Why Lowe's Stock Is Gaining After Earnings
Lowe's stock is higher Wednesday after home improvement retailer beat expectations for its fourth quarter. Here's a closer look at the numbers.


Lowe's Companies (LOW) stock is higher Wednesday after the world’s second-largest home improvement retailer beat top- and bottom-line expectations for its fourth quarter and provided a positive revenue outlook for 2025.
In the three months ending January 31, Lowe's revenue decreased 0.3% year over year to $18.6 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS) rose 9% from the year-ago period to $1.93.
"Our results this quarter were once again better than expected, as we continue to gain traction with our Total Home strategic initiatives," said Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison in a statement. "We remain confident in the long-term strength of the home improvement industry, and we are equally confident in our strategy to capitalize on the expected recovery."
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results beat analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $18.3 billion and earnings of $1.84 per share, according to CNBC.
Lowe's also said its comparable-store sales rose 0.2% in the fourth quarter, "driven by high-single-digit Pro and online comparable sales, strong holiday performance, and rebuilding efforts in the wake of recent hurricanes."
"I think the market underestimated comp sales' return to positive territory this morning, showcasing strong outperformance vs the midpoint of guidance that was underwritten by analyst expectations," says David Wagner, head of equity and portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisor.
Wagner adds that everyone is trying to gauge the health of the consumer from recent retail earnings, "but everything continues to point to the consumer remaining very healthy and resilient."
For the full fiscal year, Lowe's said it expects to achieve revenue in the range of $83.5 billion to $84.5 billion, comparable-store sales of flat to up 1% from 2024 and earnings between $12.15 to $12.40 per share. The midpoint of its revenue guidance, $84 billion, would represent positive growth from the $83.7 billion it generated in 2024.
Is Lowe's stock a buy, sell or hold?
Lowe's has lagged the broader market over the past 12 months, up 6.2% on a total return basis (price change plus dividends) through the February 25 close vs the S&P 500's 18.6% gain. But Wall Street sees value in the consumer discretionary stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for LOW is $282.68, representing implied upside of nearly 15% to current levels. Meanwhile, the consensus recommendation on the blue chip stock is a Buy.
Financial services firm Truist Securities maintained its Buy rating after earnings, along with its $308 price target.
"While the 2025 earnings guide is slightly below (similar to Home Depot), we think the positive comparable-store sales inflection is the key to the story and that the natural aging/maintenance demand cycle is reasserting itself," says Truist Securities analyst Scott Ciccarelli.
The analyst adds that there could be upside potential if or when folks "start to tap their home equity pools for remodeling and improvement activity (especially if rates start to fall)."
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Small Businesses Are Racing to Use AI
The Kiplinger Letter Spurred on by competitive pressures, small businesses are racing to adopt AI. A recent snapshot shows the technology’s day-to-day uses.
-
The Me-First Rule of Retirement Spending
Follow the 'Me-First" rule and you won't have to worry about running out of money when the stock market goes south.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Could Partial Retirement Be the Right Move for You?
Many Americans close to retirement are questioning whether they should take the full leap into retirement or continue to work part-time.
-
From Mortgages to Taxes to Estates: How to Prepare for Falling Interest Rates
As speculation grows that the Federal Reserve will soon start lowering interest rates, now is a good time to review your financial plans for housing, estate, taxes, investing and retirement to make the most of potential changes.
-
This Is How Lottery Winners Build Lasting Legacies, From a Financial Professional
Winning a massive lottery jackpot, like the recent $1.4 billion Powerball, requires seeking immediate legal and financial counsel, protecting your identity and winnings and planning your legacy.
-
S&P 500 Slips Ahead of Fed Week: Stock Market Today
All eyes are on the Federal Reserve ahead of next week's critical policy meeting.
-
September Fed Meeting: Live Updates and Commentary
The September Fed meeting is a key economic event, with Wall Street keyed into what Fed Chair Powell & Co. will do about interest rates.
-
I'm an Investment Strategist: This Is How the Fed's Next Rate Move Could Impact Your Wallet
Interest rate cuts might be coming, which could affect everything from your credit card debt to your mortgage. It's smart to prepare now — here's how.
-
I'm a Retirement Planner: These Are Three Common Tax Mistakes You Could Be Making With Your Investments
Don't pay more tax on your investments than you need to. You can keep more money in your pocket (or for retirement) by avoiding these three common mistakes.
-
Want to Shave 10 Hours Off Your Workweek? A Startup Expert Shows How AI Can Help
Artificial intelligence is overhauling how companies operate, freeing up entrepreneurs and their workers to skip the menial stuff and get down to business.