Group 1 - The article discusses the challenges and reluctance of downgrading companies, emphasizing the desire for a bullish outlook in the investment landscape [1] - It highlights the focus of Crude Value Insights on analyzing cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas sector [1] - The investment philosophy employed combines Benjamin Graham's principles with a contrarian approach to identify undervalued businesses [1]

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Core Insights - Lowe's has committed nearly $14 million to response and recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, supporting immediate and long-term needs in affected areas [1][2] - The company is focused on recovery solutions, including skilled trades education, to aid the region's recovery while addressing current needs [2] - Lowe's is reopening its East Asheville store after flood damage, with over 100 original employees returning, demonstrating its commitment to community support [3] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company with over 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 employees, serving around 16 million customer transactions weekly in the U.S. [4] - The company reported total fiscal year 2024 sales exceeding $83 billion, highlighting its significant market presence [4] - Lowe's engages in community support through programs aimed at safe housing, community improvement, skilled trades development, and disaster relief [4] Community Initiatives - Appalachia Service Project is providing temporary housing units for hurricane-affected residents, helping them recover with dignity and resilience [6] - The National Center for Construction Education and Research is launching a Rapid Recovery Construction Academy to offer free construction training and job placement services in disaster-impacted areas [6] - Purple Heart Homes is focusing on critical home repairs for service-connected disabled veterans in disaster-affected counties [6]

Company Performance - Lowe's shares ended at $232.05, reflecting a +0.59% adjustment, outperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.12% [1] - Over the past month, Lowe's shares have decreased by 4.83%, which is better than the Retail-Wholesale sector's loss of 5.39% and the S&P 500's loss of 2.91% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming EPS for Lowe's is projected at $2.89, indicating a 5.56% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue for the upcoming quarter is estimated at $20.97 billion, reflecting a 1.86% decrease from the equivalent quarter last year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are predicted to be $12.28 per share, with a revenue estimate of $84.32 billion, showing changes of +2.33% and +0.77% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates and Rankings - Recent revisions in analyst estimates have shown a 2.22% decline in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate for Lowe's [5] - Lowe's currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook [5] Valuation Metrics - Lowe's is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 18.79, which is a premium compared to the industry average of 18.53 [6] - The PEG ratio for Lowe's is currently 2.2, compared to the Retail - Home Furnishings industry's average PEG ratio of 2.04 [6] Industry Context - The Retail - Home Furnishings industry ranks in the bottom 43% of all industries, with a current Zacks Industry Rank of 145 [7] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Group 1 - Lowe's has been named "Stock to Study" by BetterInvesting Magazine for its June/July 2025 issue, prompting investors to evaluate whether the stock is overvalued or within a buy range [1] - The fundamental data for Lowe's, including sales, earnings, pre-tax profit, and return on equity, is accessible through the National Association of Investors [2] - A full report on Lowe's will be featured in the upcoming June/July 2025 issue of BetterInvesting Magazine [2] Group 2 - The same issue of BetterInvesting Magazine will also include a fundamental review of ICON PLC, which is considered undervalued by the Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee [3] - The committee consists of several CFA members, indicating a diverse range of expertise in their evaluations [3]

Sales and Revenue - In fiscal 2024, installed sales accounted for approximately 5% of total sales, with major contributions from categories like Kitchen & Bath, Flooring, and Appliances[31]. - Net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $83,674 million, a decrease of 3.9% from $86,377 million in the previous year[217]. - Revenue from products was $80,538 million in 2025, down from $83,002 million in 2024, and $93,392 million in 2023, indicating a decline of 3.0% year-over-year[278]. - Revenue from services decreased to $1,934 million in 2025 from $2,097 million in 2024, and $2,178 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 7.8%[278]. - Net earnings for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $6,957 million, down 9.9% from $7,726 million in the prior year, with a net earnings margin of 8.31%[218]. - Basic earnings per share for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, were $12.25, compared to $13.23 in the previous year[217]. Financial Performance - Gross margin for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, was $27,877 million, representing 33.32% of net sales, compared to 33.39% in the previous year[217]. - The company reported a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses to $15,682 million, which is 18.74% of net sales, compared to 18.02% in the previous year[217]. - The company’s merchandise inventory increased to $17,409 million as of January 31, 2025, from $16,894 million in the previous year[219]. - The company’s interest expense for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, was $1,313 million, slightly down from $1,382 million in the previous year[217]. - Cash dividends declared increased to $4.55 per share, totaling $2,578 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $2,531 million in the previous year[221]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $9,625 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of 18.1% from $8,140 million in the previous year[221]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of January 31, 2025, were $43,102 million, an increase from $41,795 million as of February 2, 2024[219]. - Total liabilities as of January 31, 2025, were $57,333 million, compared to $56,845 million in the previous year[219]. - The company's long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, was $35,012 million as of January 31, 2025, compared to $35,411 million on February 2, 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.1%[292]. - Total lease liabilities amounted to $4,666 million as of January 31, 2025, down from $4,733 million on February 2, 2024, indicating a reduction of about 1.4%[295]. Operational Strategy - The Total Home strategy focuses on five pillars: driving Pro penetration, accelerating online sales, expanding home services, creating a loyalty ecosystem, and increasing space productivity[13][14]. - The company has expanded its Pro offerings and invested in high-volume Pro products to enhance Pro customer penetration[15]. - The company has over 120 supply chain facilities, including regional distribution centers and fulfillment centers, to support its omnichannel capabilities[27][29]. - The home improvement market is influenced by key indicators such as home price appreciation and real disposable personal income, which are monitored to assess demand[16]. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - In fiscal 2024, Lowe's was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to environmental, social, and operational practices[49]. - Lowe's aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2050, with interim targets of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and scope 3 emissions by 25% below 2021 levels by 2030[55]. - Over the past three years, Lowe's has invested more than $300 million in projects to enhance energy efficiency, including replacing aging HVAC units and upgrading indoor LED lighting[56]. - The company has implemented a wood sourcing policy to ensure no illegal logging or deforestation, enhancing its commitment to sustainable practices[52]. - The company collaborates with the EPA's SmartWay program to reduce transportation emissions and aims for 100% SmartWay certification for its transportation providers[58]. - Lowe's continues to focus on reducing water consumption and has implemented smart irrigation controllers and leak detection technology in its operations[60]. Employee and Workplace Culture - Lowe's employs approximately 161,000 full-time and 109,000 part-time associates as of January 31, 2025, with a minimum wage starting at $15 per hour[38][40]. - Lowe's has received several employer of choice awards in fiscal 2024, highlighting its commitment to creating a positive workplace culture[37]. - More than 85% of store leadership positions were filled internally in the last year, demonstrating Lowe's focus on internal talent development[45]. - The company has shifted its diversity and inclusion initiatives to a unified program, enhancing networking and development opportunities for all associates[44]. Shareholder Returns - The total share repurchases for the year ended January 31, 2025, amounted to 15.8 million shares at a cost of $3.928 billion[321]. - The Company has $10.8 billion remaining under its $15.0 billion share repurchase program as of January 31, 2025[315]. - The Company recognized share-based payment expense of $221 million in 2024, with a total associated income tax benefit of $42 million[324].

Core Insights - Lowe's is launching its SpringFest event on March 20, featuring exclusive deals on various spring-related products including lawn & garden items, grills, outdoor power equipment, appliances, and paint [1][2][7] Promotions and Offers - MyLowe's Rewards and MyLowe's Pro Rewards members can access exclusive deals and save 20% on eligible purchases with a new MyLowe's Rewards Credit Card, up to a maximum discount of $100 [2][10] - During SpringFest, new offers will be introduced every two weeks, including promotions on mulch and other essential spring items [3][4] Product Highlights - Lowe's is offering exclusive products from top brands such as Weber, EGO, Char-Broil, and private brands like Kobalt and Sta-Green [4][5] - Specific promotions include five bags of 2-Cu. Ft. Sta-Green Premium Color Mulch for $10, up to $10 off select Sta-Green Lawn Care products, and up to 40% off select major appliances [4][11] Customer Support and Services - Lowe's provides expert assistance through knowledgeable associates to help customers with project-related questions and advice tailored to their specific climate and growing zone [3][7] - The company offers same-day fulfillment options, including buy online, pick-up in store, and delivery through partnerships with online marketplaces [8][14] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company with over 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 employees, serving around 16 million customer transactions weekly [15]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The article discusses Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) and its attractive valuation as of October 2022, highlighting the merits of investing in this business [2] - The author expresses a potential interest in initiating a long position in Lowe's stock or related derivatives within the next 72 hours [2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that it is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice, encouraging readers to perform due diligence [3] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that no specific investment recommendations are provided [4]

Core Insights - Lowe's has launched Lowe's Style Studio™ for Apple Vision Pro, allowing customers to visualize and design their dream kitchens in an immersive 3D experience [1][2] - The pilot program will begin on March 15, 2025, in five stores across Austin, Texas, and will feature 45-minute consultations with Lowe's associates [2][3] - The technology utilizes spatial computing to blend digital content with physical space, enhancing customer interaction and experience [2][4] Company Overview - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company, serving approximately 16 million customer transactions weekly in the U.S. [6] - The company reported total fiscal year 2024 sales exceeding $83 billion and operates over 1,700 home improvement stores with around 300,000 employees [6] Technology and Features - Lowe's Style Studio™ incorporates a teleport feature, allowing users to view their kitchen from different angles with a simple finger flick [4] - The app is available in the App Store for Apple Vision Pro and complements other Lowe's technologies, such as MyLowe's Home and Style Your Space [5] Community Engagement - Lowe's is committed to supporting communities through initiatives focused on safe housing, community space improvement, and skilled trade development [6][8]

Investment Rating - The report initiates an "Outperform" rating for Lowe's [1][5][81] Core Insights - Lowe's is the world's second-largest home improvement retailer, with over 1,900 stores in the U.S. and Canada, offering a wide range of products to meet DIY and professional customer needs [6][13] - The U.S. home improvement market reached $1 trillion in 2022, with long-term growth potential driven by factors such as housing prices, housing age, and per capita disposable income [23][27] - The company has a strong competitive position in home appliances and outdoor categories, supported by a differentiated brand strategy and a robust supply chain [11][38][65] Financial Summary - Revenue projections for 2024-2026 are $83.3 billion, $84.3 billion, and $87.4 billion, with year-on-year changes of -3.5%, 1.2%, and 3.6% respectively [3][81] - Net income estimates for the same period are $6.8 billion, $6.9 billion, and $7.5 billion, with year-on-year changes of -11.4%, 1.0%, and 8.0% respectively [3][81] - The gross margin is expected to remain stable around 33.4% over the forecast period [9][82] Market Position and Strategy - Lowe's has a significant opportunity for store expansion, particularly in regions where it has fewer locations compared to competitors like Home Depot [54][59] - The company employs a long-tail strategy with a large number of SKUs, enhancing customer acquisition and sales per store [59][65] - Lowe's aims to increase its PRO customer segment, which currently represents a smaller portion of its revenue compared to competitors [41][47] Competitive Landscape - The home improvement market is highly fragmented, with significant growth potential for Lowe's as it enhances its online presence and installation services [27][34] - Lowe's has established a unique supply chain strategy that allows for rapid delivery of large appliances, setting it apart from competitors [65][66] Historical Performance - From 2019 to 2023, Lowe's revenue grew from $71.3 billion to $97 billion, with a CAGR of 3.90% [70] - The company has maintained a stable gross margin, with net profit increasing significantly during the same period [70][71]