5 Stocks in Focus After Posting Their Earnings Reports

1. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 72

Shares of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) slightly moved up on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, following its upbeat financial performance for the fourth quarter. The home improvement retailer earned $1.78 per share, compared to $1.32 per share in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Revenue for the quarter improved 5 percent versus last year to $21.3 billion. Analysts were expecting Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) to report earnings of $1.70 per share on revenue of $20.87 billion.

Looking forward, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) lifted its FY 2022 earnings outlook to a range of $13.10 – $13.60 per share, compared to its earlier projection between $12.25 – $13 per share. The revised outlook is above the consensus of $12.94 per share.

Discussing the results, CEO Marvin Ellison said in a statement:

“In 2021, we increased comparable sales by 6.9% while generating over 170 basis points of operating margin improvement, with our relentless focus on productivity and enhanced pricing strategies.  We remain confident in the long-term strength of the home improvement market, and our ability to expand operating margin.”

You can also take a peek at Jim Cramer’s Top 10 Stock Picks for 2022 and Top 10 Stock Picks of Thomas Bancroft’s Makaira Partners.

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