Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced volatility recently, with stocks attempting to stabilize. Gold and silver prices are rising, while crude oil is declining. Treasuries and the dollar remain mostly flat [1]. Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) - Nvidia is set to report its quarterly results, with analysts expecting earnings per share of $1.25 and revenue of approximately $55 billion for Q3. The performance of Nvidia is critical as it may influence the broader AI stock market, which has faced significant declines recently [2]. Employment Data - The September jobs report is scheduled for release, with expectations of a job gain of about 50,000. This report was delayed due to the government shutdown, leaving investors and policymakers with limited information [3]. Lowe's Cos. (LOW) - Lowe's reported better-than-expected earnings per share, exceeding estimates by six cents. The company highlighted strong digital and contractor sales. Recently, Lowe's acquired Foundation Building Materials for $8.8 billion to enhance sales to contractors [5]. Target Corp. (TGT) - Target reported disappointing results, with same-store sales declining more than anticipated. The company has reduced its full-year earnings per share forecast and plans to invest $5 billion in store remodels and increasing shelf space for lower-priced seasonal items to regain momentum [6]. Adobe Inc. (ADBE) - Adobe is reportedly acquiring Semrush Holdings for $1.9 billion, translating to $12 per share, which is a significant premium over Semrush's previous closing price of $6.76. This acquisition aims to enhance Adobe's product offerings in online advertising and social media research [6].

Financial Performance - The company delivered positive comp sales growth[3] - Gross margin was 34.2%, a +50 basis points increase compared to the prior year[3] - Operating margin was 11.9%, a -65 basis points decrease compared to the prior year[3] - Adjusted operating margin was 12.4%, a +10 basis points increase compared to the prior year[3] - Diluted EPS was $2.88, a -3.7% decrease compared to the prior year[3] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.06, a +5.9% increase compared to the prior year[3] - The company returned $673 million to shareholders through dividends[3] Sales Trends - Overall comp sales increased by +0.4%[3] - Comp transactions increased by +2.5%[5] - Comp average ticket decreased by -2.6% to $106.26[5] - Online sales growth decreased by -3.0%[5] Strategic Initiatives - The company closed on the acquisition of Foundation Building Materials[1,6]

Market Overview - The market is anticipating significant movement due to Nvidia's upcoming earnings announcement, with expectations of a 7% potential move either up or down [1][2] - Historical reactions to Nvidia's earnings have been mixed, with implied volatility decreasing but stock prices pulling back slightly [2][3] - The S&P 500 may be influenced by Nvidia's performance, although recent trading sessions have shown limited reaction to earnings announcements [3][4] Nvidia Insights - Key focus will be on Nvidia's data center numbers, especially after a previous miss in this area, which was attributed to supply chain bottlenecks [4][5] - If Nvidia faces similar issues this time, it could negatively impact the stock more significantly than before [5] Sector Sentiment - The market appears to be adopting a more defensive stance, as indicated by the performance of equal-weighted indices [6][7] - A rotation in market sectors is observed, with both defensive and risk-on sectors not being sold off entirely, which may provide a foundation for the S&P 500 [7][8] Economic Indicators - Credit default swaps for companies like Oracle are rising, indicating elevated equity volatility in the market [9] - Upcoming expirations of VIX options may reduce market volatility temporarily [10] Federal Reserve Nomination - The shortlist for the next Fed chair includes Kevin Hasset and Kevin Walsh, with Rick Reer still in contention [12][13] - The market is looking for a nominee who will maintain a balanced approach to rate cuts, avoiding aggressive policies [14][16] Constellation Energy Update - Constellation Energy shares are rising following the approval of a $1 billion loan to restart the Three Mile Island unit, which was shut down in 2019 [19][20] - The loan aims to revamp the facility to meet U.S. standards for power production, benefiting the utility sector [20][21] Lowe's Performance - Lowe's reported revenue of $20.81 billion, slightly above expectations, and adjusted earnings per share of $3.36, compared to the anticipated $2.97 [23][24] - The company lowered its profit guidance but increased revenue outlook, reflecting a cautious sentiment in the housing market due to higher interest rates [25][26][27]

Group 1: Market Performance - The US equity market continued its rally in Q3, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% and the Russell 1000 Value surging 5.3% [1] - The SCCM Value Equity Strategy returned 6.9% (gross) and 6.8% (net) in Q3, outperforming the Russell 1000 Value's 5.3% return but underperforming the S&P 500's 8.1% return [1] - Year-to-date, the strategy returned 13.0% (gross), compared to the Russell 1000 Value's +11.7% and the S&P 500's +14.8% [1] Group 2: Lowe's Companies, Inc. Performance - Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) experienced a one-month return of -9.84% and a 52-week loss of 16.52% [2] - As of November 18, 2025, Lowe's stock closed at $219.57 per share, with a market capitalization of $123.14 billion [2] - The company reported strong Q2 earnings with comparable sales up 1.1%, its best result since 2022, driven by growth in both Pro and DIY segments [3] Group 3: Strategic Developments - Lowe's gross margins expanded by approximately 40 basis points due to improved product mix and cost control, with July comparable sales rising by 4.7% [3] - The company announced an $8.8 billion acquisition of Foundation Building Materials, which broadens its Pro customer base and supports its Total Home strategy [3] - Despite its potential, Lowe's is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 75 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q2, up from 68 in the previous quarter [4]

Core Insights - The home improvement sector is facing challenges due to a weak housing market and economic uncertainty, impacting major players like Home Depot and Lowe's [1][6]. Home Depot - Home Depot's Q3 net sales increased by 2.8% year over year to $41.4 billion, but this figure includes $900 million from the acquisition of GMS Inc. Without this, total sales were essentially flat compared to the previous year [2]. - Comparable sales growth was 0.2%, with a slight 0.1% growth in the U.S. Gross margin remained flat at 33.4% [3]. - Operating income fell by 1.2% year over year to $5.4 billion, and net income declined by 1.3% to $3.6 billion [3]. - CEO Ted Decker noted that while underlying demand remained stable, an anticipated increase in demand did not occur, attributing this to consumer uncertainty and housing market pressures [4]. Lowe's - Lowe's reported a 3% year-over-year increase in total sales to $20.8 billion, with comparable sales growing by 0.4%, driven by strong pro sales and an 11.4% increase in online sales [5]. - The retailer experienced positive comparable sales in 10 out of 14 product categories, including appliances and flooring [5]. - Similar to Home Depot, Lowe's saw a decline in profits, with operating income falling over 2% to $2.5 billion and net income decreasing by 4.7% to $1.6 billion [6]. Market Trends - Big-ticket purchases at Home Depot grew by 2.3%, but there is a noted decline in engagement for larger discretionary projects, which are typically financed by customers [7]. - Both Home Depot and Lowe's have updated their full-year outlooks, including lowering profit forecasts due to ongoing market uncertainties [7].

Core Insights - Home Depot reported a 1% decrease in earnings to $3.74 per share adjusted, missing analyst expectations of $3.84 per share [1] - Sales increased by 2.8% to $41.35 billion, which was below market expectations [1] Company Performance - Home Depot's stock retreated following the earnings report and lowered outlook [1] - The performance of Home Depot is contrasted with rival Lowe's, which is set to report earnings soon [1] Market Context - The Dow Jones index experienced a significant drop of 300 points, with Home Depot, Nvidia, and Palantir being early losers in the market [2]

Lowe’s Cos. reported profit that topped expectations on a pickup in online sales and growth in demand from professional contractors. Adjusted earnings per share were $3.06 in the third quarter, the company said in a statement Wednesday, compared with the $3.00 estimate of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Most Read from Bloomberg Lowe’s reported positive same-store sales growth for a second consecutive quarter on strength in its digital channel and in home services. It saw “continued growth” in sales to p ...

Financial Performance - Lowe's profit exceeded expectations [1] Market Trends - Consumer spending on home renovations contributed to Lowe's profit [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lowe's reported higher third-quarter sales, leveraging its online business to mitigate challenges in the home improvement market [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The increase in sales during the third quarter indicates a successful adaptation to market conditions [1] - The online business has played a crucial role in offsetting weaknesses in the traditional home improvement sector [1] Group 2: Market Context - The home improvement market is currently experiencing a downturn, which has affected many retailers in the sector [1] - Lowe's ability to maintain sales growth amidst these challenges highlights its competitive positioning and strategic focus on e-commerce [1]

Lowe's stock bounces after third-quarter sales of stores open more than a year rise more than expected, but also outpace those of rival Home Depot. ...