Core Insights - Lowe's Companies, Inc. is set to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on November 19, with revenue expectations at $20.9 billion, reflecting a 3.4% year-over-year growth, and earnings per share (EPS) estimated at $2.98, indicating a 3.1% increase from the previous year [1][9] Group 1: Earnings Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lowe's revenues stands at $20.9 billion, implying a 3.4% growth from the prior year [1][9] - The consensus mark for earnings has decreased slightly to $2.98 per share, still suggesting a 3.1% increase from the year-ago period [1][9] - Lowe's has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.9%, with the last reported quarter outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.4% [2] Group 2: Key Growth Drivers - Lowe's third-quarter performance is expected to benefit from its Pro-focused initiatives and the execution of its "Total Home" strategy, with strategic investments in expanding its Pro customer base yielding positive results [3] - Enhanced product assortments, improved in-stock positions, and better service capabilities through loyalty programs and job-site delivery enhancements are likely to support higher transaction volumes [3] - Digital execution remains a significant driver, with investments in technology improving customer experience and operational efficiency, particularly among Pro customers [4] Group 3: Financial Health and Challenges - Lowe's ongoing Perpetual Productivity Improvement initiatives may have contributed to margin enhancement, alongside robust cash generation and prudent capital allocation [5] - However, the company may face challenges from macroeconomic pressures, including higher interest rates and subdued housing turnover, which could temper discretionary spending in the home improvement market [6] - The company's Zacks Rank is 4 (Sell) with an Earnings ESP of -2.23%, indicating uncertainty regarding an earnings beat this quarter [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - *ST Dongyi has experienced a significant stock price surge, with a cumulative increase of 241.59% over 28 trading days, prompting the company to apply for a trading suspension for stock price fluctuation investigation [1][4][9]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Trading Suspension - The stock price of *ST Dongyi rose from a low of 1.96 yuan in July 2024 to a suspension price of 17.66 yuan, marking nearly a tenfold increase [1]. - The company announced a trading suspension starting November 14, 2025, for up to three trading days to investigate the stock price fluctuations [1][4]. Group 2: Company Background and Financial Status - *ST Dongyi primarily engages in comprehensive home decoration services, including design, construction, and product supply [5]. - The company has faced ongoing operational challenges, with negative net assets reported for the end of 2024 and three consecutive years of negative net profit [6]. - In 2024, *ST Dongyi's revenue was 1.296 billion yuan, a decrease of 55.84% year-on-year, and a net loss of 1.171 billion yuan, a significant decline of 461.88% compared to the previous year [15]. Group 3: Restructuring Efforts - The company initiated pre-restructuring work in October 2024, with 40 potential investors expressing interest, ultimately selecting Beijing Huazhu Technology Co., Ltd. as the restructuring investor [7][9]. - Huazhu Technology aims to leverage its resources to assist *ST Dongyi in expanding its data center integration and computing power services, while maintaining focus on its core home decoration business [11]. Group 4: Risks and Uncertainties - The restructuring process remains uncertain, as the company has not yet received court approval for its restructuring application [10]. - If the restructuring is not completed by December 31, 2025, *ST Dongyi risks being delisted [10][19]. - The success of the restructuring and the potential integration of new business lines depend on various factors, including regulatory compliance and market conditions [13][18].

Core Insights - Analysts project Home Depot (HD) will report quarterly earnings of $3.82 per share, reflecting a 1.1% year-over-year increase, with revenues expected to reach $41.07 billion, a 2.1% increase from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 0.4% in the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price performance [3] Key Metrics - Analysts estimate the 'Number of stores - Retail' will reach 2,357, up from 2,345 a year ago [5] - 'Sales per store' is projected to be $17.41 million, compared to $17.15 million from the previous year [5] - The 'Number of customer transactions - Retail' is expected to be 403.35 million, an increase from 399.00 million in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Average ticket - Retail' is anticipated to reach $89.20, up from $88.65 in the same quarter last year [6] Stock Performance - Home Depot shares have shown a return of -4.4% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +4.6% change, indicating a potential alignment with overall market performance in the near future [6]

Core Points - BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. will report its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 27, 2025, before market open [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held at 10:30 AM (PST) / 1:30 PM (EST) on the same day to discuss the financial results [2] Company Overview - BuildDirect is a growing omnichannel building material retailer connecting North American home improvement B2B and B2C organizations with quality building materials and services [3] - The company leverages a robust global supply chain network and has a strong product offering, positioning itself as an innovative player in the home improvement industry [3]

Upgrades - JPMorgan upgraded Outfront Media (OUT) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $25, up from $19, citing the out-of-home channel as the most resilient traditional advertising market with improved momentum in Q3 [2] - Guggenheim upgraded Grail (GRAL) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $100, noting that while Galleri is not a perfect test, it remains the leading commercially available MCED test with a significant data moat [3] - Piper Sandler upgraded Floor & Decor (FND) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $80, up from $75, highlighting potential for comparable sales improvement by Q1 of 2026 [4] - KeyBanc upgraded Progyny (PGNY) to Overweight from Sector Weight with a price target of $30, indicating limited share downside and several positive catalysts over the next 12 months [4] - KeyBanc upgraded AT&T (T) to Overweight from Sector Weight with a price target of $30, attributing the recent share pullback to overblown wireless competition concerns [5] Downgrades - Raymond James downgraded Bath & Body Works (BBWI) to Market Perform from Outperform, stating that the company's growth will be below its long-term potential due to slow improvements in digital capabilities and distribution [6] - Wolfe Research downgraded Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) to Peer Perform from Outperform, citing safety issues with nexiguran ziclumeran as a hindrance to the bull thesis [6] - Raymond James double downgraded Brighthouse Financial (BHF) to Market Perform from Strong Buy, referencing the announcement of its acquisition deal for $70 per share [6] - Raymond James double downgraded Centerspace (CSR) to Market Perform from Strong Buy, noting that while the portfolio is attractive for potential buyers, the recent rally has closed the valuation gap with multifamily peers [6] - Northland downgraded QuickLogic (QUIK) to Market Perform from Outperform, maintaining a price target of $5.95, after the company reported revenue in line with guidance and uncertainty regarding a $3M contract [6]

Core Insights - Lowe's Companies, Inc. has significantly underperformed the broader market and sector over the past year, with stock prices declining 4.6% year-to-date and 14.3% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 Index and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund have shown positive returns [2][3]. Financial Performance - In Q3, Lowe's reported net sales of approximately $24 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 1.6%, although it slightly missed market expectations. Adjusted EPS increased by 5.6% year-over-year to $4.33, surpassing consensus estimates by 2.4% [4]. - For the full fiscal 2026, analysts project an adjusted EPS of $12.31, representing a 2.6% year-over-year increase. The company has a strong earnings surprise history, exceeding bottom-line estimates in the last four quarters [5]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Among 29 analysts covering Lowe's stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 18 "Strong Buys," one "Moderate Buy," nine "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" [5]. - Evercore ISI analyst Greg Melich maintained an "In-Line" rating but reduced the price target from $245 to $240. The mean price target of $281.09 indicates a 19.4% premium to current price levels, while the highest target of $325 suggests a potential upside of 38.1% [7].

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in Home Depot's earnings driven by higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results will compare to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Home Depot is expected to report quarterly earnings of $3.84 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.6% [3]. - Revenue projections stand at $41.02 billion, indicating a 2% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.15% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Home Depot is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.98%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, with a strong predictive power for positive readings [9][10]. - Home Depot's current Zacks Rank is 3, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat given the negative Earnings ESP [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Home Depot was expected to earn $4.71 per share but reported $4.68, resulting in a surprise of -0.64% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Home Depot has beaten consensus EPS estimates twice [14]. Conclusion - Home Depot does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, and investors should consider other factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of the earnings release [17].

Core Insights - The Home Depot Foundation and Meals on Wheels America have reached a significant milestone by repairing and modifying 4,000 homes for senior veterans through their partnership since 2015, with over $21 million invested in the Helping Homebound Heroes program [2][5]. Group 1: Partnership Impact - The partnership aims to make homes safer and more accessible for senior veterans, allowing them to age in place, which is the preferred choice for many seniors according to AARP research [2]. - The Home Depot Foundation has contributed significantly to bridging the gap between federal funding and private philanthropy, which is crucial for supporting the needs of the growing senior population [5]. - Meals on Wheels America serves nearly 360,000 veterans annually, with many programs offering home repair and modification services, supported by The Home Depot Foundation [5]. Group 2: Case Study - A specific case highlighted is that of veteran Juan Lopez, whose home in Austin, Texas, received nearly $40,000 worth of repairs and modifications after an ice storm damaged his roof, showcasing the direct impact of the program [4]. Group 3: Broader Context - The Meals on Wheels network addresses not only hunger but also isolation among seniors, with about 43% of older veterans experiencing isolation, making the program effective in combating this issue [5]. - The Home Depot Foundation has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in training skilled tradespeople by 2028, indicating a long-term commitment to supporting veterans [9].

Core Insights - Madison Large Cap Fund underperformed the S&P 500 Index, decreasing by 2.2% in Q3 2025 compared to an 8.1% gain for the index, primarily due to a market focus on short-term profits [1] - The fund's top five contributors included Lowe's Companies, Inc., which benefited from an improving U.S. housing market and announced the acquisition of Foundation Building Materials [3] Fund Performance - Madison Large Cap Fund's performance in Q3 2025 was significantly lower than the S&P 500 Index, indicating challenges in the current market environment [1] - The fund's focus on long-term investments may have contributed to its underperformance relative to the benchmark [1] Company Focus: Lowe's Companies, Inc. - Lowe's Companies, Inc. experienced a one-month return of -3.21% and a 52-week loss of 13.66%, with its stock closing at $233.03 on November 10, 2025, and a market capitalization of $130.689 billion [2] - The company was highlighted as a top contributor to the fund's performance, with improvements linked to a thawing U.S. housing market and growth opportunities from its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Lowe's Companies, Inc. was held by 75 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 68 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [4] - Despite this interest, the analysis suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to Lowe's [4]

Core Insights - SenesTech, Inc. has launched its Evolve® Rat Birth Control® product on Lowes.com, marking a significant milestone in consumer accessibility and retail distribution [1][4][5] - Evolve Rat is the first soft bait targeting rat reproduction, providing a humane and sustainable solution to manage rat populations without poisons [2][4] - The partnership with Lowes, which has over 1,700 stores and $11 billion in online sales, is expected to enhance brand visibility and accelerate adoption among consumers [3][4] Company Overview - SenesTech focuses on humane pest management through fertility control, aiming to create healthier environments by reducing reliance on traditional poisons [5] - The company’s mission includes creating cleaner cities and healthier communities with effective and sustainable products [5] Market Opportunity - The launch on Lowes.com is seen as a strategic move to expand Evolve Rat's retail footprint, potentially leading to stronger revenue streams and increased market presence [4][8] - The product addresses a critical issue in pest management by targeting the root cause of population growth rather than merely increasing death rates [4][7]