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8-K - FORM 8-K - LOWES COMPANIES INCform8k11202013.htm

Exhibit 99.1

November 20, 2013
For 6:00 am ET Release

Contacts:
Shareholders’/Analysts’ Inquiries:
 
Media Inquiries:
 
Tiffany Mason
 
Chris Ahearn
 
704-758-2033
 
704-758-2304
 
tiffany.l.mason@lowes.com
 
chris.c.ahearn@lowes.com

LOWE’S REPORTS THIRD QUARTER SALES AND EARNINGS RESULTS
-- Comparable Sales Increased 6.2 Percent --
-- Diluted Earnings Per Share Increased 34.3 Percent --
-- Raises Fiscal Year 2013 Guidance --

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, today reported net earnings of $499 million for the quarter ended November 1, 2013, a 26.0 percent increase over the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per share increased 34.3 percent to $0.47 from $0.35 in the third quarter of 2012. For the nine months ended November 1, 2013, net earnings increased 18.6 percent from the same period a year ago to $1.98 billion, and diluted earnings per share increased 29.6 percent to $1.84.

Sales for the quarter increased 7.3 percent to $13.0 billion from $12.1 billion in the third quarter of 2012, and comparable sales for the quarter increased 6.2 percent. For the nine month period, sales were $41.8 billion, a 5.8 percent increase over the same period a year ago, and comparable sales increased 5.1 percent.

“I am pleased we delivered another solid quarter driven by balanced performance,” commented Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “This balanced performance resulted from our improved collaboration and execution within a strengthening home improvement market, combined with our employees’ hard work and continued dedication to serving customers.

“The home improvement industry is poised for persisting growth in the fourth quarter and further acceleration in 2014,” Niblock added.

Delivering on the commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, the company repurchased $761 million of stock and paid $191 million in dividends in the quarter. For the nine month period, the company repurchased $2.8 billion and paid $543 million in dividends.

As of November 1, 2013, Lowe’s operated 1,831 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, representing 200.1 million square feet of retail selling space.

A conference call to discuss third quarter 2013 operating results is scheduled for today (Wednesday, November 20) at 9:00 am ET. The conference call will be available by webcast and can be accessed by visiting Lowe’s website at www.Lowes.com/investor and clicking on Lowe’s Third Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call Webcast. Supplemental slides will be available fifteen minutes prior to the start of the conference call. A replay of the call will be archived on Lowes.com/investor until February 25, 2014.





Lowe's Business Outlook

Based on its year-to-date performance and outlook for the balance of the year, the company raised its fiscal year 2013 guidance.

Fiscal Year 2013 (comparisons to fiscal year 2012; based on U.S. GAAP unless otherwise noted)
Total sales are expected to increase approximately 6 percent.
Comparable sales are expected to increase approximately 5 percent.
The company expects to open 9 stores in fiscal year 2013.
Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of sales (operating margin) are expected to increase approximately 75 basis points.
The effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 37.8%.
Diluted earnings per share of approximately $2.15 are expected for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2014 (versus $2.10 on August 21, 2013).

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Statements of the company's expectations for sales growth, comparable sales, earnings and performance, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for services, share repurchases, the Company’s strategic initiatives and any statement of an assumption underlying any of the foregoing, constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Act.   Although we believe that the expectations, opinions, projections, and comments reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. A wide variety of potential risks, uncertainties, and other factors could materially affect our ability to achieve the results either expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, such as continued high rates of unemployment, interest rate and currency fluctuations, higher fuel and other energy costs, slower growth in personal income, changes in consumer spending, changes in the rate of housing turnover, the availability and increasing regulation of consumer credit and of mortgage financing, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, and other factors which can negatively affect our customers, as well as our ability to: (i) respond to adverse trends in the housing industry, such as the psychological effects of lower home prices, and in the level of repairs, remodeling, and additions to existing homes, as well as a general reduction in commercial building activity; (ii) secure, develop, and otherwise implement new technologies and processes designed to enhance our efficiency and competitiveness; (iii) attract, train, and retain highly-qualified associates; (iv) manage our business effectively as we adapt our traditional operating model to meet the changing expectations of our customers; (v) maintain, improve, upgrade and protect our critical information systems; (vi) respond to fluctuations in the prices and availability of services, supplies, and products; (vii) respond to the growth and impact of competition; (viii) address changes in existing or new laws or regulations that affect consumer credit, employment/labor, trade, product safety, transportation/logistics, energy costs, health care, tax or environmental issues; and (ix) respond to unanticipated weather conditions that could adversely affect sales. In addition, we could experience additional impairment losses if the actual results of our operating stores are not consistent with the assumptions and judgments we have made in estimating future cash flows and determining asset fair values. For more information about these and other risks and uncertainties that we are exposed to, you should read the "Risk Factors" and "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the description of material changes therein or updated version thereof, if any, included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon data available as of the date of this release or other specified date and speak only as of such date.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf about any of the matters covered in this release are qualified by these cautionary statements and the “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K to the SEC and the description of material changes, if any, therein included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, change in circumstances, future events, or otherwise.
 

With fiscal year 2012 sales of $50.5 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 100 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,825 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
###







Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Current and Retained Earnings (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Per Share and Percentage Data
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
Current Earnings
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Net sales
$
12,957

 
100.00
 
$
12,073

 
100.00
 
$
41,757

 
100.00
 
$
39,475

 
100.00
Cost of sales
8,476

 
65.42
 
7,930

 
65.68
 
27,323

 
65.43
 
25,933

 
65.70
Gross margin
4,481

 
34.58
 
4,143

 
34.32
 
14,434

 
34.57
 
13,542

 
34.30
Expenses:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Selling, general and administrative
3,184

 
24.56
 
3,023

 
25.03
 
9,820

 
23.52
 
9,436

 
23.91
Depreciation
373

 
2.88
 
371

 
3.08
 
1,092

 
2.62
 
1,111

 
2.81
Interest - net
125

 
0.97
 
114

 
0.95
 
348

 
0.83
 
313

 
0.79
Total expenses
3,682

 
28.41
 
3,508

 
29.06
 
11,260

 
26.97
 
10,860

 
27.51
Pre-tax earnings
799

 
6.17
 
635

 
5.26
 
3,174

 
7.60
 
2,682

 
6.79
Income tax provision
300

 
2.32
 
239

 
1.98
 
1,194

 
2.86
 
1,012

 
2.56
Net earnings
$
499

 
3.85
 
$
396

 
3.28
 
$
1,980

 
4.74
 
$
1,670

 
4.23
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
1,047

 
 
 
1,126

 
 
 
1,067

 
 
 
1,163

 
 
Basic earnings per common share (1)
$
0.47

 
 
 
$
0.35

 
 
 
$
1.84

 
 
 
$
1.43

 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
1,049

 
 
 
1,128

 
 
 
1,069

 
 
 
1,165

 
 
Diluted earnings per common share (1)
$
0.47

 
 
 
$
0.35

 
 
 
$
1.84

 
 
 
$
1.42

 
 
Cash dividends per share
$
0.18

 
 
 
$
0.16

 
 
 
$
0.52

 
 
 
$
0.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
12,504

 
 
 
$
14,199

 
 
 
$
13,224

 
 
 
$
15,852

 
 
Net earnings
499

 
 
 
396

 
 
 
1,980

 
 
 
1,670

 
 
Cash dividends
(189
)
 
 
 
(180
)
 
 
 
(555
)
 
 
 
(530
)
 
 
Share repurchases
(711
)
 
 
 
(813
)
 
 
 
(2,546
)
 
 
 
(3,390
)
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
12,103

 
 
 
$
13,602

 
 
 
$
12,103

 
 
 
$
13,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Under the two-class method, earnings per share is calculated using net earnings allocable to common shares, which is derived by reducing net earnings by the earnings allocable to participating securities. Net earnings allocable to common shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation were $495 million for the three months ended November 1, 2013 and $393 million for the three months ended November 2, 2012. Net earnings allocable to common shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation were $1,967 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2013 and $1,659 million for the nine months ended November 2, 2012.
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
In Millions, Except Percentage Data
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Net earnings
$
499

 
3.85

 
$
396

 
3.28

 
$
1,980

 
4.74

 
$
1,670

 
4.23
Foreign currency translation adjustments - net of tax
(4
)
 
(0.03
)
 
8

 
0.07

 
(29
)
 
(0.07
)
 
7

 
0.02
Net unrealized investment gains/(losses)- net of tax

 

 
(2
)
 
(0.02
)
 

 

 

 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
(4
)
 
(0.03
)
 
6

 
0.05

 
(29
)
 
(0.07
)
 
7

 
0.02
Comprehensive (loss)/ income
$
495

 
3.82

 
$
402

 
3.33

 
$
1,951

 
4.67

 
$
1,677

 
4.25
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).







Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
In Millions, Except Par Value Data
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
 
February 1, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
$
1,101

 
$
1,091

 
$
541

Short-term investments
 
 
115

 
209

 
125

Merchandise inventory - net
 
 
9,593

 
8,995

 
8,600

Deferred income taxes - net
 
 
220

 
235

 
217

Other current assets
 
 
336

 
300

 
301

Total current assets
 
 
11,365

 
10,830

 
9,784

Property, less accumulated depreciation
 
 
20,973

 
21,591

 
21,477

Long-term investments
 
 
439

 
350

 
271

Other assets
 
 
1,300

 
1,182

 
1,134

Total assets
 
 
$
34,077

 
$
33,953

 
$
32,666

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
 
$
51

 
$
45

 
$
47

Accounts payable
 
 
5,776

 
5,416

 
4,657

Accrued compensation and employee benefits
 
 
705

 
581

 
670

Deferred revenue
 
 
944

 
788

 
824

Other current liabilities
 
 
1,927

 
1,784

 
1,510

Total current liabilities
 
 
9,403

 
8,614

 
7,708

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
 
 
10,090

 
9,004

 
9,030

Deferred income taxes - net
 
 
322

 
486

 
455

Deferred revenue - extended protection plans
 
 
730

 
720

 
715

Other liabilities
 
 
881

 
904

 
901

Total liabilities
 
 
21,426

 
19,728

 
18,809

Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Preferred stock - $5 par value, none issued
 
 

 

 

Common stock - $.50 par value;
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Shares issued and outstanding
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

November 1, 2013
1,050
 
 

 
 

 
 

November 2, 2012
1,123
 
 

 
 

 
 

February 1, 2013
1,110
 
525

 
561

 
555

Capital in excess of par value
 
 

 
9

 
26

Retained earnings
 
 
12,103

 
13,602

 
13,224

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
23

 
53

 
52

Total shareholders' equity
 
 
12,651

 
14,225

 
13,857

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
 
$
34,077

 
$
33,953

 
$
32,666

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).







Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
In Millions
 
Nine Months Ended
 
November 1, 2013
 
November 2, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
1,980

 
$
1,670

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
1,167

 
1,185

Deferred income taxes
(117
)
 
(113
)
Loss on property and other assets - net
22

 
69

Loss on equity method investments
41

 
38

Share-based payment expense
70

 
75

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Merchandise inventory - net
(847
)
 
(640
)
Other operating assets
(11
)
 
(150
)
Accounts payable
1,063

 
1,064

Other operating liabilities
491

 
310

Net cash provided by operating activities
3,859

 
3,508

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Purchases of investments
(530
)
 
(1,333
)
Proceeds from sale/maturity of investments
391

 
1,563

Capital expenditures
(610
)
 
(947
)
Contributions to equity method investments - net
(137
)
 
(157
)
Proceeds from sale of property and other long-term assets
62

 
105

Acquisition of businesses - net
(194
)
 

Other - net
(5
)
 
(14
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,023
)
 
(783
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
985

 
1,984

Repayment of long-term debt
(34
)
 
(580
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based payment plans
117

 
102

Cash dividend payments
(543
)
 
(524
)
Repurchase of common stock
(2,797
)
 
(3,643
)
Other - net
(1
)
 
11

Net cash used in financing activities
(2,273
)
 
(2,650
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(3
)
 
2

 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
560

 
77

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
541

 
1,014

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
1,101

 
$
1,091

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).