Focus on the customer pays off for Lowe's in Q4

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe's rebranding efforts and focus on delivering a better customer experience seem to be paying off as the company ended the year with strong fourth-quarter sales and earnings. The company reported net earnings of $322 million for the fourth quarter, a 13% increase over the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per share increased 23.8% to 26 cents from 21 cents in the fourth quarter of 2010. Lowe's reported sales for the quarter increased 11% to $11.6 billion, up from $10.5 billion in the same period a year ago. Comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter