Annual forecast for Lowe’s below Wall Street expectations.

NEW YORK» Lowe’s on Wednesday reported weaker-than-expected sales for its fiscal fourth quarter and offered an annual forecast that came in below Wall Street expectations.

During a conference call with analysts, CEO Marvin Ellison blamed the sales shortfall on the timing of the Lowe’s marketing campaign that didn’t align with the compressed holiday season. Also, its e-commerce website is under major renovation.

But Lowe’s said that it is relaunching its website this spring, and also said that it is working to update its stores with better signage and other merchandising changes.