Lowe's Q2 Results: Analysts cut targets ahead of Aug 19 earnings
Lowe's Companies Inc prepares to release Q2 earnings on August 19, with analysts projecting EPS of $4.23 and revenue of $26.12 billion. Despite a recent dividend hike to $1.25 per share, major firms including Wells Fargo and JP Morgan have lowered their price targets, reflecting cautious sentiment ahead of the report.

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Lowe's Companies Inc (NYSE: LOW) will release its second-quarter earnings report before the market opens on Wednesday, August 19. Analysts expect the Mooresville, North Carolina-based home improvement retailer to report quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $4.23, down from $4.33 in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue is $26.12 billion, compared to $23.96 billion reported last year, according to Benzinga Pro.
The company raised its quarterly dividend from $1.20 to $1.25 per share on May 29. Lowe's shares fell 0.1% to close at $215.64 on Tuesday.
Analyst Revisions
Several top-rated analysts have adjusted their outlooks for Lowe's stock in recent weeks. While maintaining positive ratings, most firms lowered their price targets.
| Analyst / Firm | Rating | Price Target Change | Date | Accuracy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zachary Fadem (Wells Fargo) | Overweight | Slashed from $255 to $245 | Aug 11, 2026 | 78% |
| Christopher Horvers (JP Morgan) | Overweight | Cut from $279 to $252 | July 31, 2026 | 70% |
| Peter Keith (Piper Sandler) | Overweight | Lowered from $276 to $274 | Aug 13, 2026 | 67% |
| Steven Shemesh (RBC Capital) | Sector Perform | Cut from $232 to $231 | Aug 12, 2026 | 60% |
| Steven Zaccone (Citigroup) | Buy | Cut from $285 to $267 | Aug 13, 2026 | 53% |
What the Numbers Show
The divergence between revenue expectations and EPS estimates suggests margin pressure or higher costs. While consensus revenue estimates imply growth from $23.96 billion to $26.12 billion, EPS expectations have declined from $4.33 to $4.23. This indicates that the anticipated top-line growth may not translate directly into bottom-line profitability at previous levels.
Additionally, the recent dividend increase to $1.25 per share represents a commitment to shareholder returns despite the downward revision in analyst price targets. The highest accuracy analyst among those listed, Zachary Fadem of Wells Fargo (78%), slashed the price target by $10, signaling significant caution regarding near-term valuation.
What specific cost drivers or margin pressures are expected to offset the projected 9% revenue growth and result in lower EPS?
How will the recent dividend increase impact Lowe's free cash flow and capital allocation strategy in the near term?
Will Lowe's management provide updated full-year guidance that addresses the widening gap between top-line growth and bottom-line profitability?
























