increase was also driven by the timing of payments related to accrued compensation and benefits and higher earnings.

Investing Activities

The decrease in cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the absence of acquisitions.

Financing Activities

The decrease in cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to lower share repurchases, which were temporarily suspended from March to November of fiscal 2021.

Sources of Liquidity

Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, our credit facilities and other debt arrangements are our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund operations and anticipated capital expenditures, share repurchases, dividends and strategic initiatives, including business combinations. However, in the event our liquidity is insufficient, we may be required to limit our spending. There can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under our existing credit facilities or obtain additional financing, if necessary, on favorable terms.

We have a $1.25 billion five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Facility”) with a syndicate of banks. Refer to Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the terms of the Facility.In light of the uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 and to maximize liquidity, we executed a short-term draw on the full amount of the Facility on March 19, 2020, which remained outstanding until July 27, 2020, when the amounts we had borrowed under the Facility were repaid in full. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Facility as of January 30, 2021, or February 1, 2020.

Our ability to continue to access the Facility is subject to our compliance with its terms and conditions, including financial covenants. The financial covenants require us to maintain certain financial ratios. As of January 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all financial covenants. If an event of default were to occur with respect to any of our other debt, it would likely constitute an event of default under the Facility as well.

31

Our credit ratings and outlook as of March 18, 2021, are summarized below. On February 26, 2021, Moody’s upgraded its rating to A3 and confirmed its outlook of Stable. Standard & Poor’s rating and outlook remained unchanged from the prior year.

Rating Agency Rating Outlook

Standard & Poor's BBB Stable

Moody's A3 Stable

Credit rating agencies review their ratings periodically, and, therefore, the credit rating assigned to us by each agency may be subject to revision at any time. Factors that can affect our credit ratings include changes in our operating performance, the economic environment, conditions in the retail and consumer electronics industries, our financial position and changes in our business strategy. If changes in our credit ratings were to occur, they could impact, among other things, interest costs for certain of our credit facilities, our future borrowing costs, access to capital markets, vendor financing terms and future new-store leasing costs.

Restricted Cash

Our liquidity is also affected by restricted cash balances that are primarily restricted to use for workers' compensation and general liability insurance claims. Restricted cash, which is included in Other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $131 million and $126 million as of January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, respectively.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures typically include investments in our information technology (including e-commerce), stores and distribution capabilities. Capital expenditures were as follows ($ in millions):

E-commerce and information technology $ 539 $ 431 $ 448

(1)Store-related projects are primarily comprised of store remodels and various merchandising projects.

(2)Total capital expenditures exclude non-cash capital expenditures of $32 million, $10 million and $53 million in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. Non-cash capital expenditures are comprised of finance leases, as well as additions to property and equipment included in accounts payable.

Debt and Capital

As of January 30, 2021, we had $500 million of principal amount of notes due October 1, 2028 (“2028 Notes”) and $650 million of principal amount of notes due October 1, 2030 (“2030 Notes”). Upon issuance of our 2030 Notes, we cash settled the associated Treasury Rate Lock ("T-Lock") contracts entered into in fiscal 2021 to hedge the base interest rate variability on a portion of our then-expected refinancing of our maturing $650 million of principal amount of notes due March 15, 2021 (“2021 Notes”). The net proceeds from the 2030 Notes were used to replace our 2021 Notes that we retired in December 2020 by exercising our option to redeem the notes at par. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments, and Note 8, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about our T-Lock contracts and outstanding debt.

Share Repurchases and Dividends

We repurchase our common stock and pay dividends pursuant to programs approved by our Board. The payment of cash dividends is also subject to customary legal and contractual restrictions. Our long-term capital allocation strategy is to first fund operations and investments in growth and then return excess cash over time to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases while maintaining investment-grade credit metrics.

On February 23, 2019, the Board authorized a $3.0 billion share repurchase program. On February 16, 2021, the Board approved a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program, replacing the existing program which had $1.7 billion remaining available for repurchases as of January 30, 2021. There is no expiration date governing the period over which we can repurchase shares under this authorization. We temporarily suspended all share repurchases from March to November of fiscal 2021 to conserve liquidity in light of COVID-19-related uncertainties. Between the end of fiscal 2021 on January 30, 2021, and March 18, 2021, we repurchased an incremental 8.1 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $873 million. On February 25, 2021, we announced our plans to spend at least $2 billion on share repurchases in fiscal 2022.

Share repurchase and dividend activity were as follows ($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts):

Total number of shares repurchased 3.1 14.0 21.2

Regular quarterly cash dividends per share $ 2.20 $ 2.00 $ 1.80

Cash dividends declared and paid $ 568 $ 527 $ 497

32

Dividends declared and paid increased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to an increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend per share. On February 25, 2021, we announced the Board’s approval of a 27% increase in the regular quarterly dividend to $0.70 per share.

Other Financial Measures

Our current ratio, calculated as current assets divided by current liabilities, remained relatively unchanged at 1.2 as of January 30, 2021, compared to 1.1 as of February 1, 2020. Our debt to earnings ratio, calculated as total debt (including current portion) divided by net earnings, remained unchanged at 0.8 as of January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

We do not have outstanding off-balance-sheet arrangements. Contractual obligations as of January 30, 2021, were as follows ($ in millions):

Payments Due by Period

Long-term debt obligations(4) 1,150 - - - 1,150

Short-term debt obligations(4) 110 110 - - -

For additional information regarding the nature of contractual obligations discussed below, refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments; Note 7, Leases; Note 8, Debt; and Note 13, Contingencies and Commitments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(1)Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable, are legally binding and specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations do not include agreements that are cancelable without penalty. Additionally, although they do not contain legally binding purchase commitments, we included open purchase orders in the table above. Substantially all open purchase orders are fulfilled within 30 days.

(2)Lease obligations exclude $56 million of legally binding fixed costs for leases signed but not yet commenced.

(3)Operating lease obligations exclude payments to landlords covering real estate taxes and common area maintenance. These charges, if included, would increase total operating lease obligations by $0.7 billion as of January 30, 2021.

(4)Represents principal amounts only and excludes interest rate swap valuation adjustments related to our long-term debt obligations.

(5)Interest payments related to our 2028 Notes and 2030 Notes include the variable interest rate payments included in our interest rate swaps.

Additionally, we have $1.25 billion in undrawn capacity on our Facility as of January 30, 2021, which if drawn upon, would be included as short-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors believed to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than our adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, and our adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we have not made any material changes to our accounting policies or methodologies during the past three fiscal years. We believe that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These estimates require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and generally incorporate significant uncertainty.

Vendor Allowances

Description

We receive funds from our merchandise vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements for product advertising and product placement, primarily in the form of allowances based on purchases or sales volumes. We recognize allowances based on purchases and sales as a reduction of cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. Allowances for advertising and placement are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales ratably over the corresponding performance period. Funds that are determined to be a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to sell a vendor's products are recorded as an offset to the related expense when incurred.

33

Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

Due to the quantity and diverse nature of our vendor agreements, estimates are made to determine the amount of funding to be recognized in earnings or deferred as an offset to inventory. These estimates require a detailed analysis of complex factors, including (1) proper classification of the type of funding received; and (2) the methodology to estimate the portion of purchases-based funding that should be recognized in cost of sales in each period, which considers factors such as inventory turn by product category and actual sell-through of inventory.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

A 10% change in our vendor funding deferral as of January 30, 2021, would have affected net earnings by approximately $33 million in fiscal 2021. The overall level of deferral has remained relatively stable over the last three years.

Goodwill

Description

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually in the fiscal fourth quarter or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. Fair value reflects the price a potential market participant would be willing to pay for the reporting unit in an arms-length transaction.

Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

Determining fair value of a reporting unit is complex and typically requires analysis of discounted cash flows and other market information, such as trading multiples and other observable metrics. Cash flow analysis requires judgment regarding many factors, such as revenue growth rates, expenses and capital expenditures. Market information requires judgmental selection of relevant market comparables. We have goodwill in two reporting units – Best Buy Domestic and Best Buy Health – with carrying values of $444 million and $542 million, respectively, as of January 30, 2021. There is greater uncertainty surrounding the key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit and therefore a greater degree of complexity and judgment involved in our impairment analysis. Our valuation of Best Buy Health incorporates relatively higher levels of revenue growth than our valuation of Best Buy Domestic and, consequently, estimation of factors such as new customer growth, customer retention rates, capital expenditure requirements, advertising and cost to serve expenses and weighted-average cost of capital rates that incorporate significant judgment.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

A 10% change in the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit as of January 30, 2021, would not have had a material effect on our net earnings in fiscal 2021. Since acquisition, our estimate of the fair value of Best Buy Health has remained relatively stable.

Inventory Markdown

Description

Our merchandise inventories were $5.6 billion as of January 30, 2021. We value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value through the establishment of inventory markdown adjustments. Markdown adjustments reflect the excess of cost over the net recovery we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or other disposal of inventory and establish a new cost basis. No adjustment is recorded for inventory that we are able to return to our vendors for full credit.

Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

Markdown adjustments involve uncertainty because the calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment about the expected revenue and incremental costs we will generate for current inventory. Such estimates include the evaluation of historical recovery rates, as well as factors such as product type and condition, forecasted consumer demand, product lifecycles, promotional environment, vendor return rights and the expected sales channel of ultimate disposition. We also apply judgment in the assumptions about other components of net realizable value, such as vendor allowances and selling costs.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

A 10% change in our markdown adjustment as of January 30, 2021, would have affected net earnings by approximately $13 million in fiscal 2021. The level of markdown adjustments has remained relatively stable over the last three fiscal years.

Tax Contingencies

Description

Our income tax returns are periodically audited by U.S. federal, state and local and foreign taxing authorities. Taxing authorities audit our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various taxing authorities. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we may record a liability for such exposures. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a liability, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provisions in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. Our effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law, the tax jurisdiction of new stores or business ventures, the level of earnings and the results of tax audits.

34

Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions. Such assumptions can include complex and uncertain external factors, such as changes in tax law, interpretations of tax law and the timing of such changes, and uncertain internal factors such as taxable earnings by jurisdiction, the magnitude and timing of certain transactions and capital spending.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

Although we believe that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of our established liability, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially affected. An unfavorable tax settlement generally would require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement may reduce our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution.

Service Revenue

Description

We sell support plans as part of a bundled service offer which may include items such as technical support, price discounts on future purchases, anti-virus software and one-time service repairs. We allocate the transaction price to all performance obligations identified in the contract based on their relative fair value. For technical support services, we typically recognize revenue over time on a usage basis, an input method of measuring progress over the related contract term. This method involves the estimation of expected usage patterns, primarily derived from historical information.

Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

There is judgment in (1) measuring the relative standalone selling price for bundled performance obligations, and (2) assessing the appropriate recognition and methodology for each performance obligation, and for those based on usage, estimating the expected pattern of consumption across a large portfolio of customers. When insufficient reliable and relevant history is available to estimate usage, we generally recognize revenue ratably over the life of the contract until such history has accumulated.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

A 10% change in the amount of services membership deferred revenue as of January 30, 2021, would have affected net earnings by approximately $13 million in fiscal 2021. The amount of services membership deferred revenue has remained relatively stable over the last three fiscal years.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to certain market risks.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to changes in short-term market interest rates and these changes in rates will impact our net interest expense. Our cash and cash equivalents generate interest income that will vary based on changes in short-term interest rates. In addition, we have swapped a portion of our fixed-rate debt to floating-rate such that the interest expense on this debt will vary with short-term interest rates. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments, and Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our interest rate swaps.

In fiscal 2021 we entered into T-Lock contracts to hedge the base interest rate variability on a portion of our then-expected refinancing of our maturing 2021 Notes. The T-Lock contracts were immaterial and cash settled upon issuance of our 2030 Notes in fiscal 2021. The fair value of the T-Lock contracts upon settlement was released from Accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded in Interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as interest is accrued over the life of the 2030 Notes.

As of January 30, 2021, we had $5.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $500 million of debt that has been swapped to floating rate, and therefore the net balance exposed to interest rate changes was $5.0 billion. As of January 30, 2021, a 50-basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have led to an estimated $25 million reduction in net interest expense, and conversely a 50-basis point decrease in short-term interest rates would have led to an estimated $25 million increase in net interest expense.

35

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our International segment operations. On a limited basis, we utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to manage foreign currency exposure to certain forecasted inventory purchases, recognized receivable and payable balances and our investment in our Canadian operations. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of net earnings and cash flows, as well as net asset value associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our foreign currency risk management strategy includes both hedging instruments and derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments, which generally have terms of up to 12 months. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding these instruments.

In fiscal 2021 foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations were driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar compared to the prior-year period, which had a negative overall impact on our revenue as foreign currencies translated into fewer U.S. dollars. The strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the Mexican peso also had a favorable impact on earnings as the operating loss in Mexican pesos translated into fewer U.S. dollars. We estimate that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations had a net unfavorable impact on our revenue of approximately $45 million and a net favorable impact on earnings of approximately $15 million in fiscal 2021, excluding the reclassification of cumulative translation adjustments into earnings as a result of our exit from Mexico.

36

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Management's Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related financial information. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and necessarily include certain amounts that are based on estimates and informed judgments. Our management also prepared the related financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which conducted its audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The independent registered public accounting firm's responsibility is to express an opinion as to whether such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by our Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:

(1)pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and the dispositions of our assets;

(2)provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board; and

(3)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 30, 2021. During our assessment, we did not identify any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 30, 2021, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an unqualified attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021.

/s/ Corie Barry /s/ Matthew Bilunas

Corie Barry, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Bilunas, Chief Financial Officer

37

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Best Buy Co., Inc.

Richfield, Minnesota

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Best Buy Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 19, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle

The Company changed its method of accounting for leases in fiscal year 2020 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. 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 US federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Vendor Allowances — Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company receives vendor allowances from certain merchandise vendors through a variety of programs intended to offset the invoice cost of inventory and for promoting and selling merchandise inventory. Allowances based on purchases are initially deferred and recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory and are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. Allowances based on sales volumes are based on merchandise sold and are calculated using an agreed upon amount for each unit sold and recognized as a reduction to cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. Other promotional allowances not specifically related to volume of purchases or sales, such as advertising and placement are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales ratably over the corresponding performance period. Funds that are determined to be a reimbursement of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred to sell a vendor’s products are recorded as an offset to the related expense when incurred.

Given the significance of vendor allowances to the financial statements and volume and diversity of the individual vendor agreements, auditing vendor allowances was complex and subjective due to the extent of effort required to evaluate whether the vendor allowances were recorded in accordance with the terms of the vendor agreements and that the allowances deferred as an offset to inventory were complete and accurate.

38

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to evaluating whether the vendor allowances were recorded in accordance with the terms of the vendor agreements and the completeness and accuracy of deferred vendor allowances included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of controls over the recording of vendor allowances, including management's controls over the establishment of vendor arrangements, the calculation of vendor allowances earned, and the determination of the deferred vendor allowances recorded as a reduction to inventory.

We selected a sample of vendor allowances recorded as a reduction of cost of sales and (1) recalculated the amount recognized using the terms of the vendor agreement; (2) for certain arrangements, confirmed the terms of the agreement directly with the vendor; and (3) evaluated, based on the terms of the agreement, if the amount should be deferred and recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory.

Where confirmation responses from vendors were not received, we completed alternative procedures such as agreement to underlying contractual arrangements, tested the settlement of the arrangement and held discussions with a sample of Company buyers to understand the terms of the agreement.

We tested the amount of deferred vendor allowances recorded as a reduction to inventory by developing an expectation for the amount and comparing our expectation to the amount recorded by management.

Goodwill — Best Buy Health Reporting Unit— Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements

The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The goodwill balance was $986 million as of January 30, 2021, of which $542 million was related to the Best Buy Health reporting unit. The Company uses the discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit, which requires management to make subjective estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of the measurement date and, therefore, no impairment was recognized.

Given the significant judgments made by management to estimate the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit, performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of future revenue of the Best Buy Health reporting unit, specifically for new products and services, required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenue used by management to estimate the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit, such as controls related to management’s forecasts of future revenue.

We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue forecasts for the new products and services by comparing the forecasts to: (1) the Company’s historical revenue growth rates, including for similar existing products and services; (2) internal communications to management and the board of directors; (3) underlying source documents, when available, such as customer contracts; (4) underlying analyses detailing business strategies and growth plans; (5) forward-looking revenue expectations in external communications made by management to analysts and investors; and (6) industry reports containing analyses of the Company and its peers utilizing the assistance of our fair value specialists.

We inquired of operating and sales management teams to determine whether the judgments and assumptions used in the future revenue projections were consistent with the strategy and long-range plans for the Best Buy Health reporting unit.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 19, 2021

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.

39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Best Buy Co., Inc.

Richfield, Minnesota

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Best Buy Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended January 30, 2021, of the Company and our report dated March 19, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 19, 2021

40

Consolidated Balance Sheets

$ and shares in millions, except per share amounts

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,494 $ 2,229

Property and equipment

Property under finance leases 73 89

Less accumulated depreciation 6,996 6,900

Liabilities and equity

Current liabilities

Unredeemed gift card liabilities 317 281

Accrued compensation and related expenses 725 410

Short-term debt 110 -

Current portion of operating lease liabilities 693 660

Current portion of long-term debt 14 14

Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,012 2,138

Contingencies and commitments (Note 13)

Equity

Best Buy Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity

Additional paid-in capital - -

Accumulated other comprehensive income 328 295

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

41

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

$ and shares in millions, except per share amounts

Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,928 7,998 8,015

Other income (expense):

Gain on sale of investments 1 1 12

Investment income and other 37 47 49

Interest expense (52) (64) (73)

Diluted earnings per share $ 6.84 $ 5.75 $ 5.20

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

42

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

$ in millions

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (4) 1 (20)

Cash flow hedges (2) - -

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

43

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

$ in millions

Operating activities

Deferred income taxes (36) 70 10

Total cash provided by operating activities 4,927 2,565 2,408

Investing activities

Purchases of investments (620) (330) -

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired - (145) (787)

Total cash provided by (used in) investing activities (788) (895) 508

Financing activities

Issuance of common stock 28 48 38

Other, net - (1) (6)

Total cash used in financing activities (876) (1,498) (2,018)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 7 (1) (14)

Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 3,270 171 884

Supplemental cash flow information

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

44

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

$ and shares in millions, except per share amounts

Other comprehensive loss:

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - (20) (20)

Stock-based compensation - - 123 - - 123

Issuance of common stock 4 - 38 - - 38

Common stock dividends, $1.80 per share - - 6 (497) - (491)

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - 1 1

Stock-based compensation - - 143 - - 143

Issuance of common stock 4 - 48 - - 48

Common stock dividends, $2.00 per share - - 9 (536) - (527)

Other - - (2) - - (2)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - (4) (4)

Cash flow hedges - - - - (2) (2)

Stock-based compensation - - 135 - - 135

Issuance of common stock 4 - 28 - - 28

Common stock dividends, $2.20 per share - - 12 (580) - (568)

Repurchase of common stock (3) - (175) (143) - (318)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

45

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms "Best Buy," "we," "us" and "our" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements refers to Best Buy Co., Inc. and, as applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries.

Description of Business

Our purpose is to enrich lives through technology. We have two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of the operations, including our Best Buy Health business, in all states, districts and territories of the U.S. under various brand names including Best Buy, Best Buy Business, Best Buy Express, Best Buy Health, CST, Geek Squad, GreatCall, Lively, Magnolia and Pacific Kitchen and Home and the domain names bestbuy.com and greatcall.com. The International segment is comprised of all operations in Canada and Mexico under the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Express, Best Buy Mobile, Geek Squad and the domain names bestbuy.ca and bestbuy.com.mx.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2021 we made the decision to exit our operations in Mexico. In fiscal 2020 we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Critical Signal Technologies, Inc. (“CST”) and the predictive healthcare technology business of BioSensics, LLC (“BioSensics”). In fiscal 2019 we acquired all of the outstanding shares of GreatCall, Inc. (“GreatCall”).Refer to Note 2, Restructuring, and Note 3, Acquisitions, for additional information.

COVID-19

In March 2020 the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease ("COVID-19") as a pandemic. Except where otherwise directed by state and local authorities, we made the decision for the health and safety of our customers and employees to move our stores to a contactless, curbside-only operating model in the fiscal first quarter. We also temporarily suspended in-home delivery, repair and consultation services. At the beginning of the fiscal second quarter, we started welcoming customers back into our stores by offering an in-store consultation service to customers, by appointment only. On June 15, 2020, we began allowing customers to shop without an appointment at more than 800 stores across the U.S. As of June 22, 2020, almost all of our stores were open for shopping. We continue to offer contactless curbside pick-up and in-store consultations for customers who prefer to shop that way.

In light of the uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 and to maximize liquidity, we executed a short-term draw on the full amount of our $1.25 billion five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) on March 19, 2020, that remained outstanding until July 27, 2020, when the amounts we had borrowed under the Facility were repaid in full. See Note 8, Debt, for additional information on the Facility. In March 2020 we also announced the temporary suspension of all share repurchases which we resumed in November 2020.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2021 we concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our store operations was a triggering event to review for potential impairments of our store assets. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an immaterial asset impairment charge for a small number of stores within Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. We also completed a review for potential impairments of our goodwill in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, concluding that no impairment had occurred. A similar conclusion was reached upon completion of our annual goodwill impairment review during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.

On March 27, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), which among other things, contains provisions for deferral of the employer portion of social security taxes incurred through the end of calendar 2020 and an employee retention credit, a refundable payroll credit for 50% of wages and health benefits paid to employees not providing services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the CARES Act, we deferred $142 million of qualified payroll taxes in fiscal 2021 and claimed the employee retention credit, which was treated as a government subsidy to offset related operating expenses. Based on our analysis of the CARES Act, we reduced our SG&A expenses in fiscal 2021 by $81 million for employee retention credits.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains an evolving situation. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business and financial results will depend on future developments, including the duration of the outbreak within the markets in which we operate and the related impact on consumer confidence and spending, all of which are highly uncertain.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Best Buy Co., Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.

In order to align our fiscal reporting periods and comply with statutory filing requirements, we consolidate the financial results of our Mexico operations on a one-month lag. Our policy is to accelerate recording the effect of events occurring in the lag period that significantly affect our consolidated financial statements. Other than as disclosed in Note 2, Restructuring, no such events were identified for the reported periods that would have materially affected our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or other factors had they been recorded during fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019.

46

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Future results could be materially affected if actual results were to differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of January. Fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 included 52 weeks.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of fiscal 2021 we prospectively adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, all of which had an immaterial impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820)

ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract

Segment Information

Our business is organized into two reportable segments: Domestic (which is comprised of all states, districts and territories of the U.S.) and International (which is comprised of all operations in Canada and Mexico). Our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is our Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM has ultimate responsibility for enterprise decisions, including determining resource allocation for, and monitoring the performance of, the consolidated enterprise, the Domestic reportable segment and the International reportable segment.

Our CODM relies on internal management reporting that analyzes enterprise results to the net earnings level and reportable segment results to the operating income level. We aggregate our Best Buy Domestic and Best Buy Health operating segments into one Domestic reportable segment. We also aggregate our Canada and Mexico businesses into one International operating segment, which represents the International reportable segment.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires the recording of acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Results of operations related to business combinations are included prospectively beginning with the date of acquisition and transaction costs related to business combinations are recorded within SG&A.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash primarily consists of cash on hand and bank deposits. Cash equivalents consist of money market funds, commercial paper, corporate bonds and time deposits with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. The amounts of cash equivalents as of January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, were $3,559 million and $1,668 million, respectively, and the weighted-average interest rates were 0.6% and 1.8%, respectively.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is reconciled to the total shown on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as follows ($ in millions):

-

Restricted cash included in Other current assets 131 126 204

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 5,625 $ 2,355 $ 2,184

Amounts included in restricted cash are primarily restricted to use for workers' compensation and general liability insurance claims.

Receivables

Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from vendors for various vendor funding programs, banks for customer credit card and debit card transactions and mobile phone network operators for device sales and commissions. Receivables are stated at their carrying values, net of a reserve for expected credit losses, which is primarily based on historical collection trends. Our allowances for uncollectible receivables were $38 million and $24 million as of January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, respectively. We had $88 million and $32 million of write-offs in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively.

47

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The weighted average method is used to determine the cost of inventory which includes costs of in-bound freight to move inventory into our distribution centers. Also included in the cost of inventory are certain vendor allowances. Costs associated with storing and transporting merchandise inventories to our retail stores are expensed as incurred and included in cost of sales.

Our inventory valuation also reflects markdown adjustments for the excess of the cost over the net recovery we expect to realize from the ultimate disposition of inventory, including consideration of any rights we may have to return inventory to vendors for a refund, and establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the reversal of previously recorded markdown adjustments or an increase in the newly established cost basis.

Our inventory valuation reflects adjustments for physical inventory losses (resulting from, for example, theft). Physical inventory is maintained through a combination of full location counts (typically once per year) and more regular cycle counts.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. We depreciate property and equipment to its residual value using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the period from the date the assets are placed in service to the end of the lease term, which includes optional renewal periods if they are reasonably certain. Accelerated depreciation methods are generally used for income tax purposes.

When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our Consolidated Balance Sheets and any resulting gain or loss is reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.

Costs associated with the acquisition or development of software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the software, generally from two years to five years. A subsequent addition, modification or upgrade to internal-use software is capitalized to the extent that it enhances the software's functionality. Capitalized software is included in Fixtures and equipment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period incurred. The costs of developing software for sale to customers is expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, which generally leads to expensing substantially all costs.

Estimated useful lives by major asset category are as follows (in years):

Asset Category Useful Life

Leasehold improvements 2-10

Fixtures and equipment 2-15

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets with impairment indicators for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value, which is typically based on estimated discounted future cash flows. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value.

We evaluate locations for triggering events on a quarterly basis. For store locations, our primary indicator that asset carrying values may not be recoverable is negative store operating income for the most recent 12-month period. We also monitor other factors when evaluating store locations for impairment, including significant changes in the manner of use or expected life of the assets or significant changes in our business strategies.

When reviewing long-lived assets for impairment, we group long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For example, long-lived assets deployed at store locations are reviewed for impairment at the individual store level, which involves comparing the net carrying value of all assets to the net cash flow projections for each store. In addition, we conduct separate impairment reviews at other levels as appropriate, for example, to evaluate potential impairment of assets shared by several areas of operations, such as information technology systems.

48

Leases

The majority of our lease obligations are real estate operating leases used in our retail and distribution operations. Our finance leases are primarily equipment-related. For any lease with an initial term in excess of 12 months, the related lease assets and liabilities are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as either operating or finance leases at the inception of an agreement where it is determined that a lease exists. We have lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Accounting Standard’s Codification 842, Leases, in fiscal 2020, we have elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all classes of assets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Operating lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future payments over the lease term at the commencement date. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based on an evaluation of our credit ratings and the prevailing market rates for collateralized debt in a similar economic environment with similar payment terms and maturity dates commensurate with the terms of the lease. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Operating lease assets also include prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs and are reduced by lease incentives. Our lease terms generally do not include options to extend or terminate the lease unless it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Fixed payments may contain predetermined fixed rent escalations. We recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fiscal fourth quarter or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. Reporting units are determined by identifying components of operating segments which constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by segment management. No components were aggregated in arriving at our reporting units. We have goodwill in two reporting units – Best Buy Domestic and Best Buy Health – with carrying values of $444 million and $542 million, respectively, as of January 30, 2021.

Our detailed impairment testing involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a potential market participant would be willing to pay for the reporting unit in an arms-length transaction and typically requires analysis of discounted cash flows and other market information, such as trading multiples and other observable metrics. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then it is concluded that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Intangible Assets

Our valuation of identifiable intangible assets acquired is based on information and assumptions available to us at the time of acquisition, using income and market approaches to determine fair value, as appropriate.

We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful life of the asset. We review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets might not be recoverable and monitor for the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year. We record an impairment loss for any portion of the carrying value that is not recoverable.

Derivatives

Net Investment Hedges

We use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against the effect of Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuations on a portion of our net investment in our Canadian operations. The contracts have terms of up to 12 months. For a net investment hedge, we recognize changes in the fair value of the derivative as a component of foreign currency translation within other comprehensive income to offset a portion of the change in translated value of the net investment being hedged, until the investment is sold or liquidated. We limit recognition in net earnings of amounts previously recorded in other comprehensive income to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged foreign operation. We report the gains and losses, if any, related to the amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in net earnings.

49

Interest Rate Swaps

We utilized "receive fixed-rate, pay variable-rate" interest rate swaps to mitigate the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our $650 million principal amount of notes due March 15, 2021 (“2021 Notes”) prior to their retirement in December 2020, and on our $500 million principal amount of notes due October 1, 2028 (“2028 Notes”). Our interest rate swap contracts are considered perfect hedges because the critical terms and notional amounts match those of our fixed-rate debt being hedged and are, therefore, accounted for as fair value hedges using the shortcut method. Under the shortcut method, we recognize the change in the fair value of the derivatives with an offsetting change to the carrying value of the debt. Accordingly, there is no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings from the fair value of the derivatives.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

We use foreign currency forward contracts to manage the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to recognized receivable and payable balances denominated in non-functional currencies. The contracts generally have terms of up to 12 months. These derivative instruments are not designated in hedging relationships and, therefore, we record gains and losses on these contracts directly to our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. To measure fair value, we use a three-tier valuation hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:

• Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

• Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;

• Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

• Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For these assets, we do not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value, except in the event of impairment. When we determine that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to fair value and the difference is recorded within SG&A and Restructuring charges on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for non-restructuring and restructuring charges, respectively.

Fair value remeasurements are based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fixed asset fair values are primarily derived using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the present value of net cash flows that the asset or asset group was expected to generate. The key inputs to the DCF model generally include our forecasts of net cash generated from revenue, expenses and other significant cash outflows, such as capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate.

Insurance

We are self-insured for certain losses related to workers' compensation, medical and general liability claims; however, we obtain third-party excess insurance coverage to limit our exposure to certain claims. Some of these self-insured losses are managed through a wholly-owned insurance captive. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both claims filed and losses incurred but not yet reported. We utilize valuations provided by qualified, independent third-party actuaries as well as internal insurance and risk expertise. Our self-insured liabilities included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows ($ in millions):

Accrued liabilities $ 101 $ 75

Long-term liabilities 45 46

50

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.

In determining our provision for income taxes, we use an annual effective income tax rate based on annual income, permanent differences between book and tax income and statutory income tax rates. The effective income tax rate also reflects our assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. We adjust our annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available. Discrete events, such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws, are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Our income tax returns are periodically audited by U.S. federal, state and local and foreign taxing authorities. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various taxing authorities. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we may record a liability for such exposures. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a liability, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provisions in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. We include our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued penalties and interest, in Long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Accrued Liabilities

The major components of accrued liabilities are sales tax liabilities, advertising accruals, sales return reserves, customer deposits and insurance liabilities.

Long-Term Liabilities

The major components of long-term liabilities are unrecognized tax benefits, income tax liabilities and self-insurance reserves.

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at our Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. For operations reported on a one-month lag, we use the exchange rates in effect one month prior to our Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. Results of operations and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rates throughout the periods. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of shareholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in SG&A, have not been significant in any period presented.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenue from the sale of products and services, both as a principal and as an agent. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the transaction price consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Our revenue excludes sales and usage-based taxes collected and is reported net of sales refunds, which includes an estimate of future returns and contract cancellations based on historical refund rates, with a corresponding reduction to cost of sales. We defer the revenue associated with any unsatisfied performance obligation until the obligation is satisfied, i.e., when control of a product is transferred to the customer or a service is completed.

Product Revenue

Product revenue is recognized when the customer takes physical control, either in our stores or at their home. Any fees charged to customers for delivery are a component of the transaction price and are recognized when delivery has been completed. We use delivery information at an individual contract level to determine when to recognize revenue for delivered products and any related delivery fee revenue.

In most cases, we are the principal to product contracts as we have control of the physical products prior to transfer to the customer. Accordingly, revenue is recognized on a gross basis. For certain sales, primarily activation-based software licenses and third-party stored-value cards, we are the sales agent providing access to the content and recognize commission revenue net of amounts due to third parties who fulfill the performance obligation. For these sales, control passes upon providing access of the content to the customer.

Warranty obligations associated with the sale of our exclusive brands products are assurance-type warranties that are a guarantee of the product’s intended functionality and, therefore, do not represent a distinct performance obligation within the context of the contract.

51

Services - When we are the principal

We recognize revenue for services, such as installation, set-up, software troubleshooting, product repair, consultation and educational classes once the service is completed, as this is when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits of the service or serviced product. Payment terms are typically at the point of sale, but may also occur upon completion of the service. Our service contracts are primarily with retail customers and merchandise vendors (for factory warranty repairs).

For technical support membership contracts (for example, our Total Tech Support offering), we are responsible for fulfilling the support services to customers. These contracts have terms ranging from one month to three years and typically contain several performance obligations. Payment for the membership contracts is due at the start of the contract period. We have determined that our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our payment terms is to provide customers with a simplified method of purchasing our services, not to provide customers with financing. For performance obligations provided over time, we recognize revenue on a usage basis, an input method of measuring progress over the related contract term. This method is derived by analysis of historical utilization patterns as this depicts when customers use the services and, accordingly, when delivery of the performance obligation occurs. There is judgment in (1) determining the level at which we apply a portfolio approach to these contracts; (2) measuring the relative standalone selling price for performance obligations within these contracts to the extent that they are only bundled and sold to customers with other performance obligations, or alternatively, using a cost-plus margin approach; and (3) assessing the pattern of delivery across multiple portfolios of customers, including estimating current and future usage patterns. When insufficient history is available to estimate usage, we generally recognize revenue ratably over the life of the contract.

Services - When we are the agent

On behalf of third-party underwriters, we sell various hardware protection plans to customers that provide extended warranty coverage on their device purchases. Such plans have terms ranging from one month to five years. Payment is due at the point of sale. Third-party underwriters assume the risk associated with the coverage and are primarily responsible for fulfillment. We record the net commissions (the amount charged to the customer less the premiums remitted to the underwriter) as revenue at a point in time when the corresponding product revenue is recognized. In addition, in some cases we are eligible to receive profit-sharing payments, a form of variable consideration, which are dependent upon the financial performance of the underwriter’s protection plan portfolio. We do not share in any losses of the portfolio. We record any profit share as revenue once the uncertainty associated with the portfolio period, which is calendar-year based, is no longer constrained using the expected value method. This typically occurs during our fiscal fourth quarter, with payment of the profit share occurring in the subsequent fiscal year. Service and commission revenues earned from the sale of extended warranties represented approximately 2% of revenue in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.

We earn commissions from mobile network carriers to sell service contracts on their platforms. Revenue is recognized when control passes at a point in time upon sale of the contract and activation of the customer on the provider’s platform. The time between when we activate the service with the customer and when we receive payment from the content provider is generally within 30 to 60 days, which is after control has passed. Activation commissions are subject to repayment to the carrier primarily in the event of customer cancellation for specified time periods after the sale. Commission revenue from mobile network carriers is reported net of the expected cancellations, which we estimate based on historical cancellation rates.

Credit Card Revenue

We offer promotional financing and credit cards issued by third-party banks that manage and directly extend credit to our customers. Approximately 25% of revenue in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 was transacted using one of our branded cards. We provide a license to our brand and marketing services, and we facilitate credit applications in our stores and online. The banks are the sole owners of the accounts receivable generated under the program and, accordingly, we do not hold any customer receivables related to these programs and act as an agent in the financing transactions with customers. We are eligible to receive a profit share from certain of our banking partners based on the annual performance of their corresponding portfolio, and we receive quarterly payments based on forecasts of full-year performance. This is a form of variable consideration. We record such profit share as revenue over time using the most likely amount method, which reflects the amount earned each quarter when it is determined that the likelihood of a significant revenue reversal is not probable, which is typically quarterly. Profit-share payments occur quarterly, shortly after the end of each program quarter.

Best Buy Gift Cards

We sell Best Buy gift cards to our customers in our retail stores, online and through select third parties. Our gift cards do not expire. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the card is redeemed by the customer. We also recognize revenue for the portion of gift card values that is not expected to be redeemed ("breakage"). We estimate breakage based on historical patterns and other factors, such as laws and regulations applicable to each jurisdiction. We recognize breakage revenue using a method that is consistent with customer redemption patterns. Typically, over 90% of gift card redemptions (and therefore recognition of over 90% of gift card breakage revenue) occur within one year of issuance. There is judgment in assessing (1) the level at which we group gift cards for analysis of breakage rates, (2) redemption patterns, and (3) the ultimate value of gift cards which we do not expect to be redeemed. Gift card breakage income was $33 million, $35 million and $34 million in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.

52

Sales Incentives

We frequently offer sales incentives that entitle our customers to receive a gift card at the time of purchase or an instant savings coupon that can be redeemed towards a future purchase. For sales incentives issued to customers that are only earned in conjunction with the purchase of products or services, the sales incentives represent an option that is a material right and, accordingly, is a performance obligation in the contract. The revenue allocated to these sales incentives is deferred as a contract liability and is based on the cards that are projected to be redeemed. We recognize revenue for this performance obligation when it is redeemed by the customer or when it is not expected to be redeemed. There is judgment in determining (1) the level at which we group incentives based on similar redemption patterns, (2) future redemption patterns, and (3) the ultimate number of incentives that we do not expect to be redeemed.

We also issue coupons that are not earned in conjunction with a purchase of a product or service, typically as part of targeted marketing activities. This is not a performance obligation, but is recognized as a reduction of the transaction price when redeemed by the customer.

Customer Loyalty Programs

We have customer loyalty programs which allow members to earn points for each purchase completed with us or when using our co-branded credit cards. Points earned enable members to receive a certificate that may be redeemed on future purchases. Depending on the customer's membership level within our loyalty program, certificate expirations typically range from 2 to 6 months from the date of issuance. Our loyalty programs represent customer options that provide a material right and, accordingly, are performance obligations for each applicable contract. The relative standalone selling price of points earned by our loyalty program members is deferred and included in Deferred revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the percentage of points that are projected to be redeemed. We recognize revenue for this performance obligation over time when a certificate is estimated to be redeemed by the customer. There is inherent judgment in estimating the value of our customer loyalty programs as they are susceptible to factors outside of our influence, particularly customer redemption activity. However, we have significant experience in estimating the amount and timing of redemptions of certificates, based primarily on historical data.

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following tables illustrate the primary costs classified in each major expense category.

Cost of Sales

Cost of products sold, including:

Cash discounts on payments to merchandise vendors

Physical inventory losses

Markdowns

Customer shipping and handling expenses

Cost of services provided, including:

Cost of replacement parts and related freight expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Payroll and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees

Occupancy and maintenance costs of retail, services and corporate facilities

Depreciation and amortization related to retail, services and corporate assets

Advertising costs

Charitable contributions

Outside and outsourced service fees

Long-lived asset impairment charges

Other administrative costs, such as supplies, travel and lodging

Vendor Allowances

We receive funds from our merchandise vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements for product advertising and product placement, primarily in the form of allowances based on purchases or sales volumes. We recognize allowances based on purchases and sales as a reduction of cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. Allowances for advertising and placement are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales ratably over the corresponding performance period. Funds that are determined to be a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to sell a vendor's products are recorded as an offset to the related expense when incurred.

53

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which are included in SG&A, are expensed over the period in which the advertisement is customer-facing. Advertising costs consist primarily of digital and television advertisements, as well as support costs. Advertising expenses were $819 million, $840 million and $777 million in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

We apply the fair value recognition provisions of accounting guidance as they relate to our stock-based compensation, which requires us to recognize expense for the fair value of our stock-based compensation awards. Compensation expense is recognized over the period in which services are required. It is recognized on a straight-line basis, except where there are performance awards that vest on a graded basis, in which case the expense for these awards is front-loaded or recognized on a graded-attribution basis.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is computed as net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to shareholders' equity. In addition to net earnings, the significant component of comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation adjustments.

2. Restructuring

Restructuring charges were as follows ($ in millions):

Mexico Exit and Strategic Realignment(1) $ 277 $ - $ -

Fiscal 2020 U.S. Retail Operating Model Changes - 41 -

Best Buy Mobile Exit - - 47

Canadian Brand Consolidation - - (1)

(1)Includes $23 million related to inventory markdowns recorded in Cost of sales on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in fiscal 2021.

Mexico Exit and Strategic Realignment

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on, for example, the economic conditions of the markets in which we operate, customer shopping behaviors, the role of technology in peoples’ lives and the way we meet their needs. In light of these changes, we are adapting our Building the New Blue Strategy to ensure that our focus and resources are closely aligned with the opportunities we see in front of us. As a result, in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we made the decision to exit our operations in Mexico and began taking other actions to more broadly align our organizational structure in support of our strategy.

Charges incurred in our International segment primarily related to our decision to exit our operations in Mexico. As of January 30, 2021, the exit was substantially complete and we do not expect to incur material future restructuring charges.

Charges incurred in our Domestic segment primarily related to actions taken to align our organizational structure in support of our strategy. During the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we incurred $46 million of restructuring charges primarily related to termination benefits associated with corporate organizational changes, as well as impairments of technology assets held in service of our Mexico operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we incurred $87 million of restructuring charges related to termination benefits primarily for field employees in order to be more responsive and flexible with our workforce as we continue to refine our operating model to better serve our customers’ needs.

As we continue to evolve our Building the New Blue Strategy, it is possible that we will incur material future restructuring costs, but we are unable to forecast the timing and magnitude of such costs.

All charges incurred related to the exit from Mexico and strategic realignment described above were from continuing operations and were presented as follows ($ in millions):

Statement of Earnings Location Domestic International Total

Inventory markdowns Cost of sales $ - $ 23 $ 23

Asset impairments(1) Restructuring charges 10 57 67

Termination benefits Restructuring charges 123 20 143

Currency translation adjustment Restructuring charges - 39 39

Other(2) Restructuring charges - 5 5

(1)Remaining net carrying value approximates fair value and is immaterial as of January 30, 2021.

(2)Other charges are primarily comprised of contract termination costs.

54

Restructuring accrual activity related to the exit from Mexico and strategic realignment described above was as follows ($ in millions):

Termination Benefits

Domestic International Total

Balances as of February 1, 2020 $ - $ - $ -

Cash payments (19) - (19)

Fiscal 2020 U.S. Retail Operating Model Changes

In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we made changes primarily related to our U.S. retail operating model to increase organization effectiveness and create a more seamless customer experience across all channels. All charges incurred, including $10 million related to a voluntary early retirement offer, related to termination benefits within our Domestic segment and were presented within Restructuring charges from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of January 30, 2021, the cumulative amount of charges incurred was $41 million and no material liability remains.

Best Buy Mobile Exit

On March 1, 2018, we announced our intent to close all of our 257 remaining Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores in the U.S. This decision was a result of changing economics in the mobile industry since we began opening these stores in 2006, along with the integration of our mobile model into our core stores and online channel, which are more economically compelling today. The cumulative amount of charges incurred was $56 million, comprised of $49 million of facility closure and other costs, $6 million of termination benefits and $1 million of asset impairments. All charges incurred related to our Domestic segment and were presented within Restructuring charges from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. No restructuring accrual related to this plan remains as of January 30, 2021.

3. Acquisitions

Source: SEC EDGAR (public domain) · 10-K for the period ended 2021-01-30, filed 2021-03-19 · accession 0000764478-21-000024

Filing HTML rendered to line-structured narrative text by the shipped reducer (datafeeds.edgar_fulltext.visible_text, keep_table_headers=True): scripts and inline-XBRL headers are dropped, and table content is reduced to its short label cells — numeric table data is not rendered and is therefore not counted. The same rendering is used for every year, so a year-over-year comparison is like for like.

The text is our rendering of the filing, not a facsimile: original pagination, typography and tables are not reproduced, and the numbers live in the financial statements (FA).

The outline locates item HEADINGS in this document. Only Items 1A and 7 have certified boundaries elsewhere in the terminal (the redline and the narrative-overlap number); every span here runs from one heading found to the next heading found.

How the outline was chosen. It is the longest chain of item headings that runs forward through both the document and the standard item order: 21 headings are on that chain and 15 further heading-shaped lines are not — the table-of-contents echo of every item, cross-references and exhibit-list mentions. Each entry's length is measured from its heading to the next heading on the chain.