=Lowe's(LOW) reported earnings on Wed 1 March 17 (b/o)

 Lowe's beats by $0.08, beats on revs; guides FY18 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus:

• Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.86 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.08 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.78; revenues rose 19.3% year/year to $15.78 bln vs the $15.39 bln Capital IQ Consensus.
  • Comparable sales increased 5.1 percent.
• Co issues upside guidance for FY18, sees EPS of $4.64 vs. $4.52 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees FY18 rev growth of 5% to $68.27 bln vs. $67.64 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
• Comparable sales are expected to increase approximately 3.5 percent
• The company expects to add approximately 35 home improvement and hardware stores.
• Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of sales (operating margin) are expected to increase approximately 120 basis points.