Lowe's approaches its fiscal second-quarter earnings with a different mix of opportunities and risks from its larger rival Home Depot. While both retailers are exposed to the same difficult housing environment, Lowe's remains more dependent on the do-it-yourself customer, making consumer confidence, household budgets and housing affordability particularly important indicators for traders.
The company is scheduled to report its second-quarter 2026 results on August 19, one day after Home Depot. That sequencing could make Lowe's report especially important for investors looking for confirmation of whether the weakness in home improvement is stabilizing or becoming more entrenched.
The key issue is whether Lowe's can continue taking market share even if the broader home improvement market remains broadly flat.
Lowe's delivered a relatively solid fiscal first quarter. Sales increased to $23.1 billion from $20.9 billion a year earlier, while comparable sales rose 0.6%. The company benefited from strong spring execution, a 15.5% increase in online sales, and continued strength in appliances, home services and Pro sales.
Reported diluted EPS came in at $2.90, compared with $2.92 a year earlier. However, the quarter included $96 million of pre-tax expenses related to the acquisitions of Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 3.8% to $3.03.

#home #quarter #remains