Lowe’s Companies (LOW) Stock Analysis

Lowe’s Dividend

Lowe’s (LOW) has paid a dividend every year since 1961 and has increased it for 62 consecutive years, qualifying the company as a Dividend King, Dividend Aristocrat, and Dividend Champion.

Current Dividend Annualized: $4.60

Lowe’s Companies (LOW) Intrinsic Value – Margin of Safety Analysis            

(updated September 2024)

Normalized Diluted Earnings Per Share (TTM): $12.11
Free Cash Flow Per Share (TTM): $13.21
Cash Flow From Operations (CFO) Per Share (TTM): $16.70

Estimated Intrinsic Value: $215

Target Buy Price Based on Required Margin of Safety =  $179
(Required Margin of Safety Based On Risk Stability
Grade:
A = 0%, B = 20%, C = 40%, D = 60%, F = 80%)

Target SELL Price Based on Estimated Intrinsic Value = $268
(Allow Overvaluation Adjusted by Risk Stability Grade:

A = 40%, B = 25%, C = 15%, D = 5%, F = 0%)

Risk / Stability Grade: B

A grade indicates a quality company with a strong balance sheet, high earnings quality, and a positive business environment. These stocks require the slimmest margin of safety within the stock universe.

B grade indicates a company with a good balance sheet, good earning quality, and a stable business environment. The margin of safety required should be greater than stocks with an A grade but less than the average stock.

C grade indicates a company with a sufficient balance sheet, at least average earnings quality, and a reasonably stable business environment. The margin of safety required is greater than A & B stocks, but less than D & F stocks.

D grade indicates a company in good standing but has issues that could affect its stability and long term risks. D rated stocks should require a large margin of safety when purchased.

F grade indicates a company with significant issues that are currently affecting its stability and long term risks. Require an extremely large margin of safety for F rated stocks when purchased.

Financial Risk Grade: B-

A grade indicates an extremely low probability of a dividend cut. This rating is reserved for companies with strong balance sheets and/or excellent dividend histories.

B grade indicates a very low probability for a dividend cut.

C grade indicates a low probability for a dividend cut and/or average safety risk.

D grade indicates there are issues that should be considered concerning future dividend payments.

F grade indicates serious dividend safety risks. Investors should complete comprehensive due diligence before investing.

Business Quality Grade: A

A grade indicates earnings quality is high or far above average.

B grade indicates earnings quality is good and/or above average.

C grade indicates earnings quality is acceptable or average.

D grade indicates earnings quality is poor and requires thoughtful due diligence.

F grade indicates the quality of the earnings is poor or far below average requiring serious due diligence.

Earnings Report: 7/31/24

AAAMP Portfolios Position Disclosures:
Treasure Trove Dividend (TTD) – None
Global Dividend Value (GDV) – None
Dividend Growth & Income  (DGI) – None
Global Value (GV) – None
Global Value Aggressive (GVA) – None
Global Conservative Income (GCI) – None 
Global Aggressive Income (GAI) – None

Company Description

Sector: Consumer Cyclical
Industry: Home Improvement Stores

Lowe’s (LOW) operates approximately 1700 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States. With approximately 93 billion in annual revenues, Lowe’s is the second largest home improvement retailer in the world (behind Home Depot).

Lowe’s customers are homeowners, renters, and professionals. Selling channels include in-store, online, on-site, and contact centers (phone).

Lowe’s specializes in products and services for “retail do-it-yourself and do it for me” customers and commercial business clients looking for home decorating, maintenance, repair, and remodeling. A typical Lowe’s store carries 36,000 items with hundreds of thousands available through special orders. 

Lowe’s product categories include: Lumber & Building Materials, Tools & Hardware, Appliances, Fashion Fixtures, Rough Plumbing & Electrical, Lawn & Garden, Seasonal Living, Paint, Flooring, Millwork, Kitchens, Outdoor Power Equipment, and Home Fashions.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Lowe’s has established itself as a low cost provider and efficient operator. Its size gives it great bargaining power, and its distribution network provides operational efficiency.

Weaknesses

LOW depends on a very cyclical industry that is challenging when the economy is slow. Undoubtedly, the home improvement industry has been stimulated by artificially low interest rates. It’s unclear how much high rates might hurt future sales and growth.

Opportunities

Higher home prices and aging housing stock support demand, A greater emphasis on professional sales could boost opportunities with the growth in the number of baby boomers at the age they desire these kinds of services.

Threats

Slow growth, small margins, and above average debt make economic downturns painful. Higher interest rates can have a magnifying effect on this cyclical industry.

Disclaimer:
While Arbor Investment Planner has used reasonable efforts to obtain information from reliable sources, we make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of third-party information presented herein. The sole purpose of this analysis is information. Nothing presented herein is, or is intended to constitute investment advice. Consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.