Key insights
- Citigroup upgraded Lowe's to "Buy," citing its potential to outperform competitors despite macroeconomic headwinds and a weak housing market. The broader retail sector faces uncertainty due to concerns about consumer demand and rising fuel prices, but most retailers are expected to meet or slightly exceed earnings expectations. This suggests a mildly positive outlook for Lowe's specifically, but caution for the overall retail sector.
Investing.com -- Analysts at Citigroup upgraded Lowe's to “Buy” in a new earnings preview report, arguing the home improvement retailer is well-positioned to outperform rivals despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and a sluggish housing market.
The report, covering the U.S. broadlines and hardlines retail sector ahead of first-quarter earnings, said the group has underperformed in 2026 amid fears over weakening consumer demand and rising fuel prices. Citi noted, however, that most retailers are still expected to deliver results that are in line with or slightly above Wall Street expectations.