10-K/APeriod: FY2010

LOWES COMPANIES INC Annual Report (Amendment), Year Ended Jan 29, 2010

Filed April 12, 2010For Securities:LOW

Summary

This 10-K/A filing from Lowe's Companies, Inc. for the period ending January 28, 2010, primarily references the company's 2009 Annual Report to Shareholders for detailed financial statements, including the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Balance Sheets, Shareholders' Equity, and Cash Flows. The filing also includes a Schedule II detailing valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves, such as reserves for obsolete inventory, inventory shrinkage, sales returns, and deferred tax valuation allowance, along with the independent auditor's report from Deloitte & Touche LLP. A comprehensive list of exhibits, including charter and bylaw amendments, various indentures and credit agreements, and numerous executive compensation and benefit plans, are incorporated by reference. For investors, the key takeaway is that this filing serves as an amendment and incorporation by reference of previously issued financial statements and disclosures. The financial health and operational performance are primarily detailed in the referenced 2009 Annual Report. The provided schedule offers insight into the company's management of inventory and potential tax assets, showing a decrease in the reserve for obsolete inventory and an increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance compared to the prior year. The extensive list of exhibits indicates a well-established corporate governance structure and a variety of financial instruments and employee incentive programs.

Key Highlights

  • 1The filing incorporates by reference Lowe's 2009 Annual Report to Shareholders for detailed financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the three fiscal years ending January 29, 2010.
  • 2Schedule II provides details on reserves for inventory obsolescence, shrinkage, and sales returns, with a decrease in the reserve for obsolete inventory from $58 million to $49 million year-over-year.
  • 3The reserve for inventory shrinkage saw an increase in charges to costs and expenses, but the ending balance remained relatively stable ($129 million to $138 million).
  • 4The deferred tax valuation allowance increased from $42 million to $65 million, suggesting a reassessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets.
  • 5Deloitte & Touche LLP issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2010.
  • 6The filing lists numerous exhibits, including corporate governance documents, debt indentures, credit agreements, and various employee benefit and incentive plans, indicating a complex and established corporate structure.
  • 7This filing is an amendment (10-K/A), and investors should cross-reference with the original 10-K filing for a complete understanding of the fiscal year 2009 performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 10-K/A filing primarily incorporates by reference Lowe's 2009 Annual Report to Shareholders, which contains the detailed financial statements for the period. Therefore, to find the specific financial results (like revenue, net income, EPS), investors should refer to the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and other financial statements included in that annual report, which are incorporated by reference in this filing.

Schedule II provides management's accounting for specific reserves, such as those for potential losses on obsolete inventory, inventory shrinkage (theft or damage), anticipated sales returns, and deferred tax assets. It shows how these reserves changed during the fiscal year, including charges, deductions, and ending balances. For investors, it offers insight into potential risks and how the company accounts for them.

An increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance, from $42 million to $65 million, indicates that the company's management has evaluated its deferred tax assets and concluded that it is more likely than not that a portion of these assets will not be realized. This can occur due to changes in future profitability expectations or tax laws and typically results in a higher tax expense.

A 10-K/A filing typically means there was an initial filing and subsequent amendments were made. Investors should be aware that this filing may contain corrections, updates, or additions to the original 10-K. The core financial information is often presented in the referenced Annual Report to Shareholders, but any specific amendments or clarifications in this 10-K/A should be carefully reviewed for potential impacts.