
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 7, 1991                   TAG: 9103070501
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A-9   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LOWE'S EARNINGS DIP DESPITE RECORD SALES

Despite a record sales year, Lowe's Cos. on Wednesday reported a 5 percent decline in net earnings for its fiscal year ending Jan. 31. Earnings came to $71.1 million, down from $74.9 million. Sales at its 309 stores in 20 states were $2.8 billion, up 7 percent.

The North Wilkesboro, N.C.-based building and home improvement supplier said its February sales dropped 13 percent to $162.6 million. Sales to contractors were down 24 percent and retail sales declined 6 percent. - Staff report

by CNB