Lowe's Cos. (NYSE: LOW) reported Q3 EPS of $0.80, $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of $0.78. Revenue for the quarter came in at $14.4 billion versus the consensus estimate of $14.31 billion.

Comparable sales for the U.S. home improvement business increased 5.0 percent for the third quarter and 4.9 percent for the nine month period.

"This is an exciting time for Lowe's as we continue to execute our strategic priorities alongside a favorable macroeconomic backdrop," commented Robert A. Niblock, Lowe's chairman, president and CEO. "I am pleased that we delivered another solid quarter. Comparable sales growth was driven by gains in both transactions and average ticket, while our focus on productivity and profitability also allowed us to deliver strong earnings per share growth."

"I would like to thank our employees for their purposeful commitment to serving customers, particularly those who worked diligently to assist our neighbors that were impacted by the historic flooding in South Carolina," Niblock added.

Fiscal Year 2015 (comparisons to fiscal year 2014; based on U.S. GAAP unless otherwise noted)

• Total sales are expected to increase 4.5 to 5 percent.
• Comparable sales are expected to increase 4 to 4.5 percent.
• The company expects to add 15 to 20 home improvement and hardware stores.
• Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of sales (operating margin) are expected to increase 80 to 100 basis points.
• The effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 38.1%.
• Diluted earnings per share of approximately $3.29 are expected for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2016.

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