BBY 10-Q Quarterly Report Nov. 27, 2010 | Alphaminr

BBY 10-Q Quarter ended Nov. 27, 2010

BEST BUY CO INC
10-Ks and 10-Qs
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
PROXIES
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
10-Q 1 a10-20501_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 27, 2010

OR

o 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: 1-9595

BEST BUY CO., INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota

41-0907483

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7601 Penn Avenue South

Richfield, Minnesota

55423

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(612) 291-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No o

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock, $.10 Par Value — 394,196,420 shares outstanding as of December 29, 2010.



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 27, 2010

INDEX

Part I — Financial Information

3

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of November 27, 2010; February 27, 2010; and November 28, 2009

3

Consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009

5

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009

6

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009

7

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

8

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

31

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

42

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

43

Part II — Other Information

44

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

44

Item 4.

Reserved

44

Item 6.

Exhibits

44

Signatures

45

2



Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BEST BUY CO., INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

925

$

1,826

$

564

Short-term investments

2

90

93

Receivables

2,793

2,020

2,630

Merchandise inventories

10,064

5,486

8,978

Other current assets

1,045

1,144

1,002

Total current assets

14,829

10,566

13,267

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

3,994

4,070

4,123

GOODWILL

2,441

2,452

2,421

TRADENAMES, NET

145

159

163

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS, NET

220

279

292

EQUITY AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

343

324

332

OTHER ASSETS

380

452

502

TOTAL ASSETS

$

22,352

$

18,302

$

21,100

NOTE:  The consolidated balance sheet as of February 27, 2010, has been condensed from the audited consolidated financial statements.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable

$

9,858

$

5,276

$

9,083

Unredeemed gift card liabilities

424

463

425

Accrued compensation and related expenses

464

544

482

Accrued liabilities

1,920

1,681

1,856

Accrued income taxes

31

316

55

Short-term debt

690

663

741

Current portion of long-term debt

33

35

36

Total current liabilities

13,420

8,978

12,678

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

1,166

1,256

1,194

LONG-TERM DEBT

1,101

1,104

1,104

EQUITY

Best Buy Co., Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value: Authorized — 400,000 shares; Issued and outstanding — none

Common stock, $0.10 par value: Authorized — 1.0 billion shares; Issued and outstanding — 394,067,000, 418,815,000 and 418,032,000 shares, respectively

39

42

42

Additional paid-in capital

441

404

Retained earnings

5,824

5,797

5,076

Accumulated other comprehensive income

138

40

7

Total Best Buy Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity

6,001

6,320

5,529

Noncontrolling interests

664

644

595

Total equity

6,665

6,964

6,124

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

22,352

$

18,302

$

21,100

NOTE:  The consolidated balance sheet as of February 27, 2010, has been condensed from the audited consolidated financial statements.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Revenue

$

11,890

$

12,024

$

34,016

$

33,141

Cost of goods sold

8,907

9,082

25,322

24,958

Gross profit

2,983

2,942

8,694

8,183

Selling, general and administrative expenses

2,598

2,566

7,585

7,179

Restructuring charges

52

Operating income

385

376

1,109

952

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

8

11

33

38

Interest expense

(20

)

(23

)

(64

)

(68

)

Earnings before income tax expense

373

364

1,078

922

Income tax expense

133

93

400

338

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

240

271

678

584

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

(23

)

(44

)

(52

)

(46

)

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

217

$

227

$

626

$

538

Earnings per share attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

Basic

$

0.55

$

0.54

$

1.53

$

1.29

Diluted

$

0.54

$

0.53

$

1.50

$

1.27

Dividends declared per common share

$

0.15

$

0.14

$

0.43

$

0.42

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions)

Basic

397.1

417.1

410.3

416.3

Diluted

407.8

428.6

420.7

426.8

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 27, 2010, AND NOVEMBER 28, 2009

($ and shares in millions)

(Unaudited)

Best Buy Co., Inc.

Common
Shares

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
Best Buy
Co., Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity

Non
controlling
Interests

Total
Equity

Balances at February 27, 2010

419

$

42

$

441

$

5,797

$

40

$

6,320

$

644

$

6,964

Net earnings, nine months ended November 27, 2010

626

626

52

678

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments

40

40

(35

)

5

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments

55

55

55

Cash flow hedging instruments — unrealized gains

3

3

3

6

Total comprehensive income

724

20

744

Stock-based compensation

87

87

87

Stock options exercised

5

127

127

127

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

1

44

44

44

Tax benefit from stock options exercised, restricted stock vesting and employee stock purchase plan

5

5

5

Common stock dividends, $0.43 per share

(178

)

(178

)

(178

)

Repurchase of common stock

(31

)

(3

)

(704

)

(421

)

(1,128

)

(1,128

)

Balances at November 27, 2010

394

$

39

$

$

5,824

$

138

$

6,001

$

664

$

6,665

Balances at February 28, 2009

414

$

41

$

205

$

4,714

$

(317

)

$

4,643

$

513

$

5,156

Net earnings, nine months ended November 28, 2009

538

538

46

584

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments

289

289

58

347

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments

35

35

35

Cash flow hedging instruments — unrealized gains

Total comprehensive income

862

104

966

Acquisition of business (adjustments to purchase price allocation)

(22

)

(22

)

Stock-based compensation

88

88

88

Stock options exercised

3

1

79

80

80

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

1

40

40

40

Tax deficit from stock options exercised, restricted stock vesting and employee stock purchase plan

(8

)

(8

)

(8

)

Common stock dividends, $0.42 per share

(176

)

(176

)

(176

)

Balances at November 28, 2009

418

$

42

$

404

$

5,076

$

7

$

5,529

$

595

$

6,124

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ in millions)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

$

678

$

584

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to total cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation

668

614

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets

63

66

Restructuring charges

52

Stock-based compensation

87

88

Deferred income taxes

(6

)

(41

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

(13

)

(3

)

Other, net

16

(4

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Receivables

(805

)

(691

)

Merchandise inventories

(4,561

)

(4,087

)

Other assets

80

(5

)

Accounts payable

4,492

3,936

Other liabilities

159

374

Income taxes

(313

)

(204

)

Total cash provided by operating activities

545

679

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Additions to property and equipment

(529

)

(469

)

Purchases of investments

(245

)

(10

)

Sales of investments

383

46

Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash transferred

21

Change in restricted assets

(1

)

19

Settlement of net investment hedges

12

27

Other, net

(2

)

(18

)

Total cash used in investing activities

(361

)

(405

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repurchase of common stock

(1,128

)

Borrowings of debt

1,925

3,593

Repayments of debt

(1,884

)

(3,703

)

Dividends paid

(178

)

(175

)

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan and for the exercise of stock options

171

120

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

(21

)

(34

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

13

3

Other, net

9

(12

)

Total cash used in financing activities

(1,093

)

(208

)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

8

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(901

)

66

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

1,826

498

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

925

$

564

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7



Table of Contents

BEST BUY CO., INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms “Best Buy,” “we,” “us” and “our” in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements refers to Best Buy Co., Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation as prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). All adjustments were comprised of normal recurring adjustments, except as noted in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Historically, we have realized more of our revenue and earnings in the fiscal fourth quarter, which includes the majority of the holiday shopping season in the U.S., Europe and Canada, than in any other fiscal quarter. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. The interim financial statements and the related notes in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010.

In order to align our fiscal reporting periods and comply with statutory filing requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions, we consolidate the financial results of our Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey operations on a two-month lag. There were no significant intervening events which would have materially affected our consolidated financial statements had they been recorded during the three months ended November 27, 2010.

In preparing the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, we evaluated the period from November 28, 2010 through the date the financial statements were issued for material subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure. No such events were identified for this period.

New Accounting Standards

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on the treatment of a consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) in response to concerns about the application of certain key provisions of pre-existing guidance, including those regarding the transparency of an involvement with a VIE. Specifically, this new guidance requires a qualitative approach to identifying a controlling financial interest in a VIE and requires ongoing assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and whether an interest in a VIE makes the holder the primary beneficiary of the VIE. In addition, this new guidance requires additional disclosures about an involvement with a VIE and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. This new guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. As such, we adopted the new guidance on February 28, 2010, and determined that it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Transfers of Financial Assets — In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on the treatment of transfers of financial assets which eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. This new guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. As such, we adopted the new guidance on February 28, 2010, and determined that it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

8



Table of Contents

2. Investments

Investments were comprised of the following:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Short-term investments

Money market fund

$

2

$

2

$

4

Debt securities (auction-rate securities)

88

89

Total short-term investments

$

2

$

90

$

93

Equity and other investments

Debt securities (auction-rate securities)

$

131

$

192

$

195

Marketable equity securities

145

77

86

Other investments

67

55

51

Total equity and other investments

$

343

$

324

$

332

Debt Securities

Our debt securities are comprised of auction-rate securities (“ARS”). ARS were intended to behave like short-term debt instruments because their interest rates reset periodically through an auction process, most commonly at intervals of seven, 28 and 35 days. The auction process had historically provided a means by which we could rollover the investment or sell these securities at par in order to provide us with liquidity as needed. As a result, we classify our investments in ARS as available-for-sale and carry them at fair value.

In February 2008, auctions began to fail due to insufficient buyers, as the amount of securities submitted for sale in auctions exceeded the aggregate amount of the bids. For each failed auction, the interest rate on the security moves to a maximum rate specified for each security, and generally resets at a level higher than specified short-term interest rate benchmarks. To date, we have collected all interest due on our ARS and expect to continue to do so in the future. Due to persistent failed auctions, and the uncertainty of when these investments could be liquidated at par, we have classified all of our investments in ARS as non-current assets within equity and other investments in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at November 27, 2010.

In October 2008, we accepted a settlement with UBS AG and its affiliates (collectively, “UBS”) pursuant to which UBS issued to us Series C-2 Auction Rate Securities Rights (“ARS Rights”). The ARS Rights provided us the right to receive the full par value of our UBS-brokered ARS plus accrued but unpaid interest at any time between June 30, 2010, and July 2, 2012. Of the $88 UBS-brokered ARS held at the end of fiscal 2010, we sold $35 at par in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, and exercised our right to sell the remaining $53 at par in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we sold $3 of ARS at par. At November 27, 2010, our entire remaining ARS portfolio, consisting of 24 investments in ARS having an aggregate par value of $141, was subject to failed auctions. Subsequent to November 27, 2010, and through December 30, 2010, we sold $8 of ARS at par.

Our ARS portfolio consisted of the following, at fair value:

Description

Nature of collateral or guarantee

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Student loan bonds

Student loans guaranteed 95% to 100% by the U.S. government

$

113

$

261

$

264

Municipal revenue bonds

100% insured by AA/Aa-rated bond insurers at November 27, 2010

18

19

20

Total fair value plus accrued interest (1)

$

131

$

280

$

284

(1) The par value and weighted-average interest rates (taxable equivalent) of our ARS were $141, $285 and $293, and 0.91%, 1.10% and 0.95%, respectively, at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively.

At November 27, 2010, our ARS portfolio was 73% AAA/Aaa-rated, 20% AA/Aa-rated and 7% A/A-rated.

9



Table of Contents

The investment principal associated with failed auctions will not be accessible until successful auctions occur, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, the issuers establish a different form of financing to replace these securities, or final payments are due according to the contractual maturities of the debt issuances, which range from six to 33 years. We intend to hold our ARS until we can recover the full principal amount through one of the means described above, and have the ability to do so based on our other sources of liquidity.

We evaluated our entire ARS portfolio of $141 (par value) for impairment at November 27, 2010, based primarily on the methodology described in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements . As a result of this review, we determined that the fair value of our ARS portfolio at November 27, 2010, was $131. Accordingly, a $10 pre-tax unrealized loss is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. This unrealized loss reflects a temporary impairment on all of our investments in ARS. The estimated fair value of our ARS portfolio could change significantly based on future market conditions. We will continue to assess the fair value of our ARS portfolio for substantive changes in relevant market conditions, changes in our financial condition or other changes that may alter our estimates described above.

We may be required to record an additional unrealized holding loss or an impairment charge to earnings if we determine that our ARS portfolio has incurred a further decline in fair value that is temporary or other-than-temporary, respectively. Factors that we consider when assessing our ARS portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reason for the decline in value, the potential recovery period and the nature of the collateral or guarantees in place, as well as our intent and ability to hold an investment.

We had $(6), $(3) and $(5) of unrealized loss, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively, related to our investments in debt securities.

Marketable Equity Securities

We invest in marketable equity securities and classify them as available-for-sale. Investments in marketable equity securities are classified as non-current assets within equity and other investments in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices.

Our investments in marketable equity securities were as follows:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Common stock of The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC

$

$

74

$

83

Common stock of TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC

63

Common stock of Carphone Warehouse Group plc

78

Other

4

3

3

Total

$

145

$

77

$

86

We purchased shares of The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC (“CPW”) common stock in fiscal 2008, representing nearly 3% of CPW’s then outstanding shares. In March 2010, CPW demerged into two new holding companies: TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC (“TalkTalk”), which is the holding company for the fixed line voice and broadband telecommunications business of the former CPW, and Carphone Warehouse Group plc (“Carphone Warehouse”), which includes the former CPW’s 50% noncontrolling interest in Best Buy Europe Distributions Limited (“Best Buy Europe”). Accordingly, our investment in CPW was exchanged for equivalent levels of investment in TalkTalk and Carphone Warehouse.  An $84 pre-tax unrealized gain is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income related to these investments at November 27, 2010.

We review all investments for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly or as we observe indicators of impairment. Indicators of impairment include the duration and severity of the decline in fair value as well as the intent and ability to hold the investment to allow for a recovery in the market value of the investment. In addition, we consider qualitative factors that include, but are not limited to: (i) the financial condition and business plans of the investee including its future earnings potential, (ii) the investee’s credit rating, and (iii) the current and expected market and industry conditions in which the investee operates. If a decline in the fair value of an investment is deemed by management to be other-than-temporary, we write down the cost basis of the investment to fair value, and the amount of the write-down is included in net earnings.

All unrealized holding gains or losses related to our investments in marketable equity securities are reflected net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income in Total Best Buy Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity. The total unrealized gain, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income was $75, $17 and $26 at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively.

10



Table of Contents

Other Investments

The aggregate carrying values of investments accounted for using either the cost method or the equity method, at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, were $67, $55 and $51, respectively.

3. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use a three-tier valuation hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:

· Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

· Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in non-active markets;

· Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

· Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

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

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability. The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values.

Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as

Fair Value at
November 27,
2010

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

ASSETS

Short-term investments

Money market fund

$

2

$

$

2

$

Other current assets

Money market funds (restricted assets)

66

66

U.S. Treasury bills (restricted assets)

85

85

Foreign currency derivative instruments

5

5

Equity and other investments

Auction-rate securities

131

131

Marketable equity securities

145

145

Other assets

Marketable securities that fund deferred compensation

80

80

Foreign currency derivative instruments

4

4

LIABILITIES

Long-term liabilities

Deferred compensation

67

67

11



Table of Contents

Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as

Fair Value at
February 27,
2010

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Money market funds

$

752

$

752

$

$

U.S. Treasury bills

300

300

Short-term investments

Money market fund

2

2

Auction-rate securities

88

88

Other current assets

Money market funds (restricted assets)

123

123

U.S. Treasury bills (restricted assets)

25

25

Foreign currency derivative instruments

4

4

Equity and other investments

Auction-rate securities

192

192

Marketable equity securities

77

77

Other assets

Marketable securities that fund deferred compensation

75

75

LIABILITIES

Long-term liabilities

Deferred compensation

61

61

Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as

Fair Value at
November 28,
2009

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Money market funds

$

28

$

28

$

$

Short-term investments

Money market fund

4

4

Auction-rate securities

89

89

Other current assets

Money market funds (restricted assets)

16

16

U.S. Treasury bills (restricted assets)

55

55

Foreign currency derivative instruments

4

4

Equity and other investments

Auction-rate securities

195

195

Marketable equity securities

86

86

Other assets

Marketable securities that fund deferred compensation

73

73

LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities

Foreign currency derivative instruments

1

1

Long-term liabilities

Deferred compensation

62

62

12



Table of Contents

The following tables provide a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the tables above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009.

Debt securities-
Auction-rate securities only

Student loan
bonds

Municipal
revenue bonds

Total

Balances at August 28, 2010

$

116

$

18

$

134

Changes in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income

Sales

(3

)

(3

)

Interest received

Balances at November 27, 2010

$

113

$

18

$

131

Debt securities-
Auction-rate securities only

Student loan
bonds

Municipal
revenue bonds

Total

Balances at February 27, 2010

$

261

$

19

$

280

Changes in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income

(5

)

(5

)

Sales

(142

)

(1

)

(143

)

Interest received

(1

)

(1

)

Balances at November 27, 2010

$

113

$

18

$

131

Debt securities-
Auction-rate securities only

Student loan
bonds

Municipal
revenue bonds

Auction
preferred
securities

Total

Balances at August 29, 2009

$

278

$

20

$

$

298

Changes in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income

Sales

(14

)

(14

)

Balances at November 28, 2009

$

264

$

20

$

$

284

Debt securities-
Auction-rate securities only

Student loan
bonds

Municipal
revenue bonds

Auction
preferred
securities

Total

Balances at February 28, 2009

$

276

$

24

$

14

$

314

Changes in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income

5

1

6

Sales

(17

)

(4

)

(15

)

(36

)

Balances at November 28, 2009

$

264

$

20

$

$

284

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Money Market Funds. Our money market fund investments were classified as Level 1 or 2. If a fund is not trading on a regular basis, and we have been unable to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis, we classify the fund as Level 2.

U.S. Treasury Bills. Our U.S. Treasury notes were classified as Level 1 as they trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments. Comprised primarily of foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency swap contracts, our foreign currency derivative instruments were measured at fair value using readily observable market inputs, such as quotations on forward foreign exchange points and foreign interest rates. Our foreign currency derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 as these instruments are custom, over-the-counter contracts with various bank counterparties that are not traded in an active market.

13



Table of Contents

Auction-Rate Securities. Our investments in ARS were classified as Level 3 as quoted prices were unavailable due to events described in Note 2, Investments . Due to limited market information, we utilized a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to derive an estimate of fair value. The assumptions we used in preparing the DCF model included estimates with respect to the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks, the probability of full repayment of the principal considering the credit quality and guarantees in place, and the rate of return required by investors to own such securities given the current liquidity risk associated with ARS.

Marketable Equity Securities. Our marketable equity securities were measured at fair value using quoted market prices. They were classified as Level 1 as they trade in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available.

Deferred Compensation. Our deferred compensation liabilities and the assets that fund our deferred compensation consist of investments in mutual funds. These investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these mutual funds trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

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

Measurements to fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets and occur when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. During the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, we had no significant remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments, other than those presented in the disclosures above, include cash, receivables, other investments, accounts payable, other payables and short- and long-term debt. The fair values of cash, receivables, accounts payable, other payables and short-term debt approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Fair values for other investments held at cost are not readily available, but we estimate that the carrying values for these investments approximate fair value. See Note 6, Debt , for information about the fair value of our long-term debt.

4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying values of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames by segment were as follows in the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009:

Goodwill

Indefinite-lived Tradenames

Domestic

International

Total

Domestic

International

Total

Balances at February 27, 2010

$

434

$

2,018

$

2,452

$

32

$

80

$

112

Sale of business (1)

(12

)

(12

)

(1

)

(1

)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

5

5

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates

(4

)

(4

)

2

2

Balances at November 27, 2010

$

422

$

2,019

$

2,441

$

31

$

82

$

113

(1) As a result of the sale of our Speakeasy business in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we wrote off the carrying value of the goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames associated with such business as of the date of sale. See Note 13, Sale of Business , for additional information regarding the sale.

Goodwill

Indefinite-lived Tradenames

Domestic

International

Total

Domestic

International

Total

Balances at February 28, 2009

$

434

$

1,769

$

2,203

$

32

$

72

$

104

Adjustments to purchase price allocation

43

43

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates

175

175

8

8

Balances at November 28, 2009

$

434

$

1,987

$

2,421

$

32

$

80

$

112

14



Table of Contents

The following table provides the gross carrying values and related accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets:

November 27, 2010

February 27, 2010

November 28, 2009

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Tradenames

$

74

$

(42

)

$

75

$

(28

)

$

74

$

(23

)

Customer relationships

387

(167

)

401

(122

)

395

(103

)

Total

$

461

$

(209

)

$

476

$

(150

)

$

469

$

(126

)

Total amortization expense was $20 and $24 for the three months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively, and was $63 and $66 for the nine months then ended, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets is as follows:

Fiscal Year

Remainder of fiscal 2011

$

19

2012

61

2013

44

2014

40

2015

35

Thereafter

53

5. Restructuring Charges

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we implemented a restructuring plan for our domestic and international businesses to support our long-term growth plans and, accordingly, we recorded charges of $78 related primarily to voluntary and involuntary separation plans at our corporate headquarters. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we incurred restructuring charges of $52 related to employee termination benefits and business reorganization costs at our U.S. Best Buy stores and Best Buy Europe. No restructuring charges were recorded in the remainder of fiscal 2010 or in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

All charges related to our restructuring plan were presented as restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of earnings. The composition of our restructuring charges incurred in the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, as well as the cumulative amount incurred through November 27, 2010, for both the Domestic and International segments, were as follows:

Domestic

International

Total

Nine months ended

Cumulative
Amount
through

Nine months ended

Cumulative
Amount
through

Nine months ended

Cumulative
Amount
through

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

Termination benefits

$

$

25

$

94

$

$

26

$

32

$

$

51

$

126

Facility closure costs

1

1

1

1

2

Property and equipment write-downs

2

2

Total

$

$

25

$

97

$

$

27

$

33

$

$

52

$

130

The following table summarizes our restructuring activity in the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, related to termination benefits and facility closure costs:

Termination
Benefits

Facility
Closure Costs

Total

Balances at February 27, 2010

$

8

$

1

$

9

Charges

Cash payments

(6

)

(1

)

(7

)

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates

Balances at November 27, 2010

$

2

$

$

2

Termination
Benefits

Facility
Closure Costs

Total

Balances at February 28, 2009

$

73

$

1

$

74

Charges

51

1

52

Cash payments

(116

)

(1

)

(117

)

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates

3

3

Balances at November 28, 2009

$

11

$

1

$

12

15



Table of Contents

6. Debt

Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt consisted of the following:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

J.P. Morgan revolving credit facility

$

500

$

$

350

ARS revolving credit line

Europe receivables financing facility (1)

136

442

326

Europe revolving credit facility

206

30

Canada revolving demand facility

China revolving demand facilities

54

15

35

Total short-term debt

$

690

$

663

$

741

(1) This facility is secured by certain network carrier receivables of Best Buy Europe, which are included within receivables in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Availability on this facility is based on a percentage of the available acceptable receivables, as defined in the agreement for the facility, and was £225 (or $356) at November 27, 2010.

ARS Revolving Credit Line

We previously had a revolving credit line with UBS secured by the par value of our UBS-brokered ARS. However, pursuant to the settlement described in Note 2, Investments , the revolving credit line expired by its terms during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 when UBS bought back all of our UBS-brokered ARS.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

6.75% notes

$

500

$

500

$

500

Convertible debentures

402

402

402

Financing lease obligations

173

186

191

Capital lease obligations

57

49

44

Other debt

2

2

3

Total long-term debt

1,134

1,139

1,140

Less: current portion

(33

)

(35

)

(36

)

Total long-term debt, less current portion

$

1,101

$

1,104

$

1,104

The fair value of long-term debt approximated $1,235, $1,210 and $1,221 at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively, based primarily on the ask prices quoted from external sources, compared with carrying values of $1,134, $1,139 and $1,140, respectively.

See Note 6, Debt , in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010, for additional information regarding the terms of our debt facilities and obligations.

7. Derivative Instruments

We manage our economic and transaction exposure to certain market-based risks through the use of foreign currency derivative instruments. Our objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of net earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

16



Table of Contents

We record all foreign currency derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and evaluate hedge effectiveness prospectively and retrospectively when electing to apply hedge accounting treatment. We formally document all hedging relationships at inception for all derivative hedges and the underlying hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. In addition, we have derivatives which are not designated as hedging instruments. We have no derivatives that have credit risk-related contingent features, and we mitigate our credit risk by engaging with major financial institutions as our counterparties.

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain revenue streams denominated in non-functional currencies. The contracts have terms of up to three years. We report the effective portion of the gain or loss on a cash flow hedge as a component of other comprehensive income, and it is subsequently reclassified into net earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction affects net earnings or the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring. We report the ineffective portion, if any, of the gain or loss in net earnings.

Net Investment Hedges

Previously, we entered into foreign exchange swap contracts to hedge against the effect of euro and Swiss franc exchange rate fluctuations on net investments of certain foreign operations. For a net investment hedge, we recognized changes in the fair value of the derivative as a component of foreign currency translation within other comprehensive income to offset a portion of the change in the translated value of the net investment being hedged, until the investment was sold or liquidated. Subsequent to February 27, 2010, we discontinued this hedging strategy and no longer have contracts that hedge net investments of foreign operations.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments include foreign exchange forward contracts used to manage the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to recognized receivable and payable balances denominated in non-functional currencies and on certain forecasted inventory purchases denominated in non-functional currencies. The contracts have terms of up to six months. These derivative instruments are not designated in hedging relationships; therefore, we record gains and losses on these contracts directly in net earnings.

Summary of Derivative Balances

The following table presents the gross fair values for derivative instruments and the corresponding classification at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009:

November 27, 2010

February 27, 2010

November 28, 2009

Contract Type

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

Cash flow hedges (foreign exchange forward contracts)

$

9

$

$

2

$

(1

)

$

1

$

Net investment hedges (foreign exchange swap contracts)

4

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

$

9

$

$

6

$

(1

)

$

1

$

No hedge designation (foreign exchange forward contracts)

1

(1

)

1

(2

)

3

(1

)

Total

$

10

$

(1

)

$

7

$

(3

)

$

4

$

(1

)

17



Table of Contents

The following tables present the effects of derivative instruments on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and on our consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010 and November 28, 2009:

Three Months Ended November 27, 2010

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2010

Contract Type

Pre-tax
Gain(Loss)
Recognized in
OCI
(1)

Gain(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI to Earnings
(Effective
Portion)
(2)

Pre-tax
Gain(Loss)
Recognized in
OCI
(1)

Gain(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI to Earnings
(Effective
Portion)
(2)

Cash flow hedges (foreign exchange forward contracts)

$

(1

)

$

2

$

9

$

3

Net investment hedges (foreign exchange swap contracts)

8

Total

$

(1

)

$

2

$

17

$

3

Three Months Ended November 28, 2009

Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009

Contract Type

Pre-tax
Gain(Loss)
Recognized in
OCI
(1)

Gain(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI to Earnings
(Effective
Portion)
(2)

Pre-tax
Gain(Loss)
Recognized in
OCI
(1)

Gain(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI to Earnings
(Effective
Portion)
(2)

Cash flow hedges (foreign exchange forward contracts)

$

(10

)

$

1

$

1

$

4

Net investment hedges (foreign exchange swap contracts)

(44

)

28

Total

$

(54

)

$

1

$

29

$

4

(1) Reflects the amount recognized in OCI prior to the reclassification of 50% to noncontrolling interests for the cash flow and net investment hedges, respectively.

(2) Gain reclassified from accumulated OCI is included within selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in our consolidated statements of earnings.

The following table presents the effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on our consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010 and November 28, 2009:

Gain (Loss) Recognized within SG&A

Contract Type

Three months ended
November 27, 2010

Nine months ended
November 27, 2010

Three months ended
November 28, 2009

Nine months ended
November 28, 2009

No hedge designation (foreign exchange forward contracts)

$

(4

)

$

8

$

(3

)

$

(4

)

The following table presents the notional amounts of our foreign currency exchange contracts at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009:

Notional Amount

Contract Type

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

$

316

$

203

$

134

Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments

608

685

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

230

240

163

Total

$

546

$

1,051

$

982

18



Table of Contents

8. Earnings per Share

We compute our basic earnings per share based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and our diluted earnings per share based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued. Potentially dilutive shares of common stock include stock options, nonvested share awards, shares issuable under our employee stock purchase plan and common shares that would have resulted from the assumed conversion of our convertible debentures. Since the potentially dilutive shares related to the convertible debentures are included in the computation, the related interest expense, net of tax, is added back to net earnings, as the interest would not have been paid if the convertible debentures had been converted to common stock. Nonvested market based share awards and nonvested performance based share awards are included in the average diluted shares outstanding each period if established market or performance criteria have been met at the end of the respective periods.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc. (shares in millions):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Numerator

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc., basic

$

217

$

227

$

626

$

538

Adjustment for assumed dilution

Interest on convertible debentures, net of tax

2

2

4

5

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc., diluted

$

219

$

229

$

630

$

543

Denominator

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

397.1

417.1

410.3

416.3

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

Shares from assumed conversion of convertible debentures

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

Stock options and other

1.9

2.7

1.6

1.7

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

407.8

428.6

420.7

426.8

Earnings per share attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

Basic

$

0.55

$

0.54

$

1.53

$

1.29

Diluted

$

0.54

$

0.53

$

1.50

$

1.27

The computation of weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, excluded options to purchase 16.1 million and 15.9 million shares of our common stock for the three months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively, and 18.6 million and 18.8 million shares of our common stock for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively. These amounts were excluded as the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock for the periods presented and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive (i.e., including such options would result in higher earnings per share).

9. Comprehensive Income

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc. were as follows:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Foreign currency translation

$

66

$

26

$

(14

)

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments

69

14

21

Unrealized gains on derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)

3

Total

$

138

$

40

$

7

19



Table of Contents

The components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009 were as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

$

240

$

271

$

678

$

584

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments

158

(59

)

5

347

Cash flow hedging instruments — unrealized (losses) gains

(2

)

(8

)

6

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments

41

5

55

35

Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests

437

209

744

966

Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(57

)

(2

)

(20

)

(104

)

Comprehensive income attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

380

$

207

$

724

$

862

10. Repurchase of Common Stock

In June 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a program to purchase up to $5,500 in shares of our common stock. There is no expiration date governing the period over which we can repurchase shares under this program, and at February 27, 2010, $2,500 remained available for future repurchases. We repurchased and retired 10.9 million shares at a cost of $423 for the three months ended November 27, 2010, and 30.7 million shares at a cost of $1,128 for the nine months ended November 27, 2010. We had $1,372 available for future repurchases at November 27, 2010, under the June 2007 share repurchase program. No repurchases were made during the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009.  Repurchased shares constitute authorized but unissued shares.

11. Segments

We have organized our operations into two segments: Domestic and International. These segments are the primary areas of measurement and decision making by our chief operating decision maker. The Domestic reportable segment is comprised of all operations within the U.S. and its territories. The International reportable segment is comprised of all operations outside the U.S. and its territories. We rely on an internal management reporting process that provides segment information to the operating income level for purposes of making financial decisions and allocating resources. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010.

Revenue by reportable segment was as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Domestic

$

8,710

$

8,931

$

25,069

$

24,730

International

3,180

3,093

8,947

8,411

Total

$

11,890

$

12,024

$

34,016

$

33,141

Operating income (loss) by reportable segment and the reconciliation to earnings before income tax expense were as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

November 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Domestic

$

340

$

353

$

1,045

$

971

International

45

23

64

(19

)

Total operating income

385

376

1,109

952

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

8

11

33

38

Interest expense

(20

)

(23

)

(64

)

(68

)

Earnings before income tax expense

$

373

$

364

$

1,078

$

922

20



Table of Contents

Assets by reportable segment were as follows:

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Domestic

$

13,949

$

10,431

$

13,332

International

8,403

7,871

7,768

Total

$

22,352

$

18,302

$

21,100

12. Contingencies

In December 2005, a purported class action lawsuit captioned, Jasmen Holloway, et al. v. Best Buy Co., Inc., was filed against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This federal court action alleges that we discriminate against women and minority individuals on the basis of gender, race, color and/or national origin in our stores with respect to our employment policies and practices. The action seeks an end to alleged discriminatory policies and practices, an award of back and front pay, punitive damages and injunctive relief, including rightful place relief for all class members. The Plaintiffs have filed a class certification motion which we have opposed.  All proceedings have been stayed pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dukes, et al. v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , a gender discrimination class action lawsuit. Based on our assessment of the facts underlying the claim, the procedural history of the litigation (including the status of class certification), and the degree to which we intend to defend our company in the matter, we are unable to provide meaningful quantification of our exposure in this case.

We are involved in other various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. We believe the amounts provided in our condensed consolidated financial statements, as prescribed by GAAP, are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. The resolution of those other proceedings is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

13. Sale of Business

During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we completed the sale of our Speakeasy business to Covad Communications Group, Inc. (“Covad”).  Prior to this sale, Covad had merged with Megapath Inc. The three combined businesses operate under the Megapath name.  Upon closing of the Speakeasy sale, we received cash consideration and a minority equity interest in the combined company.  Based upon the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of Speakeasy at closing, we recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $7 in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, which is included within investment income and other in our consolidated statement of earnings.

14. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) require that condensed consolidating financial information be provided for a subsidiary that has guaranteed the debt of a registrant issued in a public offering, where the guarantee is full and unconditional and where the voting interest of the subsidiary is 100% owned by the registrant. Our convertible debentures, which had an aggregate principal balance and carrying amount of $402 at November 27, 2010, are jointly and severally guaranteed by our 100%-owned indirect subsidiary Best Buy Stores, L.P. (“Guarantor Subsidiary”). Investments in subsidiaries of Best Buy Stores, L.P., which have not guaranteed the convertible debentures (“Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”), are required to be presented under the equity method, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP.

Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of (i) Best Buy Co., Inc., (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiary, (iii) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (iv) the eliminations necessary to arrive at consolidated information for our company. The income statement eliminations relate primarily to the sale of inventory from a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary to the Guarantor Subsidiary. The balance sheet eliminations relate primarily to the elimination of intercompany profit in inventory held by the Guarantor Subsidiary and consolidating entries to eliminate intercompany receivables, payables and subsidiary investment accounts.

We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Income taxes are allocated in accordance with our tax allocation agreement. U.S. affiliates receive no tax benefit for taxable losses, but are allocated taxes at the required effective income tax rate if they have taxable income.

The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets as of November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, condensed consolidating statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements herein.

21



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

At November 27, 2010

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

144

$

180

$

601

$

$

925

Short-term investments

2

2

Receivables

1,302

1,491

2,793

Merchandise inventories

7,161

3,010

(107

)

10,064

Other current assets

243

90

766

(54

)

1,045

Intercompany receivable

11,953

(11,953

)

Intercompany note receivable

1,578

2

(1,580

)

Total current assets

1,965

8,733

17,825

(13,694

)

14,829

Property and Equipment, Net

202

1,836

1,956

3,994

Goodwill

6

2,435

2,441

Tradenames, Net

145

145

Customer Relationships, Net

220

220

Equity and Other Investments

168

175

343

Other Assets

132

39

258

(49

)

380

Investments in Subsidiaries

12,405

195

2,371

(14,971

)

Total Assets

$

14,872

$

10,809

$

25,385

$

(28,714

)

$

22,352

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

$

479

$

54

$

9,325

$

$

9,858

Unredeemed gift card liabilities

359

65

424

Accrued compensation and related expenses

200

264

464

Accrued liabilities

843

1,130

(53

)

1,920

Accrued income taxes

31

31

Short-term debt

500

190

690

Current portion of long-term debt

21

12

33

Intercompany payable

6,692

5,261

(11,953

)

Intercompany note payable

15

500

1,065

(1,580

)

Total current liabilities

7,717

7,238

12,051

(13,586

)

13,420

Long-Term Liabilities

148

1,082

184

(248

)

1,166

Long-Term Debt

902

118

81

1,101

Equity

Shareholders’ equity

6,105

2,371

12,405

(14,880

)

6,001

Non-controlling interests

664

664

Total equity

6,105

2,371

13,069

(14,880

)

6,665

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

14,872

$

10,809

$

25,385

$

(28,714

)

$

22,352

22



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

At February 27, 2010

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,170

$

53

$

603

$

$

1,826

Short-term investments

88

2

90

Receivables

485

1,535

2,020

Merchandise inventories

3,662

1,873

(49

)

5,486

Other current assets

221

149

775

(1

)

1,144

Intercompany receivable

7,983

(7,983

)

Intercompany note receivable

833

(833

)

Total current assets

2,312

4,349

12,771

(8,866

)

10,566

Property and Equipment, Net

214

1,864

1,992

4,070

Goodwill

6

2,446

2,452

Tradenames, Net

159

159

Customer Relationships, Net

279

279

Equity and Other Investments

216

108

324

Other Assets

103

34

362

(47

)

452

Investments in Subsidiaries

12,246

287

2,296

(14,829

)

Total Assets

$

15,091

$

6,540

$

20,413

$

(23,742

)

$

18,302

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

$

414

$

26

$

4,836

$

$

5,276

Unredeemed gift card liabilities

401

62

463

Accrued compensation and related expenses

4

218

322

544

Accrued liabilities

25

652

1,004

1,681

Accrued income taxes

316

316

Short-term debt

663

663

Current portion of long-term debt

1

21

13

35

Intercompany payable

6,816

1,167

(7,983

)

Intercompany note payable

500

333

(833

)

Total current liabilities

7,576

2,985

7,233

(8,816

)

8,978

Long-Term Liabilities

247

1,123

224

(338

)

1,256

Long-Term Debt

902

136

66

1,104

Equity

Shareholders’ equity

6,366

2,296

12,246

(14,588

)

6,320

Non-controlling interests

644

644

Total equity

6,366

2,296

12,890

(14,588

)

6,964

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

15,091

$

6,540

$

20,413

$

(23,742

)

$

18,302

23



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

At November 28, 2009

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

85

$

219

$

260

$

$

564

Short-term investments

89

4

93

Receivables

1,273

1,357

2,630

Merchandise inventories

6,401

2,639

(62

)

8,978

Other current assets

125

125

766

(14

)

1,002

Intercompany receivable

9,721

(9,721

)

Intercompany note receivable

819

2

(821

)

Total current assets

1,118

8,018

14,749

(10,618

)

13,267

Property and Equipment, Net

216

1,904

2,003

4,123

Goodwill

6

2,415

2,421

Tradenames

163

163

Customer Relationships

292

292

Equity and Other Investments

209

4

119

332

Other Assets

88

55

405

(46

)

502

Investments in Subsidiaries

10,853

147

2,206

(13,206

)

Total Assets

$

12,484

$

10,134

$

22,352

$

(23,870

)

$

21,100

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

$

420

$

71

$

8,592

$

$

9,083

Unredeemed gift card liabilities

366

59

425

Accrued compensation and related expenses

4

206

272

482

Accrued liabilities

27

821

1,019

(11

)

1,856

Accrued income taxes

55

55

Short-term debt

350

391

741

Current portion of long-term debt

2

21

13

36

Intercompany payable

4,978

4,653

90

(9,721

)

Intercompany note payable

14

500

307

(821

)

Total current liabilities

5,850

6,638

10,743

(10,553

)

12,678

Long-Term Liabilities

188

1,156

93

(243

)

1,194

Long-Term Debt

903

134

67

1,104

Equity

Shareholders’ equity

5,543

2,206

10,854

(13,074

)

5,529

Non-controlling interests

595

595

Total equity

5,543

2,206

11,449

(13,074

)

6,124

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

12,484

$

10,134

$

22,352

$

(23,870

)

$

21,100

24



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings

Three Months Ended November 27, 2010

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Revenue

$

4

$

7,984

$

13,469

$

(9,567

)

$

11,890

Cost of goods sold

5,962

11,994

(9,049

)

8,907

Gross profit

4

2,022

1,475

(518

)

2,983

Selling, general and administrative expenses

36

1,941

1,192

(571

)

2,598

Operating (loss) income

(32

)

81

283

53

385

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

12

8

(12

)

8

Interest expense

(12

)

(4

)

(16

)

12

(20

)

(Loss) earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(32

)

77

275

53

373

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

202

7

51

(260

)

Earnings before income tax expense

170

84

326

(207

)

373

Income tax expense

6

26

101

133

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

164

58

225

(207

)

240

Net (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(23

)

(23

)

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

164

$

58

$

202

$

(207

)

$

217

25



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2010

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Revenue

$

12

$

23,059

$

34,166

$

(23,221

)

$

34,016

Cost of goods sold

17,081

29,750

(21,509

)

25,322

Gross profit

12

5,978

4,416

(1,712

)

8,694

Selling, general and administrative expenses

107

5,747

3,584

(1,853

)

7,585

Operating (loss) income

(95

)

231

832

141

1,109

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

31

33

(31

)

33

Interest expense

(35

)

(10

)

(50

)

31

(64

)

(Loss) earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(99

)

221

815

141

1,078

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

584

30

142

(756

)

Earnings before income tax expense

485

251

957

(615

)

1,078

Income tax expense

79

321

400

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

485

172

636

(615

)

678

Net (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(52

)

(52

)

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

485

$

172

$

584

$

(615

)

$

626

26



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings

Three Months Ended November 28, 2009

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Revenue

$

4

$

8,252

$

12,063

$

(8,295

)

$

12,024

Cost of goods sold

6,196

10,596

(7,710

)

9,082

Gross profit

4

2,056

1,467

(585

)

2,942

Selling, general and administrative expenses

42

1,959

1,229

(664

)

2,566

Operating (loss) income

(38

)

97

238

79

376

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

7

11

(7

)

11

Interest expense

(12

)

(3

)

(14

)

6

(23

)

(Loss) earnings before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries

(43

)

94

235

78

364

Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries

(594

)

10

58

526

(Loss) earnings before income tax (benefit) expense

(637

)

104

293

604

364

Income tax (benefit) expense

(786

)

36

843

93

Net earnings (loss) including noncontrolling interests

149

68

(550

)

604

271

Net (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(44

)

(44

)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

149

$

68

$

(594

)

$

604

$

227

27



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings

Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Revenue

$

12

$

22,930

$

27,901

$

(17,702

)

$

33,141

Cost of goods sold

17,183

26,080

(18,305

)

24,958

Gross profit

12

5,747

1,821

603

8,183

Selling, general and administrative expenses

116

5,315

3,404

(1,656

)

7,179

Restructuring charges

25

27

52

Operating (loss) income

(104

)

407

(1,610

)

2,259

952

Other income (expense)

Investment income and other

26

30

(18

)

38

Interest expense

(37

)

(10

)

(39

)

18

(68

)

(Loss) earnings before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries

(115

)

397

(1,619

)

2,259

922

Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries

(1,477

)

5

255

1,217

(Loss) earnings before income tax expense

(1,592

)

402

(1,364

)

3,476

922

Income tax expense

129

142

67

338

Net (loss) earnings including noncontrolling interests

(1,721

)

260

(1,431

)

3,476

584

Net (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(46

)

(46

)

Net (loss) earnings attributable to Best Buy Co., Inc.

$

(1,721

)

$

260

$

(1,477

)

$

3,476

$

538

28



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2010

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Total cash (used in) provided by operating activities

$

(410

)

$

(3,758

)

$

4,713

$

$

545

Investing activities

Additions to property and equipment

(199

)

(330

)

(529

)

Purchases of investments

(245

)

(245

)

Sales of investments

382

1

383

Proceeds from sale of business

21

21

Change in restricted assets

(1

)

(1

)

Settlement of net investment hedges

12

12

Other, net

(2

)

(2

)

Total cash provided by (used in) investing activities

137

(199

)

(299

)

(361

)

Financing activities

Repurchase of common stock

(1,128

)

(1,128

)

Borrowings of debt

500

1,425

1,925

Repayments of debt

(1

)

(10

)

(1,873

)

(1,884

)

Dividends paid

(178

)

(178

)

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan and for the exercise of stock options

171

171

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

(21

)

(21

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

13

13

Other, net

9

9

Change in intercompany activity

(130

)

4,094

(3,964

)

Total cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(753

)

4,084

(4,424

)

(1,093

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

8

8

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(1,026

)

127

(2

)

(901

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

1,170

53

603

1,826

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

144

$

180

$

601

$

$

925

29



Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009

(Unaudited)

Best Buy
Co., Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiary

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Total cash (used in) provided by operating activities

$

(964

)

$

(438

)

$

2,081

$

$

679

Investing activities

Additions to property and equipment

(120

)

(349

)

(469

)

Purchases of investments

(10

)

(10

)

Sales of investments

46

46

Change in restricted assets

(2

)

21

19

Settlement of net investment hedges

27

27

Other, net

(5

)

(13

)

(18

)

Total cash provided by (used in) investing activities

34

(125

)

(314

)

(405

)

Financing activities

Borrowings of debt

2,885

708

3,593

Repayments of debt

(2,698

)

(23

)

(982

)

(3,703

)

Dividends paid

(175

)

(175

)

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan and for the exercise of stock options

120

120

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

(34

)

(34

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

3

3

Other, net

(12

)

(12

)

Change in intercompany activity

730

757

(1,487

)

Total cash provided by (used in) financing activities

865

734

(1,807

)

(208

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(65

)

171

(40

)

66

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

150

48

300

498

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

85

$

219

$

260

$

$

564

30



Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms “Best Buy,” “we,” “us” and “our” in the following refers to Best Buy Co., Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Unless otherwise noted, transactions and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude. Our MD&A is presented in six sections:

· Overview

· Results of Operations

· Liquidity and Capital Resources

· Off- Balance -Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

· Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

· New Accounting Standards

In order to align our fiscal reporting periods and comply with statutory filing requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions, we consolidate the financial results of our Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey operations on a two-month lag. Consistent with such consolidation, the financial and non-financial information presented in our MD&A relative to these operations is also presented on a two-month lag. There were no significant intervening events which would have materially affected our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or other factors had they been recorded during the three months ended November 27, 2010.

Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010, as well as our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other publicly available information. All amounts herein are unaudited.

Overview

We are a multinational retailer of consumer electronics, home office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. We operate two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of all operations within the U.S. and its territories. The International segment is comprised of all operations outside the U.S. and its territories.

Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal. Historically, we have realized more of our revenue and earnings in the fiscal fourth quarter, which includes the majority of the holiday shopping season in the U.S., Europe and Canada, than in any other fiscal quarter.

While some of the products and services we offer are viewed by consumers as essential, others continue to be viewed as discretionary purchases. Consequently, our results of operations are susceptible to changes in consumer confidence levels and macro-economic factors such as unemployment, consumer credit availability and the condition of the housing market. Consumers have maintained a cautious approach to discretionary spending due to continued economic pressures. Consequently, customer traffic and spending patterns continue to be difficult to predict. Other factors that directly impact our performance are product life-cycle shifts (including the adoption of new technology) and the competitive consumer electronics retail environment. As a result of these factors, predicting future revenues and earnings is difficult. Careful capital allocation and planning, monitoring of inventory levels and effective use of promotions remain key priorities for us as we navigate through the current economic environment. By providing access to a wide selection of hardware and applications, as well as helping our customers connect their devices, we can offer our customers end-to-end solutions.

Throughout this MD&A, we refer to comparable store sales.  Comparable store sales is a measure commonly used in the retail industry, which indicates store performance by measuring the growth in revenue for certain stores for a particular period over the corresponding period in the prior year. Our comparable store sales is comprised of revenue from stores operating for at least 14 full months as well as revenue related to call centers, Web sites and our other comparable sales channels. Revenue we earn from sales of merchandise to wholesalers or dealers is not included within our comparable store sales calculation. Relocated, remodeled and expanded stores are excluded from the comparable store sales calculation until at least 14 full months after reopening. Acquired stores are included in the comparable store sales calculation beginning with the first full quarter following the first anniversary of the date of the acquisition. The portion of our calculation of the comparable store sales percentage change attributable to our International segment excludes the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our method of calculating comparable store sales may not be the same as other retailers’ methods.

In discussions of the operating results of our consolidated business and our International segment, we sometimes refer to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. When we refer to changes in foreign currency exchange rates or currency exchange rate fluctuations, we are referring to the differences between the foreign currency exchange rates we use to convert the International

31



Table of Contents

segment’s operating results from local currencies into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. The impacts of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations are typically calculated as the difference between current period activity translated using the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior year period’s currency exchange rates, respectively. We use this method for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Performance Summary

Throughout the fiscal year, the majority of markets in which we operate have generally continued to endure difficult and uncertain economic conditions, and this had a direct bearing on our revenues.  We have responded to the current economic environment by closely managing our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), as well as focusing on efforts to improve our gross profit.

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data ($ in millions, except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended (2)

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Revenue

$

11,890

$

12,024

$

34,016

$

33,141

Revenue % (decline) growth

(1.1

)%

4.6

%

2.6

%

9.4

%

Comparable store sales % (decline) gain

(3.3

)%

1.7

%

(0.4

)%

(2.5

)%

Gross profit as % of revenue (1)

25.1

%

24.5

%

25.6

%

24.7

%

SG&A as % of revenue (1)

21.8

%

21.3

%

22.3

%

21.7

%

Operating income

$

385

$

376

$

1,109

$

952

Operating income as % of revenue

3.2

%

3.1

%

3.3

%

2.9

%

Net earnings attributable to Best Buy Co.,Inc.

$

217

$

227

$

626

$

538

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.54

$

0.53

$

1.50

$

1.27

(1) Because retailers vary in how they record certain costs between cost of goods sold and SG&A, our gross profit rate and SG&A rate may not be comparable to other retailers’ corresponding rates. For additional information regarding costs classified in cost of goods sold and SG&A, refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010.

(2) Included within our operating income and net earnings for the nine months ended November 28, 2009, is $52 million ($25 million net of taxes and noncontrolling interests) of restructuring charges recorded in the fiscal first quarter related primarily to updating our U.S. Best Buy store operating model, which included eliminating certain positions, as well as employee termination benefits and business reorganization costs in Best Buy Europe. These charges resulted in a decrease in our operating income rate of 0.1% of revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  No restructuring charges were recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

The 1.1% revenue decrease in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was due primarily to a 3.3% comparable store sales decline and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, partially offset by the impact of net new stores opened during the past 12 months. In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, net new stores and the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations were the primary drivers of our 2.6% revenue increase, partially offset a comparable store sales decline of 0.4% and the negative impact of non-comparable sales channels. The components of the net revenue (decrease) increase for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, were as follows:

Three months
ended
November 27, 2010

Nine months
ended
November 27, 2010

Comparable store sales impact

(3.1

)%

(0.4

)%

Impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations

(0.4

)%

0.7

%

Non-comparable sales channels (1)

(0.1

)%

(0.4

)%

Net new stores

2.5

%

2.9

%

One less week of revenue (2)

n/a

(0.2

)%

Total revenue (decrease) increase

(1.1

)%

2.6

%

(1) Non-comparable sales channels primarily reflects the impact from revenue we earn from sales of merchandise to wholesalers and dealers as well as other sales channels not included within our comparable store sales calculation.

(2) One less week of revenue reflects the incremental revenue associated with Best Buy Europe in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which had 14 weeks of activity, compared to 13 weeks in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

32



Table of Contents

The gross profit rate increased by 0.6% of revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Gross profit rate improvement in our Domestic segment accounted for an increase of 0.7% of revenue, partially offset by a gross profit rate decrease in our International segment, which accounted for a decrease of 0.1% of revenue. For the first nine months of fiscal 2011, the gross profit rate increased by 0.9% of revenue. Gross profit rate improvements in our Domestic and International segments accounted for increases of 0.8% of revenue and 0.1% of revenue, respectively. For further discussion of each segment’s gross profit rate changes, see Segment Performance Summary , below.

The SG&A rate increased by 0.5% of revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Our Domestic segment’s SG&A rate increased by 0.7% of revenue, while our International segment’s SG&A rate decreased by 0.2% of revenue. For the first nine months of fiscal 2011, the SG&A rate increased 0.6% of revenue. Our Domestic segment’s SG&A rate increased by 0.7% of revenue, which was partially offset by a SG&A rate decrease of 0.1% of revenue in our International segment. For further discussion of each segment’s SG&A rate changes, see Segment Performance Summary , below.

Operating income increased $9 million, or 2.4%, to $385 million and the operating income rate remained relatively flat at 3.2% of revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 3.1% of revenue in the prior-year period, as our gross profit rate grew faster than our SG&A rate. Operating income increased $157 million, or 16.5%, to $1.1 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior-year period.  The 0.4% of revenue operating income rate increase was driven by an increase in our gross profit rate, partially offset by an increase in our SG&A rate. In addition, we had no restructuring charges in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 as we did in the prior-year period.

Other Income (Expense)

Our investment income and other in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 decreased to $8 million and $33 million, respectively, compared with $11 million and $38 million in the prior-year periods. The decrease in the third quarter was mainly due to a reduction in present-value adjustments to our long-term receivables in Europe as a result of lower average long-term receivable balances. The decrease in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was principally the result of a gain on the sale of an equity investment in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and lower returns on our deferred compensation assets compared to the prior-year period, partially offset by the $7 million gain on the sale of our Speakeasy business in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

Interest expense in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 of $20 million and $64 million, respectively, remained relatively flat compared with the same periods one year ago.  Lower average short-term borrowings in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 were offset by higher average interest rates on outstanding short-term borrowings.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was 35.7%, compared to 25.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The change was due primarily to the net impact of the settlement of certain foreign tax matters in the comparable prior-year period. Our effective income tax rate in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was 37.1%, compared to 36.7%, in the corresponding period of fiscal 2010. The increase in our effective income tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was primarily caused by the previously noted impact of the settlement of certain foreign tax matters in the comparable prior-year period, partially offset by the timing impact of losses in certain foreign jurisdictions and tax benefits resulting from the sale of our Speakeasy business in the current fiscal year.

Noncontrolling Interest

The increase in noncontrolling interest during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior-year periods was due to the higher net earnings of Best Buy Europe, in which Carphone Warehouse Group plc has a 50% noncontrolling interest.

33



Table of Contents

Segment Performance Summary

Domestic

Our Domestic segment’s gross profit improved modestly in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the prior-year period, with a continued rate improvement partially offset by a revenue decline.  These factors, combined with an increase in SG&A, led to a modest decline in operating income.

We believe the revenue decline resulted primarily from a combination of weakness in several key consumer electronics industry product categories and a slight decline in our estimated domestic market share. Consumers continue to be highly selective and cautious about how and when they make consumer electronics purchases. As a specialty retailer in the consumer electronics industry, the adoption of new technology and the timing of product life-cycles continue to play an important part in revenue trends. For example, slower than anticipated adoption of new technology in televisions, the increased availability of LED televisions at mass-market retailers, and  significant product introductions in the prior year in mobile computing operating systems contributed to industry declines in the fiscal third quarter.

The following table presents selected financial data for the Domestic segment ($ in millions):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Revenue

$

8,710

$

8,931

$

25,069

$

24,730

Revenue % (decline) growth

(2.5

)%

9.0

%

1.4

%

4.0

%

Comparable store sales % (decline) gain

(5.0

)%

4.6

%

(1.7

)%

(1.0

)%

Gross profit as % of revenue

25.0

%

24.1

%

25.5

%

24.5

%

SG&A as % of revenue

21.1

%

20.2

%

21.3

%

20.5

%

Operating income (1)

$

340

$

353

$

1,045

$

971

Operating income as % of revenue

3.9

%

4.0

%

4.2

%

3.9

%

(1) Included within our Domestic segment’s operating income for the first nine months fiscal 2010 is $25 million of restructuring charges recorded in the fiscal first quarter related to measures we took to update our U.S. Best Buy store operating model, which resulted in the elimination of certain positions for which we incurred employee termination costs. These charges resulted in a decrease in our Domestic segment’s operating income rate of 0.1% of revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  No restructuring charges were recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

The decrease in our Domestic segment’s operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily due to decreased revenue and higher SG&A, partially offset by increased gross profit due to an improvement in the gross profit rate. The increase in our Domestic segment’s operating income for first nine months of fiscal 2011 was due primarily to increased revenue and gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A. In addition, the first nine months of fiscal 2011 had no restructuring charges, further contributing to the increase in operating income as compared to the prior-year period.

The 2.5% decrease in revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was due primarily to a 5.0% comparable store sales decline, partially offset by the impact of net new stores opened during the past 12 months. In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, the 1.4% increase in revenue was primarily due to the impact of net new stores opened in the past 12 months, partially offset by a comparable store sales decline of 1.7%. Non-comparable sales channels had minimal impact on total revenue in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011. The components of our Domestic segment’s net revenue (decrease) increase for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, were as follows:

Three months
ended
November
27, 2010

Nine months
ended
November
27, 2010

Comparable store sales impact

(4.8

)%

(1.6

)%

Non-comparable sales channels (1)

(0.3

)%

(0.1

)%

Net new stores

2.6

%

3.1

%

Total revenue (decrease) increase

(2.5

)%

1.4

%

(1) Non-comparable sales channels reflects the impact from revenue we earn from sales channels not included within our comparable store sales calculation.

34



Table of Contents

The following table reconciles the number of Domestic stores open at the beginning and end of the third quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

Fiscal 2011

Fiscal 2010

Total Stores at
Beginning of
Third Quarter

Stores
Opened

Stores
Closed

Total Stores
at End of
Third Quarter

Total Stores at
Beginning of
Third Quarter

Stores
Opened

Stores
Closed

Total Stores
at End of
Third Quarter

Best Buy

1,091

8

1,099

1,044

24

1,068

Best Buy Mobile

109

48

157

48

21

69

Pacific Sales

35

35

35

35

Magnolia Audio Video

6

6

6

6

Geek Squad

5

(5

)

6

6

Total Domestic segment stores

1,246

56

(5

)

1,297

1,139

45

1,184

The following table presents the Domestic segment’s revenue mix percentages and comparable store sales percentage changes by revenue category in the third quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

Revenue Mix

Comparable Store Sales

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Consumer electronics

36

%

39

%

(10.6

)%

8.0

%

Home office

37

%

33

%

4.8

%

10.0

%

Entertainment software

15

%

16

%

(13.9

)%

(10.9

)%

Appliances

5

%

5

%

(0.1

)%

10.0

%

Services

6

%

6

%

(1.5

)%

0.4

%

Other

1

%

1

%

n/a

n/a

Total

100

%

100

%

(5.0

)%

4.6

%

The product categories having the largest effect on our comparable store sales decline were televisions and entertainment software, which includes video gaming hardware and software, CDs and DVDs. Comparable store sales gains in mobile phones and mobile computing (consisting of notebook computers, netbooks and tablets) partially offset these declines. Revenue from our Domestic segment’s online operations increased 7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and is incorporated in the table above.

The 10.6% comparable store sales decline in the consumer electronics revenue category was driven primarily by a decrease in the sales of televisions, as both unit sales and average selling prices declined during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The 4.8% comparable store sales gain in the home office revenue category was primarily the result of increased sales of mobile phones due to the continued growth of Best Buy Mobile, as well as gains in mobile computing. The 13.9% comparable store sales decline in the entertainment software revenue category was mainly the result of declining sales in video gaming hardware and software, partially caused by industry-wide softness combined with a decline in our market share, as well as the continued decline in the sales of DVDs and CDs as consumers preferences shift to digital content.  The 1.5% comparable store sales decline in the services revenue category was due primarily to a decline in repair and home theater installation services, due in part to the decrease in television sales described above.

Despite a 2.5% decline in revenue, our Domestic segment experienced gross profit growth of $26 million, or 1.2%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010, due to gross profit rate improvement. The 0.9% of revenue increase in the gross profit rate was driven by favorable mix and rate impacts of 0.4% of revenue and 0.5% of revenue, respectively, and resulted primarily from the following factors:

· increased sales of higher-margin mobile phones as a result of the growth in Best Buy Mobile;

· improved promotional effectiveness due to lower costs in financing programs and improved pricing strategies, particularly in appliances; and

· a change in the form of vendor funding for fiscal 2011, shifting more dollars to gross profit than SG&A;

· partially offset by a more promotional environment in televisions.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, our Domestic segment improved its gross profit rate by 1.0% of revenue.  The primary drivers of the rate increase were the growth of our Best Buy Mobile business; improved promotional effectiveness due to lower costs in financing programs, lower loyalty program costs and improved pricing strategies; and the change in the form of vendor funding. A more promotional environment in televisions partially offset these rate gains. Our Domestic segment’s mix of revenue had no net effect on the segment’s gross profit rate, as growth in sales at our higher-margin Best Buy Mobile business was offset by growth in sales of lower-margin mobile computing products.

35



Table of Contents

Our Domestic segment’s SG&A grew $39 million, or 2.2%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior-year period. The increase in SG&A was principally driven by the opening of new stores and an increase in the Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee, partially offset by lower incentive compensation costs. The following factors collectively contributed to the Domestic segment’s SG&A rate increase of 0.9% of revenue:

· deleverage due to the 2.5% revenue decline;

· continued growth of Best Buy Mobile (including the profit share-based management fee paid to Best Buy Europe, which is offset in the International segment SG&A results and therefore has no net impact on our consolidated operating income); and

· the change in the form of vendor funding as discussed above;

· partially offset by lower incentive compensation costs.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, our Domestic segment’s SG&A grew $292 million, or 5.8%, and our SG&A rate increased by 0.8% of revenue. The increase in both SG&A and the SG&A rate was driven by the opening of new stores, the continued growth of Best Buy Mobile, increased spending for several key initiatives and the change in the form of vendor funding, partially offset by lower incentive compensation costs.

International

While challenging economic conditions persisted in many of the countries in which we operate, our International segment saw comparable store sales gains and improvements in operating income in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011. The key drivers behind these improvements included an increase in the sales of higher-margin post-pay mobile phone contracts in Europe, improved promotional effectiveness in key product categories in Canada and growth in consumer spending and temporary government stimulus programs in China.  In addition, an increase in the Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee paid to Best Buy Europe had a positive impact on the segment’s operating income. We have also experienced continued revenue growth through our expansion of large-format stores in Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey.

The following table presents selected financial data for the International segment ($ in millions):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Revenue

$

3,180

$

3,093

$

8,947

$

8,411

Revenue % growth

2.8

%

(6.4

)%

6.4

%

29.2

%

Comparable store sales % gain (decline)

2.3

%

(6.7

)%

4.2

%

(8.8

)%

Gross profit as % of revenue

25.2

%

25.4

%

25.7

%

25.3

%

SG&A as % of revenue

23.8

%

24.7

%

25.0

%

25.2

%

Operating income (loss) (1)

$

45

$

23

$

64

$

(19

)

Operating income (loss) as % of revenue

1.4

%

0.7

%

0.7

%

(0.2

)%

(1) Included within our International segment’s operating loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 is $27 million of restructuring charges recorded in the fiscal first quarter primarily related to employee termination benefits and business reorganization costs in Best Buy Europe. These charges resulted in a decrease in our International segment’s operating income of 0.3% of revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  No restructuring charges were recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

The increase in our International segment’s operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 resulted primarily from higher operating income in Europe and China, partially offset by costs associated with the operation of new stores in Mexico and Turkey. The increase in our International segment’s operating income in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 resulted primarily from higher operating income in Europe, Canada and China, partially offset by costs associated with the operation of new stores in Mexico and Turkey. An increase in the Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee was a leading driver of the increased operating income in Europe in both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011. In addition, the first nine months of fiscal 2010 also included $27 million of restructuring charges compared to no restructuring charges in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, further contributing to the increase in operating income compared to the prior-year period.

The 2.8% increase in revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was due principally to the impact of new stores opened during the past 12 months and a 2.3% comparable store sales gain, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, the 6.4% increase in revenue was due to a 4.2% comparable store sales gain, the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and the impact of new stores opened in the past 12 months. Changes in revenue from non-comparable sales channels had a minimal impact on the revenue increase for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, but partially offset the revenue increase in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. The increase in comparable store sales in both the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was the result of gains in Europe and China, partially offset by declines in Canada. The components of our International segment’s net revenue increase for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, were as follows:

36



Table of Contents

Three months
ended
November
27, 2010

Nine months
ended
November
27, 2010

Net new stores

2.2

%

2.4

%

Comparable store sales impact

1.9

%

3.5

%

Non-comparable sales channels (1)

0.1

%

(1.3

)%

Impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations

(1.4

)%

2.6

%

One less week of revenue (2)

n/a

(0.8

)%

Total revenue increase

2.8

%

6.4

%

(1) Non-comparable sales channels primarily reflects the impact from revenue we earn from sales of merchandise to wholesalers and dealers as well as other sales channels not included within our comparable store sales calculation.

(2) One less week of revenue reflects the incremental revenue associated with Best Buy Europe in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which had 14 weeks of activity, compared to 13 weeks in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

The following table reconciles the number of International stores open at the beginning and end of the third quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

Fiscal 2011

Fiscal 2010

Total Stores at
Beginning of
Third Quarter

Stores
Opened

Stores
Closed

Total Stores
at End of
Third Quarter

Total Stores at
Beginning of
Third Quarter

Stores
Opened

Stores
Closed

Total Stores
at End of
Third Quarter

Best Buy Europe — small box (1)

2,436

14

(26

)

2,424

2,450

29

(31

)

2,448

Best Buy Europe — big box (2)

3

1

4

Canada

Future Shop

145

1

146

142

1

143

Best Buy

70

1

71

60

4

64

Best Buy Mobile

6

4

10

3

1

4

China

Five Star

159

159

165

(1

)

164

Best Buy

8

8

6

6

Mexico

Best Buy

5

1

6

1

1

2

Turkey

Best Buy

2

2

Total International segment stores

2,834

22

(26

)

2,830

2,827

36

(32

)

2,831

(1) Represents small-format The Carphone Warehouse and The Phone House stores.

(2) Represents Best Buy branded large-format stores in the U.K.

The following table presents revenue mix percentages and comparable store sales percentage changes for the International segment by revenue category in the third quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

Revenue Mix

Comparable Store Sales

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Consumer electronics

19

%

18

%

(2.5

)%

(18.3

)%

Home office

57

%

55

%

3.0

%

(3.3

)%

Entertainment software

6

%

7

%

(14.8

)%

(13.6

)%

Appliances

9

%

8

%

26.5

%

(6.8

)%

Services

9

%

12

%

0.9

%

5.3

%

Other

<1

%

<1

%

n/a

n/a

Total

100

%

100

%

2.3

%

(6.7

)%

The product categories having the largest impact on our International segment’s comparable store sales gain in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were appliances, mobile phones and mobile computing. Increased sales in these product categories were partially offset by declines in the sales of entertainment hardware and software.

The 2.5% comparable store sales decline in the consumer electronics revenue category resulted primarily from decreases in the sales of televisions, MP3 players, and navigation products in Canada, similar to our Domestic segment. The 3.0% comparable store sales gain in the home office revenue category mainly resulted from comparable store sales gains in mobile phones and mobile computing.

37



Table of Contents

The 14.8% comparable store sales decline in the entertainment software revenue category reflected a decrease in the sales of video gaming hardware and software and continued decreases in the sales of DVDs and CDs. The 26.5% comparable store sales gain in the appliances revenue category resulted primarily from increases in the sales of appliances within our China operations, where growth in consumer spending and government stimulus programs continued to contribute to stronger sales. The 0.9% comparable store sales gain in the services revenue category was due primarily to increased sales of mobile phone warranty contracts in Europe as a result of an increase in the sales mix of higher-priced smartphones.

Our International segment experienced gross profit growth of $15 million, or 1.9%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and $170 million, or 8.0%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. The increase in gross profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was driven by increased revenue, as the gross profit rate decreased slightly. The 0.2% of revenue decline in the gross profit rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 reflects an unfavorable mix impact of 0.7% of revenue, partially offset by a favorable rate impact of 0.5% of revenue. The unfavorable mix impact resulted primarily from growth in our lower-margin China business and a decrease in the mix of our higher-margin Europe business, while the favorable rate impact was the result of gains in Canada driven by rate improvements in mobile computing.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, the 0.4% of revenue improvement in the gross profit rate reflects a favorable rate impact of 1.0% of revenue, partially offset by 0.6% of revenue unfavorable mix impact. The rate favorability was largely a result of improved promotional effectiveness in Canada, especially in mobile computing and video gaming, and an increase in the sales of higher-margin post-pay mobile phone contracts in Europe. The unfavorable mix impact resulted primarily from growth in our lower-margin China business, as well as decreased mix from our higher-margin Europe business in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2011, our International segment’s SG&A decreased $7 million, or 0.9%, driven mainly by a decrease in Europe due to the higher Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee and the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, partially offset by increased spending associated with new store openings across the segment and increased advertising costs. Excluding the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations, our International segment’s SG&A was flat in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The 0.9% of revenue decrease in the SG&A rate was driven primarily by a rate decrease in Europe due to the higher Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee and the favorable mix impact from both growth in our lower-rate China business and a decrease in the sales mix of our higher-rate Europe business. These improvements were partially offset by rate increases in Canada primarily caused by the deleveraging impact of its comparable store sales decline and increased advertising costs.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, our International segment’s SG&A grew $114, or 5.4%, due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, increased spending related to new store openings and increased advertising costs. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, SG&A grew only 2.4%. The SG&A rate remained relatively flat in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, as the deleveraging impact of the comparable store sales decline and increased advertising costs in Canada were offset by the favorable mix impact from both growth in our lower-rate China business and a decrease in the sales mix of our higher-rate Europe business, as well a rate decrease in Europe due to the higher Best Buy Mobile profit share-based management fee.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We continue to closely manage our liquidity and capital resources. The key variables we use to manage  liquidity requirements and investments to support our growth strategies  include variable SG&A spending, capital expenditures, credit facilities and short-term borrowing arrangements, working capital and our share repurchase program.

Capital expenditures, particularly with respect to opening new stores and remodeling existing stores, is a component of our cash flow and capital management strategy which, to a large extent, we can adjust in response to economic and other changes in our business environment. In fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011, we have moderated our capital spending in response to the challenging economic environment.

Summary

The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances at November 27, 2010; February 27, 2010; and November 28, 2009 ($ in millions):

November 27,
2010

February 27,
2010

November 28,
2009

Cash and cash equivalents

$

925

$

1,826

$

564

Short-term investments

2

90

93

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

$

927

$

1,916

$

657

38



Table of Contents

The increase in the balance of our cash and cash equivalents compared with the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was due primarily to cash generated from operations and cash provided by the sale of investments, partially offset by cash used to repurchase common stock, cash used to reduce short-term debt and cash used for capital expenditures. The decrease in our short-term investments balance compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was due to the sale of the remainder of our short-term investments in auction rate securities (“ARS”) marketed and sold to us by UBS AG and its affiliates.

Our current ratio, calculated as current assets divided by current liabilities, was 1.1 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with 1.2 at the end of fiscal 2010 and 1.0 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in our current ratio from the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was due primarily to an increase in our merchandise inventories, partially offset by a corresponding increase in accounts payable.

Our adjusted debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) ratio decreased to 2.4 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with 2.5 at the end of fiscal 2010 and 2.7 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily due to increased net earnings.

Our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio, which includes capitalized operating lease obligations in its calculation, 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 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 owner’s desire to own or to lease the location, and the alternative that results in the highest return to our shareholders.

Our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is calculated as follows:

Adjusted debt to EBITDAR =

Adjusted debt

EBITDAR

The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio is our debt to net earnings ratio, which excludes capitalized operating lease obligations from debt in the numerator of the calculation and does not adjust net earnings in the denominator of the calculation.  The debt to net earnings ratio decreased to 1.2 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with 1.3 at the end of fiscal 2010 and 1.6 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

The following table presents a reconciliation of our debt to net earnings ratio and our adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio ($ in millions):

November 27,
2010
(1)

February 27,
2010
(1)

November 28,
2009
(1)

Debt (including current portion)

$

1,824

$

1,802

$

1,881

Capitalized operating lease obligations (8 times rental expense) (2)

9,196

9,013

8,978

Adjusted debt

$

11,020

$

10,815

$

10,859

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests (3)

$

1,488

$

1,394

$

1,171

Interest expense, net

41

40

47

Income tax expense

864

802

716

Depreciation and amortization expense (4)

981

930

977

Rental expense

1,149

1,127

1,122

EBITDAR

$

4,523

$

4,293

$

4,033

Debt to net earnings ratio

1.2

1.3

1.6

Adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio

2.4

2.5

2.7

(1) Debt is reflected as of the respective balance sheet dates, while rental expense and the other components of EBITDAR represent activity for the 12 months ended as of each of the respective dates.

(2) The multiple of eight times annual rental expense in the calculation of our capitalized operating lease obligations is the multiple used for the retail sector by one of the nationally recognized credit rating agencies that rate our creditworthiness, and we consider it to be an appropriate multiple for our lease portfolio.

(3) We utilize net earnings including noncontrolling interests within our calculation as the earnings and related cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests are available to service our debt and operating lease commitments.

(4) Depreciation and amortization expense includes impairments of fixed assets, investments, goodwill and intangible assets.

39



Table of Contents

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the first nine months of the current and prior fiscal years ($ in millions):

Nine Months Ended

November
27, 2010

November
28, 2009

Total cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities

$

545

$

679

Investing activities

(361

)

(405

)

Financing activities

(1,093

)

(208

)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash

8

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

$

(901

)

$

66

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $545 million, compared with $679 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The decrease was due primarily to higher incentive compensation payments made in fiscal 2011.  An increased level of inventory at the end of the fiscal third quarter as compared to the prior-year period was largely offset by a corresponding increase in accounts payable.

Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $361 million, compared with $405 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The decrease was due primarily to our sale of ARS during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

Cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $1.1 billion, compared with cash used of $208 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The change was primarily the result of cash used to repurchase our common stock in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

Share Repurchases and Dividends

We repurchased and retired 10.9 million shares at a cost of $423 million for the three months ended November 27, 2010, and 30.7 million shares at a cost of $1.1 billion for the nine months ended November 27, 2010. We have $1.4 billion available for future repurchases at November 27, 2010, under our June 2007 share repurchase program. No repurchases were made during the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we paid our regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, or $60 million in the aggregate.  During the same period one year ago, we paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per common share, or $58 million in the aggregate.  As announced on December 15, 2010, our Board authorized payment of our next regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on January 25, 2011, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 4, 2011.

Sources of Liquidity

Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, and our credit facilities continue to be our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to sustain operations and to finance anticipated expansion plans and strategic initiatives for the remainder of fiscal 2011. However, in the event our liquidity is insufficient, we may be required to limit our capital expenditures related to future expansion plans or we may not be able to pursue business opportunities. There can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under our existing credit facilities or obtain additional financing, if necessary, on favorable terms.

We have a $2.3 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, as amended (the “Credit Facility”), with a syndicate of banks, with $500 million of borrowings outstanding at November 27, 2010. The outstanding balance was fully paid off in the week following the end of our fiscal third quarter, and no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility as of December 30, 2010. The Credit Facility expires in September 2012.

We have $788 million available under secured and unsecured revolving credit and demand facilities related to our International segment operations, of which $190 million was outstanding at November 27, 2010.

We previously had a revolving credit line with UBS AG and its affiliates (collectively, “UBS”) secured by the par value of our UBS-brokered ARS. However, pursuant to the settlement described in Note 2, Investments , of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the revolving credit line expired by its terms during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 when UBS bought back all of our UBS-brokered ARS.

40



Table of Contents

Our ability to access our facilities is subject to our compliance with the terms and conditions of our facilities, including financial covenants. The financial covenants require us to maintain certain financial ratios. At November 27, 2010, we were in compliance with all such financial covenants. If an event of default were to occur with respect to one or more of our debt agreements, it could constitute an event of default under other agreements as well.

Our credit ratings and outlooks at December 30, 2010, are summarized below.  In June 2010, Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) reaffirmed our BBB+ rating, and raised the outlook from negative to stable, citing our improvement in comparable store sales in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2010 and our ability to maintain steady operating margins and credit metrics in fiscal 2010. The ratings issued by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”) are consistent with the ratings and outlooks reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010.

Rating Agency

Rating

Outlook

Fitch

BBB+

Stable

Moody’s

Baa2

Stable

Standard & Poor’s

BBB–

Stable

Factors that can affect our credit ratings include changes in our operating performance, the economic environment, conditions in the retail and consumer electronics industries, our financial position, and changes in our business strategy. We are not aware of any reasonable circumstances under which our credit ratings would be significantly downgraded. If a downgrade were to occur, it could adversely impact, among other things, our future borrowing costs, access to capital markets, vendor financing terms and future new-store leasing costs. In addition, the conversion rights of the holders of our convertible debentures could be accelerated if our credit ratings were to be downgraded.

Auction-Rate Securities and Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments

At November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, we had $131 million and $284 million, respectively, invested in ARS recorded at fair value within short-term investments and equity and other investments (long-term) in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to November 27, 2010, and through December 30, 2010, we sold $8 million of ARS at par value. The majority of our ARS portfolio is AAA/Aaa-rated and collateralized by student loans, which are guaranteed 95% to 100% by the U.S. government. Since the auction failures that began in February 2008, we have been able to liquidate many of our ARS. However, the investment principal associated with our remaining ARS will not be accessible until successful auctions occur, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, the issuers establish a different form of financing to replace these securities or final payments are due according to the contractual maturities of the debt issues, which range from six to 33 years. We intend to hold our ARS until we can recover the full principal amount through one of the means described above, and have the ability to do so based on our other sources of liquidity.

Our liquidity also is affected by restricted cash and short-term investment balances that are pledged as collateral or restricted to use for vendor payables, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and customer warranty and insurance programs. Restricted cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, which are included in other current assets, remained relatively flat at $484 million, $482 million and $480 million at November 27, 2010, February 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, respectively.

Debt and Capital

At November 27, 2010, we had short-term debt outstanding under our various credit and demand facilities of $690 million, an increase from $663 million at February 27, 2010, and a decrease from $741 million at November 28, 2009.  Over the past year, our short-term debt balance has decreased as a result of lower borrowings under our European facilities, partially offset by increased borrowing on our Credit Facility to fund seasonal working capital requirements. See Note 6, Debt , of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010, for additional information regarding our debt.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Our liquidity is not dependent on the use of off-balance-sheet financing arrangements other than in connection with our operating leases.

There has been no material change in our contractual obligations other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of fiscal 2010. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010, for additional information regarding our off-balance-sheet arrangements and contractual obligations.

41



Table of Contents

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010. There has been no significant change in our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2010.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 1, Basis of Presentation , of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, including the dates of adoption and impacts on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), provide a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their companies. With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward looking statements and may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “foresee,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Such statements reflect our current view with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. A variety of factors could cause our future results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in such forward looking statements. Readers should review Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010, for a description of important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Among the factors that could cause our actual future results and outcomes to differ materially from those projected in such forward looking statements are the following: general economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, credit market constraints, acquisitions and development of new businesses, divestitures, product availability, sales volumes, pricing actions and promotional activities of competitors, profit margins, weather, changes in law or regulations, foreign currency fluctuation, availability of suitable real estate locations, our ability to react to a disaster recovery situation, the impact of labor markets and new product introductions on our overall profitability, failure to achieve anticipated benefits of announced transactions and integration challenges relating to new ventures.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to certain market risks, including adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our International segment operations. On a limited basis, we utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to manage foreign currency exposure to certain forecasted inventory purchases, revenue streams and recognized receivable and payable balances. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our foreign currency risk management strategy includes cash flow hedges as well as derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments.  The contracts have terms of up to three years. The aggregate notional amount and fair value recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheet related to our foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $546 million and $9 million, respectively, at November 27, 2010. The amount recorded in our consolidated statement of earnings related to all contracts settled and outstanding was a loss of $2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  See Note 7, Derivative Instruments , of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

The overall strength of the U.S. dollar (USD) to the Great Britain pound since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010 has had a negative overall impact on our revenue and net earnings. However, the weakness of the USD to the Canadian dollar has had a positive overall impact on our revenue and net earnings. It is not possible to determine the exact impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; however, the effect on reported revenue and net earnings can be estimated. We estimate that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations had a net unfavorable impact on our revenue of approximately $43 million and a net favorable impact of $2 million on our net earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

42



Table of Contents

Interest Rate Risk

Short- and long-term debt

At November 27, 2010, our short- and long-term debt was comprised primarily of credit facilities, our convertible debentures and our 6.75% notes. We do not manage the interest rate risk on our debt through the use of derivative instruments.

Our credit facilities’ interest rates may be reset due to fluctuations in a market-based index, such as the federal funds rate, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the base rate or prime rate of our lenders. A hypothetical 100-basis-point change in the interest rates on the outstanding balance of our credit facilities as of November 27, 2010, would change our annual pre-tax earnings by $7 million.

There is no interest rate risk associated with our convertible debentures or 6.75% notes, as the interest rates are fixed at 2.25% and 6.75%, respectively, per annum.

Long-term investments in debt securities

At November 27, 2010, our long-term investments in debt securities were comprised of ARS. These investments are not subject to material interest rate risk. A hypothetical 100-basis point change in the interest rates on our ARS investments as of November 27, 2010, would change our annual pre-tax earnings by $1 million. We do not manage interest rate risk on our investments in debt securities through the use of derivative instruments.

Other Market Risks

Investments in auction-rate securities

At November 27, 2010, we held $131 million in investments in ARS, which includes a $10 million pre-tax temporary impairment. Given current conditions in the ARS market, we may incur additional temporary unrealized losses or other-than-temporary realized losses in the future if market conditions were to persist and we were unable to recover the cost of our ARS investments. A hypothetical 100-basis point loss from the par value of these investments as of November 27, 2010, would result in a $1 million impairment.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We have established a Disclosure Committee, consisting of certain members of management, to assist in this evaluation. The Disclosure Committee meets on a regular quarterly basis, and as needed.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), at November 27, 2010. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at November 27, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There was no change in internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2010, that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

43



Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(c)  Stock Repurchases

The following table presents the total number of shares of our common stock that we purchased during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the average price paid per share, the number of shares that we purchased as part of our publicly announced repurchase program, and the approximate dollar value of shares that still could have been purchased at the end of the applicable fiscal period, pursuant to our June 2007 $5.5 billion share repurchase program:

Fiscal Period

Total Number
o f Shares
Purchased

Average
Price Paid
per Share

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
(1)

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(1)

September 29, 2010, through October 2, 2010

5,708,000

$

34.92

5,708,000

$

1,595,000,000

October 3, 2010, through October 30, 2010

2,838,700

42.16

2,838,700

1,476,000,000

October 31, 2010, through November 27, 2010

2,361,000

43.61

2,361,000

1,372,000,000

Total Fiscal 2011 Third Quarter

10,907,700

38.69

10,907,700

1,372,000,000

(1) “Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs” reflects our $5.5 billion share repurchase program announced on June 27, 2007, less the $3.0 billion we purchased in fiscal 2008 under our accelerated share repurchase program, the $111 million we purchased in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the $594 million we purchased in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, and the $423 million we purchased in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. There is no stated expiration for the June 2007 share repurchase program.

ITEM 4. RESERVED

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, filed with the SEC on January 5, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the condensed consolidated balance sheets at November 27, 2010; February 27, 2010; and November 28, 2009, (ii) the consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, (iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, (iv) the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended November 27, 2010, and November 28, 2009, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. (1)


(1) The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.

44



Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BEST BUY CO., INC.

(Registrant)

Date: January 5, 2011

By:

/s/ BRIAN J. DUNN

Brian J. Dunn

Chief Executive Officer
(duly authorized and principal executive officer)

Date: January 5, 2011

By:

/s/ JAMES L. MUEHLBAUER

James L. Muehlbauer

Executive Vice President — Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
(duly authorized and principal financial officer)

Date: January 5, 2011

By:

/s/ SUSAN S. GRAFTON

Susan S. Grafton

Vice President, Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer

(duly authorized and principal accounting officer)

45


TABLE OF CONTENTS