Fourth-quarter sales increased 26.4 percent to $10.8 billion, up from $8.55 billion for the 13-week period ended January 28, 2005, according to the company.

?EUR??,,????'??Our strong fourth quarter and fiscal year results represent a focus on execution and a culture of customer service that solidifies Lowe’s competitive position across the country,” Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO, said. “Amidst the challenges of a weather-affected 2005 spring selling season and the devastation caused by the most active hurricane season on record, we were ready to serve customers and provide products, services and solutions to meet their home improvement needs.