Lowe's Cos. (NYSE: LOW) reported Q3 EPS of $0.88, $0.08 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.96. Revenue for the quarter came in at $15.7 billion versus the consensus estimate of $15.86 billion.

Comparable sales increased 2.7 percent. The Street was looking for a 3.2 percent increase.

Fiscal Year 2016 -- a 53-week Year (comparisons to fiscal year 2015 -- a 52-week year; based on U.S. GAAP)

• Total sales are expected to increase 9 to 10 percent, including the 53rd week
• The 53rd week is expected to increase total sales by approximately 1.5 percent
• Comparable sales are expected to increase 3 to 4 percent. (Previously saw up about 4 percent.)
• The company expects to add approximately 40 home improvement and hardware stores.
• Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of sales (operating margin) are expected to increase approximately 65 basis points.2
• The effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 40.1%.
• Diluted earnings per share of approximately $3.522 are expected for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2017. (The Street sees $4.)

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

Earnings Guidance Hot Guidance Retail Sales

UBS Cuts Price Target on Lowe's Cos. (LOW) Following 3Q Report November 17, 2016 9:30 AM Jefferies Cuts Price Target on Lowe's Cos. (LOW) to $69 Following 3Q November 17, 2016 8:42 AM Moody's Affirms Ratings on Lowe's Cos. (LOW); Outlook is StableNovember 16, 2016 4:29 PM BTIG Affirms Lowe's (LOW) at 'Buy' Amid Light Q3 Results, Weaker OutlookNovember 16, 2016 8:26 AM Lowe's Reports Third Quarter Sales and Earnings ResultsNovember 16, 2016 6:00 AM