Lowe's Cos. (LOW) Tops Q3 EPS by 1c; Updates FY14 Outlook

Lowe's Cos. (NYSE: LOW) reported Q3 EPS of $0.59, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $0.58. Revenue for the quarter came in at $13.7 billion versus the consensus estimate of $13.55 billion.

Comparable sales for the quarter increased 5.1 percent.

Fiscal Year 2014 (comparisons to fiscal year 2013; based on U.S. GAAP unless otherwise noted)

• Total sales are expected to increase 4.5 to 5 percent. (Previous growth target at 4.5 percent.)
• Comparable sales are expected to increase 3.5 to 4 percent. (Previously at 3.5 percent growth.)
• The company expects to open 6 home improvement and 4 hardware stores. (From 10 home improvement and 5 hardware stores issued in Q214.)
• Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of sales (operating margin) are expected to increase 70 to 75 basis points. (Up from 65 basis points last quarter.)
• The effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 37.2%.
• Diluted earnings per share of approximately $2.68 are expected for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2015. (Previously at $2.63. The Street is looking for $2.63.)

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Lowe's Cos. (LOW) click here.

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