Lowe's Reports Q1 Results, Resumes Share Repurchases with $302M in Buybacks
Summary
Lowe's reported Q1 2026 net sales up 10.3% and comparable sales up 0.6%, alongside a slight GAAP EPS decline but increased adjusted EPS. The company also resumed its share repurchase program, buying back $302 million in stock.
Key Events
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Q1 Sales Growth and Improved Comparable Sales
Net sales increased 10.3% to $23.1 billion in Q1 2026, with comparable sales growing 0.6%, a notable improvement from a 1.7% decline in Q1 2025.
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Resumption of Share Repurchase Program
The company repurchased $302 million of common stock under its program in Q1 2026, indicating a resumption of buybacks after a previous pause. A substantial $10.5 billion remains authorized for future repurchases.
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Mixed Earnings Performance
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) slightly decreased to $2.90 from $2.92 year-over-year, while adjusted diluted EPS increased to $3.03.
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Margin Compression
Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased by 70 basis points to 32.68%, and operating income as a percentage of sales decreased by 85 basis points to 11.07%.
Analysis
Lowe's reported Q1 2026 results showing a 10.3% increase in net sales and a positive 0.6% comparable sales growth, an improvement from a decline in the prior year. While GAAP diluted EPS saw a slight decrease, adjusted diluted EPS increased to $3.03. Critically, the company resumed its share repurchase program, buying back $302 million in stock during the quarter, a significant shift from the pause noted in the previous 10-K. This resumption, coupled with $10.5 billion remaining authorization and the stock trading near its 52-week low, signals management's confidence and commitment to shareholder returns.
At the time of this filing, LOW was trading at $217.92 on NYSE in the Trade & Services sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $122B. The 52-week trading range was $208.00 to $293.06. This filing was assessed with positive market sentiment and an importance score of 7 out of 10.