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LOWES COMPANIES INC - Quarter Report: 2022 October (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 28, 2022
or 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to  ______
Commission File Number 1-7898
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LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina56-0578072
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1000 Lowes Blvd., Mooresville, North Carolina
28117
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(704) 758-1000
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.50 per shareLOWNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
CLASSOUTSTANDING AT 11/21/2022
Common Stock, $0.50 par value604,702,575



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

This Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “desire”, “project”, “estimate”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “strategy”, “potential”, “opportunity”, “outlook”, “scenario”, “guidance”, and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve, among other things, expectations, projections, and assumptions about future financial and operating results, objectives, business outlook, priorities, sales growth, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for products and services, share repurchases, Lowe’s strategic initiatives, including those relating to acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of such transactions on our strategic and operational plans and financial results. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

A wide variety of potential risks, uncertainties, and other factors could materially affect our ability to achieve the results either expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, such as volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing to Lowe’s and its customers, the risk that asset impairment and deal-related transaction costs on the divestiture of the Canadian retail business could ultimately be greater than what we currently expect, slower rates of growth in real disposable personal income that could affect the rate of growth in consumer spending, inflation and its impacts on discretionary spending and on our costs, shortages, and other disruptions in the labor supply, interest rate and currency fluctuations, home price appreciation or decreasing housing turnover, the availability of consumer credit and of mortgage financing, trade policy changes or additional tariffs, outbreaks of pandemics, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, armed conflicts, acts of both domestic and international terrorism, and other factors that can negatively affect our customers.

Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties, risks and potential events including, but not limited to, those described in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” and “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be updated from time to time in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or other subsequent filings with the SEC. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements other than as required by law.

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Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Per Share and Percentage Data
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Current EarningsAmount% SalesAmount% SalesAmount% SalesAmount% Sales
Net sales$23,479 100.00 %$22,918 100.00 %$74,614 100.00 %$74,911 100.00 %
Cost of sales15,661 66.70 15,331 66.90 49,614 66.49 49,882 66.59 
Gross margin7,818 33.30 7,587 33.10 25,000 33.51 25,029 33.41 
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative6,443 27.45 4,373 19.08 15,200 20.38 13,559 18.10 
Depreciation and amortization451 1.92 425 1.85 1,345 1.80 1,226 1.64 
Operating income924 3.93 2,789 12.17 8,455 11.33 10,244 13.67 
Interest – net295 1.25 223 0.97 802 1.07 650 0.86 
Pre-tax earnings629 2.68 2,566 11.20 7,653 10.26 9,594 12.81 
Income tax provision 475 2.02 670 2.93 2,174 2.92 2,359 3.15 
Net earnings$154 0.66 %$1,896 8.27 %$5,479 7.34 %$7,235 9.66 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic618 690 638 704 
Basic earnings per common share$0.25 $2.74 $8.56 $10.23 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted620 692 640 706 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.25 $2.73 $8.53 $10.21 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).



Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Percentage Data
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
 Amount% SalesAmount% SalesAmount% SalesAmount% Sales
Net earnings$154 0.66 %$1,896 8.27 %$5,479 7.34 %$7,235 9.66 %
Foreign currency translation adjustments – net of tax(168)(0.72)19 0.08 (173)(0.23)78 0.10 
Cash flow hedges – net of tax170 0.72 41 0.18 352 0.47 56 0.07 
Other— (1)— (3)— (4)— 
Other comprehensive income3  59 0.26 176 0.24 130 0.17 
Comprehensive income$157 0.66 %$1,955 8.53 %$5,655 7.58 %$7,365 9.83 %
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Par Value Data
October 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$3,192 $6,121 $1,133 
Short-term investments 464 552 271 
Merchandise inventory – net19,817 16,685 17,605 
Other current assets1,518 1,491 1,051 
Total current assets24,991 24,849 20,060 
Property, less accumulated depreciation17,275 18,925 19,071 
Operating lease right-of-use assets3,512 4,161 4,108 
Long-term investments 63 213 199 
Deferred income taxes – net301 220 164 
Other assets831 1,032 1,038 
Total assets$46,973 $49,400 $44,640 
Liabilities and shareholders' deficit
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings$— $1,000 $— 
Current maturities of long-term debt609 1,352 868 
Current operating lease liabilities651 573 636 
Accounts payable12,249 11,334 11,354 
Accrued compensation and employee benefits 1,405 1,353 1,561 
Deferred revenue1,736 1,954 1,914 
Other current liabilities4,226 3,268 3,335 
Total current liabilities20,876 20,834 19,668 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 32,904 23,881 23,859 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities4,048 4,136 4,021 
Deferred revenue – Lowe's protection plans1,184 1,119 1,127 
Other liabilities 829 1,006 781 
Total liabilities59,841 50,976 49,456 
Shareholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, $5 par value: Authorized – 5.0 million shares; Issued and outstanding – none
— — — 
Common stock, $0.50 par value: Authorized – 5.6 billion shares; Issued and outstanding – 611 million, 686 million, and 670 million shares, respectively
305 343 335 
Capital in excess of par value— — — 
Accumulated deficit(13,313)(1,913)(5,115)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)140 (6)(36)
Total shareholders' deficit(12,868)(1,576)(4,816)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit$46,973 $49,400 $44,640 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit (Unaudited)
In Millions
Three Months Ended October 28, 2022
Common StockCapital in Excess
of Par Value
Accumulated DeficitAccumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
Total
SharesAmount
Balance July 29, 2022631 $316 $ $(8,895)$137 $(8,442)
Net earnings— — — 154 — 154 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 
Cash dividends declared, $1.05 per share
— — — (643)— (643)
Share-based payment expense — — 51 — — 51 
Repurchases of common stock (20)(11)(64)(3,929)— (4,004)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans— — 13 — — 13 
Balance October 28, 2022611 $305 $ $(13,313)$140 $(12,868)
Nine Months Ended October 28, 2022
Common StockCapital in Excess
of Par Value
Accumulated DeficitAccumulated Other
Comprehensive (Loss)/Income
Total
SharesAmount
Balance January 28, 2022670 $335 $ $(5,115)$(36)$(4,816)
Net earnings— — — 5,479 — 5,479 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 176 176 
Cash dividends declared, $2.90 per share
— — — (1,833)— (1,833)
Share-based payment expense — — 161 — — 161 
Repurchases of common stock (61)(31)(247)(11,844)— (12,122)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans86 — — 87 
Balance October 28, 2022611 $305 $ $(13,313)$140 $(12,868)
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Three Months Ended October 29, 2021
Common StockCapital in Excess
of Par Value
Accumulated DeficitAccumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
SharesAmount
Balance July 30, 2021699 $350 $ $(460)$(65)$(175)
Net earnings— — — 1,896 — 1,896 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 59 59 
Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per share
— — — (551)— (551)
Share-based payment expense— — 50 — — 50 
Repurchases of common stock(13)(7)(59)(2,798)— (2,864)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans— — — — 
Balance October 29, 2021686 $343 $ $(1,913)$(6)$(1,576)
Nine Months Ended October 29, 2021
Common StockCapital in Excess
of Par Value
Retained Earnings/(Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
SharesAmount
Balance January 29, 2021731 $366 $90 $1,117 $(136)$1,437 
Net earnings— — — 7,235 — 7,235 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 130 130 
Cash dividends declared, $2.20 per share
— — — (1,544)— (1,544)
Share-based payment expense— — 163 — — 163 
Repurchases of common stock(46)(24)(324)(8,721)— (9,069)
Issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans71 — — 72 
Balance October 29, 2021686 $343 $ $(1,913)$(6)$(1,576)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
In Millions
Nine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $5,479 $7,235 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization1,509 1,388 
Noncash lease expense403 383 
Deferred income taxes(252)96 
Asset impairment and loss on property – net2,113 25 
Share-based payment expense165 169 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory – net(2,308)(446)
Other operating assets20 (130)
Accounts payable 921 436 
Deferred revenue(117)444 
Other operating liabilities205 (421)
Net cash provided by operating activities8,138 9,179 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments(659)(2,325)
Proceeds from sale/maturity of investments597 2,261 
Capital expenditures(1,090)(1,256)
Proceeds from sale of property and other long-term assets37 94 
Other – net— (134)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,115)(1,360)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt9,667 4,972 
Repayment of debt(831)(595)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans86 72 
Cash dividend payments(1,727)(1,433)
Repurchases of common stock(12,127)(8,999)
Other – net— (408)
Net cash used in financing activities(4,932)(6,391)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(32)3 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents2,059 1,431 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period1,133 4,690 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$3,192 $6,121 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all the disclosures normally required in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited), in the opinion of management, contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets as of October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, and the statements of earnings, comprehensive income, and shareholders’ deficit for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, and cash flows for the nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021. The January 28, 2022, consolidated balance sheet was derived from the audited financial statements.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Company) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2022 (the Annual Report). The financial results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the financial results for the entire fiscal year.

Canadian Retail Business Transaction

On November 3, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Canadian retail business to Sycamore Partners for $400 million in cash, and certain additional deferred consideration. The Canadian retail business operates or services the corporate and independent dealer-owned stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners, which include RONA, Lowe’s Canada, Réno-Dépôt, and Dick’s Lumber. The decision to sell the business was made as part of the Company’s strategy to simplify its business model and focus on the U.S. home improvement business.

During the three months ended October 28, 2022, the Company recorded $2.1 billion of long-lived asset impairment within selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) in the consolidated statements of earnings, which reflects the full carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Canadian retail business. The transaction is expected to close in early calendar 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, at which point the Company expects additional deal-related transaction costs of approximately $300 million, inclusive of loss on sale and other closing costs. This amount is based on current estimates and is subject to change upon closing.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-04, Liabilities – Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. The ASU requires disclosure about an entity’s use of supplier finance programs, including the key terms of the program, amount of obligations outstanding at the end of the reporting period, and a rollforward of activity within the program during the period. The ASU is effective for the Company in fiscal 2023, except for the disclosure of rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal 2024, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Recent accounting pronouncements pending adoption not discussed in this Form 10-Q or in the 2021 Form 10-K are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Note 2: Revenue

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

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The following table presents the Company’s sources of revenue:
(In millions)Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Products $22,511 $21,755 $71,872 $71,655 
Services568 597 1,692 1,805 
Other400 566 1,050 1,451 
Net sales$23,479 $22,918 $74,614 $74,911 

A provision for anticipated merchandise returns is provided through a reduction of sales and cost of sales in the period that the related sales are recorded.  The merchandise return reserve is presented on a gross basis, with a separate asset and liability included in the consolidated balance sheets. The balances and classification within the consolidated balance sheets for anticipated sales returns and the associated right of return assets are as follows:
(In millions)ClassificationOctober 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Anticipated sales returnsOther current liabilities$302 $315 $245 
Right of return assetsOther current assets183 191 151 

Deferred revenue - retail and stored-value cards
Retail deferred revenue consists of amounts received for which customers have not yet taken possession of the merchandise or for which installation has not yet been completed. The majority of revenue for goods and services is recognized in the quarter following revenue deferral. Stored-value cards deferred revenue includes outstanding stored-value cards such as gift cards and returned merchandise credits that have not yet been redeemed. Deferred revenue for retail and stored-value cards are as follows:
(In millions)October 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Retail deferred revenue$1,168 $1,446 $1,285 
Stored-value cards deferred revenue568 508 629 
Deferred revenue$1,736 $1,954 $1,914 

Deferred revenue - Lowe’s protection plans
The Company defers revenues for its separately-priced long-term extended protection plan contracts (Lowe’s protection plans) and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Expenses for claims are recognized in cost of sales when incurred.
(In millions)October 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Deferred revenue - Lowe’s protection plans$1,184 $1,119 $1,127 

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Lowe’s protection plans deferred revenue recognized into sales$133 $123 $389 $359 
Lowe’s protection plans claim expenses40 45 134 142 

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Disaggregation of Revenues

The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by merchandise division:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
(In millions)Net Sales%Net Sales%Net Sales%Net Sales%
Home Décor 1
$8,629 36.8 %$8,586 37.5 %$26,000 34.8 %$26,051 34.8 %
Building Products 2
8,186 34.9 7,608 33.2 25,166 33.7 24,239 32.4 
Hardlines 3
5,967 25.4 6,050 26.4 21,553 28.9 22,840 30.5 
Other697 2.9 674 2.9 1,895 2.6 1,781 2.3 
Total$23,479 100.0 %$22,918 100.0 %$74,614 100.0 %$74,911 100.0 %
Note: Merchandise division net sales for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
1    Home Décor includes the following product categories: Appliances, Décor, Flooring, Kitchens & Bath, and Paint
2    Building Products includes the following product categories: Building Materials, Electrical, Lighting, Lumber, Millwork, and Rough Plumbing
3    Hardlines includes the following product categories: Hardware, Lawn & Garden, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, and Tools

The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by geographical area:
(In millions)Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
United States$22,280 $21,504 $70,524 $70,092 
Canada1,199 1,414 4,090 4,819 
Net Sales$23,479 $22,918 $74,614 $74,911 

Note 3: Restricted Investments

Short-term and long-term investments include restricted balances pledged as collateral primarily for the Lowe’s protection plans program and are as follows:
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021January 28, 2022
Short-term restricted investments$464 $552 $271 
Long-term restricted investments63 213 199 
Total restricted investments$527 $765 $470 

Note 4: Fair Value Measurements

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

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

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 28, 2022, October 29, 2021, and January 28, 2022:
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Fair Value Measurements at
(In millions)ClassificationMeasurement LevelOctober 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Available-for-sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securitiesShort-term investmentsLevel 1$216 $134 $75 
Money market fundsShort-term investmentsLevel 1133 140 120 
Corporate debt securitiesShort-term investmentsLevel 251 45 
Commercial paperShort-term investmentsLevel 243 102 30 
Foreign government debt securitiesShort-term investmentsLevel 214 21 14 
Certificates of depositShort-term investmentsLevel 1 100 14 
Municipal obligationsShort-term investmentsLevel 2— 10 10 
U.S. Treasury securitiesLong-term investmentsLevel 131 129 132 
Corporate debt securitiesLong-term investmentsLevel 230 66 50 
Municipal obligationsLong-term investmentsLevel 2
Foreign government debt securitiesLong-term investmentsLevel 2— 15 14 
Derivative instruments:
Forward interest rate swapsOther current assetsLevel 2$303 $34 $66 
Forward interest rate swapsOther assetsLevel 2— 20 48 
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swapsOther liabilitiesLevel 298 21 

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

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

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

During the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, the Company’s only significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition were certain long-lived assets as further described below.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of long-lived assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets for impairment, the asset group is generally at an individual location level, as that is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. Cash flows for individual locations do not include an allocation of corporate overhead. The Company evaluates long-lived assets for triggering events on a quarterly basis to determine when assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the asset (disposal) group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The Company estimates the fair values of assets subject to long-lived asset impairment based on the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets and on observable market data, when available. The Company classifies these fair value measurements as Level 3.

During the three months ended October 28, 2022, the Company determined it was more likely than not that the assets within the Canadian retail business would be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their previously estimated useful lives, and these assets were evaluated for recoverability. Based on the proposed transaction, the Company reconsidered the appropriate asset grouping of long-lived assets attributable to the Company’s Canadian locations given the change in the Company’s expectations regarding use and disposition of its associated assets. The Company determined the total Canadian retail business (Canada asset group) to be the appropriate asset group for which the long-lived assets should be evaluated, as this represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. The carrying value of the Canada asset group includes substantially all assets and liabilities of the Canadian retail business, including accounts receivable, inventory, property, operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, definite-lived intangible assets, operating liabilities including accounts payable and accrued compensation, and operating and finance lease liabilities. A market approach of orderly transaction under current market conditions was used in determining the
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estimated fair value of the Canada asset group, which was based on the proposed transaction price, inclusive of deferred consideration. The estimated fair value of the Canada asset group was determined to be $421 million. As a result, the Company recorded $2.1 billion of long-lived asset impairment within SG&A in the consolidated statements of earnings, which reflects the full carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Canada asset group.

The following table presents the Company’s impairment losses resulting from non-financial assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis included in earnings for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022:
Impairment Losses
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28,
2022
October 28,
2022
Assets-held-for-use:
Canadian retail business:
Property, less accumulated depreciation$1,258$1,258
Operating lease right-of-use assets621621
Other assets182182
Other735
Total$2,068 $2,096 

During the three and nine months ended October 29, 2021, the Company had no material measurements of assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

Other Fair Value Disclosures

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, and long-term debt and are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value for these items due to their short-term nature. As further described in Note 6, certain long-term debt is associated with a fair value hedge and the changes in fair value of the hedged debt is included in the carrying value of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of the Company’s unsecured notes were estimated using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s mortgage notes were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the future cash outflows associated with these arrangements and discounted using the applicable incremental borrowing rate.

Carrying amounts and the related estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, are as follows:
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021January 28, 2022
(In millions)Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
Unsecured notes (Level 1)$32,886 $27,879 $24,567 $27,101 $24,056 $25,425 
Mortgage notes (Level 2)
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)
$32,890 $27,883 $24,572 $27,106 $24,061 $25,430 

Note 5: Debt
Commercial Paper Program
The Company’s commercial paper program is supported by the $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement entered into in March 2020, and amended in December 2021, (2020 Credit Agreement) and the $2.0 billion five-year unsecured third amended and restated credit agreement (Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) entered into in December 2021.  The amounts available to be drawn under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are reduced by the amount of borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of October 28, 2022, October 29, 2021, and January 28, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program, the 2020 Credit Agreement, or the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Total combined availability under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was $4.0 billion as of October 28, 2022.
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Other Short-Term Borrowings
In April 2021, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility (2021 Term Loan), which was scheduled to mature in April 2022, but was repaid early in January 2022. There was $1.0 billion in outstanding borrowings under the 2021 Term Loan as of October 29, 2021, with an interest rate of 0.79%.
Long-Term Debt

On September 8, 2022, the Company issued $4.8 billion of unsecured fixed rate notes (September 2022 Notes) as follows:
Principal Amount
(in millions)
Maturity DateInterest RateDiscount
(in millions)
$1,000 September 20254.400%$
$1,250 April 20335.000%$
$1,500 April 20535.625%$18 
$1,000 September 20625.800%$16 

On March 24, 2022, the Company issued $5.0 billion of unsecured fixed rate notes (March 2022 Notes) as follows:
Principal Amount
(in millions)
Maturity DateInterest RateDiscount
(in millions)
$750 April 20273.350%$
$1,500 April 20323.750%$
$1,500 April 20524.250%$14 
$1,250 April 20624.450%$12 

Interest on the September 2022 Notes and March 2022 Notes (collectively, the 2022 Notes) with April maturity dates is payable semiannually in arrears in April and October of each year until maturity. Interest on the September 2022 Notes with September maturity dates is payable semiannually in arrears in March and September of each year until maturity.

The indentures governing the 2022 Notes contain a provision that allows the Company to redeem these notes at any time, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the date of redemption. The indentures also contain a provision that allows the holders of the notes to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of their notes if a change of control triggering event occurs. If elected under the change of control provisions, the repurchase of the notes will occur at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such notes up to, but excluding, the date of purchase. The indentures governing the 2022 Notes do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that the Company may issue and does not require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios or levels of net worth or liquidity.

Note 6: Derivative Instruments

The Company utilizes forward interest rate swap agreements to hedge its exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates on forecasted debt issuances. The Company also utilizes fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges on certain debt. The notional amounts for the Company’s material derivative instruments are as follows:

(In millions)October 28,
2022
October 29,
2021
January 28,
2022
Cash flow hedges:
Forward interest rate swap agreement notional amounts$1,210 $2,370 $2,560 
Fair value hedges:
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreement notional amounts$850 $700 $850 

See Note 4 for the gross fair values of the Company’s material outstanding derivative financial instruments and corresponding fair value classifications. The cash flows related to settlement of the Company’s hedging derivative financial instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying hedged items.

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The Company accounts for the forward interest rate swap contracts as cash flow hedges, thus the effective portion of gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax effects, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and is amortized to interest expense over the term of the respective debt. In connection with the issuance of our March 2022 Notes, we settled forward interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of $1.5 billion and received a payment of $143 million. In connection with the issuance of our September 2022 Notes, we settled forward interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of $1.3 billion and received a payment of $136 million. The gain/(loss) from forward interest rate swap agreements, both settled and outstanding, designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income and net earnings for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, including its line item in the financial statements, is as follows:
(In millions)Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges – net of tax expense of $55 million, $15 million, $116 million, and $19 million, respectively
$166 $45 $350 $57 
Net earnings:
Interest – net$$(3)$— $(8)

The Company accounts for the fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges using the shortcut method of accounting under which the hedges are assumed to be perfectly effective. Thus, the change in fair value of the derivative instruments offsets the change in fair value on the hedged debt, and there is no net impact in the consolidated statements of earnings from the fair value of the derivatives.

Note 7: Shareholders’ Deficit

The Company has a share repurchase program that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market, which may be made under pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or through private off-market transactions. Shares purchased under the repurchase program are returned to authorized and unissued status. As of October 28, 2022, the Company had $7.7 billion remaining in its share repurchase program.

During the nine months ended October 28, 2022, the Company entered into Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreements with third-party financial institutions to repurchase a total of 24.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $4.8 billion. The terms of each ASR agreement entered into during the nine months ended October 28, 2022, are as follows (in millions):
Agreement Execution
Date
Agreement Settlement
Date
ASR
Agreement Amount
Initial Shares Delivered at InceptionAdditional Shares Delivered at SettlementTotal Shares Delivered
Q1 2022Q1 2022$750 2.8 0.6 3.4
Q2 2022Q2 20221,750 7.5 2.1 9.6
Q3 2022Q3 20222,250 8.3 3.3 11.6

In addition, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock through the open market as follows:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 28, 2022
(In millions)SharesCostSharesCost
Open market share repurchases8.9$1,750 36.0 $7,250 

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

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Total shares repurchased for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, were as follows:
Three Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
(In millions)SharesCostSharesCost
Share repurchase program20.5 $4,000 13.6 $2,858 
Shares withheld from employees— 0.1 
Total share repurchases20.5 $4,003 13.7 $2,863 
Nine Months Ended
October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
(In millions)SharesCostSharesCost
Share repurchase program60.6 $12,000 46.5 $8,990 
Shares withheld from employees0.6 122 0.4 79 
Total share repurchases61.2 $12,122 46.9 $9,069 

Note 8: Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. The following table reconciles earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings
$154 $1,896 $5,479 $7,235 
Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(2)(7)(17)(28)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, basic
$152 $1,889 $5,462 $7,207 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
618 690 638 704 
Basic earnings per common share
$0.25 $2.74 $8.56 $10.23 
Diluted earnings per common share:
  
Net earnings
$154 $1,896 $5,479 $7,235 
Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities
(2)(7)(17)(28)
Net earnings allocable to common shares, diluted
$152 $1,889 $5,462 $7,207 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
618 690 638 704 
Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards
Weighted-average common shares, as adjusted
620 692 640 706 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.25 $2.73 $8.53 $10.21 
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares0.6 0.3 0.5 0.2 

Note 9: Income Taxes - The Company’s effective income tax rates were 75.5% and 28.4% for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, respectively, and 26.1% and 24.6% for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2021, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, is primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes related to the long-lived asset impairment associated with RONA inc.

Enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act

On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which, among other changes, created a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax based on adjusted financial statement income, which is effective for the Company beginning February 4, 2023, and imposes a 1% excise tax on net share repurchases after December 31, 2022. The Company does not expect the corporate alternative minimum tax will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Any excise tax incurred on share repurchases will be recognized as part of the cost basis of the shares acquired and not reported as part of income tax provision in the consolidated statements of earnings.
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Income Tax Relief

On October 5, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service announced that businesses in certain states, including North Carolina, affected by Hurricane Ian would receive tax relief by postponing certain tax-payment deadlines. Under this relief, the Company’s quarterly federal estimated income tax payments originally due by October 15, 2022 and January 15, 2023, can be deferred until February 15, 2023. As of October 28, 2022, the Company deferred $600 million of federal income taxes payable originally due on October 15, 2022, which is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Note 10: Supplemental Disclosure

Net interest expense is comprised of the following:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Long-term debt$295 $210 $782 $615 
Lease obligations21 22 
Short-term borrowings
Interest income(14)(3)(21)(10)
Interest capitalized(1)(1)(3)(2)
Interest on tax uncertainties— 
Other15 21 
Interest – net$295 $223 $802 $650 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized$909 $762 
Cash paid for income taxes – net1,540 2,189 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities$46 $76 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 1
465 670 
Cash dividends declared but not paid643 551 
1 Excludes $819 million of leases signed but not yet commenced as of October 28, 2022.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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

Results of Review of Interim Financial Information

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, and shareholders’ deficit, for the fiscal three-month and nine-month periods ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, and cash flows for the fiscal nine-month periods ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of January 28, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 21, 2022, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 28, 2022, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results

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

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



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
November 23, 2022
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Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, liquidity and capital resources during the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2022 (the Annual Report), as well as the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained in this report. Unless otherwise specified, all comparisons made are to the corresponding period of 2021. This discussion and analysis is presented in four sections:

Executive Overview
Operations
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Net sales in the third quarter of 2022 increased 2.4% to $23.5 billion compared to net sales of $22.9 billion in the third quarter of 2021. The increase in total sales was driven by an increase in comparable sales. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2022 were $154 million compared to net earnings of $1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2022. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.25 in the third quarter of 2022 compared to $2.73 in the third quarter of 2021. Included in the third quarter of 2022 results is $2.1 billion of pre-tax long-lived asset impairment associated with the Canadian retail business, discussed further below, which decreased diluted earnings per share by $3.02. Excluding the impact of this item, adjusted diluted earnings per common share increased 19.8% to $3.27 in the third quarter of 2022 (see discussion of non-GAAP financial measures beginning on page 18).

For the first nine months of 2022, cash flows from operating activities were approximately $8.1 billion, while $1.1 billion was used for capital expenditures. Continuing to deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, we repurchased $4.0 billion of common stock and paid $666 million in dividends during the three months ended October 28, 2022.

During the third quarter of 2022, comparable sales increased 2.2% with nine of 15 product categories generating positive comparable sales. We continued to experience broad-based demand from our Pro customers, which reflects the success of our Pro initiatives. In addition to our momentum with the Pro customer, we experienced improved Do-It-Yourself (DIY) customer performance during the quarter driven by project-related demand. Our positive comparable sales also reflect our disciplined pricing strategies to offset cost inflation.

While improving our operational productivity, we continue to invest in our hourly front-line associates. In the third quarter we awarded $200 million in bonuses, which are expected to be paid out before the holiday season, and announced an incremental investment of $170 million in permanent wage increases effective December 2022. In addition, during the quarter, we converted four geographic regions to our market-based delivery model for big and bulky product which improves the customer experience through expanded fulfillment options. We now have eight regions converted to the new model, which cover more than half of our stores, and we are on track to complete the roll-out by the end of next year.

On November 3, 2022, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Canadian retail business, which is expected to close in early calendar 2023. Although we have made progress in improving the Canadian retail business over the past few years, the performance has continued to lag our U.S. business operations. By executing this transaction, we will focus on further enhancing our operating margin, simplify our business model, and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders.

OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of each line item of the consolidated statements of earnings (unaudited), as well as the percentage change in dollar amounts from the prior period. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and analysis and the consolidated financial statements (unaudited), including the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
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Three Months EndedBasis Point Increase/(Decrease) in Percentage of Net Sales from Prior PeriodPercentage Increase/(Decrease) in Dollar Amounts from Prior Period
October 28, 2022October 29, 20212022 vs. 20212022 vs. 2021
Net sales100.00 %100.00 %N/A2.4 %
Gross margin33.30 33.10 203.0 
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
27.45 19.08 83747.4 
Depreciation and amortization1.92 1.85 76.1 
Operating income3.93 12.17 (824)(66.9)
Interest – net1.25 0.97 2831.7 
Pre-tax earnings2.68 11.20 (852)(75.5)
Income tax provision2.02 2.93 (91)(29.1)
Net earnings0.66 %8.27 %(761)(91.9)%
Nine Months EndedBasis Point Increase/(Decrease) in Percentage of Net Sales from Prior PeriodPercentage Increase/(Decrease) in Dollar Amounts from Prior Period
October 28, 2022October 29, 20212022 vs. 20212022 vs. 2021
Net sales100.00 %100.00 %N/A(0.4)%
Gross margin33.51 33.41 10(0.1)
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
20.38 18.10 22812.1 
Depreciation and amortization1.80 1.64 169.7 
Operating income11.33 13.67 (234)(17.5)
Interest – net1.07 0.86 2123.3 
Pre-tax earnings10.26 12.81 (255)(20.2)
Income tax provision2.92 3.15 (23)(7.8)
Net earnings7.34 %9.66 %(232)(24.3)%

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

During the three months ended July 29, 2022, the Company adjusted its comparable sales metric to exclude days affected by national outages with its third-party credit and debit processor. Excluding these days, and the corresponding prior period days, increased comparable sales by approximately 10 basis points for the nine months ended October 28, 2022. The comparable sales metric for the three months ended October 28, 2022, and the three and nine months ended October 29, 2021 was not impacted or adjusted by similar outages.
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Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
Other MetricsOctober 28, 2022October 29, 2021October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Comparable sales increase/(decrease) 1
2.2 %2.2 %(0.8)%7.4 %
Total customer transactions (in millions)
225 237 719 785 
Average ticket 2
$104.54 $96.54 $103.76 $95.40 
At end of period:
Number of stores1,969 1,973 
Sales floor square feet (in millions)208 208 
Average store size selling square feet (in thousands) 3
106 105 
Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’
  (deficit)/equity 4
24.4 %27.5 %
Return on invested capital 4
27.6 %30.1 %
1    A comparable location is defined as a retail location that has been open longer than 13 months. A location that is identified for relocation is no longer considered comparable in the month of its relocation. The relocated location must then remain open longer than 13 months to be considered comparable. A location we decide to close is no longer considered comparable as of the beginning of the month in which we announce its closing. Comparable sales are presented on a transacted basis when tender is accepted from a customer. Comparable sales include online sales, which impacted third quarter fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 comparable sales by approximately 80 basis points and 175 basis points, respectively, and year-to-date fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 comparable sales by approximately 45 basis points and 170 basis points, respectively. The comparable store sales calculation included in the preceding table was calculated using comparable 13-week and 39-week periods.
2    Average ticket is defined as net sales divided by the total number of customer transactions.
3    Average store size selling square feet is defined as sales floor square feet divided by the number of stores open at the end of the period. The average Lowe’s-branded home improvement store has approximately 112,000 square feet of retail selling space.
4    Return on invested capital is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity is the most comparable GAAP ratio. As of October 28, 2022, return on invested capital was negatively impacted 590 basis points as a result of the long-lived asset impairment associated with the Canadian retail business. See below for additional information and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful insight for analysts and investors in evaluating what management considers the Company’s core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of a discrete item, further described below, not contemplated in the Company’s business outlook.

Fiscal 2022 Impacts
In the third quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company recognized a pre-tax $2.1 billion long-lived asset impairment of the Canadian retail business (Canadian retail business transaction costs).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful indicator of, the Company’s diluted earnings per common share as prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s methods of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the method used by other companies and may not be comparable.

The following provides a reconciliation of the Company’s non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure:
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Three Months Ended
October 28, 2022
Pre-Tax Earnings
Tax1
Net Earnings
Diluted earnings per share, as reported$0.25 
Non-GAAP adjustments – per share impacts
Canadian retail business transaction costs3.32 (0.30)3.02 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$3.27 
1 Represents the corresponding tax benefit or expense related to the item excluded from adjusted diluted earnings per share.

Return on Invested Capital

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

We define ROIC as the rolling 12 months’ lease adjusted net operating profit after tax (Lease adjusted NOPAT) divided by the average of current year and prior year ending debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity. Lease adjusted NOPAT is a non-GAAP financial measure, and net earnings is considered to be the most comparable GAAP financial measure. The calculation of ROIC, together with a reconciliation of net earnings to Lease adjusted NOPAT, is as follows:
For the Periods Ended
(In millions, except percentage data)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Calculation of Return on Invested Capital
Numerator
Net Earnings$6,686 $8,213 
Plus:
Interest expense – net1,037 854 
Operating lease interest160 162 
Provision for income taxes2,581 2,700 
Lease adjusted net operating profit10,464 11,929 
Less:
Income tax adjustment 1
2,915 2,952 
Lease adjusted net operating profit after tax$7,549 $8,977 
Denominator
Average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity 2
$27,355 $29,836 
Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity24.4 %27.5 %
Return on invested capital 3
27.6 %30.1 %
1    Income tax adjustment is defined as lease adjusted net operating profit multiplied by the effective tax rate, which was 27.9% and 24.7% for the periods ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021, respectively.
2    Average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity is defined as average current year and prior year ending debt, including current maturities, short-term borrowings, and operating lease liabilities, plus the average current year and prior year ending total shareholders’ (deficit)/equity.
3 As of October 28, 2022, return on invested capital was negatively impacted 590 basis points as a result of the long-lived asset impairment associated with the Canadian retail business.

Results of Operations

Net Sales – Net sales in the third quarter of 2022 increased 2.4% to $23.5 billion. The increase in total sales was primarily driven by a comparable sales increase. Comparable sales increased 2.2% over the same period, driven by a 8.0% increase in comparable average ticket, partially offset by a 5.8% decline in comparable customer transactions.
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During the third quarter of 2022, we experienced comparable sales increases in nine of 15 product categories, led by Building Materials, Rough Plumbing, and Lumber. Strength in these categories reflects broad-based demand from both the Pro customer and DIY customer, as well as unit price increases due to cost inflation. We experienced the lowest comparable sales in Lighting, Décor, and Seasonal & Outdoor Living in the quarter. Geographically, 12 of 15 U.S. regions experienced positive comparable sales, while our Canadian operations lagged the U.S.

Net sales decreased 0.4% to $74.6 billion for the first nine months of 2022 compared to 2021. Comparable sales declined 0.8% over the same period, driven by a 8.1% decline in comparable customer transactions, partially offset by a 7.3% increase in comparable average ticket.

Gross Margin – For the third quarter of 2022, gross margin as a percentage of sales increased 20 basis points. The gross margin increase for the quarter is driven by approximately 110 basis points of total rate improvement primarily in Lumber as we cycle significant deflation pressure in the prior year. The favorable rate improvement was partially offset by 35 basis points of deleverage from inventory shrink and 30 basis points of deleverage from higher transportation costs and expansion of our supply chain network.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased 10 basis points in the first nine months of 2022 compared to 2021. Gross margin was positively impacted by approximately 35 basis points of total rate improvement due to continued improvements in managing product costs and disciplined pricing strategies and 20 basis points of favorable product mix. These favorable impacts are partially offset by approximately 25 basis points of distribution costs and 20 basis points of deleverage from inventory shrink.

SG&A – For the third quarter of 2022, SG&A expense deleveraged 837 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to the third quarter of 2021. This was primarily driven by the long-lived asset impairment related to our Canadian retail business. This was partially offset by ongoing productivity initiatives.

SG&A expense as a percentage of sales deleveraged 228 basis points as a percentage of sales for the first nine months of 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the same factors that impacted SG&A for the third quarter.

Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization deleveraged seven basis points as a percentage of sales for the third quarter of 2022 compared to 2021 due primarily to ongoing capital expenditures in core business investments.

Depreciation and amortization deleveraged 16 basis points as a percentage of sales for the first nine months of 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the same factors that impacted depreciation and amortization for the third quarter.

Interest – Net – Interest expense for the third quarter of 2022 deleveraged 28 basis points primarily due to interest expense related to the issuance of unsecured notes in March 2022 and September 2022, partially offset by scheduled payoff of notes at maturity.

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2022 deleveraged 21 basis points primarily due to the same factors that impacted interest expense for the third quarter.

Income Tax Provision – Our effective income tax rates were 75.5% and 26.1% for the three months ended October 28, 2022 and October 29, 2021, respectively, and 28.4% and 24.6% for the nine months ended October 28, 2022 and October 29, 2021, respectively. The unfavorable tax rate for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2022 compared to 2021 is largely driven by an increase in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes related to the long-lived asset impairment associated with RONA inc.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources of Liquidity

Cash flows from operations, combined with our continued access to capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis, as needed, remain adequate to fund our operations, make strategic investments to support long-term growth, and return excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. We believe these sources of liquidity will continue to support our business for the next twelve months. As of October 28, 2022, we held $3.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents, as well as $4.0 billion in undrawn capacity on our revolving credit facilities.

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Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Net cash provided by operating activities$8,138 $9,179 

Cash flows from operating activities continued to provide the primary source of our liquidity.  The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended October 28, 2022, compared to the nine months ended October 29, 2021, was driven primarily by changes in working capital. Inventory decreased operating cash flows for the first nine months of 2022 by approximately $2.3 billion compared to a decrease of approximately $446 million for the first nine months of 2021, while accounts payable increased operating cash flows by $921 million for the first nine months of 2022, compared to an increase of $436 million for the first nine months of 2021. The increase in inventory and accounts payable is primarily due to product cost and freight inflation compared to the prior year, as well as lower inventory turns year-over-year. Deferred revenue decreased operating cash flows by $117 million for the first nine months of 2022, compared to an increase of $444 million for the first nine months of 2021. The decline in operating cash flow due to deferred revenue compared to the prior year is primarily due to an operational focus on customer fulfillment. Other operating liabilities also increased operating cash flows by $205 million during the first nine months of 2022, compared to a decrease of $421 million for the first nine months of 2021. This increase is primarily driven by the deferral of payment of our third quarter estimated federal tax payment under the income tax relief announced by the Internal Revenue Service for businesses located in states impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Net cash used in investing activities$(1,115)$(1,360)

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

Capital expenditures

Our capital expenditures generally consist of investments in our strategic initiatives to enhance our ability to serve customers, improve existing stores, and support expansion plans. The following table provides our capital expenditures for the nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021:
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Core business investments 1
$826 $973 
Strategic initiatives 2
171 181 
New stores, new corporate facilities and international 3
93 102 
Total capital expenditures$1,090 $1,256 
1Includes merchandising resets, facility repairs, replacements of IT and store equipment, among other specific efforts.
2Represents investments related to our strategic focus areas aimed at improving customers’ experience and driving improved performance in the near and long term (excluding acquisitions).
3Represents expenditures primarily related to land purchases, buildings, and personal property for new store projects and new corporate facilities projects, as well as expenditures related to our international operations.

Our fiscal year 2022 outlook for capital expenditures is up to $2.0 billion.

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Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Net cash used in financing activities$(4,932)$(6,391)

Net cash used in financing activities primarily consists of transactions related to our share repurchases, long-term debt, and cash dividend payments.

Total Debt

During the nine months ended October 28, 2022, we issued $9.8 billion of unsecured notes, the proceeds of which were designated for general corporate purposes. During the nine months ended October 28, 2022, we also paid $760 million due to the scheduled payoff of notes at maturity.

Our commercial paper program is supported by the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amount available to be drawn under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of borrowings under our commercial paper program. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program, the 2020 Credit Agreement, or the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021. Total combined availability under the 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of October 28, 2022 was $4.0 billion.

The 2020 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants at October 28, 2022.

The following table includes additional information related to our debt for the nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021:
Nine Months Ended
(In millions)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Net proceeds from issuance of debt$9,667 $4,972 
Repayment of debt(831)(595)
Maximum commercial paper outstanding at any period2,470 400 
Short-term borrowings outstanding at quarter-end— 1,000 
Weighted-average interest rate of short-term borrowings outstanding— %0.79 %

Share Repurchases

We have an ongoing share repurchase program, authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market or through private off-market transactions. We also withhold shares from employees to satisfy tax withholding liabilities. Shares repurchased are retired and returned to authorized and unissued status. The following table provides, on a settlement date basis, the total number of shares repurchased, average price paid per share, and the total cash used to repurchase shares for the nine months ended October 28, 2022, and October 29, 2021:
Nine Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)October 28, 2022October 29, 2021
Total amount paid for share repurchases$12,127 $8,999 
Total number of shares repurchased61.2 46.6 
Average price paid per share$198.12 $193.16 
As of October 28, 2022, we had $7.7 billion remaining available under our share repurchase program with no expiration date. We expect to repurchase shares totaling approximately $13.0 billion in 2022 (including the $12.1 billion repurchased during the first nine months of fiscal year 2022).

Dividends
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Dividends are paid in the quarter immediately following the quarter in which they are declared. Dividends paid per share increased from $2.00 per share for the nine months ended October 29, 2021, to $2.65 per share for the nine months ended October 28, 2022.

Capital Resources

We expect to continue to have access to the capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis when needed for liquidity purposes by issuing commercial paper or new long-term debt. The availability and the borrowing costs of these funds could be adversely affected, however, by a downgrade of our debt ratings or a deterioration of certain financial ratios.  The table below reflects our debt ratings by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s as of November 23, 2022, which we are disclosing to enhance understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effect of our ratings on our cost of funds.  Our debt ratings have enabled, and should continue to enable, us to refinance our debt as it becomes due at favorable rates in capital markets. Our commercial paper and senior debt ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Debt RatingsS&PMoody’s
Commercial PaperA-2P-2
Senior DebtBBB+Baa1
Senior Debt OutlookStableStable

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

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

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

Description

We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets for impairment, our asset group is generally at an individual location level, as that is the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. Cash flows for individual locations do not include an allocation of corporate overhead. During the three months ended October 28, 2022, the Company determined it was more likely than not that the assets within the Canadian retail business would be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their previously estimated useful lives and were evaluated for recoverability. Based on the proposed transaction, the Company reconsidered the appropriate asset grouping of long-lived assets attributable to the Company’s Canadian locations given the change in the Company’s expectations regarding use and disposition of its associated assets. The Company determined the total Canada retail business (Canada asset group) to be the appropriate asset group for which Canadian business assets should be evaluated, as this represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Changes in asset group determinations are accounted for on a prospective basis.

A potential impairment has occurred if the fair value of the asset group is less than the asset group’s carrying value. The carrying value of the Canada asset group includes substantially all assets and liabilities of the Canadian retail business, including accounts receivable, inventory, property, operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, definite-lived intangible assets, operating liabilities including accounts payable and accrued compensation, and operating and finance lease liabilities. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment balance is excluded from the carrying value of the Canada asset group in evaluating the recoverability of a held and used asset group.

We use an income approach to determine the fair value of our individual operating locations, and a market approach to determine the fair value of our individual locations identified for sale or closure. A market approach of an orderly transaction under current market conditions was used in determining the estimated fair value of the Canada asset group, which was based on the proposed transaction price, inclusive of deferred consideration.
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Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate

Our impairment evaluations require us to apply judgment in determining whether an event or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, including the evaluation of whether it is more likely than not a location will be closed or an asset will be otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Our impairment loss calculations require us to apply judgment in estimating expected future cash flows, including estimated sales, margin, and controllable expenses, assumptions about market performance, and estimated selling prices or lease rates for locations identified for closure.

Effect if actual results differ from assumptions

During the three months ended October 28, 2022, the Company recorded $2.1 billion of long-lived asset impairment within SG&A in the consolidated statements of earnings, which reflects the full carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Canada asset group. See Note 4 for additional information.

Item 3. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company is exposed to certain market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our international operations, interest rates, and commodity prices. The Company’s market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Annual Report for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2022.

Item 4. - Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based upon their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 28, 2022, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the SEC (1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In addition, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended October 28, 2022, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. - Legal Proceedings

In addition to the matter referenced in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2022, the Company is from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, the Company records reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company maintains liability insurance for certain risks that are subject to certain self-insurance limits.

Item 1A. - Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 21, 2022, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and operating results, as well as the following:

Our strategic transactions involve risks, and we may not realize the expected benefits because of numerous uncertainties and risks.
We regularly consider and enter into strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and other growth, market and geographic expansion strategies, with the expectation that these transactions will result in increases in sales, cost savings, synergies and other various benefits. Our ability to deliver the expected benefits from any strategic transaction is subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including our ability to integrate personnel, labor models, financial, IT and other systems successfully; disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management; hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations. Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable and accurate financial reports, and the integration of businesses may create complexity in our financial systems and internal controls and make them more difficult to manage. Integration of businesses into our internal control system could cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. Additionally, any impairment of goodwill or other assets acquired or divested in a strategic transaction or charges to earnings associated with any strategic transaction, may materially reduce our earnings. For example, in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash impairment of $2.1 billion related to the expected sale of its Canadian retail business, which reduced earnings for the third quarter of 2022. Our shareholders may react unfavorably to our strategic transactions. We may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions, including the full value of contingent payments associated with such transactions. We may be exposed to additional liabilities of any acquired business or joint venture, and we may be exposed to litigation in connection with the strategic transaction. Further, we may finance these strategic transactions by incurring additional debt, which could increase leverage or impact our ability to access capital in the future.
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Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of the Company’s common stock on a trade date basis made during the three months ended October 28, 2022:
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 2
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 2
July 30, 2022 - August 26, 2022 3
10,851,383 $196.56 10,851,152 $8,959,408,600 
August 27, 2022 - September 30, 20223,457,109 194.38 3,456,882 8,287,451,550 
October 1, 2022 - October 28, 2022 3
6,193,545 193.42 6,178,216 7,727,479,987 
As of October 28, 202220,502,037 $195.24 20,486,250 $7,727,479,987 
1The total number of shares repurchased includes shares withheld from employees to satisfy either the exercise price of stock options or the statutory withholding tax liability upon the vesting of share-based awards.
2On December 15, 2021, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized $13.0 billion of share repurchases under the program with no expiration.
3In August 2022, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase the Company’s common stock. At inception, pursuant to the agreement, the Company paid $2.3 billion to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 8.3 million shares. In October, prior to the end of the third quarter, the Company finalized the transaction and received an additional 3.3 million shares. The average price paid per share in settlement of the ASR agreement included in the table above was determined with reference to the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR agreement. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included herein for additional information regarding share repurchases.



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Item 6. - Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit DescriptionFormFile No.ExhibitFiling Date
3.110-Q001-078983.1September 1, 2009
3.28-K001-078983.1November 16, 2022
4.18-K001-078984.2September 9, 2022
15.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document – the XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.‡
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.‡
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.‡
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.‡
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.‡
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.‡
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101).‡
*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.
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SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.
(Registrant)
November 23, 2022By: /s/ Dan C. Griggs, Jr.
DateDan C. Griggs, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Tax and Chief Accounting Officer
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