3 Stocks to Watch Ahead of Earnings, Retail Sales

Retail Sector Overview - Corporate earnings are expected to decline next week, but several major retailers are set to report earnings following upcoming retail sales data [1] - Home Depot reported better-than-expected third-quarter results and raised its guidance, becoming a highlight in the retail sector [1] Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) - Walmart is scheduled to announce earnings before the market opens on November 19 [2] - The stock has shown positive performance, finishing higher after six of its last eight quarterly reports, including the last three [2] - As of the latest update, Walmart's stock was up 1.3% at $85.29, having reached a record high of $85.45, and has increased by 62.6% since the beginning of the year [2] Lowe's Companies Inc (NYSE:LOW) - Lowe's will also report earnings before the market opens on November 19 [3] - The stock's post-earnings performance has been less favorable, with only half of its next-day sessions finishing higher over the last two years [3] - Currently, Lowe's stock is down 1.3% at $271.05 but has been recovering towards its October 16 record peak of $286.99, with a year-to-date increase of 21.8% [3] Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) - Target is set to announce earnings before the market opens on November 20 [4] - The stock has a history of significant post-earnings movements, averaging a next-day swing of 8.6% over the last eight reports, with current options pricing in a move of 13.4% [4] - Target's stock has finished higher in six of its last eight reports, currently up 1.7% at $155.93, and has increased by 9.8% in 2024 [4]