Lowe's (LOW) Q1 2026 Earnings Preview: What Analysts Are Watching
Key Takeaways
- Analysts expect Q1 2026 revenue around $22.9 billion, reflecting about 9% year-over-year growth.
- Consensus EPS estimate stands at approximately $2.96 for the quarter.
- Investors are focused on continued momentum in the Pro segment versus softer DIY demand.
- Management is likely to reaffirm full-year fiscal 2026 guidance of $92 billion to $94 billion in sales.
- Comparable sales are projected to range from flat to up 2% for the year.
- Operating margin guidance targets 11.2% to 11.4% for fiscal 2026.
Why the Upcoming Report Matters
Lowe's Companies, Inc. reports its fiscal quarters on a retail calendar ending in late January, making the first quarter of fiscal 2026 a critical checkpoint early in the year. Following solid fourth-quarter 2025 results released in February, this report will shed light on spring demand trends in home improvement. With housing market conditions remaining mixed, I think investors will look to earnings for signals on Pro customer growth and overall margin stability. The report also sets the tone for how the company is tracking toward its full-year targets amid broader economic uncertainty.
Earnings Expectations in Detail
Wall Street analysts project revenue of roughly $22.9 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up approximately 9% from the prior year. Diluted earnings per share are expected to come in near $2.96. These figures build on last year’s performance and align with the company’s broader fiscal 2026 guidance for total sales between $92 billion and $94 billion. Investors will closely watch comparable sales trends, with expectations for results ranging from flat to up 2% for the full year. The Pro segment is anticipated to deliver double-digit growth, while the DIY business may face headwinds from a cautious housing market. Management is expected to provide updates on operating margins, targeted at 11.2% to 11.4% for the year, and any commentary on capital spending or share repurchase plans. To get a clearer picture of how LOW compares with peers, I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener.
Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment
Sentiment heading into the earnings report remains cautiously optimistic, supported by the company’s recent track record of meeting or exceeding expectations. Traders are watching for any signs of acceleration in Pro sales or commentary on consumer spending resilience. Key risk factors include potential downside surprises in DIY comparable sales or margin pressure from promotional activity. Historical patterns show the stock often experiences elevated volatility in the days surrounding the release, with moves driven by how results align with or diverge from consensus estimates.
Using AI Tools to Refine the Analysis
When preparing for earnings like this one, I find it helpful to run a few targeted scans first. Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. AI Screener
Forward Outlook and Key Factors to Monitor
Following the earnings release, investors should focus on management’s updated views on full-year comparable sales and operating margins. Guidance reaffirmation or any adjustments will help shape expectations for the remainder of fiscal 2026.
Attention will also turn to early indicators of summer demand, including weather-related sales trends and Pro customer activity. Supply chain efficiency and inventory management remain important, as does the pace of share repurchases under the company’s capital return program.
Broader industry dynamics, such as interest rate movements and housing affordability, will continue to influence the outlook. Monitoring these elements will provide clearer insight into Lowe’s trajectory through the balance of the year.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
Contributor
Financial writer and active order flow futures trader with a focus on fundamental analysis, macroeconomic factors, and equity research. I make in-depth blogs on stocks and ETFs, bridging the gap between raw market data and real-world trading decisions.
LOW sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
LOW saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on August 21, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 instances where the indicator turned negative. In of the 47 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In of 60 cases where LOW's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on August 20, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on LOW as a result. In of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LOW declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
LOW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on July 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
LOW moved above its 50-day moving average on August 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LOW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on August 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LOW advanced for three days, in of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In of 258 cases where LOW Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are .
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.000) is normal, around the industry mean (6.051). P/E Ratio (18.266) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.821). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.453) is also within normal values, averaging (1.524). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.033) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.338) is also within normal values, averaging (1.045).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LOW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LOW’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock better than average.
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General Information
a company, which engages in the retail sale of home improvement products
Industry HomeImprovementChains
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