Lowe's beats on quarterly sales, but lowers full-year profit forecast amid economic uncertainty

Core Insights - Lowe's reported a year-over-year sales increase for the quarter but slightly lowered its full-year profit outlook due to a challenging economic environment [1][3] - The company expects full-year total sales to reach $86 billion, an increase from previous expectations of $84.5 to $85.5 billion, attributed to a recent acquisition [2] - Comparable sales are expected to be flat compared to the previous year, down from an earlier forecast of flat to up 1% [2] Financial Performance - For the fiscal third quarter, Lowe's net income decreased to $1.62 billion, or $2.88 per share, compared to $1.7 billion, or $2.99 per share in the same period last year [3] - Revenue for the quarter increased from $20.17 billion in the year-ago quarter to $20.81 billion, slightly below the expected $20.82 billion [3][9] - The adjusted earnings per share for the full year is now expected to be approximately $12.25, at the lower end of the previous range of $12.20 to $12.45 [3] Strategic Moves - Lowe's is focusing on attracting more business from contractors and home professionals to counteract weaker do-it-yourself sales [4][5] - The company recently acquired Foundation Building Materials for about $8.8 billion, which is expected to enhance its offerings to large residential and commercial professionals [5] - Earlier in the year, Lowe's announced the acquisition of Artisan Design Group for nearly $1.33 billion, further emphasizing its strategy to cater to professional markets [6] Market Context - The home improvement market is anticipated to remain roughly flat, as indicated by Lowe's CFO, who noted that the company's strategy, rather than an improving industry backdrop, will drive sales [7] - Competitor Home Depot has also lowered its full-year profit forecast, citing similar challenges such as a tough housing market and consumer uncertainty [4]