The class will be analyzing Best Buy Co., Inc.

This is a quasi-group project. It is a group project in the sense that you are encouraged to work with other students to collect information and to collaborate on the analysis of your company.

Sources: Please be sure to use the 10-K as the basis of your analysis. Do not use commercially available, reformatted or reclassified financials. The first part of the project will be based on the 10-K for the year ending 1/30/2016. The financial data will be based on the 10-K for the year ending in January 2017.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We believe that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These estimates require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, because they relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board.

Except where noted, we have not made any material changes to the accounting methodologies for the areas described below.

Inventory

We value our inventory at the lower of cost or market through the establishment of markdown and inventory loss adjustments. Markdown adjustments reflect the excess of cost over the net proceeds we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or other

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disposal of inventory and establish a new cost basis. Subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the reversal of previously recorded markdowns or an increase in that newly established cost basis. Markdown adjustments involve uncertainty because the calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding factors such as forecast consumer demand, the promotional environment and technological obsolescence.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our markdown adjustments. However, if actual outcomes are different than we anticipated, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 10% change in our markdown adjustment at January 30, 2016, would have affected net earnings by approximately $9 million in fiscal 2016.

Vendor Allowances

We receive allowances from certain vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. We treat a substantial majority of these allowances as an offset to the cost of the product or services provided. Sell-through allowances are collected when inventory is sold to customers and recognized as a reduction in cost of sales at that time. Certain other types of funding, most notably receipt-based allowances, are collected when we take receipt of inventory and deferred as a reduction of inventory until inventory is sold. The estimation of the deferral for these types of funding is complex and requires detailed analysis of factors such as product and vendor mix, inventory turn and a large range of diverse allowance programs.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our vendor funding deferral. A 10% difference in our vendor funding deferral at January 30, 2016, would have affected net earnings by approximately $21 million in fiscal 2016.

We also receive vendor allowances for achieving certain volume targets. These vendor allowances are accrued as earned over the incentive period, based on estimates of purchases. Amounts accrued throughout the program year could require adjustment if actual purchase volumes differ from projected purchase volumes, especially in the case of programs that provide for increased funding when graduated volume tiers are met. We believe that our estimate of vendor allowances earned based on expected volume of purchases over the incentive period is an accurate reflection of the ultimate allowances to be received from our vendors. Since most volume-based programs apply to a calendar year or our fiscal year, the amount of judgment required as of any fiscal year end is minimal.

Property and Equipment Impairments

Property and equipment assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

When evaluating property and equipment assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value, which is typically based on estimated discounted future cash flows. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable asset, the new cost basis is depreciated over the remaining useful life of that asset.

When reviewing property and equipment assets for impairment, we group assets with other assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets deployed at store locations, we review for impairment at the individual store level. These reviews involve comparing the carrying value of all property and equipment located at each store to the net cash flow projections for each store. In addition, we conduct separate impairment reviews at other levels as appropriate. For example, a shared asset such as a distribution center would be evaluated by reference to the aggregate assets and projected cash flows of all areas of the businesses utilizing those shared assets.

Our impairment loss calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment in order to estimate fair values, including estimating cash flows and useful lives and selecting a discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions we may be exposed to impairments that could be material. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate property and equipment asset impairment losses.

Goodwill

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Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually in the fiscal fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below the operating segment level. Our detailed impairment testing involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit and is based on discounted cash flows or relative market-based approaches. If the fair value exceeds carrying value, then it is concluded that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure possible goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes hypothetically valuing the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value.

The carrying value of goodwill at January 30, 2016, was $425 million, which related entirely to our Domestic segment. In fiscal 2016, we determined that the excess of fair value over carrying value was substantial. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to test for impairment losses on goodwill. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Tax Contingencies

Our income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. At any time, many tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we may record a liability for such exposures. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a liability, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provisions in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available.

Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various filing positions.

Our effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law, the tax jurisdiction of new stores or business ventures, the level of earnings and the results of tax audits.

Although we believe that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been established, or are required to pay amounts in excess of our established liability, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially affected. An unfavorable tax settlement generally would require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement may reduce our effective income tax rate and would be recognized in the period of resolution.

Revenue Recognition

The following accounting estimates relating to revenue recognition contain uncertainty because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding the effects of future events.

Returns We recognize revenue, net of estimated returns, at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise or receives services. We estimate the liability for sales returns with a corresponding reduction to revenue and cost of sales based on historical return data. We believe that our estimate for sales returns, which represents the estimated gross margin impact of returns, is a reasonable reflection of future returns and financial impacts. However, if our estimates are significantly below or above the actual return amounts, our reported revenue and cost of sales could be impacted. A 10% difference in our returns reserve at January 30, 2016, would have affected net earnings by approximately $2 million in fiscal 2016.

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Gift Card Breakage We sell gift cards to customers in our retail stores, through our websites and through select third parties. A liability is initially established for the value of the gift card when sold. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the card is redeemed by the customer. For unredeemed gift cards we recognize breakage when the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is deemed remote and we determine that we do not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift cards to a relevant jurisdiction. We determine the breakage rate based on historical redemption patterns, which show that after 24 months, we can reasonably estimate breakage. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to record breakage. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Customer Loyalty Programs We have customer loyalty programs which allow members to earn points for each purchase completed or when using our co-branded credit cards. Points earned enable members to receive a certificate that may be redeemed on future purchases. The value of points earned by our loyalty program members is included in accrued liabilities and recorded as a reduction in revenue at the time the points are earned, based on the value of points that are projected to be redeemed. Our estimate of the amount and timing of redemptions of certificates is based primarily on historical data. A 10% difference in our customer loyalty point liability at January 30, 2016, would have affected net earnings by approximately $13 million in fiscal 2016.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions of our revenue recognition critical accounting estimates. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

Our current ratio, calculated as current assets divided by current liabilities, was 1.4 as of January 30, 2016, compared to 1.5 at the end of fiscal 2015. The lower current ratio in fiscal 2016 was driven by an increase in current liabilities due to our 2016 Notes being due in fiscal 2017 and a decrease in current assets due to a lower cash balance.

Our debt to earnings ratio was 2.1 as of January 30, 2016, compared to 1.3 as of January 31, 2015, due primarily to a decrease in net earnings from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio, which includes capitalized operating lease obligations in its calculation, was 2.6 and 2.8 as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively. The decrease in the ratio was due to a decrease in capitalized operating lease obligations and an increase in EBITDAR.

Our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, the most directly comparable ratio determined in accordance with GAAP. We have included this information in our MD&A as we view the adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio as an important indicator of our creditworthiness. Furthermore, we believe that our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is important for understanding our financial position and provides meaningful additional information about our ability to service our long-term debt and other fixed obligations and to fund our future growth. We also believe our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is relevant because it enables investors to compare our indebtedness to that of retailers who own, rather than lease, their stores. Our decision to own or lease real estate is based on an assessment of our financial liquidity, our capital structure, our desire to own or to lease the location, the owners desire to own or to lease the location, and the alternative that results in the highest return to our shareholders.

This MD&A includes financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), as well as certain adjusted or non-GAAP financial measures such as non-GAAP operating income, non- GAAP effective tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings from continuing operations, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and adjusted debt to earnings before goodwill impairment, interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent ("EBITDAR") ratio. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. Non- GAAP measures as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

We believe that the non-GAAP measures described above provide meaningful supplemental information to assist shareholders in understanding our financial results and assessing our prospects for future performance. Management believes adjusted operating income, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are important indicators of our operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, our core operating results and provide a baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses. Management makes standard adjustments for items such as restructuring charges, goodwill impairments, non- restructuring asset impairments and gains or losses on investments, as well as adjustments for other items that may arise during the period and have a meaningful impact on comparability. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below for the detailed reconciliation of items that impacted the non-GAAP measures in the presented periods. Management believes our

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adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is an important indicator of our creditworthiness. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These non-GAAP financial measures are an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures within our discussion of consolidated performance below, provide a more complete understanding of our business. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

Accounting analysis

1.Identify your companys critical accounting and financial reporting choices and financial estimates. Do not just cut and paste the significant accounting policies in the Management Discussion & Analysis or the Note to the statements. Identify which choices and use of estimates would have the most significant impact on the financials.

2.Indicate what, if any, adjustments might need to be made to the financials for prospective analysis. You should consider whether adjustments should be made for non-recurring items, differences in accounting for inventories (LIFO/FIFO) if material, pension plans, off-balance sheet financing through operating leases, goodwill and other intangibles or dealings with related entities. Discuss what would be the impact of such changes on the financials.

3.What, if any, non-GAAP indicators does management discuss? How do such non-GAAP indicators aid or impair your understanding of the financial statements?

4.Evaluate the overall accounting quality of the company. Identify any incentives for management to engage in financial manipulation or management. Are there any red flags?