Earnings Preview: Lowe's expects Q4 results at low end of analysts' view

Lowe's (LOW) is expected to report Q4 earnings before the open on Monday, February 27, with a conference call scheduled for 9:00 am ET. Analysts are looking for a profit of 24c on revenue of $11.34B. The consensus range is 21c-28c for EPS, and $11.21B-$11.55B for revenue, according to First Call. On its last earnings call, the company provided Q4 EPS guidance of 20c-22c and estimated that sales would rise approximately 8%, with same-store sales projected to be flat to up 1%. The retailer also forecast Q4 gross margin similar to Q3. In December, Lowe's reiterated its FY11 EPS view $1.37-$1.40, including approximately 20c per share from charges associated with store closings and discontinued projects, and FY sales up 2%-3%; consensus estimates for EPS and sales are $1.62 and $49.91B, respectively. Lowe's also guided FY SSS down approximately 1%. Earlier this month, Pershing Square eliminated its stake in Lowe's. Analysts and investors will listen for comments from the retailer about any impact on the quarter from the unseasonably warm winter. In the year-ago quarter, Lowe's reported EPS of 21c on revenue of $10.48B.