10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

LOWES COMPANIES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 31, 2014

Filed December 2, 2014For Securities:LOW

Summary

Lowe's Companies, Inc. reported a solid third quarter for fiscal year 2014, with net sales increasing by 5.6% to $13.7 billion, driven by a 5.1% increase in comparable sales. This growth was observed across all regions and product categories, with particular strength in Pro Services, which continued to outperform the company average for the thirteenth consecutive quarter. The company attributed this performance to an improving macroeconomic landscape, enhanced Sales & Operations Planning, and strategic adjustments to better serve the Pro customer. Financially, net earnings for the quarter rose by 17.3% to $585 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.59, a 25.5% increase year-over-year. The company also demonstrated a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders, distributing $229 million in dividends and repurchasing $900 million of common stock during the quarter. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, net sales grew 4.6% and net earnings increased by 13.5%, reflecting continued positive momentum.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter increased by 5.6% to $13.7 billion, driven by a 5.1% increase in comparable sales.
  • 2Net earnings for the third quarter grew by 17.3% to $585 million, with diluted EPS increasing by 25.5% to $0.59.
  • 3The company returned $900 million to shareholders through share repurchases and paid $229 million in dividends during the third quarter.
  • 4Pro Services continued to be a strong performer, outperforming company comparable sales averages for the 13th consecutive quarter.
  • 5Inventory management was improved through enhanced Sales & Operations Planning, contributing to effective management of seasonal product needs.
  • 6The company is cautiously optimistic about the home improvement landscape, citing improvements in disposable income, revolving credit usage, and existing home sales.
  • 7For the nine months ended October 31, 2014, net sales increased by 4.6% to $43.7 billion, and net earnings increased by 13.5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Lowe's sales growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 was a 5.1% increase in comparable sales, which was supported by a 3.4% increase in comparable average ticket and a 1.7% increase in comparable customer transactions. The company also noted balanced performance across all regions and product categories, with a continued outperformance in Pro Services.

For the third quarter, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses leveraged 76 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to the prior year. This leverage was mainly due to efficiencies in operating salaries and lower incentive compensation attainment, partially offset by increased employee insurance costs.

Lowe's has a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders. During the third quarter, they paid $229 million in dividends and repurchased $900 million of common stock. For the nine months ended October 31, 2014, they repurchased approximately $2.9 billion of stock. The company has a significant remaining authorization for share repurchases.

Lowe's expressed cautious optimism due to several improving macroeconomic factors. These include the recovery in disposable income and revolving credit usage, which are key drivers of consumer spending, as well as a modest uptrend in existing home sales and home price appreciation in smaller to mid-sized markets.