Business Performance - Big-box retailing tycoon's wealth takes a hit [1] Market Trends - Filipinos skimp on home improvement [1]

Core Insights - Home Depot, Inc. continues to leverage strategic store investments, supply-chain discipline, and digital capabilities to maintain a strong market position despite macroeconomic challenges [1] - The stock's current valuation raises questions about whether there is still value to unlock or if it is prudent to hold or trim positions [1] Stock Performance - Home Depot shares closed at $386.80, reflecting an 11% gain over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 6.3% [2] - Compared to peers, Home Depot has significantly outperformed Lowe's (0.8% increase), Floor & Decor (-19.4%), and FGI Industries (-10.2%) [2] Valuation Analysis - Home Depot trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 2.29, above the industry average of 1.61 but slightly below its one-year median of 2.30 [3] - The premium P/S ratio is notable compared to Lowe's (1.55), Floor & Decor (1.71), and FGI Industries (0.06) [3] Strategic Initiatives - The company is enhancing its Pro services and technology, which strengthens its market position [6] - Home Depot's investment in technology and customer-facing innovations, including AI-driven tools, is improving customer experience and engagement [9] - The strategic approach to supply chain management, including reducing dependence on single sourcing countries, is safeguarding against geopolitical risks [10] Growth Opportunities - The Pro segment is a key growth area, with acquisitions like SRS Distribution expected to capture more market share in fragmented Pro markets [8] - Structural tailwinds from an aging U.S. housing stock and high home equity levels position Home Depot to benefit from deferred remodeling demand once interest rates normalize [10] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current fiscal year remains at $15.04, indicating a year-over-year decline of 1.3%, while the next fiscal year's estimate has risen to $16.43, suggesting a growth of 9.2% [12] Investment Considerations - Despite strong operational performance, Home Depot faces near-term challenges such as margin pressure and soft demand for big-ticket items [11] - For existing shareholders, holding the stock is advisable due to long-term potential, while prospective investors may consider waiting for a more favorable entry point [14]

Summary of Southbound Trading Tracking for China/Hong Kong Consumer Sector Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China/Hong Kong Consumer** sector, specifically analyzing **Southbound trading** trends for major HK-listed consumer stocks during July 2025 and year-to-date (YTD) 2025. Key Findings 1. **Overall Trends in July 2025** - Average Southbound holdings as a percentage of free float increased by **0.8 percentage points (ppt)** month-over-month (MoM) for the **66 major HK-listed consumer stocks** eligible for Connect trading, with **35 under coverage** [1][6] 2. **Year-to-Date Performance** - Average net flows from Southbound trading were up **3.6%** compared to the end of 2024 [2][6] - A total of **41 stocks** recorded inflows, while **25 stocks** experienced outflows, and none showed zero net flows [3][6] 3. **Inflows and Outflows in July** - **27 stocks** recorded inflows, **38 stocks** recorded outflows, and **1 stock** showed zero net flows [2][6] - **Top five stocks with inflows**: - CR Beverage: **20.8ppt** increase - Xiaocaiyuan: **15.2ppt** - Chervon: **9.5ppt** - H&H: **7.3ppt** - Tianli Education: **5.9ppt** [9][10] - **Top five stocks with outflows**: - Jiumaojiu: **-5.0ppt** - CR Beer: **-3.7ppt** - Popmart: **-3.2ppt** - Xtep: **-2.9ppt** - Samsonite: **-2.8ppt** [9][10] 4. **Category Performance** - Various categories such as **Beer, Apparel & Sportswear, Agriculture, Gold, Home Appliance, Home Improvement, Toys, Education, and Luggage** experienced average inflows during July [9][10] - Categories like **Beer, HPC, Home Appliances, Home Improvement, Education, and Luggage** recorded outflows YTD 2025, while other categories had average inflows [9][10] 5. **Detailed Stock Performance** - The report includes detailed statistics on Southbound stakes as a percentage of free float for various companies, highlighting significant changes in investor interest [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring Southbound trading trends as they reflect investor sentiment and potential shifts in market dynamics within the consumer sector in Hong Kong and China [6][7][8]

But finding these monster stocks isn't always easy. Most people try to find the next big thing when, often, the winners are already sitting in plain sight. Buy-and-hold investing only works if you choose the right companies. Here are some potential examples. The ultimate win for investors is finding a remarkable company that is not only highly productive, but also capable of growth over many years, resulting in substantial returns for long-term shareholders. After careful consideration, I've identified five ...

Planning approvals for home improvements in England are at the lowest in a decade https://t.co/kMJsOPIEsO ...

Core Insights - The retail sector in the U.S. reached $7.3 trillion in spending in 2024, indicating a vast market with potential investment opportunities [1] Costco - Costco's business model focuses on low prices, quality merchandise, and a no-frills shopping experience, appealing to customers who value savings over luxury [4] - The company reported a 5.3% increase in same-store sales for fiscal 2024, continuing a trend of growth over the past three fiscal quarters despite macroeconomic challenges [5] - In fiscal 2025 Q3, Costco achieved $62 billion in net sales, showcasing its significant market presence and strong supplier relationships that allow for low pricing [6] - The membership model contributes to Costco's profitability, with a 92.7% renewal rate in the U.S. and Canada, as customers perceive value in their annual fee of $65 [7] - Costco's strong financial performance positions it as a better business compared to competitors, reflected in its high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 55 [13] Home Depot - Home Depot faces challenges in the current economic environment, with same-store sales expected to rise only 1% in fiscal 2025 after declines in the previous two years [8][9] - Despite these challenges, favorable industry conditions such as low housing supply and aging housing stock may lead to increased demand for home improvement products in the future [10] - Home Depot is actively pursuing growth through acquisitions, including the purchase of SRS Distribution for over $18.2 billion, aimed at strengthening its position in the professional customer segment [11][12] - While Home Depot is currently struggling, it remains a leader in the home improvement industry, with a P/E ratio of 25, making it a potentially better investment option at this time [14]

New podcast episode, "Sticking With Style," inspires college students to decorate their spaces with confidence ST. PAUL, Minn., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Back to College season, Command™ Brand is taking dorm and other small space decorating to the next level with the launch of "Sticking With Style," an original podcast episode hosted by DIY expert and interior decorator Tay Nakamoto (AKA Tay BeepBoop), featuring special guests and co-hosts of "The Burnouts," Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni. "We know ...

Group 1 - The 27th China Building and Decoration Expo (Guangzhou) attracted nearly 2000 exhibitors, focusing on cross-industry integration and restructuring around three core ecosystems: indoor space, doors and windows, and material intelligence manufacturing [1][4] - The expo signifies a shift for Chinese home furnishing and construction companies from single product competition to providing comprehensive space solutions [2][5] - AI smart home applications emerged as a new consumer hotspot, with products like whole-home intelligent systems and smart locks gaining significant attention from visitors [3][4] Group 2 - The theme "融生" (Integration and Growth) emphasizes customization and design, covering a wide range of topics including custom furniture, smart devices, bathroom lighting, and commercial public decoration [4][5] - Major technology companies like Huawei and Bosch, along with leading home furnishing brands such as Oppein and Sophia, showcased diverse solutions for indoor space ecosystems, reflecting the industry's capability to meet global diversified and scenario-based demands [4][5] - The expo also introduced a smart lighting pavilion, breaking traditional boundaries within the home furnishing and construction industry, and hosted professional forums to promote technological innovation and standardization [6] Group 3 - The event highlighted the transition of the Chinese home furnishing industry from being a "production workshop" in the global supply chain to a "solution source" [5][6] - The expo aimed to enhance global outreach and channel development through initiatives like the "CBD World-Connect" global linking plan and "Leading the Way Overseas" actions, utilizing major international social media platforms for precise global marketing [6] - The future of global competition is expected to focus on ecosystem-based competition rather than individual company efforts, emphasizing the importance of ecological collaboration as a core competitive advantage [6]

Social Media’s Most Influential Home Improvement Stars. https://t.co/ofT0Eh9GcN https://t.co/ofT0Eh9GcN ...

Summary of Jewett-Cameron Trading Company (JCTC) Conference Call Company Overview - Jewett-Cameron Trading Company (JCTC) is a small-cap company with significant growth potential, focusing on durable markets and functional products [3][4] - The company has a 70-year history and is listed on NASDAQ, primarily offering fencing, pet containment, and sustainable home products [4] Core Business and Product Offerings - JCTC is undergoing a strategic transformation, evolving from a lean operation to a growth-oriented platform with product leadership in outdoor living and home improvement [5] - Key product categories include: - **Fencing Products**: Includes fence boards, pickets, steel access accessories, and composite EuroFence products [8] - **Pet Containment**: Focuses on durable solutions like welded wire and chain link dog kennels [8] - **Sustainable Products**: Compostable and post-consumer recycled products, including bags for waste [8] - **Greenwood**: A subsidiary specializing in industrial wood products, particularly proprietary plywood for transit buses [8] Market Position and Growth Strategy - JCTC has established strong retail relationships with major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Costco, enhancing shelf presence and growth momentum [6] - The company is actively transitioning to growth mode by optimizing pricing, expanding distribution, and reducing overhead [8] - The introduction of innovative products, such as the lifetime steel post and adjustable gates, has driven significant sales growth [10][12] Financial Position - JCTC is trading at a steep discount to book value, has no long-term debt, and possesses a valuable 11.6-acre property that could enhance equity upon sale [7] - The company has reduced inventory levels to align with growth plans, improving cash flow and operational efficiency [16][17] Supply Chain and Tariff Mitigation - JCTC has diversified its supply chain to include sourcing from countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia, reducing dependency on China [21][22] - The company has implemented a comprehensive multisourcing strategy to mitigate tariff impacts, particularly the 25% global steel tariff [21][22] - Ongoing landed cost comparisons and dual tooling strategies are in place to maintain competitive pricing and ensure supply continuity [25][26] Customer Response and Pricing Strategy - Customers have responded positively to recent price adjustments, which have been modest due to proactive sourcing strategies [27][28] - JCTC aims to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring product quality and reliability, reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier [28] Property Sale and Future Outlook - The company is selling an 11-acre property in Oregon, which has faced a slower sales timeline due to market uncertainties and zoning constraints [30][31] - The property is valued at $9 million, with significant potential upside upon sale [32] - JCTC envisions a dominant presence in the fencing market and plans to expand its product range and distribution channels over the next five to ten years [33][34] Final Takeaways - JCTC is executing a focused strategy with strong momentum in key product categories and strategic sourcing initiatives [36] - The management team is committed to creating value for shareholders, making it an opportune time for investors to consider the company [36]