Lowe’s
Annual Report 2023

Plain-text annual report

L O W E ’ S C O M P A N I E S , I N C . 2 0 2 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2023 Annual Report 3 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Together, deliver the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $86 billion, Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. → For more information, visit Lowes.com Dear Shareholders In 2023, I celebrated my fifth year with Lowe’s. As I look back over this timeframe, I am pleased with what our Associates have accomplished. We grew U.S. sales by more than $20 billion and adjusted operating margin1 by 475 basis points. We improved return on invested capital1 from 11% in 2018 to over 36% in 2023. And we improved customer satisfaction scores nearly 600 basis points across homeowners and Pros. Last year we delivered solid operating results despite a steep pullback in DIY spending across the home improvement industry. Our disciplined expense management and focus on productivity enabled us to deliver an adjusted operating margin1 of 13.3% – a 30 basis point improvement over 2022. Consistent with our best-in-class capital allocation strategy, we reinvested $2 billion into the business and returned $8.9 billion to our shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. Beyond our financial results, we are creating what’s next in retail – a best-in-class omnichannel experience where customers can move seamlessly between digital and physical shopping environments. This year we expanded our fulfillment capabilities, including same-day delivery through our gig network,and accelerated delivery of big and bulky items through our market delivery network. We also expanded our use of artificial intelligence to improve how we sell, shop and work – like the launch of our ChatGPT plugin that helps homeowners find the right products for their DIY projects. 1. Adjusted operating margin is a non-GAAP financial measure, and return on invested capital is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” section for additional information as well as reconciliations between the Company’s GAAP and non-GAAP financial results. 1 2023 ANNUAL REPORTPerhaps most significantly, we are in the final stages of retiring our 30-year-old store operations system and replacing it with an agile cloud-based technology platform that enables us to enhance the omnichannel customer experience while making our Associates’ jobs easier. In support of growing Pro sales, last year we drove Pro loyalty and repeat visits through our MVPs Pro Rewards loyalty program. We also brought new Pro brands to Lowe’s – like Klein, Carhartt, Hubbell and Coca-Cola – as we deliver on our commitment to grow our Pro business at two-times the market. In a year where homeowners felt the pinch of macroeconomic pressures, we launched Lowe’s Lowest Price Guarantee, a commitment that gives value-conscious shoppers confidence they can always find the best price at Lowe’s. We also enhanced our assortment of private brands – with new products from allen + roth, Kobalt and Origin 21 – and added Toro, a leading national brand in outdoor power equipment. Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited to roll out MyLowe’s Rewards, a first-of-its-kind loyalty program designed to give DIY customers more reasons to choose Lowe’s. As we strengthen our business, we remain focused on supporting our sustainability initiatives. We continue to make progress on our journey to net-zero emissions, and we were included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for the fifth consecutive year. We also announced a $50 million commitment over the next five years to recruit, train and prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers and help address one of the most critical worker shortages currently facing the U.S. economy. 2 LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.As we look ahead to 2024, we remain confident in the medium- to long-term outlook for our industry. While the timing of the home improvement recovery is still uncertain, the consumer is healthy and home prices remain strong. The U.S. housing stock continues to age, resulting in repair and maintenance projects. At Lowe’s, we are making the right investments in our Total Home strategy to position the company for strong sales and profit growth when the home improvement market rebounds. In addition to investing in growth-driving initiatives, we also continue to invest in our Associates. Since 2018, we have invested over $3.5 billion in incremental wage and share-based compensation for our frontline Associates. In 2023, we awarded these Associates with more than $350 million in discretionary and profit-sharing bonuses. We are also one of few retailers to award stock grants to our store managers and assistant store managers – one of the many ways we incentivize Associates to build their careers within Lowe’s. We are committed to making Lowe’s a great retailer to work for, shop with and invest in. As we navigate this near-term macroeconomic uncertainty, we continue to take meaningful strides toward becoming a leading omnichannel retailer – which is what we owe our customers who choose to shop with us every day. Although I am pleased with our success over the past five years, the future excites me even more. Thank you for your support and we remain committed to making Lowe’s a company that you can be proud of. God bless, Marvin R. Ellison Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 3 2023 ANNUAL REPORTTotal Home Strategy Remain committed to five growth areas within our Total Home strategy, designed to position Lowe’s for market share gains. Drive Pro penetration Accelerate online business Expand installation services Drive localization Elevate assortment 2023 Highlights Grew Pro sales as MVPs Pro Rewards program matured Launched new Pro digital tools, like crew purchase authorization Grew online sales with an improved digital user experience Expanded same-day delivery nationwide through gig network Announced first-of-its-kind DIY Loyalty program Scaled rural merchandising framework to 300+ stores Expanded national brand offerings, including Carhartt, Coca-Cola, Hubbell, Klein and Toro Enhanced installation services offerings, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging 4 LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC. People & Communities $350+ MILLION awarded in bonuses to our frontline associates in 2023. Established five-year, $50 MILLION Gable Grants program to help meet growing demand for skilled tradespeople. Product Sustainability 64% of our board is diverse 45% identifying as people of color 36% identifying as women 67% of our executive officers are diverse 56% identifying as people of color 44% identifying as women $9+ BILLION customer lifetime savings from Lowe’s WaterSense® products purchased in 2023. Recognized Trex with our vendor Sustainability Award for its commitment to building a sustainable future through material innovation. $5+ BILLION customer lifetime savings from Lowe’s ENERGY STAR® products purchased in 2023. Operational Excellence Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for the fifth consecutive year. Remain committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, outlining our path at → lowes.com/net-zero 5 2023 ANNUAL REPORT2023 Financial Highlights $86.4B IN SALES 36.4% RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL1 13.4% OPERATING MARGIN 13.3% ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN1 $13.20 DILUTED EPS $13.09 ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS1 1. Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” section for additional information as well as reconciliations between the Company’s GAAP and non-GAAP financial results. 6 LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC. 2023 Annual Report Form 10-K 1 2023 ANNUAL REPORTUNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ☐ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 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 For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 or LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) North Carolina (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 56-0578072 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1000 Lowes Blvd., Mooresville, North Carolina (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 28117 (Zip Code) (704) 758-1000 Title of each class Common Stock, par value $0.50 per share Trading Symbol(s) LOW Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☒ Yes ☐ No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S- T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer ☒ ☐ Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company ☐ ☐ ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒ If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No As of August 4, 2023, the last business day of the Company’s most recent second quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non- affiliates of the registrant was $129.9 billion based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. CLASS Common Stock, $0.50 par value OUTSTANDING AT 3/21/2024 572,184,243 Document Portions of the Proxy Statement for Lowe’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Parts Into Which Incorporated Part III DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC. - TABLE OF CONTENTS - Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements PART I Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Item 1C. Cybersecurity Item 2. Item 3. Properties Legal Proceedings Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Information About Our Executive Officers PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 6. Reserved Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 8. Item 9. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11. Executive Compensation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Item 16. Form 10-K Summary Signatures Page No. ii 1 8 16 16 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 32 34 68 68 68 68 69 69 69 69 69 70 79 80 i Table of Contents DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “desire”, “project”, “estimate”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “strategy”, “potential”, “opportunity”, “outlook”, “scenario”, “guidance”, and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve, among other things, expectations, projections, and assumptions about future financial and operating results, objectives (including objectives related to environmental and social matters), business outlook, priorities, sales growth, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for products and services including customer acceptance of new offerings and initiatives, macroeconomic conditions and consumer spending, share repurchases, and Lowe’s strategic initiatives, including those relating to acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of such transactions on our strategic and operational plans and financial results. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. For a detailed description of the risks and uncertainties that we are exposed to, you should read Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report. 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. ii Table of Contents Item 1 - Business General Information Part I Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company or Lowe’s) is a Fortune® 50 company and the world’s second largest home improvement retailer. As of February 2, 2024, Lowe’s operated 1,746 home improvement stores and outlets in the United States, representing approximately 195 million square feet of retail selling space. Lowe’s was founded in 1921 with the opening of its first hardware store in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Company was incorporated in North Carolina in 1952 and has been publicly held since 1961. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange - ticker symbol “LOW”. For additional information about the Company’s performance and financial condition, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, of this Annual Report. Our Strategy Lowe’s is an omnichannel retailer whose core priorities are to provide an excellent customer experience, create a great place to work for our associates, and improve our communities, which we believe will create long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders. In fiscal 2020, we implemented our Total Home strategy, which reflects our commitment to provide a full complement of products and services for professional customers (Pro customers) and consumers alike, enabling a Total Home solution for every project across the home. Our Total Home strategy has the following five pillars: Drive Pro penetration Accelerate online business Expand installation services Drive localization Elevate assortment We continue to transform our Pro offerings to drive Pro penetration by expanding our Pro brands, tailoring our product assortments to local building codes and preferences, and increasing loyalty through our MVPs Pro Rewards & Partnership ProgramTM, which further enhances our relationship with our Pro customers. We are investing in our omnichannel retail capabilities to expand our online business. We are increasing visibility to our installation services through improved signage throughout our stores and continuing to improve the customer experience for our services, which are provided by our network of independent installers or outsourced to our third-party model that sells, furnishes, and installs more complex projects. Our expanding localization efforts better serve the product needs of the unique communities across the country. Finally, we continue to elevate our product assortment to provide the right products at the right price to meet our customers’ needs. Our Customers and Market The home improvement market in which we operate is highly fragmented, serving Pro customers, individual homeowners, and renters completing a wide array of projects that vary along the spectrum of do-it-yourself (DIY) and do-it-for-me (DIFM). The Pro customer consists of three broad categories: tradespeople, repair and remodelers, and property managers. There are many variables that affect consumer demand for the home improvement products and services we offer. Key indicators we monitor include home price appreciation, age of the housing stock, real disposable personal income, and housing turnover. We also monitor demographic and societal trends that shape home improvement industry growth, notably strong millennial household formation, and the persistence of remote work. 1 Table of Contents Our Competition The home improvement industry includes a broad competitive landscape that continues to evolve. We compete with national and regional home improvement warehouse chains and lumber yards in most of the markets we serve. We also compete with traditional hardware, plumbing, electrical, and home supply retailers, as well as paint stores, lumber yards, garden centers, and maintenance and repair organizations. In addition, we compete with general merchandise retailers, home goods specialty stores, warehouse clubs, online retailers, other specialty retailers, providers of equipment and tool rental, service providers that install home improvement products, and wholesalers that provide home-related products and services to homeowners, renters, businesses, and the government. Location of stores, product assortment, product pricing, and customer service continue to be key competitive factors in our industry, while the evolution of technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, expansion of fulfillment capabilities, and customer expectations also underscore the importance of omnichannel capabilities as a competitive factor. To ensure ongoing competitiveness, Lowe’s focuses on delivering the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve. See further discussion of competition in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, of this Annual Report. Our Omnichannel Capabilities We are committed to meeting customer demand to shop however, whenever, and wherever they choose. Our omnichannel capabilities allow our customers to move from channel to channel with simple and seamless transitions even within the same transaction. For example, for many projects, more than half of our customers conduct research online before making an in-store purchase. For purchases made on Lowes.com, customers may pick up their purchase in-store at the customer service desk, curbside, or from touchless lockers, or have their purchase delivered to their home or business. In addition, flexible fulfillment options are available for in-store purchases and those made through the contact center. Regardless of the channels through which customers choose to engage with us, we strive to provide them with a seamless experience across channels and an extended aisle of products, enabled by our flexible fulfillment capabilities. Our ability to sell products in-store, online, on-site, or through our contact centers speaks to our leverage of our existing infrastructure with the omnichannel capabilities we continue to introduce. In-Store Our 1,746 Lowe’s-branded home improvement stores and outlet stores are generally open seven days per week and average approximately 112,000 square feet of retail selling space, plus approximately 32,000 square feet of outdoor garden center selling space. Our home improvement stores offer similar products and services, with certain variations based on localization, along with a dedicated team of knowledgeable and friendly frontline associates available to assist our customers. We continue to develop and implement productivity tools to enhance the efficiency of our sales associates and to integrate our order management, inventory management, and fulfillment processes. Our home improvement stores have Wi-Fi capabilities that provide customers with Internet access, making information available quickly to further simplify the shopping experience. Our Lowe’s Outlet stores have a smaller format and offer value to our customers through incremental savings on big and bulky scratch and dent items. Online Through our websites and mobile applications, we seek to empower consumers by providing a 24/7 shopping experience, product information, customer ratings and reviews, buying guides, how-to videos, and other information. These tools help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions and give them increased confidence to undertake home improvement projects. We enable customers to choose from a variety of fulfillment options, including buying online and picking up in-store, curbside pick-up, same-day delivery through our gig network, and shipment to their homes or businesses. Further, we also offer digital inspiration, design, and project management tools across our destination home improvement categories. On-Site We have on-site specialists available for retail and Pro customers to assist them in selecting products and services for their projects. Our Pro sales managers meet with Pro customers at their place of business or on a job site and leverage nearby stores and our distribution network to ensure we meet customer needs for products and resources. In addition, our In-Home Sales program is available in the majority of our stores to discuss various exterior projects such as windows, doors, and fencing, whose characteristics lend themselves to an in-home consultative sales approach. 2 Table of Contents Contact Centers Lowe’s operates contact centers in a virtual workplace. These contact centers help Lowe’s enable an omnichannel customer experience by providing the ability to tender sales, assist with order management, coordinate deliveries, manage after-sale installations, and answer general customer questions via phone, mail, e-mail, live chat, and social media. Our Products Product Selection To meet customers’ varying needs, we offer a complete line of products for construction, maintenance, repair, remodeling, and decorating. We offer home improvement products in the following categories: Appliances, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, Lumber, Lawn & Garden, Kitchens & Bath, Hardware, Building Materials, Millwork, Paint, Rough Plumbing, Tools, Electrical, Flooring, and Décor. A typical Lowe’s-branded home improvement store stocks approximately 40,000 items, with additional items available through our online selling channels. Our product assortments offered in-store strive to meet the needs of the local market. See Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, of this Annual Report for historical revenues by product category for each of the last three fiscal years. We are committed to offering a wide selection of national brand-name merchandise complemented by our selection of high- value private brands. In fiscal 2023, Klein Tools® returned to Lowe’s, expanding our hand tools, storage, safety, and electrical product offerings both in-store and online. This addition, along with other recognized national brands added to our assortment during the fiscal year, position us to better serve our customers with the products they need. In addition, we are dedicated to selling products sourced in a socially responsible, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Supply Chain We source our products from vendors worldwide and believe that alternative and competitive suppliers are available for virtually all of our products. Whenever possible, we purchase directly from manufacturers to provide savings for customers and improve our gross margin. To efficiently replenish our stores and meet our customers’ expectations for fast fulfillment and delivery, we own and operate more than 120 supply chain facilities in our network. These facilities include regional distribution centers (RDCs), flatbed distribution centers (FDCs), import distribution centers (IDCs), bulk distribution centers (BDCs), cross-dock terminals (XDTs), and Fulfillment Centers (FCs). Fulfillment centers, which along with many of our stores, ship product directly to our customers. In addition, we are establishing a Pro fulfillment network which will leverage a combination of our existing supply chain as well as new facilities. Each one of these distribution nodes plays a critical role in our Total Home strategy and collectively enable our products to get to their destination as efficiently as possible. The FDCs distribute merchandise that requires special handling due to size or type of packaging such as lumber, boards, panel products, pipe, siding, ladders, and building materials. On average, each RDC and FDC serves approximately 115 stores. Our Pro fulfillment network stocks deeper quantities of our top Pro assortments and has expanded capabilities to handle large orders on multiple flat beds. Our IDCs were expanded to create more capacity to hold import product at the coast, which improves our network’s agility to move inventory where and when it is needed. Our BDCs handle appliances and other big and bulky product, and our XDTs fulfill final mile box truck deliveries of these products. Our supply chain supports every pillar of our Total Home strategy, and as such, we continue to invest and transform our network to unlock our omnichannel capabilities while keeping our organization’s sustainability goals top of mind. As part of the continued rollout of our market-based delivery model, we expanded to additional geographic areas and enhanced our distribution capacity for big and bulky product. As of fiscal year 2023, we have 16 geographic areas converted to our market- based delivery model. We have also been focused on improving the speed of our delivery capabilities for our customers. As of fiscal year 2023, most parcel-eligible items can be ordered by a customer and delivered within two business days at standard shipping rates. Also, the nationwide expansion of our gig networks provides same-day delivery of certain products from our stores. Customer needs and buying patterns are constantly changing, and our supply chain will continue to evolve to meet their needs. We are building an omnichannel supply chain that operates with greater network capacity, better flow management and optimization. 3 Table of Contents Our Services Installed Sales We offer installation services through independent contractors in many of our product categories, with Flooring, Kitchens & Bath, Millwork, Appliances, and Lumber accounting for the majority of installed sales. Our installed sales model, which separates selling and project administration tasks, allows our sales associates to focus on project selling, while project managers ensure that the details related to installing the products are efficiently executed. Installed sales, which includes both product and labor, accounted for approximately 5% of total sales in fiscal 2023. Lowe’s Protection Plans and Repair Services We offer extended protection plans for certain products within the Appliances, Kitchens & Bath, Décor, Millwork, Rough Plumbing, Electrical, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, Tools, and Hardware categories. These protection plans provide customers with product protection that enhances the coverage offered by the manufacturer’s warranty and provide additional benefits and repair services that extend beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Seasonality and Working Capital The home improvement business in general is subject to seasonal influences, particularly related to the spring selling season. Historically, we have realized the highest volume of sales during our second fiscal quarter (May, June, and July) and the lowest volume of sales during our fourth fiscal quarter (November, December, and January). Accordingly, our working capital requirements have historically been greater during our fourth fiscal quarter as we build inventory in anticipation of the spring selling season and as we experience lower fourth fiscal quarter sales volumes. We fund our working capital requirements primarily through cash flows generated from operations, but also with short-term borrowings, as needed. For more detailed information, see the Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources section in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, of this Annual Report. Intellectual Property The name “Lowe’s” is a registered service mark of one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. We consider this mark and logo and the accompanying goodwill and name recognition to be valuable to our business. This subsidiary owns and maintains various additional registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks and trade names, including private brand product names, such as, “Kobalt”, “STAINMASTER” and “allen+roth.” This subsidiary also maintains various Internet domain names that are important to our business, and we also own registered and unregistered copyrights. In addition, we maintain patent portfolios related to some of our products and services and seek to patent or otherwise protect certain innovations that we incorporate into our products, services, or business operations. Government Regulation We are subject to a wide array of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. We do not currently expect compliance with these laws and regulations to have a material effect on our capital expenditures, results of operations, and competitive position as compared to prior periods. Human Capital When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Lowe’s strives to be the employer of choice in retail. At Lowe’s we are committed to creating valuable career opportunities for our associates, supporting them and the communities where they live, and cultivating a culture that invites and encourages diverse opinions and ideas. We would like our associates to see Lowe’s as a “Home to Possibility” with good jobs, a sense of belonging, and a promising future. As a testament to our commitments, in fiscal 2023 we received more than 15 notable employer of choice awards including being named on the Disability:IN National Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies Specialty Retailer, DiversityInc.’s Top 50 Noteworthy Companies, 2023 American Opportunity Index, and a Best Corporation for Veteran’s Business Enterprises of the Year. We were also awarded the Center for Workforce Inclusion 2023 Workforce Equity Award. Our People As of February 2, 2024, Lowe’s employed approximately 168,000 full-time associates and 116,000 part-time associates, primarily in the United States and India. During the spring season, we temporarily expand our workforce by hiring associates in part-time and full-time positions to meet the elevated levels of demand. 4 Table of Contents At Lowe’s, we have a proactive associate listening strategy, most notably through our annual engagement survey. In fiscal 2023, more than 90% of our associates participated in our survey and our people leaders use the feedback to improve our associate experience. Creating Good Jobs We have a strong track record of investing in our workforce by offering locally competitive salaries and wages. These investments include incremental wages and share-based compensation for our frontline associates, which included creating many new roles for our associates to grow into as they advance along their career path. We offer an array of health, welfare, and financial benefits to our full-time and part-time associates, including health care and insurance benefits, retirement plans, an employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, and leave programs, among many others. We have implemented workforce management tools that enable us to offer various scheduling options to our full-time associates to foster an improved experience in balancing their work and life responsibilities. This includes such options for a shortened workweek, consistent shifts, or consecutive days off. Our focus on the associate experience begins at initial application. The implementation of improved technology in the hiring process has simplified the experience for those looking to join Lowe’s and helped to drive the experience overall. In 2023, we added Spanish language capabilities to promote bilingual hiring by guiding candidates through the full application process in Spanish. Once hired, associates now experience an improved onboarding to help them quickly learn the knowledge and skills required to be successful in their new roles. Providing a safe environment for both working and shopping is our highest priority at Lowe’s. We strive to maintain a culture of safety, which begins with our leaders modeling the behaviors we want our associates to adopt. We embed safety into associate onboarding, developmental e-learning, and on-the-job training. Sense of Belonging We believe that by building diverse and inclusive teams with a range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and equal opportunity for all, we drive better ideas, positive business results, and improve service through a deeper connection with the diverse communities we serve. We continue to execute on our multi-year program to integrate diversity and inclusion initiatives into our corporate strategy across three areas: talent, culture, and business. We also strive to attract diverse talent for leadership positions across our company. In 2023, we held our eleventh annual Women’s Leadership Summit, focused on developing women leaders across our corporate and field locations. In our efforts to foster an inclusive culture, we have eight business resource groups that are sponsored by members of our officer team. These groups provide our associates with opportunities to collaborate, network, and learn together, and offer additional spaces where associates feel heard and can engage with other colleagues across the organization. Promising Future We are committed to securing top talent and providing ongoing training and other developmental opportunities to facilitate meaningful careers at Lowe’s. We offer a variety of role-specific leadership and development programs that build and reinforce functional-technical/professional skills, business acumen, and leadership skills to prepare high-performing leaders for their next role. Our focus on leadership development enables us to grow talent internally and has resulted in more than 80% of store leadership positions being filled internally in the last year. Our Lowe's University offerings include the District Manager and Store Manager immersive week-long leadership experience programs, delivered from the Lowe’s University training center; the virtually-delivered store department supervisor fundamentals series; the virtually-delivered field supply chain leadership director, manager, and supervisor experience programs; and the certification programs for store and technology associates that further develop their skills and knowledge base. In 2023, we expanded our in-person Lowe’s University offerings to include an Assistant Store Manager leadership training to further develop our store leaders. Additionally, through Lowe’s Track to the Trades program, we offer all Lowe’s associates the opportunity to enroll in programs to complete apprentice certifications in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, appliance repair, or multi-family maintenance. The program also connects them with Pros to help them start a career in their area of interest. The Track to the Trades program demonstrates Lowe’s commitment to our industry and the communities we serve. This combined with our tuition-free education program are further examples of how we are investing in the development of our associates. 5 Table of Contents Corporate Responsibility We take our role as a Fortune® 50 retailer seriously by managing our business responsibly and focusing on serving our associates and improving the communities where we live and work. Sustainability objectives are integrated into our business operations, particularly by focusing on the three pillars of our sustainability strategy: our people and communities, product sustainability, and reducing the environmental footprint of our operations, which we believe will help drive long-term shareholder value. In fiscal 2023, for the fifth consecutive year, Lowe’s was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index based on our environmental and social practices. Investing in our Communities We understand the important role Lowe’s plays in supporting our communities through our philanthropic efforts. With our community engagement initiatives and continued partnerships with nonprofits across the nation, we are revitalizing neighborhoods, improving community spaces, responding when natural disasters strike, and preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. We carry out these initiatives with a special focus on veterans, the active military community, and first responders. In 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation established the Gable Grants program, which is a five-year, $50 million commitment to recruit, train, and prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges and community-based nonprofits. Product Sustainability We are committed to promoting sustainable practices throughout our supply chain and providing customers with eco-friendly, high quality, and safe products. Our products undergo a thorough selection process, beginning with our sourcing decisions. Through collaboration and established management systems, we monitor our suppliers’ practices to secure high-quality products from suppliers who support worker rights and protect the environment. Lowe’s human rights policy supports the fundamental principles of human rights, as defined by the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” We continue to hold all suppliers to our rigorous standards through our human rights policy, our conflict minerals policy, and our Vendor Code of Conduct, which includes enhanced environmental standards. In addition, we have a wood sourcing policy with principles that we expect our vendors to follow, including no illegal logging; no deforestation; no sourcing of endangered species; the protection and preservation of biodiversity; and undergoing and securing Free, Prior and Informed Consent, as defined by the United Nations, wherever applicable. In 2023, we updated our wood sourcing policy with new wood sourcing risk levels by country, enhanced monitoring practices, and a new forestry grievance process. As part of our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products, we continue to increase our offering of independently certified products that have validated environmental claims, preserve and protect natural resources, and help customers decrease energy and water consumption. We work with local and regional utilities to offer customers assorted rebates for a variety of environmentally efficient products including ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense®. Reducing our Environmental Footprint We are committed to mitigating climate change by reducing the environmental impact of our operations and supply chain through reducing carbon emissions with investments in energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, environmentally friendly transportation practices, and innovative water and waste management systems. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions In December 2022, Lowe’s established a goal to reach net-zero emissions across the Company’s scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2050. To meet interim targets, Lowe’s has also committed to decreasing its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% and reducing scope 3 emissions by 22.5% below 2021 levels by 2030. We report our progress annually in Lowe’s Corporate Responsibility Report, to CDP, and via lowes.com/net-zero. The contents of these reports are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To reach these targets, Lowe’s will focus on increasing operational efficiency and working to reduce emissions across Lowe's entire value chain. We are making further investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy within our operations, while exploring emerging technologies to reduce emissions associated with our vehicle fleet and facilities. Over the past three years, we have spent more than $400 million across multiple projects including replacing stores’ aging HVAC units with high efficiency models, installing and updating building management systems, installing pallet grinders, and completing indoor LED 6 Table of Contents lighting upgrades. Lowe’s continues to partner with our suppliers to decrease our scope 3 GHG emissions. We encourage suppliers to report their emissions to CDP, giving suppliers more insight into how they generate emissions, which is the first step toward helping them reduce upstream emissions. This collaboration can help suppliers increase their operational efficiency and reduce their emissions through the use of renewable energy and low-carbon innovations. When our suppliers mitigate their impacts on the climate, Lowe’s own scope 3 emissions can be reduced. Procuring renewable energy is another lever to reduce our emissions footprint. Our first renewable power purchase agreement, the Mesquite Star wind farm in Texas, went live in fiscal 2020 and is now in its fourth year of operation. As we strive to establish a pipeline of other offsite renewable projects, several projects are planned to become active over the next few years. Lowe’s is a member of the Clean Energy Buyers Association to evaluate and explore new opportunities and technologies across renewable energy markets (e.g., community solar, power purchase agreements), as well as implementing on-site solar generation in multiple states. In fiscal 2023, we announced plans to install rooftop solar panels at 174 store and distribution center locations nationwide, including more than 50 sites currently in operation. Once each site is completed, the solar panels will provide approximately 90% of the energy usage at each location. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the transportation industry, and we collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) SmartWay program to reduce transportation emissions by managing and reducing fuel usage through incentives for freight contractors to improve efficiency. We are an EPA SmartWay program partner and aim for 100% SmartWay certification for our transportation providers. This program provides access to comprehensive data and oversight of scope 3 emissions associated with our U.S. transportation footprint. Waste We partner with suppliers to improve recycling and waste diversion, develop regional management processes, measure waste streams, and conduct waste audits. At a local level, store waste, including cardboard, broken appliances, and wood pallets, is recycled through national and regional partners, and we provide in-store recycling and reuse centers for our customers to bring in plastic planter pots, compact fluorescent lamp bulbs, plastic bags, and rechargeable batteries. In our third year collaborating with How2Recycle, we continue to educate customers and encourage proper recycling of our product packaging. As technology and innovative practices improve, we will continue to explore opportunities to participate in the circular economy. Water While our water consumption is modest compared with other industries, we continue to focus on reducing water consumption within our operations. We use smart irrigation controllers for efficient watering at most stores and have been exploring other water-efficient measures to increase water savings in our stores and garden centers. Additionally, we use leak detection technology to catch leaks as they occur to prevent unnecessary water use. We also have protocols in place to manage the disposal of chemicals to prevent release into waterways of the communities we serve. Corporate Responsibility Reporting Lowe’s participates in the CDP’s climate change, forests, and water security questionnaires to benchmark and quantify our environmental practices and provide transparency on our progress. Lowe’s continues to externally verify our scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and water usage data to increase confidence in our reporting. Additionally, our annual Corporate Responsibility Report is guided by the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board, the Global Reporting Initiative, and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, and we publish our Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report to assess our climate-related risks and opportunities and better understand the potential impacts on our value chain. Additional information regarding our activities related to our human capital strategy, as well as our workforce diversity data, latest community improvement projects, and sustainability efforts can be found in our Corporate Responsibility Report and Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Report, which are published annually and can be found on our website at responsibility.lowes.com. The contents of these reports are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10- K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC. Available Information Our Annual Report, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are made available free of charge through our Internet website at ir.lowes.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, 7 Table of Contents that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Item 1A - Risk Factors We describe below certain risks that could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, business reputation, or business prospects. These risk factors may change from time to time and may be amended, supplemented, or superseded by updates to the risk factors contained in our future periodic reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and reports on other forms we file with the SEC. All forward-looking statements about our future results of operations or other matters made by us in this Annual Report, in our Annual Report to Lowe’s Shareholders, and in our subsequently filed reports to the SEC, as well as in our press releases and other public communications, are qualified by the risks described below. You should read these risk factors in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8. There also may be other factors that we cannot anticipate or that are not described in this Annual Report generally because we do not currently perceive them to be material. Those factors could cause results to differ materially from our expectations. In connection with any investment decision with respect to our securities, you should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information contained in this report and our other filings with the SEC. Strategic, Competitive, Operational, and Reputational Risks We may be unable to adapt our business concept in a rapidly evolving retail environment to address the changing shopping habits, demands, and demographics of our customers. The home improvement retail environment, like the retail environment generally, is rapidly evolving, and adapting our business concept to respond to our customers’ changing shopping habits and demands and their changing demographics is critical to our future success. Our success is dependent on our ability to identify and respond to the economic, social, style, and other trends that affect demographic and consumer preferences in a variety of our merchandise categories and service offerings, as well as consumer spending. Customers’ expectations about how they wish to research, purchase, and receive products and services have also evolved. It is difficult to predict the mix of products and services that our customers will demand. As our customers expect a more personalized experience, our ability to offer more localized assortments of our merchandise to appeal to local tastes within each customer group is important to our ability to effectively meet customer expectations. Customers also have evolving preferences and expectations related to the sustainability of our products and operations. If we do not successfully differentiate the shopping experience to meet the individual needs and expectations of or within a customer group, we may lose market share with respect to those customers. Failure to identify such trends, adapt our business concept, implement an increasingly localized merchandising assortment, and implement related strategic initiatives successfully could negatively affect our relationship with our customers, the demand for the home improvement products and services we sell, the rate of growth of our business, our market share, and results of operations. We may not be able to realize the intended benefits of our strategic initiatives focused on providing an omnichannel shopping experience to our customers if we fail to deliver the capabilities required to execute on them. Our interactions with customers have evolved into an omnichannel experience as they use computers, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices to shop in our stores and online and provide feedback and public commentary about all aspects of our business. Omnichannel and digital retail is quickly evolving, and we must anticipate and meet our customers’ expectations and counteract new developments and technology investments by our competitors. Our customer-facing technology systems must appeal to our customers, function as designed, and provide a consistent customer experience. We also need to collect, use, and share relevant customer data to effectively meet customer expectations of a more personalized experience. Our ability to collect, use, and share such data is subject to a number of external factors, including the impact of legislation or regulations governing data privacy and security, as well as the change of third-party policies restricting data collection, use, and sharing. The success of our strategic initiatives to adapt our business concept to our customers’ changing shopping habits and demands and changing demographics have required us to, and will continue to require us to, deliver large, complex programs requiring integrated planning, initiative prioritization, and program sequencing. These initiatives have required, and will continue to require, new competencies in many positions, and our management, associates, and contractors have had to and will need to continue to adapt and learn new skills and capabilities. To the extent they are unable or unwilling to make these changes, we may be unable to realize the full benefits of our strategic initiatives and expand our relevant market access. Failure to realize the benefits of amounts we invest in new technologies, products, or services could result in the value of those investments being 8 Table of Contents written down or written off. In addition, to support our strategic initiatives and the related technology investments needed to implement our strategic investments, we must attract and retain a large number of skilled professionals, including technology professionals. The market for these professionals is increasingly competitive. Our results of operations, financial condition, or business prospects could also be adversely affected if we fail to provide a consistent experience for our customers, regardless of sales channel, if our technology systems do not meet our customers’ expectations, if we are unable to counteract new developments and innovations implemented by our competitors, or if we are unable to attract, retain, and manage the talent succession of additional personnel at various levels of the Company who have the skills and capabilities we need to implement our strategic initiatives and drive the changes that are essential to successfully adapting our business concept in the rapidly changing retail environment. We have many competitors who could take sales and market share from us if we fail to execute our strategic initiatives effectively, or if they develop a substantially more effective or lower cost means of meeting customer needs, resulting in a negative impact on our business and results of operations. We operate in a highly competitive market for home improvement products and services and have numerous large and small, direct and indirect competitors. The principal competitive factors in our industry include location of stores, product assortment, product pricing, in-stock levels, customer service, and the evolution of technology and customer expectations. We face growing competition from online and omnichannel retailers who have a similar product or service offering. Customers are increasingly able to quickly comparison shop and determine real-time product availability and price using digital tools. We will be at a competitive disadvantage if, over time, our competitors are more effective than us in their utilization and integration of rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Further, online and omnichannel retailers continue to focus on delivery services, as customers are increasingly seeking faster, guaranteed delivery times, including same-day and next-day fulfillment, low-price or free shipping, and convenient pick-up options, and we must make investments to keep up with our customers’ evolving shopping preferences. Our ability to be competitive on delivery times, delivery costs, and delivery options depends on many factors, including successful implementation and the continued maintenance of our initiatives related to supply chain transformation, including our market-based delivery model, and our relationships with third parties providing delivery services. Our failure to respond effectively to competitive pressures and changes in the markets for home improvement products and services could affect our financial performance. Moreover, changes in the promotional pricing and other practices of our competitors, including the effects of competitor liquidation activities, may impact our results. If we fail to hire, train, manage, and retain qualified associates or corporate support staff with the capabilities of delivering on strategic objectives, our labor costs and results of operations could be negatively impacted. Our customers expect our associates to be well trained and knowledgeable about the products we sell and the home improvement services we provide. We compete with other retailers for many of our associates, and we are experiencing a competitive labor market with low unemployment. Increasingly, our sales associates must have expanded skill sets. It is important that we attract and retain a diverse workforce that can deliver relevant, culturally competent, and differentiated experiences for a wide variety of culturally diverse customers. Additionally, in order to deliver on the omnichannel expectations of our customers and related strategic objectives, we rely on the specialized training and capabilities of corporate support staff, which are broadly sought after by our competitors. Further, our ability to successfully execute organizational changes, including management transitions within the Company's senior leadership, are critical to our business success. The loss of key executive or senior officers or our failure to adequately plan for succession of senior management personnel could impact our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. If we are unable to hire, train, manage, and retain qualified associates, the quality of service we provide to our customers may decrease and our results of operations could be negatively affected. Our ability to meet our labor needs, particularly in a competitive labor market, while controlling our costs is subject to a variety of external factors, including wage rates, the availability of and competition for talent, health care and other benefit costs, our brand image and reputation, changing demographics and the adoption of new or revised legislation or regulations governing immigration, employment, labor relations, minimum wage, health care benefits and family and medical leave. Wages are increasing across the United States, and due to competition among potential employers, we are subject to upward pressure on associate wages and employer-provided benefits, which in turn increases labor costs. Additionally, many associates are in entry-level or part-time roles with historically higher turnover rates, which leads to increased training and retention costs. Further, there is increased labor organizing activity in the United States. We are subject to labor organizing efforts from time to time, and if we become subject to collective bargaining agreements in the future, it could affect how we operate our business. Our response to any organizing efforts could be perceived negatively and harm our business and reputation. In addition to our United States operations, we have support offices in India and China, and any extended disruption of our operations in our different locations, whether due to labor difficulties or otherwise, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. 9 Table of Contents Positively and effectively managing our public image and reputation is critical to our business success, and, if our public image and reputation are damaged, it could negatively impact our relationships with our customers, vendors, associates, and shareholders, and consequently, our business and results of operations. Our public image and reputation are critical to ensuring that our customers shop at Lowe’s, our vendors want to do business with Lowe’s, and our associates want to work for Lowe’s. We must continue to manage, preserve, and grow Lowe’s public image and reputation. Lowe’s actual or perceived position or lack of position on social, environmental, political, public policy, or other sensitive issues, and any perceived lack of transparency about those matters, could harm our reputation. In addition, failure to meet our stated environmental and social goals, and consumer and shareholder concerns about our environmental and social practices are potential sources of reputational risk. Vendors and others with whom we do business may affect our reputation. Any negative incident can erode trust and confidence quickly, and adverse publicity about us could damage our reputation and brand image, undermine our customers’ confidence, reduce demand for our products and services, affect our relationships with current and future vendors, impact our results of operations, affect our ability to recruit, retain, and engage our associates, and attract regulatory scrutiny. The significant expansion in the use of social media over recent years has compounded the potential scope of the negative publicity that could be generated by such negative incidents. Additionally, our proprietary rights in our trademarks, trade names, service marks, domain names, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights are valuable assets of our business. We may not be able to prevent or even discover every instance of unauthorized third-party uses of our intellectual property or dilution of our brand names, such as when a third party uses trademarks that are identical or similar to our own. If we are unable to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, our business could be adversely affected. Failure to achieve and maintain a high level of product and service quality could damage our image with customers, expose us to litigation and negatively impact our sales, profitability, cash flows, and financial condition. Product and service quality issues could result in a negative impact on customer confidence in Lowe’s and our brand image. If our product and service offerings do not meet applicable safety standards or our customers’ expectations regarding safety or quality, we could experience lost sales and increased costs and be exposed to legal, financial and reputational risks. As a result, Lowe’s reputation as a retailer of high-quality products and services, including both national and Lowe’s private brands, could suffer and impact customer loyalty. Additionally, we and our customers have expectations on responsible sourcing and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Under our Vendor Code of Conduct, our vendors are required to meet our expectations across multiple areas of compliance, including health and safety, environmental standards, compensation, hours of work, and prohibitions on child and forced labor. Where appropriate, we request that our vendors provide additional documentation proving their compliance in these areas. If we need to seek alternative sources of supply from vendors with whom we have less familiarity, the risk of our standards not being met may increase. Actual, potential, or perceived product safety concerns or vendor non-compliance exposes us to litigation, as well as government enforcement action, and could, and in certain instances in the past has, resulted in costly product recalls, the inability to sell certain products due to customs actions, including regulatory enforcement inquiries, holds, detentions, and exclusions, and other liabilities. Our sales and profitability depend on our ability to maintain our store base and maintain appropriate levels of inventory and failure to do so may affect our business, financial condition and result of operations. We have a store base that requires maintenance, investment, and space reallocation initiatives to deliver the shopping experience that our customers desire. Our capital investments in our stores may not deliver the convenience or relevant shopping experience our customers expect. It is important that we maintain appropriate levels of inventory in our stores and supply chain facilities and respond to changing customer demands. We must also maintain a safe store environment for our customers and associates, as well as to protect against loss or theft of our inventory (known as “shrink”). Higher rates of shrink, which we have experienced from time to time, including as a result of organized retail crime, can require operational changes that may increase costs and adversely impact customer and associate experience. Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks Disruptions in our supply chain and our fulfillment network for our products due to various factors including, but not limited to, global health crises, geopolitical conflicts, trade policy changes, and additional tariffs, have affected and may continue to affect our business and results of operations. We source, stock, and sell products from domestic and international vendors, and their ability to reliably and efficiently fulfill our orders is critical to our business success. Catastrophic events, extreme weather conditions, public health crises, and global economic and political conditions may adversely affect our global supply chain. For example, impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic placed strains on the domestic and international supply chain, which negatively affected the flow and availability of our products in the past due to difficulties in timely obtaining products from the manufacturers and suppliers of our products. 10 Table of Contents We source a large number of our products from foreign manufacturers, with China being the dominant import source. Tax and trade policies, tariffs, and other regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries, especially China, increase the cost of our merchandise sourced from outside of the United States, which represents a large percentage of our private branded and national brand merchandise. It remains unclear how tax or trade policies, tariffs, customs actions, or trade relations may evolve in the future, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, effective income tax rate, liquidity, and net income. In addition, other countries may change their business and trade policies in anticipation of or in response to increased import tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy and regulations already enacted or that may be enacted in the future. The degree of our exposure is dependent on, among other things, the type of goods, rates imposed, and timing of tariffs. The impact to our business, including net sales and gross margin, will be influenced in part by merchandising and pricing strategies in response to potential cost increases by us and our competitors. While these potential impacts are uncertain, they could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Financial instability among key vendors, political instability, geopolitical or armed conflicts, and labor unrest in source countries or elsewhere in our supply chain, changes in the total costs in our supply chain (including fuel), labor costs or labor shortages among our vendors, port labor disputes and security, the outbreak of pandemics, weather-related events, natural disasters, work stoppages, shipping capacity restraints, shipping delays and disruptions, changes in trade policy, retaliatory trade restrictions imposed by either the United States or a major source country, tariffs or duties, customs actions, including regulatory enforcement inquiries, holds, detentions, and exclusions, fluctuations in transport availability, capacity, and costs are beyond our control and could negatively impact our business if they seriously disrupted the movement of products through our supply chain or increased their costs. In recent years, U.S. ports have been impacted by capacity constraints, port congestion and delays, periodic labor disputes, security issues, weather-related events, and natural disasters, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, as we add fulfillment capabilities or pursue strategies with different fulfillment requirements, our fulfillment network becomes increasingly complex and operating it becomes more challenging. If our fulfillment network does not operate properly or if a vendor fails to deliver on its commitments, we experience delays in inventory, increased delivery costs or merchandise out-of-stocks that could lead to lost sales and decreased customer confidence, and adversely affect our results of operations. The execution of initiatives to transform our supply chain network could disrupt our operations in the near term, and these investments might not provide the anticipated benefits. We continue to transform and expand our supply chain network and existing omnichannel capabilities to meet changing customer needs. These investments are designed to promote greater network capacity and better flow management and optimization while leveraging a market delivery model. Failure to choose the right investments and implement them in the right manner and at the right pace could disrupt our operations. If we are unable to effectively manage the volume, timing, nature, location, and cost of these investments, projects, and changes, our business operations and financial results could be materially and adversely affected. The cost and potential problems, defects of design, and interruptions associated with the implementation of these initiatives, including those associated with implementing new technologies, restructuring support systems and processes, securing appropriate facility locations, addressing impacts on inventory levels, and managing third-party service providers, could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations and impact our profitability. Our investments to enhance and expand our supply chain might not provide the anticipated benefits, or might take longer than expected to complete or realize anticipated benefits, or might fail altogether, each of which could adversely impact our competitive position and our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Our inability to effectively and efficiently manage and maintain our relationships with selected suppliers of both national brand and private branded products could negatively impact our business operations and financial results. We form strategic relationships, some of which are exclusive, with selected suppliers to market and develop products under a variety of recognized and respected national brand names. We also have relationships with certain suppliers to enable us to sell private branded products which differentiate us from other retailers. The inability to effectively and efficiently manage and maintain our relationships with these suppliers could negatively impact our business operations and financial results. Failure of a key vendor or service provider that we cannot quickly replace could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We rely upon a number of vendors as the sole or primary source of some of the products we sell. We also rely upon many independent service providers for technology solutions and other services that are important to many aspects of our business. Many of these vendors and service providers have certain products or specialized skills needed to support our business concept and our strategies. If these vendors or service providers discontinue operations or are unable to perform as expected, or if we 11 Table of Contents fail to manage them properly or we are unable to replace them quickly, our business could be adversely affected, at least temporarily, until we are able to replace them. Failures relating to our third-party installer program or by our third-party installers have resulted in and could result in increased operational and legal risks and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. We contract with third-party installers to provide installation services to our customers, and, as the general contractor, we are subject to regulatory requirements and risks applicable to general contractors, including certain licensing and permitting requirements, and those relating to the quality and performance of our third-party installers. We have faced investigations by one or more government agencies relating to our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including an investigation with respect to whether we are in compliance with applicable recordkeeping requirements and lead-safe practices. Any adverse result following such investigations could negatively affect our operations. In addition, failures by us or our third-party installers to effectively manage such requirements and internal processes regarding installation services have, from time to time, resulted in, and in the future could result in lost sales, fines, and lawsuits, as well as damage to our reputation, and may result in the loss of our general contractor licenses, which could negatively affect our business. Technology and Cybersecurity Risks Our financial performance could be adversely affected if our information systems or the information systems of third-party vendors are seriously disrupted or we fail to properly maintain, improve, upgrade, and expand those systems. Our efforts to provide an omnichannel experience for our customers include investing in, maintaining, and making ongoing improvements of our existing information systems that support operations, such as sales, inventory replenishment, merchandise ordering, project design and execution, transportation, receipt processing and fulfillment. We also engage third-party vendors for a variety of reasons, including for digital storage technology and content delivery. Such vendors may have access to information about our customers, associates, or vendors. Our systems and the systems of third-party vendors are subject to damage or interruption as a result of catastrophic events, power outages, viruses, malicious attacks, and telecommunications failures, or other vulnerabilities and irregularities, and as a result we may incur significant expense, data loss, as well as an erosion of customer confidence. Additionally, we continually make investments in our systems which may introduce disruption. In particular, the Company is undergoing a multi-year technology transformation which includes updating and modernizing our merchandise selling system, as well as certain accounting and finance systems. We may not be able to achieve the anticipated benefits of these investments and may experience operational challenges such as delays or errors in implementation, security failures such as loss or corruption of data, reputational harm, increased costs and other significant disruptions. Our financial performance could be adversely affected if our information systems are seriously disrupted or we fail to properly maintain, improve, upgrade, and expand those systems. The failure of customer-facing technology systems to perform effectively and reliably could keep us from delivering positive customer experiences. Access to the Internet from computers, tablets, smartphones and other mobile communication devices has empowered our customers and changed the way they shop and how we interact with them. Our websites, primarily Lowes.com, are a sales channel for our products, and are also a method of making product, project, and other relevant information available to our customers that impacts our in-store sales. Additionally, we have other affiliated websites and mobile apps through which we seek to inspire, inform, cross-sell, establish online communities among, and otherwise interact with our customers, including through online visualization and configuration tools. Performance issues with these customer-facing technology systems, including temporary outages caused by distributed denial of service, ransomware, or other cyber-attacks, or a complete failure of one or more of them without a disaster recovery plan that can be quickly implemented, could quickly destroy the positive benefits they provide to our home improvement business and negatively affect our customers’ perceptions of Lowe’s as a reliable online vendor and source of information about home improvement products and services. Our business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected by cybersecurity incidents and the failure to protect customer, associate, vendor, or Company information or to comply with evolving regulations relating to our obligation to protect our systems, assets, and such information. Cyber-attacks and tactics designed to gain access to and exploit sensitive information by breaching mission critical systems of large organizations are constantly evolving, and high profile security breaches leading to unauthorized release of sensitive customer information have occurred in recent years with increasing frequency at a number of major U.S. companies, including several large retailers, despite widespread recognition of the cyber-attack threat and improved data protection methods. 12 Table of Contents As with many other retailers, we collect, process, transmit, store, and delete certain personal information about our customers, associates, and vendors, as well as confidential, sensitive, proprietary and business, personal and payment card information. Additionally, we use third-party service providers for certain services, such as authentication, content delivery, back-office support, fraud prevention, order and service fulfillment, supply chain management, customer service, workforce management, and other functions, and we provide such third-party service providers with personal and other confidential information necessary for the services concerned. In the normal course of business, we and our third-party service providers have in the past and will likely continue to experience cybersecurity threats and incidents, and certain of our third-party service providers have been subject to disruption due to ransomware and other cyber-attacks. Although, we do not believe such cybersecurity threats or incidents have had a material impact on us to date, there is no guarantee that a future cybersecurity threat or incident will be detected and remediated to not have a material adverse impact on our business strategy, reputation, results of operations, or financial condition. It can be difficult to preempt or detect ever-evolving forms of cyber-attacks, and we and our third-party service providers may not be able to adequately anticipate or prevent a future breach in our or their systems that results in the unauthorized access to, destruction, misuse, or release of personal information or other sensitive data. The increased levels of remote access to our information systems and the continued use of remote work infrastructure has further increased the possible attack surfaces, and we are exposed to increased risk to the security of our information systems or the information systems of third-party vendors and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our data. A ransomware attack could prevent us or our third-party service providers from accessing data or systems that support Lowe’s operations. Our information security or our service providers’ information security may also be compromised because of human errors or acts, including by associates, or system errors. Our systems and our service providers’ systems are additionally vulnerable to a number of other causes, such as critical infrastructure outages, computer viruses, technology system failures, catastrophic events or cyber-attacks, including the use of malicious codes, worms, phishing, and ransomware. In the event that our systems are breached or damaged for any reason, we may also suffer loss or unavailability of data and interruptions to our business operations while such breach or damage is being remedied. Should these events occur, the unauthorized disclosure, loss, or unavailability of data and disruption to our business may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, drive existing and potential customers away and lead to financial losses from remedial actions, or potential liability, including possible litigation and punitive damages. A security breach resulting in the unauthorized release of data from our information systems or our third-party service providers’ information systems would also materially increase the costs we already incur to protect against such risks and require dedication of substantial resources to manage the aftermath of such a breach. We maintain cybersecurity insurance coverage although such insurance may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur or may not cover certain cyber incidents. Additionally, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies and the implementation of pilot programs integrating generative artificial intelligence into our internal and customer-facing systems may intensify our cybersecurity risks and create new risks to our business, operations, and financial condition. Data privacy and cybersecurity laws are constantly changing, and the implementation of these laws has become more complex. In order to maintain our compliance with such laws as they come to fruition, we may sustain increased costs and change our business policies and processes in order to adapt to new requirements that are or become applicable to us. As the regulatory environment relating to retailers’ and other companies’ obligation to protect personal information becomes stricter, a material failure on our part to comply with applicable regulations could subject us to fines, other regulatory sanctions, or government investigation, and potentially to lawsuits brought by private individuals, regulators or states’ attorney general. Such violation or perceived violation of privacy, including improper collection, use of sharing of personal information, or failure to sufficiently disclose privacy practice, can adversely affect the trust that customers, associates, and business partners have in us related to their personal information. See Item 1C of this Form 10-K, “Cybersecurity,” for more information on our cybersecurity risk management and governance. We are subject to payments-related risks that could increase our operating costs, expose us to fraud, subject us to potential liability and potentially disrupt our business. We accept payments using a variety of methods, including credit cards, debit cards, credit accounts, our private label and co- branded credit cards, trade credit, mobile and electronic payments, gift cards, cash, consumer invoicing and physical bank checks, and we may offer different payment options over time. These payment options subject us to many compliance requirements, including, but not limited to, compliance with payment card association operating rules, including data security rules, certification requirements, rules governing electronic funds transfers and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. They also subject us to potential fraud by criminal elements seeking to discover and take advantage of security vulnerabilities that may exist in some of these payment systems. If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, or if our data security systems are breached or compromised, we may be liable for card issuing banks’ costs, subject to fines and higher transaction 13 Table of Contents fees, and lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments from our customers, process electronic funds transfers, or facilitate other types of online payments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time and raise our operating costs. Additionally, we rely on third parties to provide payment processing services, including the processing of credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, gift cards, promotional financing, and other forms of electronic payment, and it could disrupt our business if these companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us. National outages with our third-party credit and debit processor have resulted in lost sales and declined transactions after purchases. Future occurrences of such failures in third party systems are difficult to predict and may adversely affect our operations in unexpected ways. Investment-Related Risks 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, we have recognized material impairments in the past and may do so in the future, including in connection with assets we have acquired or divested in a strategic transaction or charges to earnings associated with any strategic transaction, which have and may in the future materially reduce our earnings. For example, in fiscal 2022, the Company recorded pre-tax impairment, loss on sale, and other closing costs of $2.5 billion related to the sale of its Canadian retail business, which reduced earnings for fiscal 2022. Our shareholders may react unfavorably to our strategic transactions and strategic transactions may also be subject to regulatory uncertainty due to the changing enforcement landscape. We may not realize the anticipated benefits from 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. Legal, Regulatory and Other External Risks Our sales are dependent upon the health and stability of the general economy. Adverse changes in macroeconomic factors specific to the home improvement industry may negatively impact the rate of growth of our total sales and comparable sales. Many macroeconomic factors may adversely affect our financial performance. These include, but are not limited to, periods of slow economic growth or recession, home price appreciation or decreasing housing turnover, age of housing stock, volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing to Lowe’s and its customers, slower rates of growth in real disposable personal income that could affect the rate of growth in consumer spending, inflation and its impacts on discretionary spending and on our costs, shortages, and other disruptions in the labor supply, the impact of rising interest rates, consumer debt levels, changes in tax rates and policy, outbreak of pandemics, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, geopolitical or armed conflicts, and acts of both domestic and international terrorism. Additionally, in fiscal 2023, we continued to operate in an environment with inflationary pressures and higher interest rates. In particular, if cost inflation of merchandise increases beyond our ability to control or respond effectively, we may not be able to adjust prices to sufficiently offset the effect of the various cost increases without negatively impacting consumer demand. Sales of many of our product categories and services are driven by the activity level of home improvement projects. Adverse development in these factors could result in a decrease in home improvement activity which could reduce demand for our products and services. Our business could be affected by uncharacteristic or significant weather conditions, including natural disasters and changes in climate, as well as other catastrophic events, which could impact our operations. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes; unseasonable, or unexpected or extreme weather conditions, such as major or extended winter storms or droughts, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise; severe changes in climate; pandemics and public health concerns; acts of terrorism or violence, including active shooter situations; civil unrest; or similar disruptions and catastrophic events can affect consumer spending and confidence and 14 Table of Contents consumers’ disposable income, particularly with respect to home improvement or construction projects, and could have an adverse effect on our financial performance. Natural disasters or catastrophic climate events may increase demand for certain of our products, and if we are unable to meet such customer demands, our reputation, business, and financial operations could be harmed, particularly if our responses to such events are less adequate than those of our competitors. These types of events can also adversely affect our workforce and prevent associates and customers from reaching our stores and other facilities. They can also disrupt or disable operations of stores, support centers, and portions of our supply chain and distribution network, including causing reductions in the availability of inventory and disruption of utility services. In addition, these events may affect our information systems, resulting in disruption to various aspects of our operations, including our ability to transact with customers and fulfill orders and to communicate with our stores. Unseasonable, unexpected or extreme weather conditions such as excessive precipitation, warm temperatures during the winter season, or prolonged or extreme periods of warm or cold temperatures, could render a portion of our inventory damaged or unsellable. As a consequence of these or other catastrophic or uncharacteristic events, we may experience interruption to our operations, increased costs, or losses of property, equipment or inventory, which would adversely affect our revenue and profitability. Our business and operations are subject to risks related to the long-term effects of global climate change. Our business and operations are subject to climate-related risks. These include both physical risks (such as extreme weather conditions or rising sea levels) and transition risks (such as regulatory or technology changes), which are expected to be widespread and unpredictable. Climate change, extreme weather conditions, wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels may impact the areas in which the Company’s operations and facilities are located, and they could also affect our ability to procure commodities at costs and in quantities we currently experience. Such events could result in an increase in our costs and expenses and harm our future revenue, cash flows, and financial performance. Government regulations limiting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions may increase compliance and merchandise costs, and other regulations affecting energy inputs could materially affect our profitability. In addition, we use natural gas, diesel fuel, gasoline and electricity in our operations, all of which could face increased regulation as a result of climate change or other environmental concerns. Our costs of doing business could increase as a result of changes in, expanded enforcement of, or adoption of new federal, state or local laws and regulations. Our business is subject to a wide array of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In recent years, a number of new laws and regulations have been adopted, and there has been expanded enforcement of certain existing laws and regulations by federal, state, and local agencies. These laws and regulations, and related interpretations and enforcement activity, may change as a result of a variety of factors, including political, economic, or social events. Changes in, expanded enforcement of, or adoption of new federal, state or local laws and regulations governing minimum wage requirements, collective bargaining, the classification of exempt and non-exempt employees, the distinction between employees and contractors, other wage, labor or workplace regulations, health care, data privacy and cybersecurity, the sale and pricing of some of our products, transportation, logistics, international trade, responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, taxes, unclaimed property, sustainability, the environment and climate change, including energy costs and consumption, could increase our costs of doing business or impact our operations. In addition, if we fail to comply with other applicable laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local anti-bribery laws, we could be subject to reputational and legal risks, including government enforcement action and class action civil litigation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements, negatively affecting our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are, and in the future will become, involved in lawsuits, including consumer, commercial, employment, tort and other litigation, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. Some of these proceedings raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties and complexities. The timing of the final resolutions to lawsuits, regulatory inquiries and governmental and other legal proceedings is typically uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes of, or resolutions to, these proceedings could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments. Furthermore, defending against these proceedings may require a diversion of management’s attention and resources. None of the legal proceedings in which we are currently involved, individually or collectively, are considered material. The inflation or deflation of commodity and other prices could affect our prices, demand for our products, and our sales. Prices of certain commodity products, including lumber, copper, energy, and other raw materials, are historically volatile and are subject to fluctuations arising from changes in domestic and international supply and demand, inflationary pressures, labor costs, competition, market speculation, government regulations, tariffs and trade restrictions, and periodic delays in delivery. Rapid and significant changes in commodity and other prices, such as changes in lumber prices, and our ability to pass them on to our customers or manage them through our portfolio strategy, have affected, and may continue to affect, the demand for our products and our sales. 15 Table of Contents Tax matters could adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions. We may be affected by higher rates of federal, state, or local tax imposed as a result of political developments or economic conditions, which could affect our effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate and future tax liability could be adversely affected by regulatory and legal changes, the results of tax audits and examinations, disallowed tax strategies, and changes in accounting principles and interpretations relating to tax matters, all of which could negatively impact our business. Changes in tax laws and regulations that impact our customers and counterparties or the economy generally may also impact our financial condition and results of operations. Liquidity and access to capital rely on efficient, rational, and open capital markets and are dependent on our credit strength. Our inability to access capital markets could negatively affect our business, financial performance, and results of operations. We rely on cash flows from operations, as well as continued access to capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis, as needed, to fund our operations, make strategic investments to support long-term growth, return excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, and repay debt maturities as they become due. Our access to capital markets depends on our strong credit ratings, the overall condition of such capital markets and our operating performance. If rating agencies lower or place our credit ratings on a credit watch, or if we experience a deterioration of certain financial ratios, it could adversely affect our ability to access the public debt markets and our cost of funds. Each of the credit rating agencies reviews its ratings periodically, and there is no guarantee that our current credit ratings will remain the same. Disruption in the financial markets, including as a result of rising interest rates, bank failures or other macroeconomic conditions, or an erosion of our credit strength or declines on our credit rating could impact negatively our ability to meet capital requirements or fund working capital needs. Item 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments None. Item 1C - Cybersecurity We maintain a robust cybersecurity program that we have designed with the goal of identifying, deterring, detecting, responding to, and managing potential cybersecurity risks and threats. Risk Management and Strategy Risk management is a central part of our cybersecurity program. We conduct regular risk assessments and monitor our information systems for potential vulnerabilities. We employ a risk quantification model to identify, measure, and prioritize cybersecurity and technology risks, and we implement corresponding security controls and safeguards based on model outputs. In addition to cybersecurity risks being tracked, managed, and monitored directly by the information security group, cybersecurity risks are also integrated into, and are among the risks evaluated and considered by, our enterprise risk management program. The Company’s Chief Legal Officer provides centralized oversight of our enterprise risk management program, which is managed by our Chief Compliance Officer and the Office of Enterprise Risk Management in partnership with the Enterprise Risk Council (ERC). The ERC is comprised of senior Company leaders with broad enterprise experience, including our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Processes and Procedures We have adopted physical, technological, and administrative controls on cybersecurity. Our risk management processes include, among others, the following features: • We leverage the National Institute of Standards and Technology security frameworks as well as established internal security standards, industry practices, and applicable regulatory requirements. Our program is designed to comply with a range of applicable industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. • We maintain cybersecurity insurance coverage that provides protection against potential losses arising from certain cybersecurity incidents. • We require that cybersecurity awareness and data privacy training, along with company-wide and tailored training programs, be provided to associates annually. We also regularly conduct phishing and social engineering simulations, and host events to increase awareness, including an annual cybersecurity awareness summit and monthly campaigns. 16 Table of Contents • We have a cybersecurity incident response plan in place which provides a framework for responding to cybersecurity incidents. Our information security team leverages technologies and vendors to monitor and respond to security threats via a dedicated security operations center. In the event of a security incident, a defined procedure outlines containment, response, and recovery actions that draw on resources and leadership across the Company, as needed. • A cross-functional team conducts periodic simulated exercises, and we perform regular vulnerability scanning and conduct vulnerability testing during the software development life cycle. • We collaborate with internal stakeholders and third-party assessors and consultants to conduct regular reviews, tests, and audits of our security program. This coordinated approach reviews security controls that safeguard our information assets, including payment information, through processes such as security control assessments and third- party penetration testing. Additionally, we utilize tabletop exercises, penetration and vulnerability testing, red team exercises, simulations, and other evaluations to improve our security measures and strategies. • We also participate in various cybersecurity and retail industry groups to remain apprised of emerging cybersecurity risks, defense, mitigation strategies, and governance best practices. Third-Party Risk Management Our cybersecurity risk management processes extend to the oversight and identification of threats associated with our use of third-party service providers. We have developed contracting processes and terms to gain commitments from certain vendors and third-party service providers to adhere to appropriate security practices and outline specific security requirements and expectations, including compliance with industry standards, applicable laws and regulations, and our internal security policies. We regularly evaluate and assess vendor risk levels based on a variety of factors, such as the nature of shared data, potential impact to business continuity, and vendors' security posture. Our processes extend beyond initial evaluations to include proactive monitoring and routine oversight. Cybersecurity incidents and risks of which we are aware as of the date of this Form 10-K have not materially affected our business strategy, results of operations, and financial condition, although we face ongoing risks from cybersecurity threats that, if realized, are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, reputation, results of operations, or financial condition. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our cybersecurity-related risks. Governance Our Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), our CISO, and senior members of our information security group are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks from cybersecurity threats. Our CISO, who manages our cybersecurity program and receives information regarding cybersecurity incidents and threats from our information security group and through internal escalation procedures, reports to the CDIO, who reports directly to our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The CDIO has served in various roles in information technology for over 25 years, holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical and electronics engineering and computer science, and brings significant insights into cybersecurity strategies. The CISO has served in various roles in information security for over 30 years, including serving as a CISO of four public companies. The senior members of the information security group who report to the CISO have extensive experience in technology and security roles from serving with several large public companies and possess cybersecurity certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified Information Systems Auditor, among others. Oversight responsibility over cybersecurity risk is shared by the Board and the Audit Committee, with the Audit Committee being primarily responsible for overseeing risks related to cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy matters. The Audit Committee regularly reviews metrics about cyber threat response preparedness, program maturity milestones, risk mitigation status, and the current and emerging threat landscape, in addition to the results of third-party reviews and assessments of our security controls. Our CDIO or CISO provide regular cybersecurity updates in the form of written reports and presentations to the Audit Committee at its quarterly meetings, which are also provided to the full Board. We also have protocols by which certain cybersecurity incidents are escalated and, where appropriate, reported to the Audit Committee in a timely manner. 17 Table of Contents Item 2 - Properties As of February 2, 2024, our properties consisted of 1,746 stores and outlets in the United States with a total of approximately 195 million square feet of selling space. A summary of our stores is as follows: State Stores State Stores Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri 39 5 32 21 Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire 112 New Jersey 29 17 10 1 129 64 4 8 37 43 11 12 42 30 11 29 28 45 10 24 47 New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Total 5 5 17 13 40 14 70 116 3 84 29 14 83 5 51 3 60 144 17 2 69 35 18 8 1 1,746 Of the total stores operating as of February 2, 2024, approximately 89% are owned, which includes stores on leased land, with the remainder being leased from third parties. We also operate several facilities to support distribution and fulfillment, as well as data centers and various support offices. Our executive offices are located in Mooresville, North Carolina. Item 3 - Legal Proceedings The Company is from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, the Company records reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. SEC rules establish a threshold of $300,000 for purposes of disclosing environmental proceedings involving a governmental authority. The Company maintains liability insurance for certain risks that are subject to certain self-insurance limits. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the U.S. EPA’s Region 9 Office have been conducting an investigation with respect to whether the Company and independent contractors who performed installations under the Company’s third-party installer program complied with applicable recordkeeping requirements and lead-safe practices under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rules, and with an EPA civil consent 18 Table of Contents decree that the Company entered into in 2014 in the context of projects in homes constructed before 1978. In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the EPA’s Region 5 and other EPA and U.S. Department of Justice representatives informed the Company that they have identified possible deviations from the consent decree. While we cannot predict the ultimate outcomes of these matters, we do not expect them to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. 19 Table of Contents INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Set forth below is a list of names and ages of the executive officers of the registrant indicating all positions and offices with the registrant held by each such person and each person’s principal occupations or employment during the past five years unless otherwise noted. Each executive officer of the registrant is elected by the Board of Directors. Each executive officer of the registrant holds office from the date of election until a successor is elected or until his or her death, resignation or removal. Name Marvin R. Ellison Age 59 William P. Boltz Janice M. Dupré 61 59 Seemantini Godbole 54 Joseph M. McFarland III 54 Juliette W. Pryor 59 Brandon J. Sink 46 Margrethe R. Vagell 46 Quonta D. Vance 50 Title Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2021; President and Chief Executive Officer, July 2018 – May 2021; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (a department store retailer), 2016 – May 2018; Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 2015 – 2016; President, J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 2014 – 2015; Executive Vice President – U.S. Stores, The Home Depot, Inc. (a home improvement retailer) 2008 – 2014. Executive Vice President, Merchandising since August 2018; President and CEO, Chervon North America (a global power tool supplier), 2015 – 2018; President and owner of The Boltz Group, LLC (a retail consulting firm), 2013 – 2015; Senior Vice President, Merchandising, The Home Depot, Inc. (a home improvement retailer), 2010 – 2012; Vice President, Merchandising, The Home Depot, Inc., 2006 – 2010. Executive Vice President, Human Resources since June 2020; Senior Vice President, Talent Management & Diversity and Global Chief Diversity Officer, January 2020 – June 2020; Vice President, Leadership Development and Global Chief Diversity Officer, November 2017 – January 2020; Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, McKesson Corporation (a healthcare company), June 2015 – October 2017. Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Information Officer since September 2022; Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, November 2018 – September 2022; Senior Vice President, Digital and Marketing Technology, Target Corporation (a department store retailer), January 2017 – November 2018; Vice President, Digital and Marketing Technology, Target Corporation, 2013 – December 2016. Executive Vice President, Stores since August 2018; Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (a department store retailer), March 2018 – August 2018; Executive Vice President, Stores, J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 2016 – March 2018; Divisional President, The Home Depot, Inc. (a home improvement retailer), 2007 – 2015. Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary since March 2024; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, May 2023 – March 2024; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (a food and drug retail company), June 2020 – May 2023; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Cox Enterprises, Inc. (a multi-industry communications and automotive services company), October 2016 – June 2020; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, US Foods, Inc. (a food service distribution company), February 2009 – October 2016. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since April 2022; Senior Vice President, Retail Finance, March 2021 – April 2022; Vice President, Merchandising Finance, June 2019 – March 2021; Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, August 2018 – June 2019; Vice President, Finance, September 2016 – August 2018; Vice President, Corporate Controller, July 2015 – September 2016. Executive Vice President, Supply Chain since March 2024; Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, January 2024 – March 2024; Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, June 2019 – January 2024; Senior Vice President, Store Merchandising, September 2018 – June 2019; Vice President, Chief Customer Officer Operations, July 2017 – September 2018; Vice President, Enterprise Analytics, November 2015 – July 2017; Vice President, Pricing and Promotions, October 2014 – November 2015. Executive Vice President, Pro and Home Services since June 2023; Senior Vice President, Transportation and Final Mile, November 2022 – June 2023; Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, January 2021 – November 2022; Division President, May 2019 – January 2021; Regional Vice President, The Home Depot, Inc. (a home improvement retailer), February 2001 – May 2018. 20 Table of Contents Part II Item 5 - Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Lowe’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ticker symbol for Lowe’s is “LOW”. As of March 21, 2024, there were 20,676 holders of record of Lowe’s common stock. Total Return to Shareholders The following information in Item 5 of this Annual Report is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing. The following table and graph compare the total returns (assuming reinvestment of dividends) of the Company’s common stock, the S&P 500 Index (S&P 500) and the S&P Retailing Industry Group Index (S&P Retail Index). The graph assumes $100 invested on February 1, 2019, in the Company’s common stock and each of the indices. Lowe’s S&P 500 S&P Retail Index 2/1/2019 1/31/2020 1/29/2021 1/28/2022 2/3/2023 2/2/2024 $ 100.00 $ 121.99 $ 178.04 $ 254.28 $ 238.42 $ 100.00 100.00 121.54 120.61 142.49 170.52 172.39 180.58 163.57 152.80 247.39 199.26 210.02 21 Lowe’sS&P 500S&P Retail Index2/1/20191/31/20201/29/20211/28/20222/3/20232/2/2024$0$100$200$300 Table of Contents Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of the Company’s common stock made during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023: Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs2 Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs2, 3 Total Number of Shares Purchased1 Average Price Paid per Share 198.14 223.14 216.18 216.19 November 4, 2023 - December 1, 2023 2,089 December 2, 2023 - January 5, 2024 1,850,715 January 6, 2024 - February 2, 2024 1,852,961 $ As of February 2, 2024 1 The total number of shares purchased includes shares withheld from employees to satisfy either the exercise price of stock options or the — $ 14,986,000,605 14,986,000,605 — 14,586,002,236 1,850,264 1,850,264 $ 14,586,002,236 157 $ statutory withholding tax liability upon the vesting of share-based awards. 2 On December 7, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized an additional $15.0 billion of share repurchases with no expiration. 3 Excludes excise tax on share repurchases in excess of issuances, which is recognized as part of the cost basis of the shares acquired in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ (deficit)/equity. Item 6 - Reserved Not applicable. 22 Table of Contents Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources during the two-year period ended February 2, 2024 (our fiscal years 2023 and 2022). Unless otherwise noted, all references herein for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021 represent the fiscal years ended February 2, 2024, February 3, 2023, and January 28, 2022, respectively. Fiscal years 2023 and 2021 contained 52 weeks of operating results compared to fiscal year 2022, which contained 53 weeks. We intend for this discussion to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from year to year, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 The following table highlights our annual financial results: (in millions, except per share data) Net sales Net earnings Diluted earnings per share Adjusted diluted earnings per share2 2023 $ 86,377 20221 $ 97,059 2021 $ 96,250 7,726 6,437 8,442 $ 13.20 13.09 $ 10.17 13.81 $ 12.04 N/A Net cash provided by operating activities $ 8,140 $ 8,589 $ 10,113 Capital expenditures Repurchases of common stock3 Cash dividend payments 1 The fiscal year ended February 3, 2023 had 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended February 2, 2024 and January 28, 2022 had 52 weeks 2 Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. See below for additional information and a reconciliation of non- 13,074 14,128 1,984 2,370 1,853 1,964 2,531 1,829 6,334 GAAP measures. 3 Repurchases of common stock on a trade-date basis. Net sales for fiscal 2023 decreased 11.0% from fiscal 2022 to $86.4 billion. Prior year sales included approximately $1.4 billion due to the 53rd week, as well as $5.0 billion generated by our Canadian retail business, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Comparable sales for fiscal 2023 decreased 4.7%, consisting of a 4.6% decrease in comparable customer transactions, and a 0.1% decrease in comparable average ticket. Net earnings for fiscal 2023 increased 20.0% to $7.7 billion. Diluted earnings per common share increased 29.8% in fiscal 2023 to $13.20 from $10.17 in fiscal 2022. Included in fiscal 2023 results is pre-tax income of $63 million associated with the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business, which increased diluted earnings per share by $0.11. Included in the fiscal 2022 results is $2.5 billion of pre-tax costs associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business consisting of long-lived asset impairment, loss on sale, and additional closing costs, which decreased diluted earnings per share by $3.64. Adjusting for these items, adjusted diluted earnings per common share decreased 5.2% to $13.09 in 2023 from adjusted diluted earnings per common share of $13.81 in 2022 (see the non-GAAP financial measures discussion). For fiscal 2023, cash flows from operating activities were $8.1 billion, with $2.0 billion used for capital expenditures. Continuing to deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, the Company repurchased $6.3 billion of common stock and paid $2.5 billion in dividends during the year. 23 Table of Contents Persistent macroeconomic pressures impacted our DIY customer demand in fiscal 2023, particularly in bigger-ticket purchases. While DIY demand remains uncertain, we are committed to highlighting value and convenience, both in our stores and online, to a price-conscious consumer, while maintaining a balanced focus on profitability. Despite lumber deflation, we generated positive Pro customer comparable sales for the year, supported by the investments we have made in our Pro customer offerings. In addition, our Perpetual Productivity Improvement (PPI) initiatives allowed us the flexibility to control costs and respond to changes in demand. Our omnichannel investments enabled improved technology capabilities across our stores, as well as an enhanced customer experience. The core demand drivers of our business that we track are disposable personal income, home price appreciation, and the age of the housing stock. Trends such as millennial household formation, elderly preference to age in place, and a persistence of remote work support the home improvement market, and we believe we are well-positioned to execute our strategic plan. Our focus will remain on making the right investments in our Total Home strategy while executing on our PPI initiatives through the near-term market uncertainty to drive meaningful long-term shareholder value. OPERATIONS The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of each line item of the consolidated statements of earnings. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and analysis and the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Net sales Gross margin Expenses: Selling, general and administrative Depreciation and amortization Operating income Interest – net Pre-tax earnings Income tax provision Net earnings 2023 100.00 % 33.39 2022 100.00 % 33.23 2021 100.00 % 33.30 18.02 1.99 13.38 1.60 11.78 2.83 8.95 % 20.94 1.82 10.47 1.16 9.31 2.68 6.63 % 19.01 1.73 12.56 0.92 11.64 2.87 8.77 % Basis Point Increase/(Decrease) in Percentage of Net Sales 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021 16 (292) 17 291 44 247 15 232 (7) 193 9 (209) 24 (233) (19) (214) 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, including the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Other Metrics Comparable sales (decrease)/increase2 Total customer transactions (in millions) Average ticket3 At end of year: Number of stores 2023 20221 2021 (4.7) % 835 (0.9) % 937 $ 103.51 $ 103.64 $ 6.9 % 1,002 96.09 1,746 1,738 1,971 Sales floor square feet (in millions) Average store size selling square feet (in thousands)4 Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity Return on invested capital5 1 The fiscal year ended February 3, 2023 had 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended February 2, 2024 and January 28, 2022 had 52 weeks. 2 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 have decided to close is no longer considered comparable as of the beginning of the month in which we announce its closing. Operating locations which are sold are included in comparable sales until the date of sale. Comparable sales include online sales, which positively impacted comparable sales in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022, and fiscal 2021 by approximately 25 32.3 % 35.3 % 26.6 % 31.6 % 36.4 % 30.4 % 208 195 195 112 106 112 24 Table of Contents basis points, 45 basis points, and 150 basis points, respectively. The comparable sales calculation for fiscal 2022 was calculated using sales for a comparable 52-week period. 3 Average ticket is defined as net sales divided by the total number of customer transactions. 4 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. 5 Return on invested capital is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. See below for additional information and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures. Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022 For the purpose of the following discussion, comparable store sales, comparable customer transactions, and comparable average ticket are based upon comparable 52-week periods. Net Sales – Net sales decreased 11.0% to $86.4 billion in fiscal 2023. The decrease in total sales was driven by the sale of the Canadian retail business in fiscal 2022, the impact of the 53rd week in fiscal 2022, and a decrease in comparable sales. Prior year sales included $5.0 billion generated by our Canadian retail business, as well as approximately $1.4 billion due to the 53rd week. Comparable sales decreased 4.7% over the same period, driven by a 4.6% decline in comparable customer transactions and 0.1% decline in comparable average ticket. Comparable sales change during each quarter of the fiscal year, as reported, were declines of 4.3% in the first quarter, 1.6% in the second quarter, 7.4% in the third quarter, and 6.2% in the fourth quarter. During fiscal 2023, we experienced comparable sales increases in two of 14 product categories: Building Materials and Lawn & Garden. Strength in Building Materials reflects strong demand from Pro customers while Lawn & Garden benefited from seasonal demand in the first half of the year. Our DIY customer categories were impacted by lower DIY discretionary demand, particularly in bigger-ticket items, as consumers continue to navigate the macroeconomic environment. Our lowest comparable sales were in Lumber which were pressured by significant commodity deflation. Gross Margin – Gross margin as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2023 leveraged 16 basis points compared to fiscal 2022. The gross margin increase for the year was driven by productivity initiatives and lower transportation costs, partially offset by higher costs associated with the expansion of our supply chain network. SG&A – SG&A expense for fiscal 2023 leveraged 292 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to fiscal 2022. This was primarily driven by cycling the long-lived asset impairment, loss on sale, and other closing costs associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business in the prior year, and two favorable legal settlements in the current year, partially offset by fixed cost deleverage due to lower sales. Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization expense deleveraged 17 basis points for fiscal 2023 as a percentage of sales compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to lower sales. Interest – Net – Net interest expense is comprised of the following: (In millions) Interest expense, net of amount capitalized Amortization of original issue discount and loan costs Interest on tax uncertainties Interest income Interest – net $ 2023 2022 1,459 $ 23 1 (101) 1,137 20 3 (37) $ 1,382 $ 1,123 Net interest expense in fiscal 2023 deleveraged 44 basis points primarily due to incremental interest expense related to the issuance of unsecured notes over the past year, partially offset by interest income on our cash equivalents and short-term investments. Income Tax Provision – Our effective income tax rate was 24.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to 28.8% in fiscal 2022. The fiscal 2022 rate was unfavorably impacted by the partial deductibility of long-lived asset impairment and loss on sale associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business. Fiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021 For a comparison of our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources for the fiscal years ended February 3, 2023, and January 28, 2022, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 25 Table of Contents and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2023. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Adjusted diluted earnings per share is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful insight for analysts and investors in understanding operational performance for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of a certain item, further described below, not contemplated in the Company’s business outlook for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 Impacts • In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company recognized pre-tax income of $63 million consisting of a realized gain on the contingent consideration and adjustments to the selling price associated with the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business (Canadian retail business transaction). 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. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company recognized additional pre-tax costs totaling $441 million, consisting of the loss on the sale and other closing costs associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business (Canadian retail business transaction). Adjusted diluted earnings per share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful indicator of, the Company’s diluted earnings per common share as prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s methods of determining this non- GAAP financial measure may differ from the method used by other companies and may not be comparable. Diluted earnings per share, as reported Non-GAAP adjustments – per share impacts Pre-Tax Earnings 2023 Tax1 Net Earnings 13.20 $ Pre-Tax Earnings 2022 Tax1 Net Earnings 10.17 $ Canadian retail business transaction Adjusted diluted earnings per share 1 Represents the corresponding tax benefit or expense specifically related to the item excluded from adjusted diluted earnings per share. (0.31) $ (0.11) 13.09 (0.11) 3.95 — $ 3.64 13.81 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: 26 Table of Contents (In millions, except percentage data) Calculation of Return on Invested Capital Numerator Net earnings Plus: Interest expense – net Operating lease interest Provision for income taxes Lease adjusted net operating profit Less: Income tax adjustment1 Lease adjusted net operating profit after tax 2023 2022 2021 $ 7,726 $ 6,437 $ 8,442 1,382 157 2,449 1,123 163 2,599 11,714 10,322 885 160 2,766 12,253 2,819 8,895 2,970 7,352 3,024 9,229 $ $ $ $ 24,418 $ 24,155 $ 26,109 31.6 % 26.6 % 32.3 % Denominator Average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity2 Net earnings to average debt and shareholders’ (deficit)/equity Return on invested capital3 35.3 % 1 Income tax adjustment is defined as net operating profit multiplied by the effective tax rate, which was 24.1%, 28.8%, and 24.7% for fiscal 30.4 % 36.4 % 2023, fiscal 2022, and fiscal 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 For fiscal 2022, ROIC was negatively impacted approximately 800 basis points as a result of the sale of the Canadian retail business. FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Sources of Liquidity Cash flows from operations, combined with our continued access to capital markets on both a short-term and long-term basis, as needed, remain adequate to fund our operations, make strategic investments to support long-term growth, return excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, and repay debt maturities as they become due. We believe these sources of liquidity will continue to support our business for the next twelve months. As of February 2, 2024, we held $921 million of cash and cash equivalents, as well as $4.0 billion in undrawn capacity on our revolving credit facilities. As of February 2, 2024, our material contractual obligations and commercial commitments consist of leases, long-term debt, purchase obligations, and letters of credit. See Note 5, Note 7, and Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, of this Annual Report for amounts outstanding related to leases, long-term debt, and commitments, respectively, as of February 2, 2024. Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities (In millions) Net cash provided by operating activities 2023 2022 $ 8,140 $ 8,589 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 year ended February 2, 2024, compared to the year ended February 3, 2023, was primarily due to timing of income tax payments and lower net earnings adjusted for non-cash expenses, partially offset by other changes in working capital. Other operating liabilities decreased operating cash flows $2.1 billion for fiscal 2023. This decrease is primarily driven by our third and fourth quarter fiscal 2022 estimated federal tax payments that were deferred until the first quarter of fiscal 2023 under the income tax relief announced by the Internal Revenue Service for businesses located in states impacted by Hurricane Ian. Inventory increased operating cash flow for fiscal 2023 by approximately $1.6 billion compared to a decrease of $2.6 billion in fiscal 2022. Inventory declined in the current year as we managed inventory replenishment in line with sales trends and improved the timing of the spring product build. 27 Table of Contents Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (In millions) Net cash used in investing activities 2023 2022 $ (1,901) $ (1,309) 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. Capital expenditures were $2.0 billion in fiscal 2023 and $1.8 billion in fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2024, our guidance for capital expenditures is approximately $2.0 billion. We may adjust our capital expenditures, if necessary or appropriate, to support our operations, to enhance long-term strategic positioning, or in response to the economic environment. Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities (In millions) Net cash used in financing activities 2023 2022 $ (6,666) $ (7,049) Net cash used in financing activities primarily consist of transactions related to our debt, share repurchases, and cash dividend payments. Total Debt In fiscal 2023, we issued $3.0 billion of unsecured notes in March 2023, the proceeds of which were designated for general corporate purposes. Also in fiscal 2023, we paid approximately $500 million due to the scheduled payoff of notes at maturity. We have a $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving third amended and restated credit agreement (the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), with a syndicate of banks, which has a maturity date of December 2026 and an aggregate availability of $2.0 billion. We also have a $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving amended and restated credit agreement dated September 1, 2023 (the 2023 Credit Agreement), with a syndicate of banks, which has a maturity date of September 2028 and an aggregate availability of $2.0 billion. Subject to obtaining commitments from the lenders and satisfying other conditions specified in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the 2023 Credit Agreement (collectively, the Credit Agreements), the Company may increase the combined aggregate availability of the Credit Agreements by an additional $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreements support our commercial paper program. The amount available to be drawn under the Credit Agreements is reduced by the amount of borrowings under our commercial paper program. There were no outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program or Credit Agreements as of February 2, 2024. Total combined availability under the Credit Agreements as of February 2, 2024, was $4.0 billion. Outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program were $499 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.78%, as of February 3, 2023. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreements as of February 3, 2023. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the 2023 Credit Agreement contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of February 2, 2024. 28 Table of Contents The following table includes additional information related to our debt for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022: (In millions, except for interest rate data) Net proceeds from issuance of debt Repayment of debt Net change in commercial paper Maximum commercial paper outstanding at any period Short-term borrowings outstanding at year-end Weighted-average interest rate of short-term borrowings outstanding Share Repurchases $ $ $ $ $ 2023 2022 $ $ $ $ $ 2,983 (601) (499) 2,195 — — % 9,667 (867) 499 2,470 499 4.78 % 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 on share-based payments. Shares repurchased are returned to authorized and unissued status. The following table provides, on a settlement date basis, the total number of shares repurchased, average price paid per share, and the total amount paid for share repurchases for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022: (In millions, except per share data) Total amount paid for share repurchases1 Total number of shares repurchased Average price paid per share 1 Excludes unsettled share repurchases and unpaid excise taxes. 2023 2022 $ $ 6,138 $ 14,124 29.2 71.2 210.07 $ 198.39 As of February 2, 2024, we had $14.6 billion remaining under our share repurchase program with no expiration date. Dividends In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we increased our quarterly dividend payment by 5% to $1.10 per share. Our dividend payment dates are established such that dividends are paid in the quarter immediately following the quarter in which they are declared. The following table provides additional information related to our dividend payments for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022: (In millions, except per share data and percentage data) Total cash dividend payments Dividends paid per share Dividend payout ratio Capital Resources 2023 2022 $ $ 2,531 4.30 $ $ 2,370 3.70 33 % 37 % We expect to continue to have access to the capital markets on both short-term and long-term bases when needed for liquidity purposes by issuing commercial paper or new long-term debt. The availability and the borrowing costs of these funds could be adversely affected, however, by a downgrade of our debt ratings or a deterioration of certain financial ratios. The table below reflects our debt ratings by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s as of March 25, 2024, which is disclosed to provide an enhanced 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 the option to refinance our debt as it becomes due. Our commercial paper and senior debt ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Debt Ratings Commercial Paper Senior Debt Outlook S&P A-2 BBB+ Stable Moody’s P-2 Baa1 Stable There are no provisions in any agreements that would require early cash settlement of existing debt or leases as a result of a downgrade in our debt rating or a decrease in our stock price. 29 Table of Contents CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included herein. We believe that the following accounting policies affect the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Merchandise Inventory Description We record an obsolete inventory reserve for the anticipated loss associated with selling inventories below cost. This reserve is based on our current knowledge with respect to inventory levels, sales trends and historical experience. During fiscal 2023, our reserve increased approximately $106 million to $245 million as of February 2, 2024. We also record an inventory reserve for the estimated shrinkage between physical inventories. This reserve is based primarily on actual shrink results from previous physical inventories. During fiscal 2023, the inventory shrink reserve decreased approximately $3 million to $425 million as of February 2, 2024. In addition, we receive funds from vendors in the normal course of business, principally as a result of purchase volumes, early payments, or sales-based promotions of vendors’ products. Generally, these vendor funds do not represent the reimbursement of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs that we incurred to sell the vendor’s product. The majority of the vendor funds associated with these purchases are earned under agreements that are negotiated on an annual basis or shorter. The funds are recorded as a reduction to the cost of inventory as they are earned. As the related inventory is sold, the amounts are recorded as a reduction to cost of sales. Funds that are determined to be reimbursements of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred to sell vendors’ products are recorded as an offset to the related expense. Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate We do not believe that our merchandise inventories are subject to significant risk of obsolescence in the near term in excess of our established reserves, and we have the ability to adjust purchasing practices based on anticipated sales trends and general economic conditions. However, changes in consumer purchasing patterns or a deterioration in product quality could result in the need for additional reserves. Likewise, changes in the estimated shrink reserve may be necessary, based on the timing and results of physical inventories. We also apply judgment in the determination of obsolete inventory and assumptions about net realizable value. For vendor funds, we develop accrual rates based on the provisions of the agreements in place. Due to the diversity of the individual vendor agreements, we perform analyses and review historical purchase trends and volumes throughout the year, adjust accrual rates as appropriate and confirm actual amounts with select vendors to ensure the amounts earned are appropriately recorded. Amounts accrued throughout the year could be impacted if actual purchase volumes differ from projected purchase volumes, especially in the case of programs that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. Effect if actual results differ from assumptions We have not made any material changes in the methodology used to establish our inventory valuation or the related reserves for obsolete inventory or inventory shrinkage during the past three fiscal years. We believe that we have sufficient current and historical knowledge to record reasonable estimates for both of these inventory reserves. However, it is possible that actual results could differ from recorded reserves. A 10% change in either the amount of products considered obsolete or the weighted average estimated loss rate used in the calculation of our obsolete inventory reserve would each have affected net earnings by approximately $18 million for fiscal 2023. A 10% change in the estimated shrinkage rate included in the calculation of our inventory shrink reserve would have affected net earnings by approximately $32 million for fiscal 2023. We have not made any material changes in the methodology used to recognize vendor funds during the past three fiscal years. If actual results are not consistent with the assumptions and estimates used, we could be exposed to additional adjustments that could positively or negatively impact gross margin and inventory. However, substantially all receivables 30 Table of Contents associated with these activities do not require subjective long-term estimates because they are collected within the following fiscal year. Adjustments to gross margin and inventory in the following fiscal year have historically not been material. 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. We evaluate locations for triggering events relating to long-lived asset impairment on a quarterly basis to determine when a location’s assets may not be recoverable. For operating locations, our primary indicator that assets may not be recoverable is consistently negative cash flow for a twelve-month period for those locations that have been open in the same location for a sufficient period of time to allow for meaningful analysis of ongoing operating results. Management also monitors other factors when evaluating operating locations for impairment, including individual locations’ execution of their operating plans and local market conditions, including incursion, which is the opening of either other Lowe’s locations or those of a direct competitor within the same market. We also consider there to be a triggering event when there is a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a given location will be closed or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. During the third quarter of fiscal 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 an operating location’s asset group includes inventory, property, operating and finance lease right-of-use assets and operating liabilities including accounts payables, accrued compensation, and operating lease liabilities. Financial and non-operating liabilities are excluded from the carrying value of the asset group. When determining the stream of projected future cash flows associated with an individual operating location, management makes assumptions, incorporating local market conditions about key store variables including sales growth rates, gross margin and controllable expenses, such as store payroll and operating expense, as well as asset residual values or lease rates. Operating lease payments are included in the projected future cash flows. Financing lease payments are excluded from the projected future cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the operating location is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying value of the Canada asset group included 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 was 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, which requires discounting projected future cash flows. This involves making assumptions regarding both a location’s future cash flows, as described above, and an appropriate discount rate to determine the present value of those future cash flows. We discount our cash flow estimates at a rate commensurate with the risk that selected market participants would assign to the cash flows. The selected market participants represent a group of other retailers with a market footprint similar in size to ours. We use a market approach to determine the fair value of our individual locations identified for sale or closure. This involves making assumptions regarding the estimated selling prices or estimated lease rates by obtaining information from property brokers or appraisers in the specific markets being evaluated. The information includes comparable sales of similar assets and assumptions about demand in the market for purchase or lease of these assets. 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 performance-based contingent consideration. 31 Table of Contents Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate Our impairment evaluations require us to apply judgment in determining whether a triggering event has occurred, including the evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that 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 for operating locations, and estimated selling prices or lease rates for locations identified for closure. We also apply judgment in estimating asset fair values, including the selection of an appropriate discount rate for fair values determined using an income approach. Effect if actual results differ from assumptions During fiscal 2023, long-lived asset impairment was immaterial. During fiscal 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 reflected the full carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Canada asset group. If the actual results are not consistent with the assumptions and judgments we have made in determining whether it is more likely than not that a location will be closed significantly before the end of its useful life or in estimating future cash flows and determining asset fair values, our actual impairment losses could vary from our estimated impairment losses. In the event that our estimates vary from actual results, we may record additional impairment losses, which could be material to our results of operations. Self-Insurance Description We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, automobile, general and product liability, extended protection plans, and certain medical and dental claims. We have excess insurance coverage above certain retention amounts to limit exposure from single events and earnings volatility. Our self-insured retention or deductible, as applicable, is limited to $2 million per occurrence involving workers’ compensation, $10 million per occurrence involving general liability, product liability, and automobile liability. We do not have any excess insurance coverage for self-insured extended protection plan or medical and dental claims. Self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon our estimates of the discounted ultimate cost for self-insured claims incurred using actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and historical experience. During fiscal 2023, our self-insurance liabilities increased approximately $34 million to $1.1 billion as of February 2, 2024. Judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimate These estimates are subject to changes in the regulatory environment, utilized discount rate, projected exposures including payroll, sales and vehicle units, as well as the frequency, lag and severity of claims. Effect if actual results differ from assumptions We have not made any material changes in the methodology used to establish our self-insurance liability during the past three fiscal years. Although we believe that we have the ability to reasonably estimate losses related to claims, it is possible that actual results could differ from recorded self-insurance liabilities. A 10% change in our self-insurance liability would have affected net earnings by approximately $83 million for fiscal 2023. A 100 basis point change in our discount rate would have affected net earnings by approximately $20 million for fiscal 2023. 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, including changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Interest Rate Risk We use interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges on certain debt. The fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of February 2, 2024, was not material. Fluctuations in interest rates do not have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations because nearly all of our long-term debt is carried at amortized cost and consists primarily of fixed- rate instruments. Therefore, providing quantitative information about interest rate risk is not meaningful for our financial instruments. 32 Table of Contents Commodity Price Risk We purchase certain commodity products that are subject to price volatility caused by factors beyond our control, which could potentially have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operations. We believe that the price volatility of these products is partially mitigated by our ability to adjust selling prices. The selling prices of these commodity products are influenced, in part, by the market price we pay and our competitive environment. 33 Table of Contents Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Table of Contents Page No. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) Consolidated Statements of Earnings Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit)/Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Note 2: Revenue Note 3: Fair Value Measurements Note 4: Property and Accumulated Depreciation Note 5: Leases Note 6: Divestiture of the Canadian Retail Business Note 7: Debt Note 8: Derivative Instruments Note 9: Shareholders’ Deficit Note 10: Share-Based Payments Note 11: Employee Retirement Plans Note 12: Income Taxes Note 13: Earnings Per Share Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies Note 15: Related Parties Note 16: Other Information 35 36 39 39 40 41 42 43 43 49 50 53 53 55 55 57 58 59 63 64 65 66 66 67 34 Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (Internal Control) as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our Internal Control was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation and presentation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness may vary over time. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our Internal Control as of February 2, 2024. In evaluating our Internal Control, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our management’s assessment, we have concluded that, as of February 2, 2024, our Internal Control is effective. Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements contained in this Annual Report, was engaged to audit our Internal Control. Their report appears on page 38. 35 Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of February 2, 2024 and February 3, 2023, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ (deficit)/equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended February 2, 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 2, 2024 and February 3, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 2, 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 2, 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 25, 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 matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates 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 matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Merchandise Inventory – Vendor Funds – Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company receives funds from vendors in the normal course of business, principally as a result of purchase volumes, early payments, or sales-based promotions of vendors’ products. Generally, these vendor funds do not represent the reimbursement of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred by the Company to sell the vendor’s product. Therefore, the Company treats these funds as a reduction in the cost of inventory and are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the inventory is sold. Funds that are determined to be reimbursements of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred to sell vendors’ products are recorded as an offset to the related expense. Due to the diversity of the individual vendor agreements, the Company performs analyses and reviews historical trends throughout the year and confirms actual amounts with select vendors to ensure the amounts earned are appropriately recorded. Amounts accrued throughout the year could be impacted if actual purchase volumes differ from projected annual purchase volumes, especially in the case of programs that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. 36 Table of Contents We identified the completeness and accuracy of vendor funds as a critical audit matter given the significance of vendor funds to the financial statements and volume of the individual vendor agreements. This required an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether the vendor funds were completely and accurately recorded in accordance with the vendor agreements. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to whether the vendor funds were completely and accurately recorded in accordance with the terms of the vendor agreements included the following, among others: • We tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls over vendor funds, including management’s controls over the identification of vendor agreements as well as the accrual and recording of vendor funds as a reduction to the cost of inventory as they are earned, and as a reduction to cost of sales as the related inventory is sold. • We selected a sample of vendor funds and recalculated the amount earned using the terms of the vendor agreement, including the amount recorded as a reduction to the cost of inventory when earned, and the amount recorded as a reduction to cost of sales as the related inventory is sold. • We selected a sample of vendor funds and sent confirmations to test the completeness of programs as well as the accuracy of amounts earned and terms of the agreement directly with the vendor. • Where confirmation responses from vendors were not received, we completed alternative procedures, such as agreement to underlying contractual arrangements and tested the settlement of the arrangement. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Charlotte, North Carolina March 25, 2024 We have served as the Company's auditor since 1962. 37 Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of February 2, 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 2, 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 fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, of the Company and our report dated March 25, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina March 25, 2024 38 Table of Contents Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Earnings (In millions, except per share and percentage data) Current Earnings Net sales Cost of sales Gross margin Expenses: February 2, 2024 Amount % Sales Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2023 Amount % Sales January 28, 2022 Amount % Sales $ 86,377 100.00 % $ 97,059 100.00 % $ 96,250 100.00 % 57,533 28,844 66.61 33.39 64,802 32,257 66.77 33.23 64,194 32,056 66.70 33.30 Selling, general and administrative Depreciation and amortization Operating income Interest – net Pre-tax earnings Income tax provision Net earnings Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per common share 15,570 18.02 1,717 1.99 11,557 13.38 1,382 1.60 10,175 11.78 2,449 7,726 2.83 8.95 % $ 13.23 13.20 $ $ $ $ $ Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (In millions, except percentage data) 20,332 20.94 1,766 1.82 10,159 10.47 18,301 19.01 1,662 1.73 12,093 12.56 885 0.92 11,208 11.64 2,766 8,442 2.87 8.77 % 1.16 9.31 2.68 6.63 % $ 1,123 9,036 2,599 6,437 10.20 10.17 $ $ 12.07 12.04 Net earnings Foreign currency translation adjustments – net of tax Cash flow hedges – net of tax Other Other comprehensive (loss)/income Comprehensive income February 2, 2024 Amount % Sales Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2023 Amount % Sales January 28, 2022 Amount % Sales $ 7,726 8.95 % $ 6,437 6.63 % $ 8,442 8.77 % 5 0.01 (14) (0.02) 2 (7) 7,719 — (0.01) 8.94 % $ $ 36 309 (2) 343 6,780 0.04 0.32 — 0.36 6.99 % $ (4) 109 (5) 100 8,542 — 0.11 (0.01) 0.10 8.87 % See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 39 Table of Contents Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In millions, except par value) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Merchandise inventory – net Other current assets Total current assets Property, less accumulated depreciation Operating lease right-of-use assets Long-term investments Deferred income taxes – net Other assets Total assets Liabilities and shareholders’ deficit Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings Current maturities of long-term debt Current operating lease liabilities Accounts payable Accrued compensation and employee benefits Deferred revenue Income taxes payable Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Noncurrent operating lease liabilities Deferred revenue – Lowe’s protection plans Other liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies 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 – 574 million and 601 million, respectively Accumulated deficit Accumulated other comprehensive income Total shareholders’ deficit Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ 921 $ 307 16,894 949 19,071 17,653 3,733 252 248 838 1,348 384 18,532 1,178 21,442 17,567 3,518 121 250 810 $ $ 41,795 $ 43,708 — $ 537 487 8,704 954 1,408 33 3,445 15,568 35,384 3,737 1,225 931 56,845 — 287 (15,637) 300 (15,050) 41,795 $ 499 585 522 10,524 1,109 1,603 1,181 3,488 19,511 32,876 3,512 1,201 862 57,962 — 301 (14,862) 307 (14,254) 43,708 40 Table of Contents Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit)/Equity (In millions, except per share data) Balance January 29, 2021 Net earnings Other comprehensive income Cash dividends declared, $3.00 per share Share-based payment expense Repurchases of common stock Issuance of common stock under share- based payment plans Balance January 28, 2022 Net earnings Other comprehensive income Cash dividends declared, $3.95 per share Share-based payment expense Repurchases of common stock Issuance of common stock under share- based payment plans Balance February 3, 2023 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss Cash dividends declared, $4.35 per share Share-based payment expense Repurchases of common stock Issuance of common stock under share- based payment plans Balance February 2, 2024 Common Stock Shares Amount Capital in Excess of Par Value Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income Total 731 $ — — 366 $ — — — — (63) — — (32) 2 670 $ — — 1 335 $ — — — — (71) — — (35) 2 601 $ — — 1 301 $ — — — — (30) — — (15) 90 $ — — — 228 (449) 131 — $ — — — 225 (375) 150 — $ — — — 209 (349) 1,117 $ 8,442 — (2,081) — (12,593) — (5,115) $ 6,437 — (2,466) — (13,718) — (14,862) $ 7,726 — (2,531) — (5,970) (136) $ — 100 1,437 8,442 100 — — — (2,081) 228 (13,074) — (36) $ — 343 132 (4,816) 6,437 343 — — — (2,466) 225 (14,128) — 151 307 $ (14,254) 7,726 — (7) (7) — — — (2,531) 209 (6,334) 3 574 $ 1 287 $ 140 — $ — (15,637) $ — 141 300 $ (15,050) See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 41 Table of Contents Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In millions) February 2, 2024 Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating $ 7,726 $ 6,437 $ 8,442 activities: Depreciation and amortization Noncash lease expense Deferred income taxes Asset impairment and loss on property - net (Gain)/loss on sale of business Share-based payment expense Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Merchandise inventory – net Other operating assets Accounts payable Deferred revenue Other operating liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of investments Proceeds from sale/maturity of investments Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of property and other long-term assets Proceeds from sale of business Other – net Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net change in commercial paper Net proceeds from issuance of debt Repayment of debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans Cash dividend payments Repurchases of common stock Other – net Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 1,923 499 6 83 (79) 210 1,637 182 (1,820) (170) (2,057) 8,140 1,981 530 (239) 2,118 421 223 1,882 517 135 34 — 230 (2,594) (1,413) 56 (549) (183) 388 8,589 (23) 466 413 (570) 10,113 (1,785) (1,189) (3,065) 1,722 1,174 3,293 (1,964) (1,829) (1,853) 53 100 45 491 (27) (1,901) (1) (1,309) (499) 2,983 (601) 141 499 9,667 (867) 151 113 — (134) (1,646) — 4,972 (2,118) 132 (2,531) (2,370) (1,984) (6,138) (14,124) (13,012) (21) (6,666) (5) (7,049) (6) (12,016) — (16) (8) (427) 1,348 $ 921 $ 215 (3,557) 1,133 1,348 $ 4,690 1,133 42 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 2024, FEBRUARY 3, 2023, AND JANUARY 28, 2022 NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) is the world’s second-largest home improvement retailer and operated 1,746 stores and outlets in the United States as of February 2, 2024. On February 3, 2023, Lowe’s completed the sale of its Canadian retail business, which operated 232 stores in Canada, as well as serviced 210 dealer-owned stores. The Canadian retail business included a number of complementary formats under the banners of RONA, Lowe’s Canada, Réno-Dépôt, and Dick’s Lumber. See Note 6 for information on this divestiture. Below are those accounting policies considered by the Company to be significant. Fiscal Year - The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest the end of January. Fiscal 2022 contained 53 weeks, and fiscal years 2023 and 2021 each contained 52 weeks. All references herein for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021 represent the fiscal years ended February 2, 2024, February 3, 2023, and January 28, 2022, respectively. Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly- owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Foreign Currency - The functional currencies of the Company’s international subsidiaries are generally the local currencies of the countries in which the subsidiaries are located. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rates throughout the period. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of shareholders’ deficit in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in SG&A expense. Use of Estimates - The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets. The majority of payments due from financial institutions for the settlement of credit card and debit card transactions process within two business days and are, therefore, classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments - Investments generally consist of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, governmental securities, certificates of deposit, and money market funds, which are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale debt securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities were insignificant for 2023 and $10 million and $308 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively. Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale debt securities were not significant for any of the periods presented. Also included in long-term investments is performance-based contingent consideration associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business. The Company accounts for the contingent consideration under the fair value option under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 825, Financial Instruments, which requires the contingent consideration to be recorded at fair value upon recognition and as of each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized within SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. Investments with a stated maturity date of one year or less from the balance sheet date or that are expected to be used in current operations are classified as short-term investments. All other investments are classified as long-term. Available-for-sale debt securities classified as long-term as of February 2, 2024, will mature in one to three years, based on stated maturity dates. The Company classifies as investments restricted balances pledged as collateral for the Company’s extended protection plan program. Restricted balances included in short-term investments were $307 million as of February 2, 2024, and $384 million as 43 Table of Contents of February 3, 2023. Restricted balances included in long-term investments were $252 million as of February 2, 2024, and $100 million as of February 3, 2023. Merchandise Inventory - The majority of the Company’s inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the first-in, first-out method of inventory accounting. The cost of inventory includes certain costs associated with the preparation of inventory for resale, including distribution center costs, and is net of vendor funds. The Company records an inventory reserve for the anticipated loss associated with selling inventories below cost. This reserve is based on management’s current knowledge with respect to inventory levels, sales trends, and historical experience. Management does not believe the Company’s merchandise inventories are subject to significant risk of obsolescence in the near term in excess of established reserves, and management has the ability to adjust purchasing patterns based on anticipated sales trends and general economic conditions. However, changes in consumer purchasing patterns could result in the need for additional reserves. The Company’s reserve for loss on obsolete inventory was $245 million as of February 2, 2024, and $139 million as of February 3, 2023. The Company also records an inventory reserve for the estimated shrinkage between physical inventories. This reserve is based primarily on actual shrink results from previous physical inventories. Changes in the estimated shrink reserve are made based on the timing and results of physical inventories. The Company’s reserve for inventory shrinkage was $425 million as of February 2, 2024, and $428 million as of February 3, 2023. The Company receives funds from vendors in the normal course of business, principally as a result of purchase volumes, early payments, or sales-based promotions of vendors’ products. Generally, these vendor funds do not represent the reimbursement of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred by the Company to sell the vendor’s product. Therefore, the Company treats these funds as a reduction in the cost of inventory and are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the inventory is sold. Funds that are determined to be reimbursements of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred to sell vendors’ products are recorded as an offset to the related expense. The Company develops accrual rates for vendor funds based on the provisions of the agreements in place. Due to the diversity of the individual vendor agreements, the Company performs analyses and reviews historical trends throughout the year and confirms actual amounts with select vendors to ensure the amounts earned are appropriately recorded. Amounts accrued throughout the year could be impacted if actual purchase volumes differ from projected annual purchase volumes, especially in the case of programs that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. Derivative Financial Instruments - The Company is exposed to the impact of changes in benchmark interest rates and the prices of commodities used in the normal course of business. The Company occasionally utilizes derivative financial instruments to manage certain business risks. All derivative financial instruments are recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date and reported on a gross basis. The Company held fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges on certain debt as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the 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. The Company held forward interest rate swap agreements to hedge its exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates on forecasted debt issuances as of February 3, 2023. The cash flows related to forward interest rate swap agreements are included within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company accounts for these contracts as cash flow hedges, thus the effective portion of gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive (loss)/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. Credit Programs and Sale of Business Accounts Receivable - The Company has branded and private label proprietary credit cards which generate sales that are not reflected in receivables. Under an agreement with Synchrony Bank (Synchrony), credit is extended directly to customers by Synchrony. All credit program-related services are performed and controlled directly by Synchrony. The Company has the option, but no obligation, to purchase the receivables at the end of the agreement. Prior to September 2023, the Company also had an agreement with Synchrony under which Synchrony purchased at face value commercial business accounts receivable originated by the Company and services these accounts. The Company primarily accounted for these transfers as sales of the accounts receivable. When the Company transferred its commercial business accounts receivable, it retained certain interests in those receivables, including the funding of a loss reserve and its obligation 44 Table of Contents related to Synchrony’s ongoing servicing of the receivables sold. Any gain or loss on the sale was determined based on the previous carrying amounts of the transferred assets allocated at fair value between the receivables sold and the interests retained. Fair value was based on the present value of expected future cash flows, taking into account the key assumptions of anticipated credit losses, payment rates, late fee rates, Synchrony’s servicing costs, and the discount rate commensurate with the uncertainty involved. Due to the short-term nature of the receivables sold, changes to the key assumptions would not materially impact the recorded gain or loss on the sales of receivables or the fair value of the retained interests in the receivables. In 2023, Synchrony exercised an option under the agreement to directly extend credit to the commercial accounts receivable customers, for which the related transition period was completed in August 2023. In 2023, prior to the option’s effective date, $3.1 billion of accounts receivable were sold to Synchrony and the Company recognized losses of $63 million related to the servicing costs remitted to Synchrony monthly. In 2022 and 2021, total commercial business accounts receivable sold to Synchrony were $5.2 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, and the Company recognized losses of $76 million and $50 million, respectively. Property and Depreciation - Property is recorded at cost. Costs associated with major additions are capitalized and depreciated. Capital assets are expected to yield future benefits and have original useful lives which exceed one year. The total cost of a capital asset generally includes all applicable sales taxes, delivery costs, installation costs, and other appropriate costs incurred by the Company, including interest in the case of self-constructed assets. Upon disposal, the cost of properties and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts, with gains and losses reflected in SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. Property consists of land, buildings and building improvements, equipment, and construction in progress. Buildings and building improvements includes owned buildings, as well as buildings under finance lease and leasehold improvements. Equipment primarily includes store racking and displays, computer hardware and software, forklifts, vehicles, finance lease equipment, and other store equipment. In addition, excess properties held for use are included within land and buildings. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets. Assets are depreciated using the straight- line method. Leasehold improvements and finance lease assets are depreciated and amortized, respectively, over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease. The amortization of these assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. Long-Lived Asset Impairment - The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are reviewed whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. A potential impairment has occurred for long-lived assets held-for-use if projected future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. For operating locations identified for sale or closure, a market approach is used to determine the fair value of the asset group. The carrying value of an operating location’s asset group includes inventory, property, operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, and operating liabilities, including accounts payables, accrued compensation, and operating lease liabilities. Financial and non-operating liabilities are excluded from the carrying value of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded for long-lived assets held-for-use when the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Impairment losses are included in SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. Excess properties that are expected to be sold within the next twelve months and meet the other relevant held-for-sale criteria are classified as long-lived assets held-for-sale. Excess properties consist primarily of retail outparcels and property associated with relocated or closed locations. An impairment loss is recorded for long-lived assets held-for-sale when the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. A long-lived asset is not depreciated while it is classified as held-for-sale. For long-lived assets to be abandoned, the Company considers the asset to be disposed of when it ceases to be used. Until it ceases to be used, the Company continues to classify the asset as held-for-use and tests for potential impairment accordingly. If the Company commits to a plan to abandon a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, its depreciable life is evaluated. Leases - The Company leases certain retail stores, warehouses, distribution centers, office space, land, and equipment under finance and operating leases. Lease commencement occurs on the date the Company takes possession or control of the property or equipment. Original terms for facility-related leases are generally between five and 20 years. These leases generally contain provisions for four to six renewal options of five years each. Original terms for equipment-related leases, primarily material handling equipment and vehicles, are generally between one and seven years. Some of the Company’s leases also include rental escalation clauses and/or termination provisions. Renewal options and termination options are included in the determination of lease payments when management determines the options are reasonably certain of exercise, considering 45 Table of Contents financial performance, strategic importance and/or invested capital. Leases with an original term of twelve months or less are not recognized on the Company’s balance sheet, and the lease expense related to those short-term leases is recognized over the lease term. The Company does not account for lease and non-lease (e.g., common area maintenance) components of contracts separately for any underlying asset class. If readily determinable, the rate implicit in the lease is used to discount lease payments to present value; however, substantially all of the Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. When the implicit rate is not determinable, the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate is utilized, determined on a collateralized basis, to discount lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The Company’s real estate leases typically require payment of common area maintenance and real estate taxes which represent the majority of variable lease costs. Certain lease agreements also provide for variable rental payments based on sales performance in excess of specified minimums, usage measures, or changes in the consumer price index. Variable rent payments based on future performance, usage, or changes in indices were not significant for any of the periods presented. Variable lease costs are excluded from the present value of lease obligations. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material restrictions, covenants, or any material residual value guarantees. The Company subleases certain properties that are not used in its operations. Sublease income was not significant for any of the periods presented. Accounts Payable - The Company has an agreement with a third party to provide a supplier finance program which facilitates participating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations from the Company with designated third-party financial institutions. Participating suppliers may, at their sole discretion, make offers to finance one or more payment obligations of the Company prior to their scheduled due dates at a discounted price to participating financial institutions. The Company’s goal in entering into these arrangements is to capture overall savings in the form of pricing, payment terms, or vendor funding, created by facilitating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations at more favorable discount rates, while providing them with greater working capital flexibility. The Company’s obligations to its suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment dates, are not impacted by suppliers’ decisions to finance amounts under these arrangements. However, the Company’s right to offset balances due from suppliers against payment obligations is restricted by these arrangements for those payment obligations that have been financed by suppliers. The rollforward of the Company’s outstanding payment obligations that suppliers financed to participating financial institutions, which are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets, are as follows: (In millions) Financed payment obligations outstanding at the beginning of the year Payment obligations financed during the year Financed payment obligations paid during the year Financed payment obligations outstanding at the end of the year Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 $ $ 2,257 $ 9,573 (10,474) 2,274 $ 12,159 (12,176) 1,710 11,538 (10,974) 1,356 $ 2,257 $ 2,274 Other Current Liabilities - Other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets consist of: (In millions) Accrued dividends Self-insurance liabilities Accrued interest Sales return reserve Sales tax liabilities Accrued property taxes Other Total February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ 633 $ 431 456 191 164 130 $ 1,440 3,445 $ 633 424 441 234 314 119 1,323 3,488 46 Table of Contents Self-Insurance - The Company is self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, automobile, property, and general and product liability claims. The Company has excess insurance coverage above certain retention amounts to limit exposure from these claims. The Company is also self-insured for certain losses relating to extended protection plans, as well as medical and dental claims. Self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon management’s estimates of the discounted ultimate cost for self-insured claims incurred using actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and historical experience. Although management believes it has the ability to reasonably estimate losses related to claims, it is possible that actual results could differ from recorded self-insurance liabilities. Total self-insurance liabilities, including the current and non-current portions, were $1.1 billion as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. The Company provides surety bonds issued by insurance companies to secure payment of workers’ compensation liabilities as required in certain states where the Company is self-insured. Outstanding surety bonds relating to self-insurance were $280 million as of February 2, 2024, and $270 million as of February 3, 2023. Income Taxes - The Company establishes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax and financial accounting bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effects of such differences are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the asset will not be realized. The tax balances and income tax expense recognized by the Company are based on management’s interpretation of the tax statutes of multiple jurisdictions. The Company establishes a liability for tax positions for which there is uncertainty as to whether or not the position will be ultimately sustained. The Company includes interest related to tax issues as part of net interest on the consolidated statements of earnings. The Company records any applicable penalties related to tax issues within the income tax provision. Income Tax Relief In October 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 17, 2022, and January 17, 2023, were deferred until February 15, 2023. As of February 3, 2023, the Company deferred $1.2 billion of federal income taxes payable, which is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Shareholders’ Deficit - The Company has a share repurchase program that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market or through private market transactions. Shares purchased under the repurchase program are returned to authorized and unissued status. Any excess of cost over par value is charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that a balance is present. Once additional paid-in capital is fully depleted, remaining excess of cost over par value is charged to accumulated deficit. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) enacted a 1% excise tax on net share repurchases after December 31, 2022. Any excise tax incurred on share repurchases is recognized as part of the cost basis of the shares acquired in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ (deficit)/equity. Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. A description of the Company’s principle revenue generating activities is as follows: Products - Revenue from products primarily relates to in-store and online merchandise purchases, which are recognized at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the merchandise. This occurs at the time of in- store purchase or delivery of the product to the customer. A provision for anticipated merchandise returns is provided through a reduction of sales and cost of sales in the period that the related sales are recorded. The merchandise return reserve is presented on a gross basis, with a separate asset and liability included in the consolidated balance sheets. Services - Revenues from services primarily relate to professional installation services the Company provides through subcontractors related to merchandise purchased by a customer. In certain instances, installation services include materials provided by the subcontractor, and both product and installation are included in service revenue. The Company recognizes revenue associated with services as they are rendered, and the majority of services are completed within one week from initiation. • • 47 Table of Contents 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. Deferred revenue is recognized in sales either at a point in time when the customer obtains control of merchandise through pickup or delivery, or over time as services are provided to the customer. The majority of revenue for goods and services is recognized in the quarter following revenue deferral. In addition, the Company defers revenues from stored-value cards, which include gift cards and returned merchandise credits, and recognizes revenue into sales when the cards are redeemed. The Company also defers revenue for its separately-priced long-term protection plan contracts (Lowe’s protection plans), which is a Lowe’s-branded program for which the Company is ultimately self-insured. The Company recognizes revenue from Lowe’s protection plan sales on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Expenses for claims are recognized in cost of sales when incurred. Incremental direct acquisition costs and administrative costs to fulfill the contracts associated with Lowe's protection plans for contracts greater than one year are also deferred and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. Lowe’s protection plan contract terms primarily range from one to five years from the date of purchase or the end of the manufacturer’s warranty, as applicable. Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - The following lists the primary costs classified in each major expense category: Cost of Sales Selling, General and Administrative n Total cost of products sold, including: - Purchase costs, net of vendor funds; - Freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from vendors to selling locations; - Costs associated with operating the Company’s distribution network, including payroll and benefit costs and occupancy costs; - Depreciation of assets associated with the Company’s distribution network; n Costs of installation services provided; n Costs associated with shipping and handling to customers, as well as directly from vendors to customers by third parties; n Depreciation of assets used in delivering product to customers; n Costs associated with inventory shrinkage and obsolescence; n Costs of services performed under the Lowe’s protection plan. n Generally, payroll and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees; n Occupancy costs of retail and corporate facilities; n Advertising; n Store environment costs; n Tender costs, including bank charges, costs associated with credit card interchange fees; n Costs associated with self-insured plans, and premium costs for stop-loss coverage and fully insured plans; n Long-lived asset impairment losses, gains/losses on disposal of assets, and exit costs; n Other administrative costs, such as supplies, and travel and entertainment. Advertising - Costs associated with advertising are charged to SG&A expense as incurred. Advertising expenses were $831 million, $869 million, and $877 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Comprehensive Income - The Company reports comprehensive income in its consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of shareholders’ (deficit)/equity. Comprehensive income represents changes in shareholders’ deficit from non-owner sources and is comprised of net earnings adjusted primarily for cash flow hedge derivative contracts. Net cash flow hedge gains, net of tax, classified in accumulated other comprehensive income were $301 million, $315 million, and $6 million as of February 2, 2024, February 3, 2023, and January 28, 2022, respectively. Segment Information - The Company’s home improvement retail operations represent a single reportable segment. Key operating decisions are made at the Company level in order to maintain a consistent retail customer experience. The Company’s home improvement retail stores, in addition to online selling channels, sell similar products and services, use similar processes to sell those products and services, and sell their products and services to similar classes of customers. In addition, the Company’s operations exhibit similar long-term economic characteristics. Beginning February 3, 2023, long-lived assets outside of the U.S. were immaterial as a result of the sale of the Canadian retail business. Net sales outside of the U.S. were approximately 5.2% for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2023. The amounts of long-lived assets and net sales outside of the U.S. were approximately 7.2% and 6.1%, respectively, as of January 28, 2022. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted - In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment 48 Table of Contents Disclosures. The ASU expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. Under the ASU, all disclosure requirements in this update and ASC 280, Segment Reporting, will be required for public entities with a single reportable segment. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU expands income tax disclosures in the effective tax rate reconciliation table and income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2026. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures. In March 2024, the SEC adopted its climate-related final rule SEC Release No. 34-99678, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, which will require registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The rules require significant effects of severe weather events and other natural conditions, as well as amounts related to carbon offsets and renewable energy credits or certificates to be disclosed in the audited financial statements in certain circumstances. The disclosure requirements related to financial statements are effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2026. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the rule on its disclosures. Recent accounting pronouncements pending adoption not discussed in this 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. The following table presents the Company’s sources of revenue: (In millions) Products Services Other Net sales Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 $ $ 83,002 $ 93,392 $ 2,097 1,278 86,377 $ 2,178 1,489 97,059 $ 92,415 2,304 1,531 96,250 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) Anticipated sales returns Right of return assets Classification Other current liabilities Other current assets February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ 191 $ 111 234 139 Deferred revenue - retail and stored-value cards Deferred revenue for retail and stored-value cards are as follows: (In millions) Retail deferred revenue Stored-value cards deferred revenue Deferred revenue 49 February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ $ 796 $ 612 1,408 $ 933 670 1,603 Table of Contents Deferred revenue - Lowe’s protection plans Deferred revenue associated with Lowe’s protection plans is as follows: (In millions) Deferred revenue - Lowe’s protection plans February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ 1,225 $ 1,201 Lowe’s protection plan sales previously recorded as deferred revenue and claim expenses incurred are as follows: (In millions) February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Lowe’s protection plan deferred revenue recognized into sales $ Lowe’s protection plan claim expenses 549 $ 224 527 $ 180 488 178 Years Ended Disaggregation of Revenues The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by merchandise division: (In millions) Home Décor1 Building Products2 Hardlines3 Other Total February 2, 2024 Total Sales % Years Ended February 3, 2023 Total Sales % January 28, 2022 Total Sales % $ 32,130 37.2 % $ 36,202 37.3 % $ 35,688 37.1 % 26,894 25,020 2,333 31.1 29.0 2.7 31,269 26,993 2,595 32.2 27.8 2.7 29,854 28,205 2,503 31.0 29.3 2.6 $ 86,377 100.0 % $ 97,059 100.0 % $ 96,250 100.0 % Note: Merchandise division net sales for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year 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, 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) United States Canada1 Net Sales 1 The Canadian retail business was sold on February 3, 2023. NOTE 3: Fair Value Measurements Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 $ $ 86,377 $ — 86,377 $ 92,010 $ 5,049 97,059 $ 90,348 5,902 96,250 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 50 Table of Contents Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Classification Measurement Level February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 Fair Value Measurements at $ 152 $ 157 (In millions) Available-for-sale debt securities: U.S. Treasury securities Money market funds Corporate debt securities Certificates of deposit Commercial paper Municipal obligations Foreign government debt securities U.S. Treasury securities Corporate debt securities Short-term investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Long-term investments Long-term investments Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Foreign government debt securities Long-term investments Municipal obligations Derivative instruments: Long-term investments Forward interest rate swaps Other current assets Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps Other liabilities Level 2 Level 2 $ Other financial instruments: Contingent consideration Long-term investments Level 3 $ There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3 during any of the periods presented. 56 50 42 5 2 — 213 35 4 — — $ 76 — $ 43 78 40 52 — 14 86 12 — 2 251 88 21 When available, quoted prices were used to determine fair value. When quoted prices in active markets were available, financial assets were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted prices in active markets were not available, fair values for financial assets and liabilities classified within Level 2 were determined using pricing models, and the inputs to those pricing models were based on observable market inputs. The inputs to the pricing models were typically benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, and benchmark securities, among others. The performance-based contingent consideration is related to the fiscal 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business and is classified as a Level 3 long-term investment. The Company determined the initial fair value for contingent consideration as of February 3, 2023, based on an income approach using an option pricing model, calculated using the significant unobservable inputs such as total equity value, volatility, and expected term. Subsequent measurements of fair value of the contingent consideration are based on an income approach, which requires certain assumptions considering operating performance of the business and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The rollforward of the fair value of contingent consideration is as follows: (In millions) Beginning balance Recognition of contingent consideration at initial fair value Change in fair value Proceeds received Ending balance Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 — 21 $ $ 21 — — 102 — (123) 21 — $ $ 51 Table of Contents Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, the Company had no material measurements of assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. For the fiscal year ended February 3, 2023, 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 third quarter of fiscal 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 represented the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows were largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. The carrying value of the Canada asset group included 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 estimated fair value of the Canada asset group, which was based on the proposed transaction price, inclusive of performance-based contingent 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 expense in the consolidated statements of earnings, which reflected the full carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Canada asset group as of October 28, 2022. As of February 3, 2023, the Company finalized the sale of the Canadian retail business. Refer to Note 6 for details of the divestiture. 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 fiscal year ended February 3, 2023: (In millions) Canada asset group: Property, less accumulated depreciation Operating lease right-of-use assets Other assets Other Total Other Fair Value Disclosures Year Ended February 3, 2023 $ $ 1,258 621 182 36 2,097 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 8, 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. 52 Table of Contents Carrying amounts and the related estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, are as follows: (In millions) Unsecured notes (Level 1) Mortgage notes (Level 2) Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) $ $ February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value 35,409 $ 32,757 $ 32,897 $ 30,190 2 2 2 2 35,411 $ 32,759 $ 32,899 $ 30,192 NOTE 4: Property and Accumulated Depreciation Property is summarized by major class in the following table: (In millions) Cost: Land Buildings and building improvements Equipment Construction in progress Total cost Accumulated depreciation Property, less accumulated depreciation Estimated Depreciable Lives, In Years February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 N/A $ 7-40 2-15 N/A $ 6,785 $ 18,039 10,238 708 35,770 (18,117) 17,653 $ 6,793 17,784 9,541 793 34,911 (17,344) 17,567 Included in property, less accumulated depreciation are right-of-use assets under finance leases. The related amortization expense for right-of-use assets under finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. The Company recognized depreciation and amortization expense, inclusive of amounts presented in cost of sales, of $1.9 billion in 2023 and 2022, and $1.8 billion in 2021. NOTE 5: Leases The lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet are summarized in the following table: (In millions) Assets Classification February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ Finance lease assets Property, less accumulated depreciation1 Total lease assets Liabilities Current Operating Finance Noncurrent Operating Finance Current operating lease liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt Noncurrent operating lease liabilities Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 3,733 $ 425 4,158 487 87 3,737 422 Total lease liabilities 1 Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $326 million as of February 2, 2024, and $244 million as of 4,733 $ $ 3,518 462 3,980 522 86 3,512 477 4,597 February 3, 2023. 53 Table of Contents The table below presents the lease costs for finance and operating leases: (In millions) Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Interest on lease liabilities Operating lease cost1 Variable lease cost Total lease cost 1 February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ $ 88 $ 90 $ 24 630 258 29 734 329 1,000 $ 1,182 $ 89 30 699 268 1,086 Includes short-term leases and sublease income, which are immaterial. The future minimum rental payments required under operating and finance lease obligations as of February 2, 2024, having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are summarized as follows: (In millions) Fiscal 2024 Fiscal 2025 Fiscal 2026 Fiscal 2027 Fiscal 2028 Thereafter Operating Leases1 Finance Leases2 Total $ 671 $ 722 680 608 571 2,010 107 $ 100 86 54 48 227 778 822 766 662 619 2,237 Total lease payments Less: interest3 4,733 Present value of lease liabilities 1 Operating lease payments include $402 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and 4,224 $ (1,038) 5,262 509 $ (113) 5,884 622 (1,151) $ exclude $179 million of minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced. 2 Finance lease payments exclude $6 million of minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced. 3 Calculated using the lease-specific incremental borrowing rate. Lease Term and Discount Rate Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases Finance leases Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases Finance leases Other Information (In millions) February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 9.23 8.75 4.11 % 4.93 % 9.43 8.96 3.78 % 4.92 % February 2, 2024 Years Ended February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 689 $ 788 $ Operating cash flows used for finance leases Financing cash flows used for finance leases Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities1 1 Excludes $179 million of leases signed but not yet commenced as of February 2, 2024. 24 92 50 696 29 90 51 729 708 30 92 110 815 54 Table of Contents NOTE 6: Divestiture of the Canadian Retail Business On February 3, 2023, the Company sold its Canadian retail business to Sycamore Partners for $491 million in cash and performance-based contingent consideration with an initial fair value of $21 million, which was recognized as a financial asset in long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet. The Canadian retail business operated or serviced 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 fiscal year ended February 3, 2023, the Company recorded $2.5 billion of pre-tax costs associated with the sale, inclusive of long-lived asset impairment, loss on sale, and other closing costs. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income was reclassified to earnings and included in the loss on sale. During the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, the Company recognized a gain on sale of $79 million associated with performance-based contingent consideration received and final adjustments to the selling price. A summary of the significant activity included within SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of earnings associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business is as follows: (In millions) Long-lived asset impairment (Gain)/loss on sale Other closing costs Total NOTE 7: Debt Commercial Paper Program Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 2,061 — $ $ 421 (79) 19 — 2,501 (79) $ $ In September 2023, the Company entered into an amended and restated $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement (2023 Credit Agreement), which amended and restated the Company’s $2.0 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement entered into in March 2020, and as amended (2020 Credit Agreement), to extend the term until September 2028. The 2023 Credit Agreement, along with the $2.0 billion five-year unsecured third amended and restated credit agreement entered into in December 2021, and as amended (Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), support the Company’s commercial paper program. The amounts available to be drawn under the 2023 Credit Agreement and the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are reduced by the amount of borrowings under the commercial paper program. Subject to obtaining commitments from the lenders and satisfying other conditions specified in the 2023 Credit Agreement and Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the Credit Agreements), the Company may increase the combined aggregate availability of both agreements by an additional $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreements contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants for transactions of these type. The Company was in compliance with those financial covenants as of February 2, 2024. There were no borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program, Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, or the 2023 Credit Agreement as of February 2, 2024. Total combined availability under the Credit Agreements was $4.0 billion as of February 2, 2024. Outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program were $499 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.78%, as of February 3, 2023. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or the 2020 Credit Agreement as of February 3, 2023. 55 Table of Contents Long-Term Debt Debt Category (In millions, except percentage data) Secured debt: Mortgage notes due through fiscal 20271 Unsecured debt: Notes due through fiscal 2028 Notes due fiscal 2029-2033 Notes due fiscal 2034-2038 Notes due fiscal 2039-2043 Notes due fiscal 2044-2048 Notes due fiscal 2049-2053 Notes due fiscal 2059-2063 Finance lease obligations due through fiscal 2042 Total long-term debt Less: current maturities Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of February 2, 2024 February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 6.24 % $ 2 $ 3.26 % 3.79 % 5.93 % 4.08 % 3.96 % 4.37 % 5.19 % 9,820 9,507 858 2,380 3,421 6,711 2,713 509 35,921 (537) 2 9,301 8,506 857 2,379 3,420 6,215 2,219 562 33,461 (585) 32,876 Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 1 Real properties with an aggregate book value of $12 million as of February 2, 2024, were pledged as collateral for secured debt. 35,384 $ $ Principal amount of debt maturities, exclusive of unamortized original issue discounts, unamortized debt issuance costs, fair- value hedge adjustments, and finance lease obligations, for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows: (In millions) Fiscal 2024 Fiscal 2025 Fiscal 2026 Fiscal 2027 Fiscal 2028 Thereafter Total Principal 450 2,500 2,350 2,368 2,255 25,847 35,770 $ $ The Company’s unsecured notes are issued under indentures that generally have similar terms and, therefore, have been grouped by maturity date for presentation purposes in the table above. The notes contain certain restrictive covenants, none of which are expected to impact the Company’s capital resources or liquidity. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of these agreements as of February 2, 2024. During 2023, the Company issued $3.0 billion of unsecured fixed rate notes (collectively, the 2023 Notes) as follows: Issue Date March 2023 March 2023 March 2023 March 2023 $ $ $ $ Principal Amount (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Discount (in millions) 1,000 1,000 500 500 April 2026 July 2033 July 2053 April 2063 4.800% 5.150% 5.750% 5.850% $ $ $ $ 3 4 5 5 Interest on the March 2023 Notes with April maturity dates is payable semiannually in arrears in April and October of each year until maturity. Interest on the March 2023 Notes with July maturity dates is payable semiannually in arrears in January and July of each year until maturity. 56 Table of Contents During 2022, the Company issued $9.8 billion of unsecured fixed rate notes (collectively, the 2022 Notes) as follows: Issue Date March 2022 March 2022 March 2022 March 2022 September 2022 September 2022 September 2022 September 2022 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Principal Amount (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Discount (in millions) 750 1,500 1,500 1,250 1,000 1,250 1,500 1,000 April 2027 April 2032 April 2052 April 2062 September 2025 April 2033 April 2053 September 2062 3.350% 3.750% 4.250% 4.450% 4.400% 5.000% 5.625% 5.800% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3 7 14 12 3 9 18 16 Interest on the September 2022 Notes and March 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 2023 and 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 interest, if any, up to 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 interest, if any, on such notes up to the date of purchase. The indentures governing the notes do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that the Company may issue and do not require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios or levels of net worth or liquidity. However, the indentures include various restrictive covenants, none of which is expected to impact the Company’s liquidity or capital resources. The discounts associated with these issuances, which include the underwriting and issuance discounts, are recorded in long- term debt and are being amortized over the respective terms of the notes using the effective interest method. NOTE 8: Derivative Instruments The notional amounts of the Company’s material derivative instruments are as follows: (In millions) Cash flow hedges: Forward interest rate swap agreements Fair value hedges: Fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ $ — $ 1,290 850 $ 850 See Note 3 for the gross fair values of the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments and corresponding fair value classifications. In connection with the issuance of our March 2023 Notes, we settled forward interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of $2.0 billion and received a payment of $247 million. In connection with the issuance of the March 2022 Notes, the Company 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 the September 2022 Notes, the Company settled forward interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of $1.3 billion and received a payment of $136 million. The (loss)/gain from forward interest rate swap derivatives, both matured and outstanding, designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive (loss)/income and earnings for 2023, 2022, and 2021, including its line item in the financial statements, is as follows: 57 Table of Contents (In millions) Other comprehensive (loss)/income: Cash flow hedges – net of tax benefit/(expense) of $5 million, ($102) million, and ($35) million, respectively Net earnings: Interest – net NOTE 9: Shareholders’ Deficit February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ $ (14) $ 311 $ 15 $ 1 $ 103 (11) Authorized shares of preferred stock were 5.0 million ($5 par value) as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023, none of which have been issued. The Board of Directors may issue the preferred stock (without action by shareholders) in one or more series, having such voting rights, dividend and liquidation preferences, and such conversion and other rights as may be designated by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance. Authorized shares of common stock were 5.6 billion ($0.50 par value) as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. The Company has a share repurchase program that is executed through purchases made from time to time either in the open market or through private off-market transactions. Shares purchased under the repurchase program are returned to authorized and unissued status. On December 7, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized $15.0 billion of share repurchases under the program. As of February 2, 2024, the Company had $14.6 billion remaining under the program. During the year ended February 2, 2024, the Company entered into Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreements with third-party financial institutions to repurchase a total of 15.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $3.3 billion. At inception, the Company paid the financial institutions using cash on hand and took initial delivery of shares. Under the terms of the ASR agreements, upon settlement, the Company would either receive additional shares from the financial institution or be required to deliver additional shares or cash to the financial institution. The Company controlled its election to either deliver additional shares or cash to the financial institution and was subject to provisions which limited the number of shares the Company would be required to deliver. The final number of shares received upon settlement of each ASR agreement was determined with reference to the volume- weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR agreement. The initial repurchase of shares under these agreements resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. These ASR agreements were accounted for as treasury stock transactions and forward stock purchase contracts. The par value of the shares received was recorded as a reduction to common stock with the remainder recorded as a reduction to capital in excess of par value and accumulated deficit. The forward stock purchase contracts were considered indexed to the Company’s own stock and were classified as equity instruments. 58 Table of Contents The terms of each ASR agreement entered into during the last three fiscal years, structured as outlined above, are as follows (in millions): Agreement Execution Date ASR Settlement Date ASR Agreement Amount Minimum Notional Amount1 Maximum Notional Amount1 Cash Payment Received at Settlement1 Initial Shares Delivered Additional Shares Delivered at Settlement Total Shares Delivered Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2022 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2022 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 2,000 2,132 1,592 3,000 750 1,750 2,250 530 750 1,000 1,500 — 1,750 1,500 — 2,500 2,000 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 368 408 — — — — — — — — 10.7 7.2 5.9 10.3 2.8 7.5 8.3 2.0 3.1 3.9 5.3 0.2 4.0 1.7 1.6 0.6 2.1 3.3 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.7 10.9 11.2 7.6 11.9 3.4 9.6 11.6 2.6 3.8 4.6 7.0 1 The Company entered into variable notional ASR agreements with third-party financial institutions to repurchase between a minimum notional amount and a maximum notional amount. At inception of each transaction, the Company paid the maximum notional amount and received shares. When the Company finalized each transaction, it received additional shares as well as a cash payment from the third- party financial institution equal to the difference between the prepayment amount (maximum notional amount) and the final notional amount. During the year ended February 2, 2024, the Company also repurchased shares of its common stock through the open market totaling 13.8 million shares for a cost of $2.9 billion. 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 restricted stock awards and performance share units. Total shares repurchased for 2023, 2022, and 2021 were as follows: February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended (In millions) Share repurchase program1 84 Shares withheld from employees 13,074 Total share repurchases 1 As of January 1, 2023, share repurchases in excess of issuances are subject to a 1% excise tax, which is included as part of the cost basis of 0.6 71.2 $ 0.7 29.9 $ 0.4 63.0 $ 124 14,128 135 6,334 29.2 $ 70.6 $ 62.6 $ 12,990 14,004 Shares Shares Shares 6,199 Cost Cost Cost the shares acquired. NOTE 10: Share-Based Payments Overview of Share-Based Payment Plans The Company has an active equity incentive plan (the Incentive Plan) under which the Company has been authorized to grant share-based awards to key employees and non-employee directors. The Company also has an employee stock purchase plan (the ESPP) that allows employees to purchase Company shares at a discount through payroll deductions. Both of these plans contain a non-discretionary anti-dilution provision that is designed to equalize the value of an award as a result of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or any other similar equity restructuring. A total of 80.0 million shares were authorized for grants of share-based awards to key employees and non-employee directors under the Company’s currently active Incentive Plan, of which there were 24.6 million shares remaining available for grants as of February 2, 2024. The 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP) permits a maximum of 20.0 million shares to be offered for purchase. As of February 2, 2024, there were 18.1 million shares remaining available for purchase. 59 Table of Contents The Company recognized share-based payment expense within SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of earnings of $210 million, $224 million, and $230 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The total associated income tax benefit recognized, exclusive of excess tax benefits, was $30 million, $36 million, and $40 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Total unrecognized share-based payment expense for all share-based payment plans was $248 million as of February 2, 2024, of which $147 million will be recognized in 2024, $85 million in 2025, and $16 million thereafter. This results in these amounts being recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. For all share-based payment awards, the expense recognized has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures where the requisite service is not expected to be met. Estimated forfeiture rates are developed based on the Company’s analysis of historical forfeiture data for homogeneous employee groups. General terms and methods of valuation for the Company’s share-based awards are as follows: Stock Options Stock options have terms of 10 years, with one-third of each grant vesting each year for three years, subsequent to the date of the grant, and are assigned an exercise price equal to the closing market price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Options are expensed on a straight-line basis over the grant vesting period, which is considered to be the requisite service period. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. When determining expected volatility, the Company considers the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price, as well as implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant, based on the options’ expected term. The expected term of the options is based on the Company’s evaluation of option holders’ exercise patterns and represents the period of time that options are expected to remain unexercised. The Company uses historical data to estimate the timing and amount of forfeitures. The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows: Weighted-average assumptions used: Expected volatility Dividend yield Risk-free interest rate Expected term, in years February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended 32.2 % 1.74 % 3.59 % 6.50 30.7 % 1.66 % 2.56 % 6.51 30.2 % 1.73 % 1.25 % 6.49 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 64.41 $ 58.66 $ 49.47 The total intrinsic value of options exercised, representing the difference between the exercise price and the market price on the date of exercise, was approximately $28 million, $41 million, and $46 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 60 Table of Contents Transactions related to stock options for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, are summarized as follows: (in thousands, except per share and years data) Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of February 3, 2023 Granted Canceled, forfeited or expired Exercised Outstanding as of February 2, 2024 Vested and expected to vest as of February 2, 20241 1,845 $ 303 (69) (249) 1,830 $ 122.90 200.83 184.74 98.93 136.74 1,795 $ 135.46 Exercisable as of February 2, 2024 1 Includes outstanding vested options as well as outstanding nonvested options after a forfeiture rate is applied. 1,308 $ 111.67 6.43 $ 151,472 6.38 $ 5.58 $ 150,802 141,018 Restricted Stock Awards Restricted stock awards are valued at the market price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In general, these awards vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant. Certain awards vest 50% at the end of a two- year period from the date of grant and 50% at the end of a three-year period from the date of grant, or vest 100% at the end of a three-year period from the date of grant. All awards are expensed on a straight-line basis over a three-year period, which is considered to be the requisite service period. The Company uses historical data to estimate the timing and amount of forfeitures. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of restricted stock awards granted was $201.78, $201.10, and $192.26 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vesting each year was approximately $208 million, $203 million, and $200 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Transactions related to restricted stock awards for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, are summarized as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Nonvested as of February 3, 2023 Granted Vested Canceled or forfeited Nonvested as of February 2, 2024 Deferred Stock Units Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share Shares 1,792 $ 804 (1,035) (183) 1,378 $ 158.20 201.78 129.63 197.42 199.88 Deferred stock units are valued at the market price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and earn dividend equivalents. For non-employee Directors, these awards vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date and the day immediately preceding the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Awards granted prior to 2022 vested immediately and were expensed on the grant date. Deferred stock units granted to non-employee Directors in 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Deferred shares granted to non-employee Directors 11 12 Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 206.52 $ 200.27 $ 10 194.83 Years Ended Performance Share Units The Company issues performance share units classified as equity awards. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, based on the probability of achieving the performance condition, with changes in expectations 61 Table of Contents recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of the change. Compensation cost is not recognized for performance share units that do not vest because service or performance conditions are not satisfied, and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed. Performance share units do not have dividend rights. The Company uses historical data to estimate the timing and amount of forfeitures. The Company’s performance share units contain performance and service conditions that must be satisfied for an employee to earn the right to benefit from the award, as well as a market condition modifier. The performance condition for these awards continues to be based primarily on the achievement of the Company’s return on invested capital (ROIC) targets. The market condition is based on the Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) compared to the median TSR of companies listed in the S&P 500 Index over a three-year performance period. The Company uses a Monte-Carlo simulation to determine the grant date fair value for these awards, which takes into consideration the market price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant less the present value of dividends expected during the requisite service period, as well as the possible outcomes pertaining to the TSR market condition. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulations for these awards granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows: Weighted-average assumptions used: Expected volatility Dividend yield Risk-free interest rate Expected term, in years February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended 29.3 % 2.10 % 3.83 % 2.82 37.1 % 1.58 % 2.54 % 2.84 37.5 % 1.77 % 0.35 % 2.84 In general, 0% to 200% of the Company’s performance share units vest at the end of a three-year service period from the date of grant based upon achievement of the performance condition, or a combination of the performance and market conditions, specified in the performance share unit agreement. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit of performance share units classified as equity awards granted was $209.50, $200.06, and $208.74 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The total fair value of performance share units vesting was approximately $105 million and $74 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no performance share units vesting in 2021. Transactions related to performance share units classified as equity awards for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, are summarized as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Nonvested as of February 3, 2023 Granted Vested Canceled or forfeited Units1 Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Unit 557 $ 195 (263) (52) 203.93 209.50 203.85 205.94 206.23 Nonvested as of February 2, 2024 1 The number of units presented is based on achieving the targeted performance goals as defined in the performance share unit agreements. As of February 2, 2024, the maximum number of nonvested units that could vest under the provisions of the agreements was 0.9 million. 437 $ Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units do not have dividend rights and are valued at the market price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant less the present value of dividends expected during the requisite service period. In general, these awards vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant. Certain awards vest 50% at the end of a two-year period from the date of grant and 50% at the end of a three-year period from the date of grant, or vest 100% at the end of a three-year period from the date of grant. All awards are expensed on a straight-line basis over that period, which is considered to be the requisite service period. The Company uses historical data to estimate the timing and amount of forfeitures. The weighted-average 62 Table of Contents grant-date fair value per share of restricted stock units granted was $188.22, $192.46, and $184.40 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vesting was approximately $67 million, $73 million, and $47 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Transactions related to restricted stock units for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024, are summarized as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Nonvested as of February 3, 2023 Granted Vested Canceled or forfeited Nonvested as of February 2, 2024 ESPP Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share Shares 593 $ 299 (336) (80) 476 $ 156.24 188.22 131.39 186.06 188.84 The purchase price of the shares under the ESPP equals 85% of the closing price on the date of purchase. The Company’s share-based payment expense per share is equal to 15% of the closing price on the date of purchase. The ESPP is considered a liability award and is measured at fair value at each reporting date, and the share-based payment expense is recognized over the six-month offering period. Under the ESPP, the Company issued 0.7 million shares of common stock in 2023 and 2022, and 0.6 million shares of common stock in 2021, and recognized $21 million of share-based payment expense in 2023 and $20 million of share-based payment expense in 2022 and 2021. NOTE 11: Employee Retirement Plans The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan for eligible employees (the 401(k) Plan). Eligible employees may participate in the 401(k) Plan the first of the month after thirty days of employment. The Company makes contributions to the 401(k) Plan each payroll period, based upon a matching formula applied to employee deferrals (the Company Match). Participants are eligible to receive the Company Match pursuant to the terms of the 401(k) Plan. The Company Match varies based on how much the employee elects to defer up to a maximum of 4.25% of eligible compensation. The Company Match is invested identically to employee contributions and is immediately vested. The Company maintains a Benefit Restoration Plan to supplement benefits provided under the 401(k) Plan to participants whose benefits are restricted as a result of certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This plan provides for employee salary deferrals and employer contributions in the form of a Company Match. The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation program called the Lowe’s Cash Deferral Plan. This plan is designed to permit certain employees to defer receipt of portions of their compensation, thereby delaying taxation on the deferral amount and on subsequent earnings until the balance is distributed. This plan does not provide for Company contributions. The Company recognized expense associated with these employee retirement plans of $167 million, $174 million, and $177 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 63 Table of Contents NOTE 12: Income Taxes The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate: Statutory federal income tax rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Valuation allowance Expiration of capital loss carryforward Loss on divestiture of Canadian retail business Other, net Effective tax rate Years Ended February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % 3.8 0.7 — (1.0) (0.4) 4.8 5.5 2.5 (4.1) (0.9) 24.1 % 28.8 % 4.0 — — — (0.3) 24.7 % The components of the income tax provision/(benefit) are as follows: (In millions) Current: Federal State Total current1 Deferred: Federal State February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ 1,955 $ 2,226 $ 489 2,444 3 2 5 561 2,787 (179) (9) (188) 2,599 $ 2,069 557 2,626 129 11 140 2,766 Total deferred1 Total income tax provision 1 Amounts applicable to foreign income taxes were insignificant for all periods presented. $ 2,449 $ The tax effects of cumulative temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: (In millions) Deferred tax assets: Self-insurance Share-based payment expense Operating lease liabilities Capital loss carryforwards Net operating losses Other, net Total deferred tax assets Valuation allowance Net deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Operating lease right-of-use assets Property Other, net Total deferred tax liabilities February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 $ 261 $ 49 1,159 695 332 446 2,942 (1,133) 1,809 (1,017) (389) (155) (1,561) 267 64 1,126 722 409 363 2,951 (1,136) 1,815 (974) (438) (153) (1,565) Net deferred tax assets $ 248 $ 250 64 Table of Contents As of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023, the Company had Canadian net operating loss carryforwards of $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The net operating losses expire in 2024 through 2043. As of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023, the Company had capital loss carryforwards of $2.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, for Canadian tax purposes which do not expire. A valuation allowance of $1.1 billion was recorded as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (In millions) February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year Additions for tax positions of prior years Settlements Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ $ 37 $ — — 37 $ 38 $ — (1) 37 $ 2 38 (2) 38 Years Ended The unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate were $37 million as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. The net interest expense recognized by the Company related to uncertain tax positions was $1 million for 2023, $3 million for 2022, and $12 million for 2021. The Company had $14 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. No penalties were recognized related to uncertain tax positions for 2023 or 2022. There was $4 million in penalties recognized related to uncertain tax positions for 2021. The Company had $4 million of accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. The Company is subject to examination by various foreign and domestic taxing authorities. There are ongoing U.S. state audits covering tax years 2015 to 2022. Audits performed by the Canada Revenue Agency for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and the Mexican Tax Administration Service for 2018 are on-going. The Company remains subject to income tax examinations for fiscal years 2015 through 2022. The Company believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years. Note 13: Earnings Per Share The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company’s participating securities consist of share-based payment awards that contain a nonforfeitable right to receive dividends and, therefore, are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders. Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares as of the balance sheet date, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards. The following table reconciles earnings per common share for 2023, 2022, and 2021: (In millions, except per share data) Basic earnings per common share: Net earnings attributable to Lowe's Companies, Inc. Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities Net earnings allocable to common shares, basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding Basic earnings per common share February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ $ $ 7,726 $ (20) 7,706 $ 582 13.23 $ 6,437 $ (21) 6,416 $ 629 10.20 $ 8,442 (33) 8,409 696 12.07 65 Table of Contents (In millions, except per share data) Diluted earnings per common share: Net earnings attributable to Lowe's Companies, Inc. Less: Net earnings allocable to participating securities Net earnings allocable to common shares, diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards Weighted-average common shares, as adjusted Diluted earnings per common share Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares NOTE 14: Commitments and Contingencies February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ $ $ 7,726 $ (20) 7,706 $ 582 2 584 6,437 $ (21) 6,416 $ 629 2 631 13.20 $ 10.17 $ 0.5 0.5 8,442 (33) 8,409 696 3 699 12.04 0.3 The Company is, from time to time, party to various legal proceedings considered to be in the normal course of business, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to be material to the Company’s financial statements. In evaluating liabilities associated with its various legal proceedings, the Company has accrued for probable liabilities associated with these matters. The amounts accrued were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in any of the years presented. Reasonably possible losses for any of the individual legal proceedings which have not been accrued were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of February 2, 2024, the Company had non-cancellable commitments of $2.3 billion related to certain marketing and information technology programs, and purchases of merchandise inventory. These commitments 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. Payments under these commitments are scheduled to be made as follows: (In millions) Fiscal 2024 Fiscal 2025 Fiscal 2026 Fiscal 2027 Fiscal 2028 Thereafter Total Commitments 912 679 345 263 26 53 2,278 $ $ As of February 2, 2024, the Company held standby and documentary letters of credit issued under banking arrangements which totaled $512 million. The majority of the Company’s letters of credit were issued to support the Company’s warranty program. NOTE 15: Related Parties The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer also serves on the Board of Directors of a vendor that provides transportation and business services to the Company. The Company purchased services from this vendor in the amount of $217 million in 2023, $228 million in 2022, and $269 million in 2021. Amounts payable to this vendor were insignificant to the Company as of February 2, 2024, and February 3, 2023. A former member of the Company’s Board of Directors also serves on the Board of Directors of a vendor that provides branded consumer packaged goods to the Company. The Company purchased products from this vendor in the amount of $203 million in 2021. This was no longer considered a related party relationship as of January 28, 2022. 66 Table of Contents NOTE 16: Other Information Interest – net is comprised of the following: (In millions) Long-term debt Finance lease obligations Short-term borrowings Interest income Interest capitalized Interest on tax uncertainties Other Interest – net February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended $ 1,438 $ 1,108 $ 24 15 (101) (4) 1 9 29 5 (37) (4) 3 19 $ 1,382 $ 1,123 $ 827 30 5 (12) (3) 12 26 885 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: (In millions) February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized Cash paid for income taxes, net Non-cash investing and financing activities:1 Cash dividends declared but not paid $ $ $ 1,464 $ 3,700 $ 976 $ 1,720 $ 837 2,735 633 $ 633 $ 537 1 See Note 5 for supplemental cash flow disclosures related to finance and operating leases. Years Ended Sales by product category: (In millions, except percentage data) Total Sales % Total Sales % Total Sales % February 2, 2024 February 3, 2023 January 28, 2022 Years Ended Appliances Seasonal & Outdoor Living Lumber Lawn & Garden Kitchens & Bath Hardware Building Materials Millwork Paint Rough Plumbing Tools Electrical Flooring Décor Other Net sales $ 12,344 14.3 % $ 13,509 13.9 % $ 13,424 13.9 % 7,740 7,020 6,729 6,167 5,828 5,245 5,181 5,118 4,971 4,723 4,478 4,327 4,175 2,331 9.0 8.1 7.8 7.1 6.7 6.1 6.0 5.9 5.8 5.5 5.2 5.0 4.8 2.7 8,697 9,766 6,929 6,951 6,181 5,065 5,770 5,406 5,333 5,185 5,334 5,046 5,290 2,597 9.0 10.1 9,321 9.7 10,011 10.4 7.1 7.2 6.4 5.2 5.9 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.5 5.2 5.5 2.6 7,484 6,717 5,993 4,501 5,339 5,094 4,727 5,407 5,276 4,959 5,494 2,503 7.8 7.0 6.2 4.7 5.5 5.3 4.9 5.6 5.5 5.2 5.7 2.6 $ 86,377 100.0 % $ 97,059 100.0 % $ 96,250 100.0 % Note: Product category sales for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 67 Table of Contents Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. Item 9A - Controls and Procedures The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and 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 Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (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. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) and the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. The Company is undergoing a multi-year technology transformation which includes updating and modernizing our merchandise selling system, as well as certain accounting and finance systems. These updates are expected to continue for the next few years, and management will continue to evaluate the design and implementation of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as the transformation continues. No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal fourth quarter ended February 2, 2024, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Item 9B - Other Information During the three months ended February 2, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as those terms are defined in Regulation S-K, Item 408). Item 9C - Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections Not applicable. 68 Table of Contents Item 10 - Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Part III The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers appears in Part I of this Annual Report under the heading, “Information About Our Executive Officers”. The other information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance”, and “Additional Information - Shareholder Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 (the Proxy Statement). We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics, which is intended to qualify as a “code of ethics” within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act, which we refer to as the Lowe’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). The Code applies to all employees of the Company, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions. The Code is designed to ensure that the Company’s business is conducted in a legal and ethical manner. The Code covers all areas of professional conduct, including compliance with laws and regulations, conflicts of interest, fair dealing among customers and suppliers, corporate opportunity, confidential information, insider trading, employee relations, and accounting complaints. The full text of the Code can be found on our website at ir.lowes.com, under the “Investors”, and “Corporate Governance - Governance Documents” headings. You can also obtain a copy of the complete Code by contacting Investor Relations by phone at 1-800-813-7613 or email at investorrelations@lowes.com. We will disclose information pertaining to amendments or waivers to provisions of the Code that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions and that relate to any element of the Code enumerated in the SEC rules and regulations by posting this information on our website at ir.lowes.com. The information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference in this report or any of our other filings with the SEC. Item 11 - Executive Compensation The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Corporate Governance – Compensation of Directors”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement, except as to information required pursuant to Item 402(v) of SEC Regulation S-K relating to pay versus performance. Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement. Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Corporate Governance – Director Independence”, “Related Person Transactions”, and “Appendix B: Categorical Standards for Determination of Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement. Item 14 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the heading “Audit Matters – Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement. 69 Table of Contents Item 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 1. Financial Statements Part IV See the following items and page numbers appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report: Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2024 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 2, 2024 and February 3, 2023 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit)/Equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2024 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2024 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2024 2. Financial Statement Schedules Page No. 36 39 39 40 41 42 43 All schedules have not been included as they are either not applicable or the information is included within our consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements. 70 Table of Contents 3. Exhibits Exhibit Number 3.1 Exhibit Description Restated Charter of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Form 10-Q Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 3.1 Filing Date September 1, 2009 8-K 001-07898 3.1 November 16, 2022 8-K 001-07898 4.1 December 15, 1995 8-K 001-07898 4.2 February 20, 1998 10-K 001-07898 10.13 April 19, 1999 10-K 001-07898 10.19 April 19, 1999 10-K 001-07898 4.5 April 3, 2007 S-3 (POSASR) 333-137750 4.5 October 10, 2006 8-K 001-07898 4.1 September 11, 2007 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Bylaws of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., as amended and restated November 11, 2022. Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee. Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 6 7/8% Debentures due February 15, 2028. First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 23, 1999, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee. Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 6 1/2% Debentures due March 15, 2029. Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2005, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as an exhibit thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 5.5% Notes maturing in October 2035. Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as an exhibit thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 5.80% Notes maturing in October 2036. Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 6.10% Notes maturing in September 2017 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 6.65% Notes maturing in September 2037. 71 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 Exhibit Description Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 15, 2010, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 4.625% Notes maturing in April 2020 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 5.800% Notes maturing in April 2040. Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 23, 2011, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.800% Notes maturing in November 2021 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 5.125% Notes maturing in November 2041. Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2012, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 1.625% Notes maturing in April 2017, a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.120% Notes maturing in April 2022 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 4.650% Notes maturing in April 2042. Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.875% Notes maturing in September 2023 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 5.000% Notes maturing in September 2043. Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2014, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s Floating Rate Notes maturing in September 2019, a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.125% Notes maturing in September 2024 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 4.250% Notes maturing in September 2044. Form 8-K Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 4.1 Filing Date April 15, 2010 8-K 001-07898 4.1 November 23, 2011 8-K 001-07898 4.1 April 23, 2012 8-K 001-07898 4.1 September 11, 2013 8-K 001-07898 4.1 September 10, 2014 72 Form 8-K Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 4.1 Filing Date September 16, 2015 8-K 001-07898 4.1 April 20, 2016 8-K 001-07898 4.1 May 3, 2017 8-K 001-07898 4.2 April 5, 2019 8-K 001-07898 4.2 March 27, 2020 Exhibit Description Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 16, 2015, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s Floating Rate Notes maturing in September 2018, a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.375% Notes maturing in September 2025 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 4.375% Notes maturing in September 2045. Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s Floating Rate Notes maturing in April 2019, a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 1.15% Notes maturing in April 2019, a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 2.50% Notes maturing in April 2026 and a form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.’s 3.70% Notes maturing in April 2046. Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 3, 2017, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, including as exhibits thereto a form of 3.100% Notes due May 3, 2027 and a form of 4.050% Notes due May 3, 2047. Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 5, 2019, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor trustee), including as exhibits thereto a form of 3.650% Notes due April 5, 2029 and a form of 4.550% Notes due April 5, 2049. Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 26, 2020, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor trustee), including as exhibits thereto a form of 4.000% Notes due April 15, 2025, a form of 4.500% Notes due April 15, 2030, a form of 5.000% Notes due April 15, 2040 and a form of 5.125% Notes due April 15, 2050. Table of Contents Exhibit Number 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 73 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 Exhibit Description Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 22, 2020, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor trustee), including as exhibits thereto a form of 1.300% Notes due April 15, 2028, a form of 1.700% Notes due October 15, 2030 and a form of 3.000% Notes due October 15, 2050. Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2021, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor trustee), including as exhibits thereto a form of 2.625% Notes due April 1, 2031 and a form of 3.500% Notes due April 1, 2051. Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 20, 2021, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank Association (as successor trustee), including as exhibits thereto a form of 1.700% Notes due September 15, 2028 and a form of 2.800% Notes due September 15, 2041. Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2022, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association as successor trustee). including as exhibits thereto a form of 3.350% Notes due April 1, 2027, a form of 3.750% Notes due April 1, 2032, a form of 4.250% notes due April 1, 2052 and a form of 4.450% Notes due April 1, 2062. Twenty-First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 8, 2022, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association as successor trustee). including as exhibits thereto a form of 4.400% Notes due September 8, 2025, a form of 5.000% Notes due April 15, 2033, a form of 5.625% notes due April 15, 2053 and a form of 5.800% Notes due September 15, 2062. Form 8-K Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 4.2 Filing Date October 22, 2020 8-K 001-07898 4.2 March 31, 2021 8-K 001-07898 4.2 September 20, 2021 8-K 001-07898 4.2 March 24, 2022 8-K 001-07898 4.2 September 8, 2022 74 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 Exhibit Description Twenty-Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2023, between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association as successor trustee). including as exhibits thereto a form of 4.800% Notes due April 1, 2026, a form of 5.150% Notes due July 1, 2033, a form of 5.750% notes due July 1, 2053 and a form of 5.850% Notes due April 1, 2063. Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2021, by and among Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and a letter of credit issuer, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank. National Association, as co-syndication agents and letter of credit issuers, and Citibank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Barclays Bank PLC, as co-documentation agents, and the other lenders party thereto. Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2023, by and among Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and a letter of credit issuer, and the other lenders party thereto. Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2023, by and among Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and a letter of credit issuer, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as co-syndication agents and letter of credit issuers, Citibank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Barclays Bank PLC, as co- documentation agents, and the other lenders party thereto. Form 8-K Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 4.2 Filing Date March 30, 2023 8-K 001-07898 10.1 December 15, 2021 8-K 001-07898 10.1 January 23, 2023 8-K 001-07898 10.1 September 7, 2023 4.27 Description of Securities.‡ 10.1 Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated May 28, 2021.* 10.2 Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 August 26, 2021 S-8 333-249586 99.1 October 21, 2020 75 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 10.3 Exhibit Description Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008.* Form 10-Q Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 10.2 Filing Date December 12, 2007 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 Amendment No. 1 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* Amendment No. 2 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* Amendment No. 3 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* Amendment No. 4 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* Amendment No. 5 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* Amendment No. 6 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* 10-K 001-07898 10.10 March 29, 2011 10-K 001-07898 10.11 March 29, 2011 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 December 1, 2011 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 September 4, 2012 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 December 3, 2013 10-K 001-07898 10.1 March 31, 2015 10.10 Amendment No. 7 to the Lowe’s Companies Benefit Restoration Plan.* 10-K 001-07898 10.16 April 4, 2017 10.11 Lowe’s Companies Cash Deferral Plan.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 June 4, 2004 10.12 Amendment No. 1 to the Lowe’s Companies Cash Deferral Plan.* 10.13 Amendment No. 2 to the Lowe’s Companies Cash Deferral Plan.* 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for Outside Directors.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for Nonemployee Directors.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for Nonemployee Directors.* Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective as of May 27, 2022.* Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2016 Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of February 1, 2016.* Offer Letter between Marvin R. Ellison and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. entered into on May 21, 2018.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 December 12, 2007 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 December 1, 2010 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 September 3, 2019 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 August 25, 2022 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 August 30, 2023 8-K 001-07898 10.1 June 2, 2022 DEF 14A 001-07898 Appendix C April 11, 2016 8-K 001-07898 10.1 May 22, 2018 76 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 10.20 Exhibit Description Offer Letter between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Joseph M. McFarland III entered into on July 18, 2018.* Form 10-Q Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 10.2 Filing Date September 4, 2018 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 Offer Letter between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and William P. Boltz entered into on July 15, 2018.* Offer Letter between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Seemantini Godbole entered into on October 30, 2018.* Offer Letter between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Brandon J. Sink entered into on April 8, 2022.* Offer Letter between Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Juliette W. Pryor entered into on March 15, 2023.*‡ Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Tier I Officers.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Tier I Officers.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Non- Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Tier I Officers.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Tier I Senior Officers.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Performance Share Unit Award Agreement.* 10-K 001-07898 10.20 March 21, 2022 10-K 001-07898 10.21 March 21, 2022 8-K 001-07898 10.1 April 8, 2022 10-K 001-07898 10.28 March 23, 2020 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 June 3, 2019 10-Q 001-07898 10.6 June 3, 2019 10-Q 001-07898 10.7 September 4, 2018 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 November 25, 2020 10.30 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Non- Qualified Stock Option Agreement.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 May 28, 2020 10.31 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Director Indemnification Agreement.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.6 December 6, 2018 10.32 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Officer Indemnification Agreement.* 10-K 001-07898 10.43 April 2, 2019 10.33 10.34 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2021 Restricted Stock Award Agreement.* Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2021 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.4 May 27, 2021 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 May 27, 2021 10.35 Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2021 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.3 May 27, 2021 77 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 10.36 Exhibit Description Form of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 2022 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement.* Form Incorporated by Reference File No. Exhibit Filing Date 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 May 26, 2022 10.37 Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Severance Plan for Senior Officers as amended and restated May 26, 2022.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.3 August 25, 2022 10.38 Form of Lowes Companies, Inc. 2023 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.* 10-Q 001-07898 10.1 June 1, 2023 10-Q 001-07898 10.2 June 1, 2023 10-Q 001-07898 10.3 June 1, 2023 10.39 Form of Lowes Companies, Inc. 2023 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement.* 10.40 Form of Lowes Companies, Inc. 2023 Restricted Stock Award Agreement.* 21.1 List of Subsidiaries.‡ 23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.‡ 24.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 97.1 97.2 Power of Attorney (included on the Signatures page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).‡ Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.‡ Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.‡ Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.† Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.† Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Rule 10D-1 Compensation Recovery (Clawback) Policy.‡ Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Senior Officer Compensation Recovery (Clawback) Policy.‡ 78 Form 10-Q Incorporated by Reference File No. 001-07898 Exhibit 99.1 Filing Date June 1, 2023 10-Q 001-07898 99.1 November 29, 2023 Table of Contents Exhibit Number 99.1 Exhibit Description Lowe’s 401(k) Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of January 1, 2023 (filed to include this amendment as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No.033-29772). 99.2 99.3 Amendment Number 2023-2 to the Lowe’s 401(k) Plan, effective September 25, 2023 (filed to include this amendment as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No.033-29772). Amendment Number 2023-3 to the Lowe’s 401(k) Plan, effective January 1, 2024 (filed to include this amendment as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No.033-29772).‡ 101.INS 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.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.‡ 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.‡ 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.‡ 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.‡ 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.‡ 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101).‡ * ‡ † Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. Filed herewith. Furnished herewith. Item 16 – Form 10-K Summary None. 79 Table of Contents SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ Marvin R. Ellison Marvin R. Ellison Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer By: /s/ Brandon J. Sink Brandon J. Sink Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer By: /s/ Dan C. Griggs, Jr. Dan C. Griggs, Jr. Senior Vice President, Tax and Chief Accounting Officer 80 Table of Contents Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each of the directors of the registrant whose signature appears below hereby appoints Brandon J. Sink, Dan C. Griggs, Jr., and Juliette W. Pryor, and each of them severally, as his or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and behalf, in any and all capacities stated below, and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this report, making such changes in this report as appropriate, and generally to do all such things on their behalf in their capacities as directors and/or officers to enable the registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date March 25, 2024 Date /s/ Marvin R. Ellison Marvin R. Ellison /s/ Raul Alvarez Raul Alvarez /s/ David H. Batchelder David H. Batchelder /s/ Scott H. Baxter Scott H. Baxter /s/ Sandra B. Cochran Sandra B. Cochran /s/ Laurie Z. Douglas Laurie Z. Douglas /s/ Richard W. Dreiling Richard W. Dreiling /s/ Brian C. Rogers Brian C. Rogers /s/ Bertram L. Scott Bertram L. Scott /s/ Colleen Taylor Colleen Taylor /s/ Mary Beth West Mary Beth West 81 CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.1 I, Marvin R. Ellison, certify that: (1) I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Registrant); (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and (5) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. March 25, 2024 Date /s/ Marvin R. Ellison Marvin R. Ellison Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.2 I, Brandon J. Sink, certify that: (1) I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Registrant); (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and (5) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. March 25, 2024 Date /s/ Brandon J. Sink Brandon J. Sink Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Company) for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Marvin R. Ellison, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Marvin R. Ellison Marvin R. Ellison Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer March 25, 2024 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 32.2 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (the Company) for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Brandon J. Sink, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Brandon J. Sink Brandon J. Sink Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer March 25, 2024 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Management of Lowe's Companies, Inc. (the Company) uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide additional insight for analysts and investors in evaluating the Company's financial and operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful indicators of, the Company's financial measures as prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company's methods of determining these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other companies and may not be comparable. Years Ended Adjusted Operating Income (in millions, except percentage data) Operating Income, As Reported Canada retail business transaction 1,2 Canadian goodwill impairment 3 Orchard Supply Hardware charges 4 U.S. and Canada charges 5 Mexico impairment charges 6 Non-core activities charges 7 Project Specialists Interiors charge 8 Adjusted Operating Income Operating Margin, % of sales Adjusted Operating Margin, % of sales $ February 2, 2024 11,557 (63) — — — — — — 11,494 $ $ February 3, 2023 10,159 2,501 — — — — — — 12,660 $ $ February 1, 2019 4,018 — 952 561 271 244 46 13 6,105 $ 13.38 % 13.31 % 10.47 % 13.04 % 5.64 % 8.56 % Year Ended February 2, 2024 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Earnings Per Share, As Reported Canada retail business transaction 1 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share 1 For fiscal 2023, represents income associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business, consisting of a realized gain on contingent $ — $ Pre-Tax Earnings Net Earnings 13.20 (0.11) 13.09 (0.11) Tax 9 consideration and adjustments to the selling price. 2 For fiscal 2022, represents costs associated with the sale of the Canadian retail business, consisting of long-lived asset impairment, loss on the sale, and other closing costs. 3 Represents goodwill impairment associated with its Canadian operations. 4 Represents long-lived asset impairment, discontinued project charges, and closing costs associated with the exit of the Company's Orchard Supply Hardware operations. 5 Represents long-lived asset impairment and severance-related costs associated with the closure of 20 U.S. and 31 Canada locations. 6 Represents long-lived asset impairment associated with the Company's exit of its retail operations in Mexico. 7 Represents long-lived asset impairment and inventory write-downs related to the decision to exit certain non-core activities. 8 Represents severance costs due to the elimination of the Project Specialists Interiors position. 9 Represents the corresponding tax benefit or expense specifically related to the item excluded from adjusted diluted earnings per share. Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is calculated using a non-GAAP financial measure. Lowe's 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: ROIC (in millions, except percentage data) Numerator Net Earnings Plus: Interest expense, net Operating lease interest Provision for income taxes Lease adjusted net operating profit Less: Income tax adjustment 1 Lease adjusted net operating profit after tax Denominator Average debt and shareholders' (deficit)/equity 2 Four Quarters Ended February 2, 2024 February 1, 2019 $ 7,726 $ 2,314 1,382 157 2,449 11,714 2,819 8,895 24,418 $ $ 624 206 1,080 4,224 1,344 2,880 25,713 $ $ Net Earnings to Average Debt and Shareholders' (Deficit)/Equity 31.6 % 9.0 % 11.2 % Return on Invested Capital 1 Income tax adjustment is defined as lease adjusted net operating profit multiplied by the effective tax rate, which was 24.1% and 31.8% for 36.4 % the periods ended February 2, 2024, and February 1, 2019, 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. 2023 Annual Report 1 2023 ANNUAL REPORTBoard of Directors MARVIN R. ELLISON Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. RAUL ALVAREZ 2*, 4, 5 Operating Partner, Advent International Corporation DAVID H. BATCHELDER 2, 3 Co-Founder and Former Principal, Relational Advisors, LLC SCOTT H. BAXTER 2, 5 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Board, Kontoor Brands, Inc. SANDRA B. COCHRAN 1, 4* Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. LAURIE Z. DOUGLAS 1, 3, 5* Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer, Publix Super Markets, Inc. BRIAN C. ROGERS 1, 3* Former Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. BERTRAM L. SCOTT 1*, 3 Former Senior Vice President of Population Health and Value Based Care, Novant Health COLLEEN TAYLOR 1, 4 President, U.S. Merchant Services, American Express Company MARY BETH WEST 1, 4 Former Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer, The Hershey Company RICHARD W. DREILING 3 Lead Independent Director of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dollar Tree, Inc. Committee Membership 1 Audit Committee 2 Compensation Committee 3 Nominating and Governance Committee 4 Sustainability Committee 5 Technology Committee * Committee Chair Executive Officers MARVIN R. ELLISON Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer WILLIAM P. (BILL) BOLTZ Executive Vice President, Merchandising JANICE M. DUPRÉ Executive Vice President, Human Resources SEEMANTINI GODBOLE Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Information Officer JOSEPH M. MCFARLAND III Executive Vice President, Stores JULIETTE W. PRYOR Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary BRANDON J. SINK Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer MARGRETHE R. VAGELL Executive Vice President, Supply Chain QUONTA D. VANCE Executive Vice President, Pro and Home Services Corporate Information BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $86 billion, Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Lowe’s files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any other filings required by the SEC. The reports Lowe’s files with, or furnishes to, the SEC, and all amendments to those reports, are available without charge on Lowe’s website (ir.lowes.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after Lowe’s files them with, or furnishes them to, the SEC. Copies of Lowe’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available without charge upon written request to Lowe’s Investor Relations Department, at Lowe’s corporate offices or by calling 800-813-7613. STOCK TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND DIVIDEND REINVESTING AGENT Computershare Trust Company, N.A. P.O. Box 43006 Providence, RI 02940-3006 Registered shareholders can update account details, enroll in direct deposit of dividends, perform transactions, and submit account inquiries online through Computershare’s website, computershare.com/ investor. Registered shareholders can also visit Computershare’s Quick Access Hub at cshare.us/qahub to view statements, tax forms, obtain stock value, share balances, replace checks, add or change account beneficiaries, update an address, enroll in direct deposit and receive text message notifications. Registered shareholders requiring assistance with account inquiries may also call Computershare at 877-282-1174. Investors can join Lowe’s Stock Advantage Direct Stock Purchase Plan by visiting ir.lowes.com and clicking on Buy Stock Direct. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy securities. DIVIDENDS Lowe’s has declared a cash dividend each quarter since becoming a public company in 1961. Dividend record dates are usually the third week of fiscal April, July, October and January. Dividend payment dates are usually the first week of fiscal May, August, November and February. ANNUAL MEETING DATE May 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. This year’s annual meeting is online only. You will not be able to attend the annual meeting in person. STOCK TRADING INFORMATION Lowe’s common stock (LOW) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER Juliette W. Pryor Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary 704-758-1000 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Deloitte & Touche LLP 650 South Tryon Street Suite 1800 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-887-1500 SHAREHOLDER SERVICES Shareholders’ and security analysts’ inquiries should be directed to: Kate Pearlman Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer 704-775-3856 For copies of financial information: 800-813-7613 or visit ir.lowes.com This report is printed on paper containing fiber from well-managed, independently certified forests and contains a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled fiber. To further reduce resource use, Lowe’s is relying on e-proxy rules to make the proxy materials for its 2024 Annual Meeting, including this Annual Report, available online to many of our shareholders instead of mailing hard copies to them. This use of technology has allowed us to reduce the number of copies we print of our Annual Report. Corporate Offices 1000 Lowes Boulevard Mooresville, NC 28117 704-758-1000 Lowe’s Website www.lowes.com To view Lowe’s Corporate Responsibility Report, visit responsibility.lowes.com Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 1000 Lowes Boulevard Mooresville, NC 28117 www.lowes.com 1 LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.

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