The Vancouver Sun reports in its Thursday edition that Lowe's is blaming its lowered earnings outlook for 2016 on the acquisition of Rona, but says it is on track to double the Canadian chain's profitability within five years. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Sun says that the U.S. retailer trimmed its full-year profit estimate since May by 1.2 per cent to $4.06 (U.S.) per share, despite saying it expects to benefit from growing U.S. consumer spending. Sales for the 12 months ended Feb. 3, 2017, are expected to be higher, growing by 10 per cent, including 4 per cent from Rona. "The only changes to our outlook are related to Rona," Lowe's chief financial officer Bob Hull said Wednesday during a conference call. Lowe's, headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., also said Rona's operating results will more than offset acquisition and integration costs, and are expected to be "modestly" positive for the year. Since closing the $3.2-billion purchase of Rona on May 20, Lowe's initial focus has been integrating the Quebec company. Despite increased revenues coming mainly from five weeks of contribution from Rona, Lowe's second-quarter profit fell short of most expectations. Sales at Lowe's stores rose 2 per cent.