(CHARLOTTE) -- Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Robert A. Niblock told shareholders on Friday that the North Carolina based home improvement retailer is increasingly leveraging technology to build stronger relationships with customers.  He admitted that uncertainty remains in the marketplace.

The company invested $900 million last year in a technology upgrade.  Niblock said this investment is helping Lowe’s create "a differentiated experience that is simple and seamless across all selling channels."

“The consumer continues to change at an unprecedented rate, and these initiatives will ultimately create a customer experience that is both omnichannel and relevant throughout every stage of the home improvement process,” said Niblock. “That’s the future we’re striving every day to realize.”

The board of directors declared a 14.3 percent increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 16 cents per share, payable August 8, 2012, to shareholders of record as of July 25, 2012. Lowe’s has declared a cash dividend each quarter since going public in 1961.