Lowes Companies Inc (NYSE: LOW)

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and the world’s second largest home improvement retailer. As of January 30, 2026, Lowe’s operated 1,759 home improvement stores and outlets in the United States, representing approximately 196 million square feet of retail selling space. In addition, Lowe’s operated over 540 branch locations in the United States and Canada, which include the recent acquisitions of Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group. Lowe’s was founded in 1921 with the opening of its first hardware store in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Company was incorporated in North Carolina in 1952 and has been publicly held since 1961.

Lowe’s generates revenue primarily through the sale of home improvement products across categories such as appliances, lumber, lawn and garden, hardware, kitchens and bath, building materials, paint, millwork, tools, electrical, flooring and décor. The company also earns revenue from installation services, protection plans and omnichannel offerings that allow customers to shop in store, online, on site, through branch locations or via contact centers. Lowe’s serves a broad customer base that includes do it yourself homeowners, renters and professional contractors ranging from small tradespeople to larger residential and commercial builders.

Lowe’s holds the position of the second largest home improvement retailer in the United States, trailing only Home Depot. The company competes with national and regional home improvement warehouse chains, lumber yards, traditional hardware stores, plumbing and electrical distributors, paint stores, garden centers, maintenance and repair organizations, as well as general merchandise retailers, home goods specialty stores, warehouse clubs, online retailers and various service providers. Competitive advantages stem from its extensive store network, omnichannel capabilities, strong private brand portfolio, loyalty programs and a supply chain that emphasizes fast fulfillment and localized assortments.

Lowe’s serves individual homeowners and renters who undertake do it yourself or do it for me projects. The company also targets professional customers including tradespeople, repair and remodelers, property managers and, following its acquisitions of Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, larger residential and commercial professionals. Lowe’s customer base encompasses a wide range of project scales from minor home repairs to major new construction and remodeling initiatives.