LOW - Lowe's: Better Results May Be In The Price (Rating Downgrade)

2024-04-04 20:23:26 ET

Summary

• Lowe's shares have performed well, gaining 19% in the past year, but it may be time to take profits.
• The company's 2024 outlook is disappointing, but it is likely conservative, given scope for sequential improvement.
• Existing housing market fundamentals should boost DIY sales, while Lowe's may struggle to grow its pro business as quickly as hoped.

Shares have Lowe’s ( LOW ) have been a reasonable performer over the past year, gaining 19%, as the housing market has withstood pressures from higher rates better than many investors may have feared. Since recommending shares as a buy in October , Lowe’s has rallied by over 31%, ahead of the market’s 26% gain. Shares have actually eclipsed my $215 price target from several months ago, raising the question of whether it is time to take profits. This has come even as the company’s 2024 outlook is disappointing to me, though I view it as conservative. Still, I would be inclined to take profits here, as I believe the market is also pricing in a higher EPS result than guidance....

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