LOW

Housing is stalling, guidance is shrinking, and buybacks have gone quiet. Yet one line item at Lowe's keeps climbing, and the size of next spring's raise could reveal how worried management really is.

Housing stocks soared in response to the Democratic victory in the midterm election. Interest rates edged lower, a sign investors expect inflation to ease.

Lowe's (LOW) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.

LOW is strengthening its Pro business through targeted investments, digital tools and acquisitions, supporting growth despite weak DIY and remodeling demand.

Four companies have raised their dividends every single year for at least half a century, but not all of them carry the same risks heading into retirement.

Dividend Aristocrats underperformed SPY in September but rebounded sharply in October, narrowing the YTD gap. NOBL and the average Aristocrat have YTD returns of 13.13% and 13.35%, trailing SPY's 14.15%. Dividend growth among Aristocrats accelerated, with the 2026 average increase now at 4.55%, bolstered by recent double-digit hikes.

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Floor & Decor stand to benefit from America's aging housing stock. Renos and new decor can't be put off forever.

Home Depot's Pro investments, sales growth and digital gains contrast with Lowe's contractor expansion, margin improvement and lower valuation.

Buying a home has become increasingly unaffordable, with rising interest rates only adding to the headwind. At the same time, people with existing lower-rate mortgages may be reluctant to move, since they'd have to take on a higher-rate mortgage.

Fifty-plus years of unbroken dividend raises sounds impressive until you ask whether the cash flow actually backs it up.