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 January 28, 2023, for discussion of the results of operations for the year ended January 28, 2023, compared to the year ended January 29, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein.
23
Overview
We are driven by our purpose to enrich lives through technology and our vision to personalize and humanize technology solutions for every stage of life. We accomplish this by leveraging our combination of technology and a human touch to meet our customers’ everyday needs, whether they come to us online, visit our stores or invite us into their homes. We have operations in the U.S. and Canada.
We have two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of our operations in all states, districts and territories of the U.S. and our Best Buy Health business, and includes the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Ads, Best Buy Business, Best Buy Health, CST, Current Health, Geek Squad, Lively, Magnolia, Pacific Kitchen and Home, TechLiquidators and Yardbird; and the domain names bestbuy.com, currenthealth.com, lively.com, techliquidators.com and yardbird.com. The International segment is comprised of all operations in Canada under the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Geek Squad and the domain name bestbuy.ca.
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of January. Fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively. Unless otherwise noted, references to years in the MD&A section of this report relate to fiscal years, and not calendar years. Fiscal 2024 included 53 weeks with the 53rd week occurring in the fiscal fourth quarter. Fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 each 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.
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. Revenue from online sales is included in comparable sales and represents sales 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. Revenue from acquisitions is 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. Revenue from stores closed more than 14 days, including but not limited to relocated, remodeled, expanded and downsized stores, or stores impacted by natural disasters, is excluded from comparable sales until at least 14 full months after reopening. Comparable sales excludes the impact of profit-share revenue, the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (applicable to our International segment only) and the impact of the 53rd week in fiscal 2024. All periods presented apply this methodology consistently.
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 U.S. (“GAAP”), as well as certain adjusted or non-GAAP financial measures, such as 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, provide additional useful information for evaluating current period performance and assessing future performance. For these reasons, internal management reporting, including budgets, forecasts and financial targets used for short-term incentives are based on non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, our non-GAAP financial measures include adjustments for items such as restructuring charges, goodwill and intangible asset impairments, price-fixing settlements, gains and losses on sales of subsidiaries and certain 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. We provide reconciliations of the most comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP to presented non-GAAP financial measures that enable investors to understand the adjustments made in arriving at the non-GAAP financial measures and to evaluate performance using the same metrics as management. 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 may be calculated differently from similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting their usefulness for comparative purposes.
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.
24
Business Strategy Update
During fiscal 2024, our teams once again delivered strong execution and showcased their ability to navigate through what continues to be a challenging environment for our industry, while keeping our customers and their experiences as our top priority. We continue to balance the need to adjust in response to current industry sales trends with the need to invest in our business so that we can capitalize on opportunities as our industry moves through this downturn and returns to expected growth.
In fiscal 2024, digital sales comprised 33% of our Domestic revenue compared to 19% in fiscal 2020. During these same time periods, the percentage of online sales picked up in our stores by our customers was consistent at just over 40%. Therefore, we are continuing to adapt our omnichannel capabilities to ensure we maintain a leading position in an increasingly digital age and evolving retail landscape.
We believe our portfolio of stores are crucial assets that provide customers with differentiated experiences, services and convenient multichannel fulfillment. At the same time, our stores need to be cost and capital efficient to operate while remaining a great place to work. During fiscal 2024, we closed 24 large format stores and implemented 8 large format Experience store remodels. As we look to fiscal 2025, we plan to invest back into our store experience. Customer shopping behavior has evolved in the last four years, and in the near-term we are particularly focused on ensuring we provide the experience that customers expect to have when they take the time to come into our stores. As a result, our capital investments for fiscal 2025 are concentrated more on existing store updates and refreshes and less on major remodels or store openings.
We continue to advance our omni-channel operating model to align with the ongoing evolution of our industry and marketplace trends with two overarching goals in mind – efficiently allocating our labor cost, considering the channel shift from our physical stores to online, and providing our employees flexibility, predictability and opportunities to gain more skills. We are focused on balancing the amount of labor hours necessary to deliver the best experience possible for our customers and other stakeholders.
During fiscal 2024, we continued to grow our membership base and ended the year with a total of approximately seven million paid members. Our paid members consistently showed higher levels of interaction, with comparatively higher levels of spend at Best Buy and a shift of spend away from competitors. Last June, we successfully launched significant changes to our membership program that allow customers more freedom to choose a membership that fits their technology needs, budget and shopping preferences. In addition, we expect the changes to provide more flexibility to evolve our programs while resulting in a lower cost to serve than our previous paid membership program, which we have already seen results in margin favorability.
Although there continue to be macro pressures impacting retail overall and consumer electronics more specifically, we expect fiscal 2025 to be a year of increasing industry stabilization as the pace of innovation increases and consumers begin to upgrade and replace technology products bought earlier in the pandemic. Our strategy is to focus on sharpening our customer experiences and industry positioning while maintaining, if not expanding, our profitability.
We remain excited about our industry and our future. There are more technology products than ever in people’s homes, technology is increasingly a necessity in our lives, and we believe we are uniquely there for our customers as they navigate this vibrant, ever-changing and innovative space.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
Selected consolidated financial data was as follows ($ in millions, except per share amounts):
(1)
Revenue % change (6.1) % (10.6) % 9.5 %
Comparable sales % change (6.8) % (9.9) % 10.4 %
Gross profit as a % of revenue(1) 22.1 % 21.4 % 22.5 %
Operating income as a % of revenue 3.6 % 3.9 % 5.9 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 5.68 $ 6.29 $ 9.84
(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 2024, we generated $43.5 billion in revenue, including approximately $735 million in revenue from the 53rd week. Our comparable sales declined 6.8% in fiscal 2024, as we continued to operate in a consumer electronics industry that is challenged by various macroeconomic pressures, including high inflation, increased spending outside the home in areas such as travel and entertainment, the pull-forward of demand in prior years and lower levels of product innovation.
25
Revenue, gross profit rate, SG&A and operating income rate changes in fiscal 2024 were primarily driven by our Domestic segment. For further discussion of our Domestic and International segments, see Segment Performance Summary, below.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to reduced benefits from the resolution of tax matters and stock-based compensation, partially offset by the impact of decreased pre-tax earnings. Our effective tax rate increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to reduced tax benefits from the resolution of tax matters and stock-based compensation, partially offset by the impact of lower pre-tax earnings.
Segment Performance Summary
Domestic Segment
Selected financial data for the Domestic segment was as follows ($ in millions):
Comparable sales % change(1) (7.1) % (10.3) % 11.0 %
Gross profit as a % of revenue 22.1 % 21.3 % 22.4 %
Operating income as a % of revenue 3.7 % 3.8 % 5.8 %
Selected Online Revenue Data
Online revenue as a % of total segment revenue 32.7 % 33.2 % 34.4 %
Comparable online sales % change(1) (7.8) % (13.5) % (12.0) %
(1)Comparable online sales are included in the comparable sales calculation.
Domestic revenue was $40.1 billion in fiscal 2024, including approximately $675 million of revenue from the 53rd week. The decrease in Domestic revenue in fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by comparable sales declines in home theater, large appliances, computing and mobile phones, partially offset by comparable sales growth in gaming hardware. Online revenue of $13.1 billion decreased 7.8% on a comparable basis in fiscal 2024. These decreases in revenue were primarily due to the factors described within the Consolidated Results section, above.
Domestic segment stores open at the end of each of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
We continuously monitor store performance as part of a market-driven, omnichannel strategy. As we approach the expiration of leases, we evaluate various options for each location, including whether a store should remain open. In fiscal 2025, we currently expect to close approximately 10 to 15 Best Buy stores.
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 42 % 43 % (7.8) % (12.0) %
Consumer Electronics 30 % 30 % (8.6) % (12.2) %
Entertainment 7 % 6 % 9.7 % (5.5) %
26
Notable comparable sales changes by revenue category were as follows:
• Computing and Mobile Phones: The 7.8% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by computing, mobile phones and tablets.
• Consumer Electronics: The 8.6% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by home theater.
• Appliances: The 15.1% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by large appliances.
• Entertainment: The 9.7% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by gaming hardware.
• Services: The 8.7% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by growth in our membership programs, as well as delivery and installation services.
Domestic gross profit rate increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to improved financial performance from our membership offerings, which included higher services margin rates, and an improved gross profit rate from our Best Buy Health business.
Domestic SG&A decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower store payroll and advertising expense, partially offset by higher incentive compensation expense and the impact of the 53rd week.
Domestic restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2024 were primarily comprised of employee termination benefits related to an enterprise-wide initiative that commenced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The restructuring initiative is intended to accomplish the following: (1) align field labor resources with where customers want to shop to optimize the customer experience; (2) redirect corporate resources for better alignment with our strategy; and (3) right-size resources to better align with our revenue outlook in fiscal 2025. Refer to Note 3, 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.
Domestic operating income rate decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to an unfavorable SG&A rate that was driven by decreased leverage from lower sales volume on our fixed expenses, partially offset by favorability in gross profit rate.
International Segment
Selected financial data for the International segment was as follows ($ in millions):
Revenue % change (4.3) % (10.9) % (1.0) %
Comparable sales % change (3.2) % (5.4) % 3.3 %
Gross profit as a % of revenue 22.4 % 23.0 % 23.9 %
Restructuring charges $ 6 $ 7 $ 5
Operating income as a % of revenue 3.2 % 4.6 % 6.2 %
International revenue was $3.4 billion in fiscal 2024, including approximately $60 million of revenue from the 53rd week. The decrease in International revenue in fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by comparable sales declines across most of our product categories and the negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.
International segment stores open at the end of each of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Canada
Total International segment stores 160 - - 160 1 (1) 160
27
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 46 % 45 % (0.9) % (6.1) %
Consumer Electronics 29 % 30 % (9.3) % (6.2) %
Entertainment 9 % 8 % 13.2 % (8.6) %
Notable comparable sales changes by revenue category were as follows:
• Computing and Mobile Phones: The 0.9% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by computing, partially offset by comparable sales growth in mobile phones.
• Consumer Electronics: The 9.3% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by home theater and health and fitness.
• Appliances: The 4.5% comparable sales decline was driven primarily by large appliances.
• Entertainment: The 13.2% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by gaming hardware.
• Services: The 1.0% comparable sales growth was driven primarily by growth in our membership programs.
International gross profit rate decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily driven by lower product margin rates, partially offset by a higher mix of revenue from the higher-margin services category.
International SG&A increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to higher incentive compensation expense and the impact of the 53rd week, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
International restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2024 were primarily comprised of employee termination benefits related to the enterprise-wide initiative that commenced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Refer to Note 3, 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.
International operating income rate decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to an unfavorable SG&A rate that was driven by decreased leverage from lower sales volume on our fixed expenses and an unfavorable gross profit rate.
28
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), respectively, were as follows ($ in millions, except per share amounts):
Restructuring - inventory markdowns(1) - - (6)
Intangible asset amortization(2) 61 86 82
Acquisition-related transaction costs(2) - - 11
Intangible asset amortization(2) 0.1 % 0.1 % 0.1 %
Restructuring charges(3) 0.2 % 0.2 % (0.1) %
Non-GAAP effective tax rate 23.8 % 21.0 % 19.0 %
Restructuring - inventory markdowns(1) - - (0.02)
Gain on sale of subsidiary, net(4) (0.10) - -
Loss on investments 0.05 - -
Acquisition-related transaction costs(2) - - 0.04
Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments(5) (0.24) (0.24) (0.04)
For additional information regarding the nature of charges discussed below, refer to Note 2, Acquisitions; Note 3, Restructuring; Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets; 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 and subsequent adjustments recorded within cost of sales associated with the exit from operations in Mexico.
(2)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 and due diligence costs, primarily comprised of professional fees.
(3)Represents restructuring charges primarily related to the Fiscal 2024 Restructuring Initiative, the Fiscal 2023 Resource Optimization Initiative and the Mexico Exit and Strategic Realignment.
(4)Represents the gain on sale of a Mexico subsidiary subsequent to our exit from operations in Mexico.
(5)The non-GAAP adjustments primarily relate to the U.S. As such, the income tax charge on the U.S. non-GAAP adjustments is calculated using the U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5%.
Non-GAAP operating income rate decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to unfavorable SG&A rates in our Domestic and International segments, partially offset by a favorable gross profit rate in our Domestic segment.
Non-GAAP effective tax rate increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to reduced tax benefits from the resolution of tax matters and stock-based compensation, partially offset by the impact of lower pre-tax earnings.
Non-GAAP diluted EPS decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily driven by the decrease in non-GAAP operating income, partially offset by lower diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.
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, dividends, credit facilities, short-term borrowing arrangements and working capital management. We modify our approach to managing these variables as changes in our operating environment arise. For example, 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.
Cash and cash equivalents were as follows ($ in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,447 $ 1,874
29
The decrease in cash and cash equivalents in fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by dividend payments, capital expenditures and share repurchases. These decreases were partially offset by positive cash flows from operations, primarily driven by earnings.
Our cash deposits held at financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit. We limit exposure relating to financial instruments by diversifying the financial instruments among various counterparties, which consist primarily of major financial institutions.
Cash Flows
Cash flows were as follows ($ in millions):
Total cash provided by (used in):
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (5) (8) (3)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (460) $ (952) $ (2,420)
Operating Activities
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to the timing and volume of inventory purchases and payments, higher income tax payments and lower earnings. This was partially offset by lower incentive compensation payments in the current year as a result of less favorable fiscal 2023 results, and higher vendor funding collections.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities decreased in fiscal 2024, primarily driven by lower capital spending.
Financing Activities
The decrease in cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by lower share repurchases.
Sources of Liquidity
Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, our credit facilities, other debt arrangements and trade payables 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.
On April 12, 2023, we entered into a $1.25 billion five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement (the “Five-Year Facility Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. The Five-Year Facility Agreement replaced the previous $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Previous Facility”) with a syndicate of banks, which was entered into in May 2021 and scheduled to expire in May 2026, but was terminated on April 12, 2023. The Five-Year Facility Agreement permits borrowings of up to $1.25 billion and expires in April 2028. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Five-Year Facility Agreement as of February 3, 2024, or the Previous Facility as of January 28, 2023.
Our ability to continue to access the Five-Year Facility Agreement 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 February 3, 2024, 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 Five-Year Facility Agreement as well.
Our credit ratings and outlook as of March 13, 2024, remained unchanged from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023, and are summarized below.
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.
30
Restricted Cash
Our liquidity is also affected by restricted cash balances that are primarily restricted to cover product protection plans provided under our membership offerings and other self-insurance liabilities. Restricted cash, which is included in Other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, remained relatively stable in fiscal 2024, with balances of $346 million and $379 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were as follows ($ in millions):
E-commerce and information technology $ 496 $ 540 $ 549
(1)Store-related projects are primarily comprised of store remodels and various merchandising projects.
We currently expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 of $750 million to $800 million.
Debt and Capital
As of February 3, 2024, 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”). Refer to 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 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. Our share repurchase plans are evaluated on an ongoing basis, considering factors such as our financial condition and cash flows, our economic outlook, the impact of tax laws, our liquidity needs and the health and stability of global credit markets. The timing and amount of future repurchases may vary depending on such factors.
On February 28, 2022, our Board approved a $5.0 billion share repurchase program, which replaced the $5.0 billion share repurchase program authorized on February 16, 2021. There is no expiration date governing the period over which we can repurchase shares under this authorization.
Share repurchase and dividend activity were as follows ($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts):
Total number of shares repurchased 4.7 11.8 32.2
Regular quarterly cash dividends per share $ 3.68 $ 3.52 $ 2.80
Cash dividends declared and paid $ 801 $ 789 $ 688
The total cost of shares repurchased decreased in fiscal 2024 from decreases in the volume of repurchases and the average price per share. We currently expect to spend approximately $350 million on share repurchases in fiscal 2025.
Cash dividends declared and paid increased in fiscal 2024, primarily due to an increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend per share, partially offset by fewer shares outstanding. On February 29, 2024, we announced the Board’s approval of a 2% increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.94 per share.
Other Financial Measures
Our current ratio, calculated as current assets divided by current liabilities, remained unchanged at 1.0 as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023.
Our debt to earnings ratio, calculated as total debt (including current portion) divided by net earnings over the trailing twelve months increased to 0.9 as of February 3, 2024, compared to 0.8 at January 28, 2023, primarily due to lower net earnings.
31
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We do not have outstanding off-balance-sheet arrangements. Contractual obligations as of February 3, 2024, were as follows ($ in millions):
Payments Due by Period
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 $118 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 February 3, 2024.
(4)Long-term debt obligations represent principal amounts only and exclude interest rate swap valuation adjustments.
(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 Five-Year Facility Agreement as of February 3, 2024, which, if drawn upon, would be included in either short-term or long-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. 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, primarily in the form of purchases-based or sales-based volumes and for product advertising and placement. 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 within SG&A when incurred.
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 proper classification of the type of funding received and 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 February 3, 2024, would have affected net earnings by approximately $44 million in fiscal 2024. The level of vendor funding deferral has remained relatively stable over the last three fiscal years.
32
Goodwill
Description
Goodwill 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 our estimate of the price a potential market participant would be willing to pay for the reporting unit in an arms-length transaction.
We have goodwill in two reporting units – Best Buy Domestic (comprising our core U.S. Best Buy business) and Best Buy Health – with carrying values of $492 million and $891 million, respectively, as of February 3, 2024.
Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires complex analysis and judgment. We use a combination of discounted cash flow (“DCF”) models and market data, such as revenue multiples and quoted market prices, for observable comparable companies. DCF models require detailed forecasts of cash flow drivers, such as revenue growth rates, margin rates and capital investments and estimates of weighted-average cost of capital rates. These estimates incorporate many uncertain factors, such as the effectiveness of our strategy, changes in customer behavior, technological changes, competitor actions, regulatory changes and macroeconomic trends.
Effects if actual results differ from assumptions
For our Best Buy Domestic reporting unit, fair value exceeded book value by a substantial margin in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. Barring a fundamental, material deterioration of macroeconomic factors, we believe the risk of future goodwill impairment within our Best Buy Domestic reporting unit is remote.
Our Best Buy Health reporting unit is subject to a greater level of uncertainty, since it operates in a less mature, rapidly-changing and high-growth environment. For fiscal 2024, the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit exceeded its book value by approximately 30%, compared to approximately 40% in fiscal 2023. The primary reason for the decrease in this excess was lower revenue projections. Further declines in the excess of fair value over book value could arise in future years, which could lead to an impairment of goodwill. Factors that drive this uncertainty include macro-economic conditions, the regulatory environment, competitor actions, technology changes and trends in the health and care sectors.
Inventory Markdown
Description
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 expect 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 selling 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 February 3, 2024, would have affected net earnings by approximately $11 million in fiscal 2024. The level of markdown adjustments has remained relatively stable over the last three fiscal years.
Tax Contingencies
Description
Our income tax returns are routinely examined by domestic and foreign tax 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.
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.
33
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. See 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 for additional information.
Service Revenue
Description
We sell membership plans that include access to benefits such as technical support, price discounts on certain products and services and product protection plans. We allocate the transaction price to all performance obligations identified in the contract based on their relative fair value. For performance obligations provided over the term of the contract, we typically recognize revenue 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
Estimates involve complex calculations and judgment, for example, in estimating the relative standalone selling price for bundled performance obligations; the appropriate recognition methodology for each performance obligation; and, for those based on usage, 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 February 3, 2024, would have affected net earnings by approximately $44 million in fiscal 2024. The amount of services membership deferred revenue has increased over the last three fiscal years, primarily driven by the national launch of our Best Buy Total membership offering, which resulted in higher membership sales and the initial deferral of more revenue than under the previous offerings.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of applicable new accounting pronouncements, including our assessment of the impact on our financial statements, 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, cash equivalents and restricted cash 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.
As of February 3, 2024, we had $1.8 billion of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and $0.5 billion of debt that has been swapped to floating rate, and therefore the net asset balance exposed to interest rate changes was $1.3 billion. As of February 3, 2024, a 50-basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have led to an estimated $6 million increase in interest income, and conversely a 50-basis point decrease in short-term interest rates would have led to an estimated $6 million decrease in interest income.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We have market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to operations in our International segment. On a limited basis, we utilize foreign currency 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. 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.
During fiscal 2024, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations were primarily driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar compared to the prior-year period, which had a negative overall impact on our revenue as this foreign currency revenue translated into less U.S. dollars. We estimate that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations had an unfavorable impact on our revenue of approximately $90 million. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our net earnings in fiscal 2024 was not significant.
34
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 February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024. 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 February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024.
35
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 February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, 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 February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024, 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 15, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
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 U.S. 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 – Domestic Reporting Segment — 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.
Given the significance of vendor allowances recorded by the Domestic Reporting Segment to the financial statements and the volume and diversity of individual vendor agreements, auditing these vendor allowances was complex and subjective due to the extent of effort required to evaluate whether these vendor allowances were recorded in accordance with the terms of the vendor agreements and that these allowances deferred as an offset to inventory were complete and accurate.
36
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to evaluating whether these 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 these 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 these vendor allowances recorded as a reduction of cost of sales and (1) recalculated the amount recognized using the terms of the vendor agreement; (2) evaluated, based on the terms of the agreement, if the amount should be deferred and recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory; and (3) tested the settlement of the arrangement.
We tested the amount of these 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
Critical Audit Matter Description
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 $1,383 million as of February 3, 2024, of which $891 million was related to the Best Buy Health reporting unit. The Company uses a combination of the discounted cash flow model and market data to estimate the fair value of the Best Buy Health reporting unit. The discounted cash flow model requires management to make subjective estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of cash flows, such as revenue growth rates and margin rates, and estimates of the weighted average cost of capital rate. 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 cash flows, such as revenue growth rates and margin rates, and estimates of the weighted average cost of capital rate, 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 cash flows, such as revenue growth rates and margin rates, and estimates of the weighted average cost of capital rate 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 and margin rates, and estimates of the weighted average cost of capital rate.
We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and margin rates by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue forecasts and margin rates by comparing the forecasts to: (1) the Company’s historical revenue growth rates, including, for new products and services, 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) forecasted information included in industry reports, applicable market data, and certain peer companies; and (5) underlying analyses detailing business strategies and growth plans.
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.
With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the weighted average cost of capital rate by: (1) testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculations; and (2) developing a range based upon our independent estimate and comparing the rate selected by management to that range.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 15, 2024
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2005.
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 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 February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024, 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 February 3, 2024, of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2024, 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 15, 2024
38
Consolidated Balance Sheets
$ in millions, except per share amounts
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,447 $ 1,874
Property and equipment
Property under finance leases 97 100
Less accumulated depreciation 4,816 4,624
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Unredeemed gift card liabilities 253 274
Accrued compensation and related expenses 486 405
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 618 638
Current portion of long-term debt 13 16
Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,199 2,164
Contingencies and commitments (Note 13)
Equity
Best Buy Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Additional paid-in capital 31 21
Accumulated other comprehensive income 317 322
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
39
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
$ and shares in millions, except per share amounts
Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,876 7,970 8,635
Other income (expense):
Gain on sale of subsidiary, net 21 - -
Investment income and other 78 28 10
Interest expense (52) (35) (25)
Equity in income of affiliates 1 1 4
Diluted earnings per share $ 5.68 $ 6.29 $ 9.84
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
40
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
$ in millions
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (5) (7) 1
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$ in millions
Operating activities
Gain on sale of subsidiary, net (21) - -
Total cash provided by operating activities 1,470 1,824 3,252
Investing activities
Additions to property and equipment (795) (930) (737)
Purchases of investments (9) (46) (233)
Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary 14 - -
Sales of investments 7 7 66
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired - - (468)
Other, net 2 7 -
Total cash used in investing activities (781) (962) (1,372)
Financing activities
Issuance of common stock 19 16 29
Other, net (3) - (3)
Total cash used in financing activities (1,144) (1,806) (4,297)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (5) (8) (3)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (460) (952) (2,420)
Supplemental cash flow information
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
42
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
$ and shares in millions, except per share amounts
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - 1 1
Stock-based compensation - - 141 - - 141
Issuance of common stock 2.7 - 29 - - 29
Common stock dividends, $2.80 per share - - 14 (702) - (688)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - (7) (7)
Stock-based compensation - - 138 - - 138
Issuance of common stock 2.5 - 16 - - 16
Common stock dividends, $3.52 per share - - 14 (804) - (790)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax - - - - (5) (5)
Stock-based compensation - - 145 - - 145
Issuance of common stock 2.0 - 19 - - 19
Common stock dividends, $3.68 per share - - 14 (816) - (802)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
43
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
We are driven by our purpose to enrich lives through technology and our vision to personalize and humanize technology solutions for every stage of life. We accomplish this by leveraging our combination of technology and a human touch to meet our customers’ everyday needs, whether they come to us online, visit our stores or invite us into their homes. We have operations in the U.S. and Canada.
We have two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of our operations in all states, districts and territories of the U.S. and our Best Buy Health business, and includes the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Ads, Best Buy Business, Best Buy Health, CST, Current Health, Geek Squad, Lively, Magnolia, Pacific Kitchen and Home, TechLiquidators and Yardbird and the domain names bestbuy.com, currenthealth.com, lively.com, techliquidators.com and yardbird.com. Our International segment is comprised of all operations in Canada under the brand names Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Geek Squad and the domain name bestbuy.ca.
In fiscal 2022, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Current Health Ltd. (“Current Health”) and Two Peaks, LLC d/b/a Yardbird Furniture (“Yardbird”). Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information.
In fiscal 2024, we completed the sale of a Mexico subsidiary subsequent to our exit from operations in Mexico and recognized a $21 million gain within Gain on sale of subsidiary, net on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Refer to Note 3, Restructuring, for additional information regarding our exit from operations in Mexico.
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.
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 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively. Unless otherwise noted, references to years in these notes to consolidated financial statements relate to fiscal years, and not calendar years. Fiscal 2024 included 53 weeks with the 53rd week occurring in the fiscal fourth quarter. Fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 each included 52 weeks.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we adopted the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. ASU 2022-04 requires entities to disclose the key terms of the supplier finance programs they use in connection with the purchase of goods and services, along with the amount of obligations outstanding at the end of each period. Beginning in fiscal 2025, an annual roll-forward of such obligations is also required. Below are the applicable disclosures as a result of ASU 2022-04.
Supply Chain Financing
We have a supply chain financing program with an independent financial institution, whereby some of our suppliers have the opportunity to receive accounts payable settlements early, at a discount, facilitated by the financial institution. Under this program, the financial institution agrees to terms with our suppliers, including amounts that are eligible for early payment, the timing of such payments and the discounts. The financial institution then pays the supplier based on the payment terms agreed to. Suppliers’ participation in this program is at their own option. The financial institution can vary discounts offered at their own discretion. Our rights and obligations to our suppliers – which are typically formalized in standardized agreements – are not affected by the existence of the program. Our liability associated with the funded participation in the program, which is included in Accounts payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $426 million and $386 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
44
New Accounting Pronouncements and Disclosure Rules
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through expanded disclosures around significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the ASU and expect to include updated segment expense disclosures in our fiscal 2025 Form 10-K.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disclosure of specific categories meeting a quantitative threshold within the income tax rate reconciliation, as well as disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This ASU, which can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively, is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the ASU and expect to include updated income tax disclosures in our fiscal 2026 Form 10-K.
In March 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued its final climate disclosure rule, which requires the disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related topics in annual reports and registration statements, when material. Disclosure requirements will begin phasing in for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new rule and expect to include updated climate-related disclosures in our fiscal 2026 Form 10-K.
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 our Best Buy Health business) and International (which is comprised of all operations in Canada). 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.
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 Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets are reconciled to the total shown on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as follows ($ in millions):
Restricted cash included in Other current assets 346 379 269
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,793 $ 2,253 $ 3,205
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Amounts included in restricted cash are primarily restricted to cover product protection plans provided under our membership offerings and other self-insurance liabilities.
Receivables
Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from banks for customer credit card and debit card transactions, vendors for various vendor funding programs, mobile phone network operators for device sales and commissions, and online marketplace partnerships. 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 $32 million and $30 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. We had $43 million and $41 million of write-offs in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
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 as a reduction to 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 within Cost of sales on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
45
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 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 are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, which generally leads to expensing substantially all costs.
Costs associated with implementing cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts are capitalized using methodology similar to internal-use software, but are included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Estimated useful lives by major asset category are as follows (in years):
Asset Category Useful Life
Leasehold improvements 5-10
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 either the individual store level or at the local market level. Such reviews involve comparing the net carrying value of all assets to the net cash flow projections for each store or market. In addition, we conduct separate impairment reviews at other levels as appropriate, for example, to evaluate the potential impairment of assets shared by several areas of operations, such as information technology systems.
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.
46
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. We generally do not include options to extend or terminate a 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. We have goodwill in two reporting units – Best Buy Domestic and Best Buy Health – with carrying values of $492 million and $891 million, respectively, as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023.
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 market data, such as revenue multiples and quoted market prices. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, we conclude 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 lives of the assets. 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 currency 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.
Interest Rate Swaps
We utilize “receive fixed-rate, pay variable-rate” interest rate swaps to mitigate the effect of interest rate fluctuations 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.
47
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.
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 investment operations, as well as an appropriate discount rate.
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.
Insurance
We are self-insured for certain losses related to workers’ compensation, medical, general liability and auto 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 net self-insured liabilities included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows ($ in millions):
Short-term liabilities $ 111 $ 111
Long-term liabilities 57 53
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 routinely examined by domestic and foreign tax 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.
48
Accrued Liabilities
The major components of accrued liabilities are sales tax liabilities, advertising accruals, accrued income taxes, sales return reserves and insurance liabilities.
Long-Term Liabilities
The major components of long-term liabilities are deferred revenue from our private label and co-branded credit card arrangement and unrecognized tax benefits.
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. 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 on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, 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 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, typically 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 recognized when delivery has been completed. We use delivery information 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 transactions, commission revenue is typically recorded once customers have taken possession of licenses or cards and can access their benefits.
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.
Services - When we are the principal
We recognize revenue for services, such as delivery, installation, set-up, software troubleshooting, product repair, and data services 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, merchandise vendors (for factory warranty repairs) and extended warranty underwriters.
For technical support membership contracts (for example, our Best Buy Total membership offering), we are responsible for providing support services to customers. These contracts have terms ranging from one month to one year and typically contain several performance obligations. Payment for the membership contracts is typically due at the start of the contract period. We have determined that our contracts do not include a significant financing component. For performance obligations provided over time, we recognize revenue primarily 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, for example, estimating the relative standalone selling price for bundled performance obligations; the appropriate recognition methodology for each performance obligation; and, for those based on usage, 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.
49
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 once 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. Net commissions and profit-sharing revenue earned from the sale of extended warranties represented 0.8%, 0.9% and 1.4% of revenue in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.
We earn commissions from mobile network carriers to sell service contracts on their platforms. Revenue is recognized 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 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 Domestic revenue in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 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. Profit-sharing revenue from our credit card arrangement approximated 1.4%, 1.4% and 0.9% of Domestic revenue in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.
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 the level at which we group gift cards for analysis of breakage rates, redemption patterns and the ultimate value of gift cards which we do not expect to be redeemed. Gift card breakage income was $40 million, $59 million and $49 million in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.
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 the level at which we group incentives based on similar redemption patterns, future redemption patterns and 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 when using our private label and co-branded credit cards. Points earned enable members to receive a certificate that may be redeemed on future purchases. Certificate expirations are typically two 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 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.
50
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
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, primarily in the form of purchases-based or sales-based volumes and for product advertising and placement. 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 within SG&A on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings when incurred.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs, which are included in SG&A on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, are expensed the first time the advertisement runs and consist primarily of digital advertisements. Advertising expenses were $794 million, $864 million and $915 million in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation expense for the fair value of our stock-based compensation awards, which is determined based on the closing market price of our stock at the date of grant for time-based and performance-based share awards, and Monte-Carlo simulation for market-based share awards. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which services are required, except for certain performance-based share awards that vest on a graded basis, in which case the expense is front-loaded using the graded-attribution basis. Forfeitures are expensed as incurred or upon termination.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is computed as net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity.
51
2. Acquisitions
Current Health Ltd.
In fiscal 2022, we acquired all outstanding shares of Current Health, a care-at-home technology platform, on November 2, 2021, for net cash consideration of $389 million. The acquisition resulted in $351 million of goodwill that was assigned to our Best Buy Health reporting unit and was deductible for income tax purposes. The acquisition is aligned with our focus in virtual care to enable people in their homes to connect seamlessly with their health care providers and is included in our Domestic reportable segment and Services revenue category. The acquisition was not material to the results of our operations.
Two Peaks, LLC d/b/a Yardbird Furniture
In fiscal 2022, we acquired all outstanding shares of Yardbird, a direct-to-consumer outdoor furniture company, on November 4, 2021, for net cash consideration of $79 million. The acquisition resulted in $47 million of goodwill that was assigned to our Best Buy Domestic reporting unit and was deductible for income tax purposes. The acquisition expands our assortment in categories like outdoor living and was not material to the results of our operations.
3. Restructuring
Restructuring charges were as follows ($ in millions):
Fiscal 2024 Restructuring Initiative $ 171 $ - $ -
Fiscal 2023 Resource Optimization Initiative (18) 145 -
Mexico Exit and Strategic Realignment(1) - 2 (41)
Fiscal 2020 U.S. Retail Operating Model Changes - - 1
(1)Includes ($6) million related to inventory markdowns recorded in Cost of sales on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in fiscal 2022.
Fiscal 2024 Restructuring Initiative
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we commenced an enterprise-wide restructuring initiative intended to accomplish the following: (1) align field labor resources with where customers want to shop to optimize the customer experience; (2) redirect corporate resources for better alignment with our strategy; and (3) right-size resources to better align with our revenue outlook for fiscal 2025.
All charges incurred related to this plan were comprised of employee termination benefits from continuing operations, including $163 million and $8 million within our Domestic and International segments, respectively, and were presented within Restructuring charges on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We currently expect to incur additional charges in fiscal 2025, primarily within our Domestic segment, of approximately $10 million to $30 million related to this plan.
There were no cash payments related to this plan during fiscal 2024 and our termination benefits liability as of February 3, 2024, was $171 million, comprised of $163 million in our Domestic segment and $8 million in our International segment. We expect to pay up to $135 million of employee termination benefits during fiscal 2025, with the remainder being paid in fiscal 2026.
Fiscal 2023 Resource Optimization Initiative
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we commenced an enterprise-wide initiative to better align our spending with critical strategies and operations, as well as to optimize our cost structure. We do not expect to incur material future restructuring charges related to this plan.
All charges incurred related to this plan were comprised of employee termination benefits from continuing operations and were presented within Restructuring charges on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows ($ in millions):
International (2) 5 3
52
Restructuring accrual activity related to this plan was as follows ($ in millions):
Domestic International Total
Balances as of January 29, 2022 $ - $ - $ -
Cash payments (38) - (38)
Adjustments(1) (5) - (5)
Cash payments (70) (3) (73)
(1)Represents adjustments primarily related to higher-than-expected employee retention from previously planned organizational changes.
Mexico Exit and Strategic Realignment
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. All of our former stores in Mexico were closed as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Charges incurred in our Domestic segment primarily related to actions taken to align our organizational structure in support of our strategy. We do not expect to incur material future restructuring charges related to this initiative and no material liability remains as of February 3, 2024.
All charges incurred related to this plan were from continuing operations and presented as follows ($ in millions):
Statement of 2022 Cumulative Amount as of February 3, 2024
Earnings Location Domestic International Total Domestic International Total
Inventory markdowns Cost of sales $ - $ (6) $ (6) $ - $ 17 $ 17
Asset impairments(1) Restructuring charges - 6 6 10 63 73
Termination benefits Restructuring charges (40) (1) (41) 83 20 103
Currency translation adjustment Restructuring charges - - - - 39 39
Other(2) Restructuring charges - - - - 6 6
(1)Remaining net carrying value of asset impairments approximates fair value and was immaterial as of February 3, 2024.
(2)Other charges are primarily comprised of contract termination costs.
No material restructuring accrual activity occurred in fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023 related to this plan.
4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill balances by reportable segment were as follows ($ in millions):
No impairment charges were recorded for the periods presented.
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
We have definite-lived intangible assets which are recorded within Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows ($ in millions):
53
Amortization expense was as follows ($ in millions):
Amortization expense SG&A $ 61 $ 86 $ 82
Amortization expense expected to be recognized in future periods is as follows ($ in millions):
Fiscal Year Amount
Thereafter 45
5. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurements are reported in one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used: Level 1 (unadjusted quoted prices in active markets); Level 2 (observable market inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1); and Level 3 (unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data).
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets accounted for at fair value were as follows ($ in millions):
Fair Value Fair Value at