Stock Analysis on Net

Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (NYSE:LOW)

$24.99

Return on Equity (ROE)
since 2005

Microsoft Excel

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Calculation

Lowe’s Cos. Inc., ROE, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-28).

1 US$ in millions

Net earnings
The net earnings display fluctuations over the analyzed period. Initial growth is observed from 2005 (2,176 million US$) reaching a peak in 2007 (3,105 million US$), followed by a decline through 2010 (1,783 million US$). Subsequently, the earnings rise steadily, with significant increases starting in 2017 (3,093 million US$), culminating in a high in 2022 (8,442 million US$). Despite some volatility, net earnings generally trend upward toward the later years, with a slight decline noted in 2023 (6,437 million US$) and 2024 (7,726 million US$), then a mild decrease in 2025 (6,957 million US$).
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity shows a declining trend over the entire period. Beginning at 11,535 million US$ in 2005, equity increases steadily until 2009 (18,055 million US$), after which a consistent decline occurs. From 2013 onwards, equity decreases sharply, turning negative by 2022 (-4,816 million US$) and continuing in a negative trend through 2025 (-14,231 million US$). This indicates growing shareholder deficit positions in recent years.
Return on Equity (ROE)
ROE generally trends upward from 18.86% in 2005 to a remarkable peak at 406.05% in 2021, reflecting highly increasing profitability relative to shareholders’ equity during that time. However, data for ROE is missing after 2021. The extraordinary ROE figures in final years must be interpreted cautiously, likely influenced by the negative shareholders’ equity values, which can inflate this ratio artificially.
Overall analysis
The company experienced growing profitability and net earnings over the long term, particularly strong in the 2017-2022 period. However, this was accompanied by steadily deteriorating shareholders’ equity, moving from solid positive figures into substantial negative territory from 2022 onward. The sharp rise in ROE in the last visible years appears driven by the shrinking equity base rather than proportional earnings growth alone. This combination suggests the company may be employing aggressive financial strategies affecting equity or facing structural financial challenges. Continuous monitoring is advisable to assess the sustainability of these trends.

Comparison to Competitors


Comparison to Sector (Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retail)

Lowe’s Cos. Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to sector (consumer discretionary distribution & retail)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-28).


Comparison to Industry (Consumer Discretionary)