Lowe's Companies Inc ( LOW , Analyst Report ), the world's second largest home improvement retailer, recently posted better than expected first quarter 2012 results. The quarterly earnings of 44 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents and jumped 29.4% from 34 cents earned in the prior year quarter on the back of top line growth. Including charges related to reduction in headcounts, the quarterly earnings came in at 43 cents a share, up 26.5% from the year ago quarter. 
Share:  Lowe's Companies Inc ( <span class="company">LOW</span> , Analyst Report ), the world's second largest home improvement retailer, recently posted better than expected first quarter 2012 results. The quarterly earnings of 44 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents and jumped 29.4% from 34 cents earned in the prior year quarter on the back of top line growth. Including charges related to reduction in headcounts, the quarterly earnings came in at 43 cents a share, up 26.5% from the year ago quarter. Tweet this   read full story

ISI Group maintains its Hold rating and $29 price target on Lowe's Companies ( NYSE: LOW)..  
Share:  <span class="sent">ISI Group maintains its Hold rating and $29 price target on Lowe's Companies ( NYSE: LOW).. </span> Tweet this   read full story

Lowe's solid operations and low cost position should drive significant free cash flow. Lowe's Companies Inc   LOW . by Peter Wahlstrom, CFA. 
Share:  <span class="company">Lowe's</span> solid operations and low cost position should drive significant free cash flow. <span class="company">Lowe's</span> Companies Inc   LOW . by Peter Wahlstrom, CFA. Tweet this   read full story

Lowe's first quarter profit up, but cuts 2012 profit outlook. Published: Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7:41 a.m. 
Share:  <span class="sent"><span class="company">Lowe's</span> first quarter profit up, but cuts 2012 profit outlook. Published: Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7:41 a.m.</span> Tweet this   read full story

Sales targets, however, were unchanged."We continue to maintain a cautious view of the housing and macro demand environment, and are focused on what we can control," Chief Executive Robert A. Niblock said Monday. The second largest home improvement retailer has been closing stores and reshaping its operations in a bid to boost profits and compete more readily with larger rival Home Depot Inc ( HD), which has been gaining market share for several quarters over Lowe's. The company on Monday reported that same store sales for the quarter rose 2.6%, with a 2.7% increase seen in the company's U. S stores. 
Share:  Sales targets, however, were unchanged."We <span class="sent">continue to maintain a cautious view of the housing and macro demand environment, and are focused on what we can control," Chief Executive Robert A. Niblock said Monday.</span> The second largest home improvement retailer has been closing stores and reshaping its operations in a bid to boost profits and compete more readily with larger rival Home Depot Inc ( HD), which has been gaining market share for several quarters over <span class="company">Lowe's</span>. The company on Monday reported that same store sales for the quarter rose 2.6%, with a 2.7% increase seen in the company's U. S stores. Tweet this   read full story