Pro vs. DIY: Which Customer Segment Will Power Lowe's in 2025?

Core Insights - Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) reported a comparable sales growth of 1.1% in Q2 fiscal 2025, with a strong focus on the Pro customer segment, which continues to show growth and confidence in demand supported by stable backlogs [1][8] Group 1: Company Performance - The Pro segment at Lowe's has shown mid-single-digit growth, indicating a robust performance compared to the DIY segment [1] - The recent acquisition of Artisan Design Group (ADG) and the pending buyout of Foundation Building Materials (FBM) are strategic moves to enhance Lowe's presence in the Pro market, particularly in large projects [2] - DIY sales have improved, but many homeowners are postponing larger discretionary projects due to high mortgage rates and low housing turnover, making Pro spending a more resilient growth driver [3] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Lowe's plans to utilize FBM's job-site delivery network and AI-powered estimating tools to strengthen relationships with professional customers and enhance cross-selling opportunities [3][4] - The combination of capabilities from ADG and FBM is expected to accelerate Lowe's penetration in the Pro market, which offers higher ticket sizes and recurring demand [4][8] Group 3: Market Context - Competitors like Home Depot and Floor & Decor are also focusing on Pro customers, with Home Depot reporting growth in both Pro and DIY segments and Floor & Decor expanding its offerings to capture high-ticket projects [5][6] - The overall market for Pro customers is becoming increasingly competitive, with various companies enhancing their product mix and delivery networks to engage professional contractors [5][6] Group 4: Financial Metrics - Lowe's shares have increased by 5.4% over the past year, while the industry has grown by 8% [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year sales growth of 1.6% and earnings growth of 2.8% for Lowe's [10] - Current financial estimates suggest sales of $20.86 billion for the current quarter and $84.99 billion for the current year, with expected growth rates of 3.43% and 1.57% respectively [13]