Summary
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) reported its first-quarter results for fiscal year 2009, ending May 1, 2009. The company experienced a challenging sales environment, marked by its eleventh consecutive quarter of comparable store sales declines (-6.6%). This decline was primarily driven by consumers postponing larger discretionary projects, though spending on routine maintenance and DIY projects showed resilience. Despite the top-line pressure, Lowe's managed to gain market share, indicating effectiveness in its strategy and customer service. Financially, net sales decreased by 1.5% to $11.8 billion. Gross margin improved by 77 basis points as a percentage of sales due to a less promotional environment and favorable product mix. However, Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses increased as a percentage of sales, largely due to deleverage from lower sales, increased proprietary credit program losses, and bonus expense. Net earnings declined 21.7% to $476 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, down from $607 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the prior year period. The company maintained a strong liquidity position with over $2.3 billion in cash flow from operations and ample credit facilities.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $13.84B |
| Cost of Revenue | $9.02B |
| Gross Profit | $4.82B |
| SG&A Expenses | $3.12B |
| Operating Expenses | $3.61B |
| Interest Expense | $76.00M |
| Net Income | $759.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.51 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.51 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.46B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.47B |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales declined 1.5% year-over-year to $11.8 billion, reflecting ongoing consumer caution and postponements of larger discretionary projects.
- 2Comparable store sales decreased by 6.6%, continuing a trend of challenging sales environments, though improved from the previous quarter's decline of 8.4%.
- 3Gross margin percentage improved by 77 basis points to 35.46% due to a moderating promotional environment and favorable product mix.
- 4SG&A expenses increased as a percentage of sales (24.88% vs. 22.69%) due to deleverage from lower sales and increased losses from its proprietary credit program.
- 5Net earnings decreased by 21.7% to $476 million, with diluted EPS falling to $0.32 from $0.41 in the prior year period.
- 6The company generated strong operating cash flow of $2.3 billion, demonstrating resilience in cash generation despite lower earnings.
- 7Lowe's gained market share, adding 160 basis points in the first calendar quarter, indicating competitive strength amid a difficult economic climate.