Lowe’s Reports Second Quarter 2021 Sales and Earnings Results

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (“Lowe’s” or the “Company”) reported net earnings of $3.0 billion and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $4.25 for the quarter ended July 30, 2021 compared to net earnings of $2.8 billion and diluted EPS of $3.74 in the second quarter of 2020. Excluding charges in the prior-year period related to the strategic review of certain operations, second quarter diluted EPS of $4.25 increased 13% from adjusted diluted EPS of $3.75 in the second quarter of 20201.

Total sales for the second quarter were $27.6 billion compared to $27.3 billion in the second quarter of 2020, and comparable sales decreased 1.6%. Comparable sales for the U.S. home improvement business decreased 2.2% for the second quarter.

For the sixth consecutive quarter, 100% of Lowe’s stores earned a Winning Together profit-sharing bonus, resulting in an expected total payout of $91 million to front-line hourly associates. This payment is $20 million above the target level.

“Our strong results this quarter demonstrate that our Total Home strategy is working, with U.S. sales comps up 32% on a two-year basis. In the quarter, we drove 21% growth in Pro, 10% growth in Installation Services and strong comps across Décor product categories. On Lowes.com, sales grew 7% on top of 135% growth last year. We also delivered significant operating margin expansion through our disciplined focus on driving productivity across the company,” commented Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “I would like to thank our front-line associates for their continued dedication to serving our customers and supporting safety in our stores. Looking forward, I am confident in the positive outlook for our industry, and our ability to drive operating margin expansion and market share gains.”

Capital Allocation

The Company continues to leverage its disciplined capital allocation program to deliver long-term, sustainable shareholder value. During the quarter, the Company repurchased 16.4 million shares for $3.1 billion and paid $430 million in dividends.

As of July 30, 2021, Lowe’s operated 1,973 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States and Canada representing 208 million square feet of retail selling space, and it serviced approximately 230 dealer-owned stores.

Lowe’s Business Outlook

The Company delivered very strong financial results in the first half of 2021, with strong sales trends continuing into August. While the business environment remains uncertain, the Company is raising its outlook for the operating results of Full Year Fiscal 2021.

Full Year 2021 Financial Outlook

(comparisons to full year 2020)

– Revenue of approximately $92 billion, representing approximately 30% comparable sales growth on a two-year basis.
– Gross margin rate up slightly, compared to prior year.
– Operating income as a percentage of sales (operating margin) of 12.2%.
– Share repurchase of a minimum of $9 billion.

For Fiscal 2021, the Company expects capital expenditures of approximately $2 billion.

For the full second quarter results, click here.

About Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 20 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2020 sales of nearly $90 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Source: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.