Double-digit growth

In the first quarter Lowe's recorded sales of US $ 9.91 bn (€ 7.85 bn), which is an increase of 14.2 per cent on the first three months of 2004. Comparable store sales increased by 3.8 per cent. Net earnings saw an increase of 30.5 per cent to US $ 590 mio (€ 467 mio). During this quarter Lowe's opened 27 new stores including two relocations.