Group 1 - Lowe's has been named "Stock to Study" by BetterInvesting Magazine for its June/July 2025 issue, prompting investors to evaluate whether the stock is overvalued or within a buy range [1] - The fundamental data for Lowe's, including sales, earnings, pre-tax profit, and return on equity, is accessible through the National Association of Investors [2] - A full report on Lowe's will be featured in the upcoming June/July 2025 issue of BetterInvesting Magazine [2] Group 2 - The same issue of BetterInvesting Magazine will also include a fundamental review of ICON PLC, which is considered undervalued by the Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee [3] - The committee consists of several CFA members, indicating a diverse range of expertise in their evaluations [3]

Sales and Revenue - In fiscal 2024, installed sales accounted for approximately 5% of total sales, with major contributions from categories like Kitchen & Bath, Flooring, and Appliances[31]. - Net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $83,674 million, a decrease of 3.9% from $86,377 million in the previous year[217]. - Revenue from products was $80,538 million in 2025, down from $83,002 million in 2024, and $93,392 million in 2023, indicating a decline of 3.0% year-over-year[278]. - Revenue from services decreased to $1,934 million in 2025 from $2,097 million in 2024, and $2,178 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 7.8%[278]. - Net earnings for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $6,957 million, down 9.9% from $7,726 million in the prior year, with a net earnings margin of 8.31%[218]. - Basic earnings per share for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $12.25, compared to $13.23 in the previous year[217]. Financial Performance - Gross margin for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, was $27,877 million, representing 33.32% of net sales, compared to 33.39% in the previous year[217]. - The company reported a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses to $15,682 million, which is 18.74% of net sales, compared to 18.02% in the previous year[217]. - The company’s merchandise inventory increased to $17,409 million as of January 31, 2025, from $16,894 million in the previous year[219]. - The company’s interest expense for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, was $1,313 million, slightly down from $1,382 million in the previous year[217]. - Cash dividends declared increased to $4.55 per share, totaling $2,578 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $2,531 million in the previous year[221]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $9,625 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of 18.1% from $8,140 million in the previous year[221]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of January 31, 2025, were $43,102 million, an increase from $41,795 million as of February 2, 2024[219]. - Total liabilities as of January 31, 2025, were $57,333 million, compared to $56,845 million in the previous year[219]. - The company's long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, was $35,012 million as of January 31, 2025, compared to $35,411 million on February 2, 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.1%[292]. - Total lease liabilities amounted to $4,666 million as of January 31, 2025, down from $4,733 million on February 2, 2024, indicating a reduction of about 1.4%[295]. Operational Strategy - The Total Home strategy focuses on five pillars: driving Pro penetration, accelerating online sales, expanding home services, creating a loyalty ecosystem, and increasing space productivity[13][14]. - The company has expanded its Pro offerings and invested in high-volume Pro products to enhance Pro customer penetration[15]. - The company has over 120 supply chain facilities, including regional distribution centers and fulfillment centers, to support its omnichannel capabilities[27][29]. - The home improvement market is influenced by key indicators such as home price appreciation and real disposable personal income, which are monitored to assess demand[16]. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - In fiscal 2024, Lowe's was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to environmental, social, and operational practices[49]. - Lowe's aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2050, with interim targets of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and scope 3 emissions by 25% below 2021 levels by 2030[55]. - Over the past three years, Lowe's has invested more than $300 million in projects to enhance energy efficiency, including replacing aging HVAC units and upgrading indoor LED lighting[56]. - The company has implemented a wood sourcing policy to ensure no illegal logging or deforestation, enhancing its commitment to sustainable practices[52]. - The company collaborates with the EPA's SmartWay program to reduce transportation emissions and aims for 100% SmartWay certification for its transportation providers[58]. - Lowe's continues to focus on reducing water consumption and has implemented smart irrigation controllers and leak detection technology in its operations[60]. Employee and Workplace Culture - Lowe's employs approximately 161,000 full-time and 109,000 part-time associates as of January 31, 2025, with a minimum wage starting at $15 per hour[38][40]. - Lowe's has received several employer of choice awards in fiscal 2024, highlighting its commitment to creating a positive workplace culture[37]. - More than 85% of store leadership positions were filled internally in the last year, demonstrating Lowe's focus on internal talent development[45]. - The company has shifted its diversity and inclusion initiatives to a unified program, enhancing networking and development opportunities for all associates[44]. Shareholder Returns - The total share repurchases for the year ended January 31, 2025, amounted to 15.8 million shares at a cost of $3.928 billion[321]. - The Company has $10.8 billion remaining under its $15.0 billion share repurchase program as of January 31, 2025[315]. - The Company recognized share-based payment expense of $221 million in 2024, with a total associated income tax benefit of $42 million[324].

Core Insights - Lowe's is launching its SpringFest event on March 20, featuring exclusive deals on various spring-related products including lawn & garden items, grills, outdoor power equipment, appliances, and paint [1][2][7] Promotions and Offers - MyLowe's Rewards and MyLowe's Pro Rewards members can access exclusive deals and save 20% on eligible purchases with a new MyLowe's Rewards Credit Card, up to a maximum discount of $100 [2][10] - During SpringFest, new offers will be introduced every two weeks, including promotions on mulch and other essential spring items [3][4] Product Highlights - Lowe's is offering exclusive products from top brands such as Weber, EGO, Char-Broil, and private brands like Kobalt and Sta-Green [4][5] - Specific promotions include five bags of 2-Cu. Ft. Sta-Green Premium Color Mulch for $10, up to $10 off select Sta-Green Lawn Care products, and up to 40% off select major appliances [4][11] Customer Support and Services - Lowe's provides expert assistance through knowledgeable associates to help customers with project-related questions and advice tailored to their specific climate and growing zone [3][7] - The company offers same-day fulfillment options, including buy online, pick-up in store, and delivery through partnerships with online marketplaces [8][14] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company with over 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 employees, serving around 16 million customer transactions weekly [15]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The article discusses Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) and its attractive valuation as of October 2022, highlighting the merits of investing in this business [2] - The author expresses a potential interest in initiating a long position in Lowe's stock or related derivatives within the next 72 hours [2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that it is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice, encouraging readers to perform due diligence [3] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that no specific investment recommendations are provided [4]

Core Insights - Lowe's has launched Lowe's Style Studio™ for Apple Vision Pro, allowing customers to visualize and design their dream kitchens in an immersive 3D experience [1][2] - The pilot program will begin on March 15, 2025, in five stores across Austin, Texas, and will feature 45-minute consultations with Lowe's associates [2][3] - The technology utilizes spatial computing to blend digital content with physical space, enhancing customer interaction and experience [2][4] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company, serving approximately 16 million customer transactions weekly in the U.S. [6] - The company reported total fiscal year 2024 sales exceeding $83 billion and operates over 1,700 home improvement stores with around 300,000 employees [6] Technology and Features - Lowe's Style Studio™ incorporates a teleport feature, allowing users to view their kitchen from different angles with a simple finger flick [4] - The app is available in the App Store for Apple Vision Pro and complements other Lowe's technologies, such as MyLowe's Home and Style Your Space [5] Community Engagement - Lowe's is committed to supporting communities through initiatives focused on safe housing, community space improvement, and skilled trade development [6][8]

Investment Rating - The report initiates an "Outperform" rating for Lowe's [1][5][81] Core Insights - Lowe's is the world's second-largest home improvement retailer, with over 1,900 stores in the U.S. and Canada, offering a wide range of products to meet DIY and professional customer needs [6][13] - The U.S. home improvement market reached $1 trillion in 2022, with long-term growth potential driven by factors such as housing prices, housing age, and per capita disposable income [23][27] - The company has a strong competitive position in home appliances and outdoor categories, supported by a differentiated brand strategy and a robust supply chain [11][38][65] Financial Summary - Revenue projections for 2024-2026 are $83.3 billion, $84.3 billion, and $87.4 billion, with year-on-year changes of -3.5%, 1.2%, and 3.6% respectively [3][81] - Net income estimates for the same period are $6.8 billion, $6.9 billion, and $7.5 billion, with year-on-year changes of -11.4%, 1.0%, and 8.0% respectively [3][81] - The gross margin is expected to remain stable around 33.4% over the forecast period [9][82] Market Position and Strategy - Lowe's has a significant opportunity for store expansion, particularly in regions where it has fewer locations compared to competitors like Home Depot [54][59] - The company employs a long-tail strategy with a large number of SKUs, enhancing customer acquisition and sales per store [59][65] - Lowe's aims to increase its PRO customer segment, which currently represents a smaller portion of its revenue compared to competitors [41][47] Competitive Landscape - The home improvement market is highly fragmented, with significant growth potential for Lowe's as it enhances its online presence and installation services [27][34] - Lowe's has established a unique supply chain strategy that allows for rapid delivery of large appliances, setting it apart from competitors [65][66] Historical Performance - From 2019 to 2023, Lowe's revenue grew from $71.3 billion to $97 billion, with a CAGR of 3.90% [70] - The company has maintained a stable gross margin, with net profit increasing significantly during the same period [70][71]

Core Insights - Lowe's has launched Mylow, the first AI-powered home improvement virtual advisor, aimed at enhancing customer service and providing real-time answers to home improvement questions [2][4][5] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company with over 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 associates, serving around 16 million customer transactions weekly in the U.S. [8] - The company reported total fiscal year 2024 sales exceeding $83 billion [8] Product Features - Mylow offers customers the ability to ask home improvement questions and receive immediate, conversational answers, making it easier for DIYers to navigate complex projects [4][5] - The virtual advisor links project insights to product discovery, helping customers find the right tools and materials for their projects [5][7] - Mylow is currently available on desktop and mobile web for MyLowe's Rewards members, with plans for voice capabilities and integration into Lowe's app later this year [7] Technology Collaboration - The development of Mylow involved collaboration with OpenAI, reflecting Lowe's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to improve customer experience [4][5]

Core Insights - Lowe's and Home Depot have reported a return to comparable store growth in Q4 2024, marking the first positive growth in over a year, indicating end-market strength and operational efficiencies [1][4][8] - Organic growth is expected to continue into 2025, supported by increased store counts, enhancing shareholder value and capital returns [2][12] Financial Performance - Lowe's net revenue for Q4 was $18.55 billion, a decrease of 0.3% year-over-year, but $0.26 billion better than analyst consensus [5] - The company experienced gross margin pressure but improved operational efficiencies led to an 80 basis-point increase in operating margin and a 58-point increase in net margin [6] - Earnings increased by $0.15 or 840 basis points annually, outperforming adjusted expectations by 500 basis points, providing strong cash flow for debt reduction and shareholder returns [7] Market Outlook - Guidance for 2025 indicates continued growth, including comparable store growth, although less than analysts' predictions, which has created a buying opportunity in the market [8] - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook for Lowe's stock, with price targets ranging from $282 to $305, indicating potential upside of 7% to 17% [12][14] Capital Management - The company has reduced its share count by 2.7% in 2024 through a slower pace of buybacks, allowing for significant debt reduction [11] - The dividend remains safe and reliable, expected to grow annually, with a payout ratio under 40% of earnings [11] Technical Analysis - The stock market showed a favorable technical action with a 3.5% rise in premarket trading, confirming support at critical levels and aligning with an uptrend [13] - Institutional buying activity has reached multi-year highs, indicating strong demand for Lowe's stock ahead of earnings releases [14]

New funding expands foundation's roster of funded partners to 52 organizations offering scalable training programs in dozens of states MOORESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lowe's Foundation today announced nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits on the front lines of a growing skilled trades workforce movement. From Alaska to Mississippi, each organization is helping prepare new tradespeople as rising wages fuel more career opportunities. Over the past 12 months in cons ...

Core Insights - Lowe's is strategically investing in digital and in-store offerings to enhance value and convenience for Pro customers, driving growth amid a challenging macroeconomic landscape [1] - The company reported high single-digit growth in the Pro segment and a 9.5% increase in online sales during the fourth quarter, with a 0.2% rise in comparable store sales, marking the first positive increase in two years [2] Pro Customer Momentum and Loyalty Programs - Lowe's is gaining momentum with Pro customers and has updated its MVPs Pro Rewards & Partnership Program to MyLowe's Pro Rewards, allowing members to earn points on purchases redeemable for rewards [3] - The DIY loyalty program has 30 million members, with members outspending non-members by 50% [4] Driving Growth Through Productivity Improvement - Lowe's future growth strategy includes Perpetual Productivity Improvement (PPI) initiatives, which now extend to supply chain, merchandising, HR, IT, and online operations, focusing on store front-end transformation [5] Targeting Millennials and Strengthening Digital Experience - Millennials are leading in home improvement retail, with 25% having purchased building materials or tools in the past 30 days, compared to 19% of consumers overall [7] - Lowe's launched a Digital Home Platform for MyLowe's Rewards members, providing personalized home maintenance management and product recommendations [8] Looking Ahead - The company is prepared to outperform the market in various macro scenarios, leveraging data from loyalty programs to drive engagement and offering exclusive deals [10] - The normalization of the home improvement market remains uncertain, with a focus on tracking discretionary big-ticket items for DIY and the home installation business [11]