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Lowe's(LOW) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-20 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported sales of $24 billion, with comparable sales increasing by 1.1% [7][26] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $4.33, marking a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year [7][25] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 33.8%, up 37 basis points from the prior year [26] - Inventory at the end of Q2 was $16.3 billion, down $499 million year-over-year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive comparable sales were reported in nine out of fourteen merchandise divisions, particularly in pro and online segments [12] - Strong performance was noted in seasonal categories, especially in lawn and garden, tools, and building products [12][14] - The flooring category showed strength across carpet, tile, and adhesives, with the introduction of Dal Tile expected to enhance offerings [65] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment remains supportive for homeowners, with strong balance sheets and low unemployment contributing to a positive outlook for the home improvement industry [10] - Analysts estimate approximately $50 billion in deferred project demand due to delayed discretionary projects over recent years [10] - The need for an estimated 18 million new homes by 2033 indicates a healthy pipeline for home improvement and new construction [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Foundation Building Materials (FBM) is seen as a transformational move to enhance the company's pro offerings and diversify revenue streams [5][6] - The company aims to leverage FBM's capabilities to serve larger professional customers within a $250 billion total addressable market [5][42] - The strategy focuses on integrating acquisitions to create a comprehensive interior solutions platform for large pro customers [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the uncertain environment while providing value to customers [28] - The outlook for the home improvement market remains flat, with expectations for gradual improvements in the underlying business [29][77] - Management highlighted the importance of continuous improvement initiatives and the positive sentiment among professional customers regarding their job prospects [21][64] Other Important Information - The company generated $3.7 billion in free cash flow during Q2, with $1.3 billion allocated for the acquisition of ADG [28] - The acquisition of FBM is expected to close in 2025, with a purchase price of $8.8 billion [44] - The company plans to maintain its investment-grade credit ratings while focusing on growth and shareholder returns [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on Foundation's year-to-date performance in 2025? - Management refrained from providing specific details until after the transaction closes but expressed excitement about FBM's historical performance [50] Question: What percentage of the 33,000 SKUs will be net new to Lowe's offering? - Management indicated it is too early to provide specifics but sees significant opportunities for complementary products [51] Question: Can you provide insights from the pro sentiment survey? - Pros reported stable backlogs and confidence in job prospects, although labor costs are rising [63][64] Question: What is happening in the flooring category? - Strength was noted in both DIY and pro segments, with the introduction of Dal Tile expected to enhance offerings [65] Question: Can you provide customer numbers or makeup for FBM? - FBM has about 40,000 customers, with a balanced mix of residential and commercial clients [72] Question: How much of the guidance for the back half is due to pricing? - Management indicated that pricing strategies are dynamic and will continue to be competitive [78] Question: Is there a secondary investment cycle emerging in the core Lowe's supply chain? - Management acknowledged the need for continuous investment in the platform but does not foresee another large acquisition soon [86]
Lowe's(LOW) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-20 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $24 billion for the quarter, with comparable sales increasing by 1.1% [6][24] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $4.33, marking a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year [6][23] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 33.8%, up 37 basis points from last year [25] - Inventory at the end of Q2 was $16.3 billion, down $499 million year-over-year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive comparable sales were delivered in nine of the fourteen merchandise divisions, with notable growth in pro and online sales [11][12] - The lawn and garden category saw strong performance, driven by live goods and seasonal offers [12] - Building products, including plumbing repair and drywall, also experienced positive comps, reflecting ongoing momentum in repair and maintenance projects [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment remains supportive for homeowners, with strong balance sheets, wage growth, and low unemployment [9] - Analysts estimate approximately $50 billion in deferred project demand due to delayed discretionary projects over the past few years [9] - The need for an estimated 18 million new homes by 2033 indicates a healthy pipeline for home improvement and new construction [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Foundation Building Materials (FBM) is seen as a transformational move to enhance the company's pro offerings and capture a larger share of the $250 billion total addressable market [5][39] - The company aims to integrate FBM's capabilities to improve job site delivery and expand product offerings for pro customers [37][39] - The strategy focuses on leveraging acquisitions to strengthen the pro distribution platform and enhance overall growth potential [38][89] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the home improvement industry, driven by aging housing stock and pent-up demand [9][10] - The company anticipates a flat home improvement market for the remainder of the year, with expectations for gradual improvements in underlying business performance [28][72] - Management highlighted the importance of continuous improvement initiatives to navigate the uncertain environment and deliver value to customers [27][60] Other Important Information - The company generated $3.7 billion in free cash flow during the quarter and paid $645 million in dividends [27] - The acquisition of ADG was completed in June, and it is expected to complement the FBM acquisition by offering a comprehensive interior solutions platform [10][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on Foundation's year-to-date performance in 2025? - Management refrained from providing specific details until after the transaction closes but expressed excitement about FBM's historical performance [46] Question: What percentage of the 33,000 SKUs will be net new to Lowe's? - Management indicated it is too early to provide specifics but sees significant opportunities for complementary products [47] Question: Can you elaborate on the pro sentiment survey results? - Pros reported stable backlogs and confidence in job prospects, although labor costs are rising [58][60] Question: What is the customer makeup of FBM? - FBM serves about 40,000 customers with a balanced mix of 45% residential and 55% commercial, minimizing concentration risk [68] Question: How does the company plan to leverage the acquisitions? - The combination of FBM and ADG is expected to create differentiation and allow the company to capture a larger share of the pro market [95]
Lowe's(LOW) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-08-20 13:00
Q2 2025 Financial Performance - Lowe's reported positive comparable sales growth of +1.1%[1] and a gross margin of 33.8%[1], which is an increase of +34 basis points compared to the previous year[1] - Adjusted operating margin reached 14.7%[2], up +23 basis points year-over-year[2], with diluted EPS at $4.27[2], a +2.4% increase[2], and adjusted diluted EPS at $4.33[2], a +5.6% increase[2] - The company returned $645 million to shareholders through dividends[2] Sales Trends - Comparable transactions decreased by -1.0%[3], while the comparable average ticket increased by +0.3% to $104.60[3] - Online sales growth experienced a decline of -6.4%[3] - Monthly comparable sales performance varied, with May at -1.8%[3], June at +2.9%[3], and July at +7.5%[3] - Comparable sales by ticket size showed growth in the >$500 range at +3.6%[3], a decrease in the $100-$500 range at -1.4%[3], and a decrease in the <$100 range at -0.1%[3] - Positive comparable sales were achieved in 9 out of 14 product categories[5], including Building Materials, Lawn & Garden, and Appliances[5] Strategic Initiatives - Lowe's closed on the acquisition of Artisan Design Group (ADG)[6] - Pro penetration has increased from approximately 19% in 2019 to approximately 30% in 2025[23] - Lowe's announced the acquisition of Foundation Building Materials (FBM) on August 20, 2025[12] Foundation Building Materials (FBM) Acquisition - FBM has approximately $6.5 billion in pro forma 2024 revenue and $635 million in adjusted EBITDA[27] - The purchase price of $8.8 billion reflects a multiple of 13.4x adjusted EBITDA[50]
Lowe's(LOW) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported sales of $20.9 billion, with comparable sales down 1.7%, aligning with expectations [5][36] - Diluted earnings per share were $2.92, consistent with expectations, while gross margin improved to 33.4%, up 19 basis points from the previous year [36][38] - Comparable average ticket increased by 2.1%, but comparable transactions declined by 3.8% due to unfavorable weather impacting spring traffic [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pro sales experienced mid-single-digit growth, driven by a strong product and service offering [10][28] - Online sales rose by 6%, supported by increased traffic and conversion rates [13] - The company saw solid growth in categories such as patio furniture, fertilizer, and appliances, despite ongoing pressure in DIY discretionary project demand [19][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a decline in DIY bigger ticket discretionary demand, attributed to macroeconomic uncertainties and unfavorable weather conditions [6][24] - The housing market remains a significant focus, with an estimated 18 million new homes needed in the U.S. by 2033, driving pro plan spending [11][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to diversifying global sourcing, with approximately 60% of purchases originating in the U.S. and efforts to reduce dependency on China [8][9] - The acquisition of Artisan Design Group for $1.325 billion is expected to enhance pro penetration and position the company in a fragmented $50 billion market [11][39] - The company aims to accelerate online growth and enhance customer experience through technology investments, including the launch of an AI-powered virtual adviser named Milo [15][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges, citing healthy consumer balance sheets and positive demand drivers [78] - The outlook for fiscal 2025 remains unchanged, with expected sales between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion and comparable sales projected to be flat to up 1% [40][42] Other Important Information - The company celebrated its recognition as number one in customer satisfaction among home improvement retailers by J.D. Power [6][25] - The company is focused on community support initiatives, including a commitment to deliver 10 million square feet of impact nationwide [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of comp to expense leverage for the rest of the year - Management indicated that the first half is mainly a weather story, expecting roughly flat comps and strong inventory levels for Q2 [46][48] Question: Larger Pro and Artisan Design Group acquisition - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance pro penetration and capitalize on market opportunities [49][52] Question: Tariffs and pricing impacts - Management emphasized a portfolio approach to pricing and strong supplier relationships to navigate tariff impacts [66][70] Question: Soft trends in bigger ticket projects - Management noted that consumer confidence and mortgage rates are key factors affecting larger discretionary spending [80][81] Question: Performance in markets with steady spring weather - Management confirmed that business performance improves significantly with favorable weather conditions [89][91] Question: DIY environment and competition - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized the importance of product knowledge and customer service as competitive advantages [99][100]
Lowe's(LOW) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-21 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported sales of $20.9 billion, with comparable sales down 1.7%, aligning with expectations [4][36] - Gross margin was 33.4%, up 19 basis points from the previous year, driven by productivity initiatives and improvements in shrink and credit revenue [38] - Operating margin rate declined by 50 basis points to 11.9% compared to the prior year [39] - Diluted earnings per share were $2.92, consistent with expectations [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pro sales experienced mid-single-digit growth, reflecting the effectiveness of the company's strategy [10][28] - Online sales increased by 6%, supported by higher traffic and conversion rates [13] - The DIY segment faced pressure, particularly in larger discretionary projects, impacting overall sales [24][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable transactions declined by 3.8%, influenced by unfavorable weather conditions early in the quarter [37] - Comp sales were down 5.4% in February, up 1.7% in March, and down 2.6% in April, indicating a weather-related impact on sales [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying global sourcing, with approximately 60% of purchases originating in the U.S. and 20% from China [7][8] - The acquisition of Artisan Design Group for $1.325 billion aims to enhance penetration in the pro market, which is valued at $50 billion [11][40] - The company is committed to accelerating online growth and enhancing customer experience through technology, including the launch of an AI-powered virtual adviser [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the consumer's overall health but acknowledged challenges in the DIY segment due to elevated mortgage rates [78][81] - The company anticipates a flat to slightly positive comp sales outlook for the first half of the year, with expectations for improvement in the second half driven by strategic initiatives [41][95] Other Important Information - The company generated $2.9 billion in free cash flow in Q1 and paid $645 million in dividends [39] - The company plans to open five to ten new stores later this year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of comp to expense leverage for the rest of the year - Management indicated that the first half is mainly a weather story, expecting roughly flat comps and strong inventory levels for Q2 [46][48] Question: Impact of Artisan Design Group acquisition - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance pro market penetration and capitalize on future housing recovery [50][52] Question: Tariffs and pricing impacts - Management emphasized a portfolio approach to pricing and strong supplier relationships to navigate tariff impacts [68][70] Question: DIY market competition - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized the importance of product knowledge and customer service as competitive advantages [98][100] Question: Pro business performance and weather impact - Management confirmed that weather significantly impacted Q1 performance but noted improvements as conditions normalized [107]