MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. today reported net earnings of $957 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.58 for the quarter ended Feb. 3, 2023, compared to diluted EPS of $1.78 in the fourth quarter of 2021. Excluding the pre-tax transaction costs associated with the sale of its Canadian retail business, fourth quarter adjusted diluted EPS increased 28% to $2.28 compared to the prior year.
Total sales for the fourth quarter were $22.4 billion compared to $21.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Comparable sales for the fourth quarter decreased 1.5%, and comparable sales for the U.S. home improvement business decreased 0.7%.
The fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 consisted of 14 weeks, compared with 13 weeks for the prior year. The 14th week added approximately $1.4 billion in sales for the quarter and the year. Comparable sales are based on a comparable number of weeks from the prior year.
In the fourth quarter, the company awarded $220 million in discretionary and profit-sharing bonuses to associates, including $70 million for our assistant store managers and supply chain supervisors and $150 million for eligible hourly associates.
“We continue to make strides on our Total Home strategy, with 10% Pro growth in the U.S. and 5% increase in Lowes.com sales. In recognition of the front-line leaders and associates who delivered these results, we are pleased to award $220 million in discretionary and profit-sharing bonuses,” commented Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “I am confident we are making the right investments – in our associates and in our business – to drive long-term growth. We also continue to improve operating margin, demonstrating our ongoing focus on driving productivity across the company.”
Capital Allocation
With a disciplined focus on its leading capital allocation program, the company continues to generate long-term shareholder value. During the quarter, the company repurchased approximately 10 million shares for $2.0 billion, and it repurchased 71 million shares for $14.1 billion for the year. Total share repurchases in 2022 were $1.1 billion higher than anticipated, reflecting better-than-expected operating performance and the company’s commitment to return excess capital to shareholders.
The company also paid $643 million in dividends in the fourth quarter and $2.4 billion in dividends for the year. In total, the company returned $16.5 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2022.
The company is introducing its outlook for fiscal 2023.
Full Year 2023 Outlook — a 52-week Year (comparisons to full year 2022 — a 53-week year)
- Total sales of approximately $88 – $90 billion
- Comparable sales expected to be flat to down -2% as compared to prior year
- Operating income as a percentage of sales (operating margin) of 13.6% to 13.8%
- Effective income tax rate of approximately 25%
- Diluted earnings per share of $13.60 to $14.00
- Capital expenditures of up to $2 billion