Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

W. P. Carey remains a hold due to limited upside, despite strong portfolio diversification and high occupancy metrics. WPC's 98%+ occupancy and 12.1-year WALT outperform the industrial market, supported by a well-laddered lease expiration schedule. Financial stability is underscored by 40% leverage, 4.7x fixed charge coverage, and a 71.4% AFFO payout ratio, supporting a secure 5% dividend yield.

Key Takeaways WPC increased its quarterly dividend 1.1% to 94 cents per share, payable July 15, 2026.WPC reported 98.1% occupancy and 2.4% contractual same-store rent growth in Q1 2026.WPC raised 2026 investment guidance to $1.5-$2.0B and had $2.8B of liquidity as of March 31, 2026. W.P. Carey (WPC - Free Report) recently announced a 1.1% hike in its dividend. WPC will now pay a quarterly cash dividend of 94 cents per share, up from 93 cents paid in the prior quarter. The increased amount will be paid out on July 15, 2026 to shareholders on record as of June 30, 2026. Based on the increased rate, the annual dividend comes to $3.76 a share, resulting in an annualized yield of 5%, considering WPC’s closing price of $75.58 on June 11, 2026.

Solid dividend payouts are arguably the biggest enticement for investment in REIT stocks. However, in December 2023, WPC reduced its dividend to 86 cents from the prior quarter's dividend payment of $1.07. The move resulted from the company’s strategic plan to exit its office assets and maintain a lower payout ratio. Thereafter, it maintained a disciplined capital distribution strategy and started increasing gradually, which is encouraging. Check out W.P. Carey’s dividend history here.

WPC’s Dividend Payout: Sustainable or Not?W.P. Carey has one of the largest portfolios of single-tenant net lease commercial real estate in the United States, and Northern and Western Europe. The company invests in assets that are mission-critical for its tenants’ operations. As of March 31, 2026, occupancy stood at 98.1% across 1,703 net-leased properties, reflecting the operational importance of the portfolio to tenants.

W.P. Carey’s portfolio is well-diversified by tenant, industry, property type and geography, aiding steady revenue generation. The existence of long-term net leases with built-in rent escalations yields stable cash flows. The company witnessed contractual same-store rent growth of 2.4% in the first quarter of 2026.

W.P. Carey has been capitalizing on growth opportunities. From the beginning of the year through April 28, 2026, the company completed $682.0 million of investments. Management raised 2026 investment volume guidance to $1.5-$2 billion while keeping disposition guidance at $250-$750 million. As of March 31, 2026, active capital investments and commitments totaled $178.8 million for completion in 2026, supporting a multi-quarter growth runway.

W.P. Carey has a healthy balance sheet position with ample liquidity. As of March 31, 2026, the company had a total liquidity of $2.8 billion, driven by revolver capacity, cash on hand and available proceeds under forward equity sale agreements. WPC’s share of net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 5.7X as of March 31, 2026. It also enjoys investment-grade ratings of BBB+ from S&P Global Ratings and Baa1 from Moody’s, rendering it favorable access to the debt market.

With solid fundamentals and earnings performance, we expect the latest dividend rate to be sustainable in the long run. Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 15% over the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 11.2%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Other REITs That Recently Announced Dividend IncreasesOn June 9, Realty Income Corporation (O - Free Report) , branded as “The Monthly Dividend Company,” announced another dividend boost, raising its monthly payout to 27.10 cents per share from 27.05 cents. While modest, it represents Realty Income’s 135th increase since its 1994 NYSE debut. Payable on July 15 to shareholders on record as of June 30, the hike equates to an annualized dividend of $3.252 compared with the prior annualized dividend amount of $3.246 per share. Realty Income presently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

On May 11, Simon Property Group (SPG - Free Report) announced a 7.1% year-over-year hike and 2.3% sequential hike in its quarterly cash dividend to $2.25 per share from $2.20 paid out in the prior quarter. The increased dividend will be paid out on June 30 to stockholders on record as of the close of business on June 9. The latest dividend rate of SPG marks an annualized amount of $9 per share compared with the prior rate of $8.80. Simon Property currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO), a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.

Lowe's reported Q1 came in ahead of expectations, and the outlook for the year ahead was reaffirmed. Though reaffirmed, guidance was below consensus and soft on the bottom-line. Current results showed continuing strength in Lowe's pro business, offset by weakness in the DIY category.

While Lowe’s Corporation NYSE: LOW and competitors like Home Depot NYSE: HD face headwinds and hurdles in 2026, the technical setup is shaping up for a rebound in the back half. While Q1 earnings results were good, the soft guidance led to post-release market weakness, which is the operative factor.

Lowe's Companies Today

LOW

Lowe's Companies

$220.57 -0.48 (-0.22%)

As of 03:59 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$203.40▼

$293.06Dividend Yield2.27%

P/E Ratio18.64

Price Target$264.57

The post-release weakness in LOW shares took the price below $215 and triggered a robust response. The response? Buying. Whether it was bottom-seekers, value-hunters, or income investors doesn’t matter. What matters is that support was confirmed at a level that has been in play for years.

Get Lowe's Companies alerts:

First reached in the wake of the COVID-19 scare and subsequent market explosion, $215 is now a critical pivot point for this market. The question now is whether Lowe’s can sustain business and grow from its 2026 levels, or whether it’s facing a contraction. The likely outcome, based on store-count growth and positive Q1 comps, is that Lowe’s can continue to grow from this level, generating ample cash flow and paying investors while it does so. Growth is unlikely to be robust, but there is always hope that the housing market thaws. As it stands, Lowe’s growth is centered on market share gains, digital, and its pro segment.

Lowe’s Outperforms in Q1: Cautious Guidance Overshadowed Financial StrengthLowe’s had a decent Q1, with revenue of $23.10 up 10.4%. The growth was driven in large part by the FBM acquisition, but organic strength was present. Comps increased by 0.6%, underpinned by growth pillars including Home Services, Pro, and appliances. Digital was also critical to the strength, increasing by 15.5% as consumers lean into same-day delivery and pick-up. The company’s efforts to improve fulfillment, marketing, and customer experiences are paying off.

Margin news was good. The company experienced margin pressures, but less than expected, leaving the gross, operating, and net profit above consensus forecasts. Adjusted earnings outpaced consensus by approximately 200 bps, outpacing the top-line strength by 100 bps, and led to accelerated balance sheet improvement. Balance sheet highlights continue to reflect a high-debt position resulting from aggressive share count reduction, but improvements were logged, including increases in retained earnings and equity.

Catalysts for the share price include the company’s cash flow and potential to reduce debt in the upcoming quarters. The downside is that share buybacks have been put on hold; the upside is that debt reduction will enable future, sustainable buybacks and improve shareholder leverage. Until then, the dividend is reliable. Lowe’s is a Dividend King, has increased its payout for more than 60 years, and pays less than 40% of its annualized earnings forecast. The distribution growth rate may moderate in the coming years, but distribution increases are not expected to end anytime soon.

Analysts Set Floor for Lowe’s Stock: Aligns With Technical SupportAnalysts’ trends have contributed to Lowe’s stock price decline in 2025 and 2026, as they have steadily reduced price targets over that period. However, the post-release activity suggests the trend is ending. The first revisions to show up include reaffirmed ratings and price targets aligning with a bullish consensus.

Lowe's Companies Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$264.57
20.41% Upside

Moderate Buy
Based on 36 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$219.73High Forecast$300.00Average Forecast$264.57Low Forecast$202.00Lowe's Companies Stock Forecast Details

MarketBeat tracks 35 analysts rating Lowe’s as a consensus Moderate Buy; they have 63% Buy-side bias, and see the stock advancing 20% from the critical support target. Looking ahead, forward earnings forecasts suggest this stock can rise by 100% within the next five to 10 years.

Institutions present a risk, but it may be passing, given the stock price action. The institutional group owns 75% of Lowe’s stock and sold on balance in early Q2. If this persists, Lowe’s stock will struggle to recover from its floor. The offsetting detail is the trailing 12-month balance, which is greater than $2-to-$1 in favor of bulls. With this in play, the likely outcome is that early Q2 sellers revert to buying, and institutional activity underpins the late May price action.

Late May price action is more bullish than it appears. The guidance update triggered a sell-off, but the floor was reached, an intraday rebound followed, and a doji candle was formed. The doji is a sign of indecision and, in this case, marks the end of a downtrend but not necessarily an immediate rebound.

The market is still below its moving averages, which are the first hurdle for price action. No sustained rally will form until these levels are crossed and confirmed as support.

Should You Invest $1,000 in Lowe's Companies Right Now?Before you consider Lowe's Companies, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Lowe's Companies wasn't on the list.

While Lowe's Companies currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Looking for the next FAANG stock before everyone has heard about it? Click the link to see which stocks MarketBeat analysts think might become the next trillion dollar tech company.

Get This Free Report

As the housing market enters a new phase in 2026, many investors are choosing between Lowe's Companies (LOW 0.20%) and The Home Depot (HD +0.73%) to capture a recovery in the home improvement space.

Both retailers dominate the home improvement market, but they cater to slightly different needs. While one leans heavily into professional contractors, the other has historically focused on do-it-yourself homeowners. Comparing these giants involves looking how they match up on scale, profitability, and valuations to see which offers a more compelling opportunity for investors.

The case for Lowe's CompaniesLowe's operates 1,748 stores across the United States. It sells maintenance, repair, and remodeling products to both do-it-yourself shoppers and professional contractors. The company has focused on improving its digital offerings and expanding its "Pro" customer base to boost sales stability.

In fiscal 2025, revenue reached $86 billion, up roughly 3% from the prior year. The company generated net income of approximately $6.7 billion during this period. Net margin, the percentage of revenue retained as profit, was roughly 7.7%.

As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 4.2, indicating that debt exceeds shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures a company's ability to pay short-term debts with its short-term assets, is roughly 1.1. Free cash flow, or the cash left over after paying for operating costs and equipment, was nearly $7.7 billion for fiscal 2025.

Today's Change

(

-0.20

%) $

-0.43

Current Price

$

220.62

The case for The Home DepotThe Home Depot operates a massive network of 2,359 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It serves three main groups, including do-it-yourself, do-it-for-me, and professional customers. The company focuses on large-scale logistics and e-commerce to maintain its position among home improvement retailers.

For 2025, revenue reached nearly $165 billion, showing growth of roughly 3.2%. Net income for the year was nearly $14.2 billion. Its net margin of 8.6% reflects the profit remaining after all expenses are paid.

As of its February 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 5.1. This ratio measures how much debt a company uses relative to its shareholder equity. The current ratio, which compares short-term assets to short-term debts, is approximately 1.1, while free cash flow reached nearly $12.6 billion during the fiscal year.

Today's Change

(

0.73

%) $

2.38

Current Price

$

328.39

Risk profile comparisonLowe's faces intense competition from physical retailers like Walmart and digital giants like Amazon. Its performance relies heavily on the health of the housing market and consumer spending levels. Disruptions in the supply chain or rising labor and material costs could also impact its bottom line.

The Home Depot is also sensitive to economic shifts, particularly high interest rates, which can slow large renovation projects. The company has recently acquired businesses like SRS and GMS, which carry risks of integrating these large operations. Failure to stay ahead of competitors in price and service could result in a loss of market share.

Valuation comparisonLowe's appears to be the more value-oriented choice based on its lower Forward P/E, which compares the stock price to future earnings estimates, and its lower P/S ratio.

MetricLowe's CompaniesThe Home DepotSector BenchmarkForward P/E17.0x20.7x29.6xP/S ratio1.4x1.9xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLY sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Both companies are set up to accelerate growth when the housing market recovers. There should be plenty of pent-up demand as higher interest rates have held back big purchases for the last few years.

These companies closely match in terms of financial health, capital efficiency, margins, and the strategic investments they are making to drive growth. They are both pursuing the same AI opportunities to help customers plan their projects.

Home Depot is the better dividend stock, offering a high yield of about 2.9%, compared to Lowe’s 2.2%. However, analysts expect Lowe’s to grow earnings at about 9% annually, compared with about 5% for Home Depot.

Moreover, Lowe’s forward P/E of 17 is cheaper than Home Depot’s 21 earnings multiple. Given the difference in valuation and growth expectations, Lowe’s appears to be the more attractive stock right now. I would buy Home Depot for the yield, but Lowe’s may offer more upside when demand picks up.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of one dollar and 25 cents ($1.25) per share, payable Aug. 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of July 22, 2026. This represents a 4% increase over the company's previous dividend of one dollar and 20 cents ($1.20) per share.

"I am pleased with our company's continued disciplined execution while at the same time investing in our Total Home strategy for the future. The momentum we are building across our strategic initiatives continues to position Lowe's for long-term growth," said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe's chairman, president and CEO. "Today's dividend increase underscores the board's confidence in the company's trajectory, our disciplined capital allocation strategy and our commitment to delivering sustainable shareholder value."

Lowe's has paid a cash dividend every quarter since going public in 1961. It has increased the dividend for more than 25 consecutive years and values its status as a Dividend Aristocrat.

About Lowe's

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company with total fiscal 2025 sales of more than $86 billion. Lowe's employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,750 home improvement stores, 540 branches and 120 distribution centers. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "desire", "project", "estimate", "intend", "will", "should", "could", "would", "may", "strategy", "potential", "opportunity", "outlook", "scenario", "guidance", and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve, among other things, expectations, projections and assumptions about future financial and operating results, objectives (including objectives related to environmental and social matters), business outlook, priorities, sales growth, shareholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for products and services including customer acceptance of new offerings and initiatives, macroeconomic conditions and consumer spending, trade policy changes and additional tariffs, and Lowe's strategic initiatives, including those relating to acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of such transactions on our strategic and operational plans and financial results. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

A wide variety of potential risks, uncertainties, and other factors could materially affect our ability to achieve the results either expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, such as volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing to Lowe's and its customers, slower rates of growth in real disposable personal income that could affect the rate of growth in consumer spending, inflation and its impacts on discretionary spending and on our costs, shortages and other disruptions in the labor supply, interest rate and currency fluctuations, home price appreciation or decreasing housing turnover, age of housing stock, the availability of consumer credit and of mortgage financing, trade policy changes or additional tariffs, outbreaks of pandemics, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, geopolitical or armed conflicts, acts of both domestic and international terrorism, and other factors that can negatively affect our customers.

Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties, risks and potential events including, but not limited to, those described in "Item 1A - Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be updated from time to time in Item 1A in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or other subsequent filings with the SEC. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements other than as required by law.

Contacts:

Shareholder / Analyst Inquiries:

Media Inquiries:

Shelly Hubbard

Steve Salazar

704-775-3856

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

On June 02, 2026, we delve into the DCF analysis for Lowe's Companies Inc LOW . The company has experienced a challenging price performance, with a year-to-date decline of 13.1% and a one-month drop of 11.0%. This context sets the stage for our valuation analysis.

DCF Earnings-based intrinsic value of $298.28 vs current price of $207.70 (margin of safety: 30.4%) DCF FCF-based intrinsic value of $295.98 vs current price (second opinion: modestly undervalued with 29.8% margin of safety) GF Score™ of 86/100 indicates a strong reliability of the DCF inputs What Is LOW Worth? DCF Earnings-Based Model To determine the intrinsic value of Lowe's Companies Inc, we utilize a two-stage DCF model. The first stage captures the growth phase, where we expect earnings per share (EPS) to grow at a robust rate of 16.1% annually for the next ten years. The second stage reflects a transition to a more stable growth rate of 4% for the subsequent ten years. The discount rate applied to both stages is 11%, which accounts for the risk-free rate and equity risk premium.

Parameter Value Current EPS (TTM, excl. non-recurring) $12.40 10-Year Growth Rate 16.1% 10-Year Treasury Rate 4.43% Discount Rate (ceil(Treasury) + 6%) 11% Terminal Growth Rate 4% In the growth stage (Years 1-10), the EPS is projected to grow at 16.1%, resulting in a calculated value of $160.08 per share. In the terminal stage (Years 11-20), the growth rate slows to 4%, yielding a terminal stage value of $138.20 per share. Summing these values gives us an intrinsic value of $298.28 per share.

Stage Description Value Growth Stage (Years 1-10) EPS growing at 16.1%, discounted at 11% $160.08 Terminal Stage (Years 11-20) 4% terminal growth, discounted at 11% $138.20 Intrinsic Value Growth + Terminal $298.28 With the current price at $207.70 compared to the intrinsic value of $298.28, Lowe's appears significantly undervalued, with a margin of safety of 30.4%. It is important to note that GuruFocus uses EPS excluding non-recurring items because research indicates that stock prices are more closely correlated with earnings than free cash flow. For further calculations, you can visit the LOW DCF Calculator.

What Does the Free Cash Flow DCF Say? In addition to the earnings-based DCF model, we also consider the free cash flow (FCF) DCF model, which yields an intrinsic value of $295.98 per share. This value aligns closely with the earnings-based intrinsic value, reinforcing the conclusion that Lowe's is modestly undervalued with a margin of safety of 29.8%.

How Does GF Value™ Compare to the DCF Models? The GF Value™ of Lowe's Companies Inc is calculated at $248.31, providing a third perspective on the company's valuation. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure derived from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. All three models—the DCF earnings, DCF FCF, and GF Value™—indicate that Lowe's is undervalued, supporting a consistent view of the company's market position. For more details, visit the GF Value™ page.

What Does LOW's GF Score™ Tell Us? The GF Score™ ranks stocks on a scale from 0 to 100 based on five critical aspects: Financial Strength, Profitability, Growth, Valuation, and Momentum. Stocks with higher GF Score™ values have historically generated superior long-term returns (backtested from 2006 to 2021).

Metric Rating GF Score™ 86/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 9/10 Growth 7/10 Valuation 10/10 Momentum 7/10 The predictability rank for Lowe's is 1 out of 5 stars, indicating that the DCF model may be less reliable for this stock. For more information, visit the LOW stock page.

Key Assumptions and Limitations It is crucial to recognize that DCF models are highly sensitive to the assumptions made regarding growth rates and discount rates. Stocks with low predictability ratings, such as Lowe's, tend to produce less reliable DCF estimates. The terminal growth rate of 4% is a simplifying assumption that may not fully capture the complexities of future growth.

What This Means for Investors In synthesizing the three valuation models—DCF earnings, DCF FCF, and GF Value™—we find a clear consensus that Lowe's Companies Inc is undervalued. The intrinsic values derived from both DCF models significantly exceed the current market price, while the GF Value™ also supports this assessment.

For the full DCF analysis, visit the LOW DCF Calculator. You can also explore the GF Value™ page, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find undervalued predictable companies.

Frequently Asked Questions What is LOW's intrinsic value based on DCF?

[Answer: earnings-based $298.27, FCF-based $295.98]

Is LOW overvalued or undervalued?

[Answer using DCF + GF Value™ consensus]

How reliable is the DCF model for LOW?

[Answer using predictability rank 1/5]

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Lowe's (LOW - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Over the past month, shares of this home improvement retailer have returned -3.2%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's no change. During this period, the Zacks Retail - Home Furnishings industry, which Lowe's falls in, has gained 0.3%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.

Lowe's is expected to post earnings of $4.26 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -1.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -4.1%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $12.48 points to a change of +1.6% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -1%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $13.47 indicates a change of +7.9% from what Lowe's is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -2%.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Lowe's is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

In the case of Lowe's, the consensus sales estimate of $26.25 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +9.6%. The $93.09 billion and $96.14 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +7.9% and +3.3%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryLowe's reported revenues of $23.08 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +10.3%. EPS of $3.03 for the same period compares with $2.92 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $22.94 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +0.62%. The EPS surprise was +2.36%.

The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates two times over this period.

ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.

While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.

The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Lowe's is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Lowe's. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announces that Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer, and Brandon J. Sink, chief financial officer, will participate in a virtual fireside chat hosted by Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

What:

Marvin Ellison and Brandon Sink to participate in virtual fireside chat hosted by Brian Nagel from Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

When:

9 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 18, 2026

Where:

Visit Lowe's Investor Relations at ir.lowes.com for the video webcast

A link will be displayed under "Events & Presentations"

How:

Watch live online – the archived webcast will be available at the same location approximately 24 hours after the conclusion of the live event

About Lowe's

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company with total fiscal 2025 sales of more than $86 billion. Lowe's employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,750 home improvement stores, 540 branches and 120 distribution centers. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com.  

LOW-IR

Contacts: 

Shareholder /Analyst Inquiries:           

Media Inquiries:         

Shelly Hubbard                                 

Steve Salazar

704-775-3856                                               

[email protected]

[email protected]                      

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Also from this source

Travelers' underwriting strength, rising investment income and tech investments support growth despite catastrophe and inflation risks.

-

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (May 18-22), The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is providing guidance to help homeowners protect themselves from potential fraud when recovering from a storm.

“In the aftermath of a storm, the desire to return to normalcy can drive homeowners toward rushed decisions about which contractors to trust,” said Pranay Mittal, Vice President of Travelers Investigative Services. “Knowing how to identify fraudulent behavior isn’t just helpful – it can mean the difference between a seamless recovery and an expensive mistake.”

Travelers Investigative Services brings deep expertise to the fight against insurance fraud, delivering exceptional support to customers at every stage of the claim process. By partnering with leading industry organizations – including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud – Travelers continuously advances its fraud detection capabilities and stays ahead of evolving schemes.

“Fraudulent contractors act as business enterprises, using high-pressure sales tactics and promising quick fixes to take advantage of people in their most vulnerable state,” said David J. Glawe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NICB. “The financial toll of contractor fraud extends far beyond the homeowner who gets scammed. These crimes also inflate costs for every policyholder. Awareness is the key to protecting homeowners from falling victim to fraud.”

To help protect against contractor fraud, Travelers recommends that property owners:

Contact insurers or independent agents to review policies. Before signing any contract or agreement, engage your insurance carrier or agent. They can explain your coverage options and help ensure you don’t unknowingly waive your rights. Many insurers, including Travelers, maintain networks of pre-vetted contractors they can recommend. Insist on a written contract. This is a standard industry practice, so be wary of any contractor who pressures you to skip this step. Never pay in full upfront. Large advance payments are a hallmark of fraudulent contractors. A reasonable deposit may be appropriate, but full payment should only follow completed, verified work. Watch for red flags. High-pressure sales tactics, vague answers, reluctance to provide references and allegations of government endorsement are all warning signs. Research contractors before they’re needed. Check licenses, look up reviews and consult the Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone. Create a list of insured and well-reviewed local contractors and keep their contact information accessible. For additional guidance on identifying and avoiding fraudulent contractors, visit Travelers’ vendor tool kit and contractor hiring checklist.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of nearly $49 billion in 2025. For more information, visit Travelers.com.

More News From The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Back to Newsroom

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Travelers (TRV - Free Report) Established in 1853 and is based in New York, NY, The Travelers Companies Inc., a holding company, is principally engaged, through its subsidiaries, in providing a wide variety of property and casualty insurance and surety products and services to businesses, organizations and individuals in the United States. and select international markets.

TRV is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 10.9; value investors should take notice.

12 analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.78 to $28.03 per share. TRV boasts an average earnings surprise of +40.4%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, TRV should be on investors' short list.

Image: Bigstock

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways Global commercial insurance rates declined 5% in Q1 2026, marking a seventh straight quarterly drop. Higher bond yields, investment income and underwriting discipline likely supported insurer profitability. Technology spending and strong capital levels are aiding efficiency, M&A and shareholder payouts. The Zacks Property and Casualty Insurance industry is placed within the top 29% of the 245 Zacks industries. It currently carries Zack Industry Rank #72. The insurers remain well-poised for growth, riding on better pricing, prudent underwriting, increased exposure, an improving rate environment, a solid capital position and ongoing economic expansion.

The property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry has lost 4.1% in the past year compared with the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the Finance sector’s growth of 31% and 12.9%, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Driving ForcesGlobal commercial insurance rates declined, on average, by 5% in the first quarter of 2026, following a 4% decline in the fourth quarter of 2025. This marked the seventh consecutive quarter of rate decreases, per the Marsh Global Insurance Market Index. The downward rate movement continues to be driven by abundant capacity and intense insurer competition across most major product lines, per the Marsh Global Insurance Market Index.

Price hikes, operational strength, higher retention, strong renewal, and the appointment of retail agents should help write higher premiums. Per Deloitte Insights, gross premiums are estimated to exceed $722 billion by 2030.

Aon has estimated that global insured catastrophe losses amounted to at least $20 billion in the first quarter of 2026, 6% above the 21st-century average. Aon’s report also noted that natural catastrophes in the United States accounted for more than 75% of global insured losses in the first quarter of 2026, reaching around $16 billion.

Per Gallagher Re, global natural catastrophe events in the first quarter of 2026 resulted in an estimated $58 billion in direct economic losses. Per Gallagher Re, in the first quarter of 2026, global and regional natural catastrophe activity and loss totals were comparatively lower than the first three months of previous years.

Underwriting profit is likely to have benefited from better pricing, reinsurance arrangements, portfolio repositioning, reinsurance covers and favorable reserve development.

The Fed left the federal funds rate steady at the 3.5-3.75% target range for a second consecutive meeting in March 2026, in line with expectations. The Fed still projects a single rate cut in 2026, but also expects inflation and economic growth to rise from its previous projections.

A larger investment asset base, strong cash flow from operating activities, higher bond yields, and an increase in interest income from fixed-maturity securities are expected to have aided net investment income.

The insurance industry’s increased use of technology like blockchain, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, telematics, cloud computing and robotic process automation expedites business operations. Insurers continue to invest heavily in technology to improve basis points, scale and efficiencies. These investments are likely to have curbed costs and aided the margins of insurers in the first quarter.

    A solid capital position is likely to have aided insurers in strategic mergers and acquisitions to sharpen their competitive edge, expand geographically and diversify their portfolio. Sustained wealth distribution to shareholders via dividend hikes, special dividends and share repurchases instill confidence in the insurers.

Given the bright prospects of the industry, growth stocks like Mercury General Corporation (MCY - Free Report) , Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF - Free Report) and The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV - Free Report) , driven by their solid fundamentals, should generate better returns.

3 Growth PicksGiven the prospects of the industry, let’s look at a few stocks that have the potential to generate better returns. Our proprietary Growth Score makes the daunting task easier.

The Growth Score analyzes the growth prospects for a company. Studies have shown that stocks exhibiting the best growth characteristics consistently outperform the market. Back-tested results have shown that for stocks with a solid Growth Score and a favorable Zacks Rank, the returns are even better.

With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have selected three P&C insurance stocks with an impressive Growth Score of A or B. MCY sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while CINF and TRV carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Mercury General is a leading provider of personal automobile insurance and is engaged primarily in writing all risk classifications of automobile insurance in a number of states. MCY offers automobile policyholders the following types of coverage: bodily injury liability, underinsured and uninsured motorist, property damage liability, comprehensive, collision and other hazards specified in the policy.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MCY’s 2026 and 2027 earnings suggests 48.7% and 2.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2026 and 2027 has moved up 30.5% and 50%, respectively, in the past 30 days. The company delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 61.76%. MCY also has an impressive Value Score of A. The earnings of Mercury General grew 16.4% in the last five years.

Based in New York, NY, Travelers Companies is one of the leading writers of auto and homeowners’ insurance, plus commercial U.S. property-casualty insurance. High levels of retention, improved pricing, increased new business and a positive renewal premium change, banking on the strength of a compelling product portfolio of coverages across nine lines of business, position it well for growth. Travelers’ commercial businesses should continue to perform well on the back of stability in the markets where it operates, as well as the execution of its strategies.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TRV’s 2026 and 2027 earnings suggests 1.6% and 1.18% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2026 and 2027 has moved up 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively, in the past 30 days. The company delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 40.38%. TRV also has an impressive Value Score of A. The earnings of Travelers Companies grew 16.4% in the last five years.

Headquarters in Fairfield, OH, Cincinnati Financial markets property and casualty insurance. Cincinnati Financial continues to grow on better pricing, strong renewal, solid retention, exposure growth and a disciplined expansion of Cincinnati Re, which is making a nice contribution to its overall earnings. The company intends to grow the commercial lines segment through additional agency appointments, expansion of local field presence, enhanced expertise and a robust product catalog.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF’s 2026 and 2027 earnings suggests 8.3% and 4.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2026 has moved up 2.6% in the past 30 days. The company delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 27.54%. CINF also has an impressive Value Score of B. The earnings of Cincinnati Financial grew 11.3% in the last five years.

Zacks' 7 Best Strong Buy Stocks (New Research Report) Valued at $99, click below to receive our just-released report predicting the 7 stocks that will soar highest in the coming month.

Click Here, It's Really Free

Published in insurance

The Travelers Companies, Inc.(NYSE: TRV) today released its wedding insurance claims data for 2025, offering a closer look at the unexpected events that can derail even the most carefully planned celebrations. The data highlights the top wedding vulnerabilities – including vendor failures and extreme weather – and underscores the importance of having a financial safety net in place.

“People invest so much time, energy and money into making their wedding day perfect,” said Deidre LeBlanc, Vice President of Specialty Lines for Personal Insurance at Travelers. “Knowing what has gone wrong for others is one of the best ways to prepare, and having the right protection in place can provide peace of mind when the unforeseeable occurs.”

For the fifth consecutive year, vendor-related issues (55%) were the leading cause of paid wedding insurance claims in 2025. Others included:

Illness or injury (16%). Extreme weather (10%). Accidental damage or injury (6%). Military deployment (3%). To help avoid wedding-day disruptions, Travelers recommends:

Vetting vendors. Research reviews and get referrals before placing any deposits. Planning for weather disruptions. Severe and unpredictable weather conditions can affect travel and venues. It is essential to secure a wedding insurance policy before any named storm. Accounting for liability. Careful planning doesn’t eliminate the risk of accidental damage or injury. The right policy can account for that. Buying insurance coverage early. Many scenarios are only covered if a policy is secured well in advance. It’s best to lock in a special events policy as soon as a deposit is placed. The Travelers Wedding Protector Plan, subject to policy terms and conditions, provides coverage with no deductible for a variety of potential challenges, from the rehearsal dinner through the main event and brunch the following day. To learn more, visit Travelers.com/event-insurance.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of nearly $49 billion in 2025. For more information, visit Travelers.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260601027484/en/

-

Mystic Seaport Museum to host collaborative workshop exploring resilience strategies for communities facing extreme weather risks; historic museum receives funding for new climate-resilient docks

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation today celebrated the third signature stop of their Travelers Across America initiative, a yearlong campaign to restore and protect historic landmarks in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. As part of this effort, Travelers and the National Trust are hosting a daylong innovation lab in Mystic, Connecticut, at Mystic Seaport Museum, bringing together experts from across sectors to discuss and develop resilience strategies for communities facing extreme weather risks.

The collaborative workshop will feature community leaders, architects, planners, scientists, academics, insurers and other subject matter experts working together to focus on scalable solutions for communities facing climate challenges. During the event, Travelers and the National Trust will spotlight three Travelers Across America-funded projects that address various extreme weather challenges, including fortifying historic homes against hurricanes in New Orleans, mitigating the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles and adapting to sea level rise in Mystic.

Participants will work in small, specialized teams to tackle design challenges, examining how resilience solutions pioneered at historic properties can overcome technical and financial hurdles to wider adoption. Travelers will also host a Community Day at Mystic Seaport Museum for the broader Travelers community. Employees, agents and brokers will have an opportunity to take in the findings of the innovation lab, explore the historic museum and participate in hands-on volunteer projects.

Travelers and the National Trust are also providing a grant to the museum, which was founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the artifacts of America’s seafaring past, to replace 125 feet of aging docks along its north basin with modern floating docks. The project is part of an ongoing effort to protect the 19-acre campus from the impacts of sea level rise.

“Resilient communities aren’t built by any one discipline – they emerge when people with varied strengths and expertise come together around a shared challenge,” said Janice Brunner, Head of Civic Engagement and Corporate Affairs at Travelers. “The innovation lab is where we put that into practice, and our goal is for the insights we gain in Mystic to have value well beyond Connecticut.”

“Restoring and reviving vulnerable landmarks through the Travelers Across America initiative invites us all to take pride in our heritage as we celebrate America’s semiquincentennial – and reminds us that our future is something we build together,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We’re grateful to Mystic Seaport Museum for hosting this signature stop on our yearlong journey and honored that Travelers and the National Trust are able to invest in the future of the nation’s leading maritime museum.”

“The sea has always shaped our physical and cultural world, connecting people, communities and ideas across generations,” said Christopher Freeman, President and CEO of Mystic Seaport Museum. “As sea level rise accelerates, that relationship is becoming an increasingly dynamic reality, making it more important than ever to understand, preserve and adapt our maritime heritage. This funding will help Mystic Seaport Museum protect its historic resources while preparing for the future of our changing coast. We’re extremely grateful for the generous support from Travelers and the National Trust.”

Travelers and the National Trust are funding resilience projects in four historic locations around the country through Travelers Across America. In addition to installing floating docks at Mystic Seaport Museum, the partners are helping to fortify historic homes for low- and moderate-income homeowners in New Orleans, provide fire-adapted landscaping at the Eames House in Los Angeles, and replace a hail-damaged roof with a historically appropriate, weather-resilient design at Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of nearly $49 billion in 2025. For more information, visit Travelers.com.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in 1949 and supported by partners, friends and champions nationwide, the organization helps preserve the places and stories that make communities unique. Through the stewardship and revitalization of historic sites, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps communities foster economic growth, create healthier environments and build a stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging. For more information, visit Savingplaces.org.

More News From The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Back to Newsroom

Key Takeaways TRV gains from strong pricing, record new business and solid underwriting performance in Business Insurance. Investment income is aided by a fixed-income portfolio, with higher investment income expected through 2026. Technology investments are enhancing underwriting, claims capabilities and distribution relationships. Shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV - Free Report) have gained 16.2% in the past year, outperforming its industry’s decline of 1.3% and the Finance sector’s growth of 12.4%.

The insurer has a market capitalization of $64.50 billion. The average volume of shares traded in the last three months was 1.4 million.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

TRV Trading Above 50-Day and 200-Day Moving AveragesShares of Travelers closed at $303.36 on Wednesday and are trading above the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA) of $299.56 and $288.54, respectively, indicating solid upward momentum. SMA is a widely used technical analysis tool to predict future price trends by analyzing historical price data.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

TRV Shares are ExpensiveIts shares are trading at a premium to the Zacks Property and Casualty Insurance industry. Its price-to-book value of 2.02X is higher than the industry average of 1.38X.

The company has a Value Score of A. This style score helps find the most attractive value stocks.

Shares of other insurers like The Allstate Corporation (ALL - Free Report) , W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB - Free Report) and The Progressive Corporation (PGR - Free Report) are also trading at a multiple higher than the industry average.

TRV’s Growth Projection EncouragesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Travelers’ 2026 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 1.5%. The consensus estimate for revenues is pegged at $48.93 billion, implying a year-over-year improvement of 0.1%.

The consensus estimate for 2027 earnings per share and revenues indicates an increase of 1.2% and 3.1%, respectively, from the corresponding 2026 estimates.

TRV has an impressive Growth Score of B. This style score helps analyze the growth prospects of a company. Travelers beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 40.38%.

Optimist Analyst Sentiment on TRV12 of the 16 analysts covering the stock have raised estimates for 2025, and seven of the 14 analysts have raised the same for 2026 over the past 60 days. Thus, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved up 2.5% and 0.6%, respectively, in the past 60 days.

Average Target Price for TRV Suggests UpsideBased on short-term price targets offered by 22 analysts, the Zacks average price target is $318.95 per share. The average suggests a potential 6.2% upside from the last closing price.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Travelers’ Favorable Return on CapitalReturn on equity (ROE) for the trailing 12 months was 24%, which compared favorably with the industry’s 7.4%. This reflects its efficiency in utilizing shareholders’ funds. Sustained operational excellence helped generate double-digit core ROE in nine out of the last 10 years. Travelers aims to generate mid-teens core ROE over time.

Also, return on invested capital (ROIC) has been increasing over the last few quarters as the company raised its capital investment over the same time frame. This reflects TRV’s efficiency in utilizing funds to generate income. ROIC in the trailing 12 months was 14.6%, better than the industry average of 5.7%.

Factors Favoring TravelersTravelers is benefiting from strong underwriting discipline and healthy performance in its Business Insurance segment, which remains a key long-term growth driver. Renewal premium change remained solid, while record new business and double-digit pricing in key commercial lines reflect strong execution and market share gains. Strong underwriting profitability, disciplined risk management and improving Personal Insurance margins continue to support earnings growth and margin stability for TRV.

Travelers’ investment results continue to be primarily driven by strong, reliable returns from its growing fixed-income portfolio and higher returns from its non-fixed-income portfolio.  Management reaffirmed its fixed income net investment income outlook by quarter for 2026, expecting roughly $810 million after tax in the second quarter, growing to about $840 million in the third quarter, and around $870 million in the fourth quarter. Travelers has 94% of its investments in fixed maturities and short-term investments, with equity securities, real estate investments and other investments accounting for the remaining 6%.

Travelers continues to invest heavily in technology to improve underwriting, claims and distribution partner experience. Management indicated that it invests more than $1.5 billion annually in technology, including an AI strategy, while pursuing ongoing upgrades to pricing models and field tools. New product enhancements and digital platforms such as TRAVIS and TCAP are helping drive market share gains and stronger distribution relationships.

Risks for TRVExposure to catastrophe events, primarily from severe wind and hail storms and winter storms across multiple states, remains a recurring source of underwriting variability for property and casualty insurers. Management continues to describe weather-related severity as an ongoing feature of the loss environment, which can drive quarter-over-quarter earnings swings and complicate near-term margin expectations.
.
Rising reinsurance costs can reduce earnings and constrain underwriting flexibility, particularly after periods of elevated global catastrophe activity.

Higher repair costs and other inflation-linked inputs can lift claims severity in both auto and homeowners lines and challenge pricing and retention.

ConclusionStrong underwriting, healthy premium growth, rising investment income and sustained pricing strength bode well for future earnings growth. However, catastrophe losses, rising reinsurance costs and inflation-driven claims severity remain the key concerns.

TRV has a track record of 22 consecutive years of dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 8% over that period. Its current dividend yield of nearly 2% is much better than the industry average of 0.3%, making it an attractive pick for yield-seeking investors.

TRV also has a VGM Score of A. Stocks with a favorable VGM Score are those with the most attractive value, best growth and most promising momentum compared with peers.

Higher return on capital, favorable growth estimates and impressive dividend history should continue to benefit Travelers over the long term. Given the premium valuation, it is wise to adopt a wait-and-see approach on this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Most surveyed technology leaders are accountable for systems they don't fully control Only 11% of respondents say they're completely prepared for the scale of AI agent deployment Organizations that design control into their AI systems achieve significantly stronger performance outcomes. , /PRNewswire/ -- A new IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value study reveals that as AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment, two-thirds of surveyed CIOs and CTOs report being held accountable for AI systems they do not fully control, while governance struggles to keep pace at scale.

The global study* of 2,000 C-level technology executives (tech CxOs) finds that the lack of visibility is widespread. The majority of surveyed executives (70%) say teams across the business are deploying technology faster than IT can track.  

C-level technology executives study. At the same time, technology leaders face growing pressure to scale AI faster, even as many lack the structures to support it. By 2027, surveyed tech CxOs anticipate a 38% increase in the number of AI agents deployed. While 80% of respondents report CEO-driven AI transformation mandates, only 11% believe they are fully ready for the scale of AI agent deployment expected in the next year. Governance is also falling behind, with 77% of organizations surveyed reporting AI adoption is already outpacing current governance capabilities.

"For CIOs and CTOs, the challenge now is scaling AI systems that operate continuously and autonomously, often within governance models and architectures designed for a far slower, more predictable environment," said Matt Lyteson, CIO, IBM. "It is no longer just about deploying AI faster. It's redesigning how organizations control, govern and invest in it and embedding control and visibility from the start, so they can scale with confidence."

As AI scales, operational and security risks are growing

Analysis shows that in organizations relying on manual governance, incident risk increases as AI adoption scales, whereas those that embed control directly into their AI systems experience 25% fewer incidents. Most (59%) of tech CxOs surveyed cite security and compliance concerns as top barriers to scaling AI agents. Surveyed organizations experienced an average of 54 AI agent incidents last year, in which an unintended and/or harmful occurrence required human correction. According to respondents, 17% of those AI agent incidents reported were high severity, requiring more than four hours to contain: 37% resulted in data exposure or security breaches 33% caused cascading system failures 17% triggered compliance issues Organizations that redesign AI control and investment see stronger outcomes

AI spend is projected to grow from just under 15% of IT budgets in 2025 to nearly 25% by 2027 – a 71% increase in two years, raising the stakes for CIOs and CTOs. Yet, 84% of tech CxOs have not fully operationalized AI financial management, and 85% still lack full visibility into real-time AI spend. Analysis finds that organizations that build control into their AI systems: deploy 16x more AI agents than those relying on manual governance deliver 18% higher operating margins spend 4x less of their AI budget Analysis shows organizations with strong financial discipline: deploy 2.4x more AI agents with no higher AI/IT budget are 3x more likely to say they are fully prepared for AI scale Surveyed organizations that designed for adaptability early – keeping workloads portable and models replaceable rather than locked into hard dependencies – reported a 10% higher return on AI investment in 2025. The full study, including recommendations for technology leaders on redesigning structures that govern speed, control and investment, can be found at: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/c-suite-study/cxo

The study also features executive perspectives on how technology leaders are adapting to the complexities of scaling AI across the enterprise. See quote addendum below.

*Study Methodology
The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 2,000 senior executives responsible for their organization's IT, technology, or AI-related decision-making across 33 geographies and 19 industries from January to April 2026. The survey was designed to gather insights on how organizations are managing the financial, operational, and governance challenges associated with scaling AI. Additional analysis was conducted to identify organizations that have built the structural capabilities to scale AI effectively by segmenting organizations based on preparedness and efficiency and assessing governance maturity.

The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines
global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv. To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: https://ibm.co/ibv-ideawatch. 

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.  Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact
Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
[email protected]

Executive Perspectives:

"AI has both a light side and a dark side. While most focus on the opportunities, it also introduces new vulnerabilities, and many organizations are more exposed than they realize." – Victoria Medina, Chief Technology and Data Officer, Allianz Spain, Spain

"We design modular architectures so components can evolve as technology advances, without breaking the overall system. That approach allows us to absorb rapid innovation while supporting products with decades-long lifecycles." – Boris Alexandre, Head of ARP Programme, Airbus, Canada

"It's like flying a plane at 10,000 feet, being told to climb to 12,000, replace both engines mid-flight and ensure zero turbulence. No one would choose to pilot that plane – but that's exactly what companies are doing today." – Afonso Eça, Executive Board Member, Banco BPI, Spain

"My role isn't to generate every transformative idea. It's to build the foundation that allows smarter people across the organization to bring those ideas to life." – Chad Jones, CIO, Baylor Scott & White Health, United States

"The goal isn't to eliminate shadow IT—it's to create visibility and a partnership, so teams can get help when they need it without slowing down." – Chris Pesola, CIO, Roush, United States

"We don't know who's going to win or lose over the next five years. So we're keeping AI models plug-and-play, ready to adapt if the landscape shifts." – Dalton Gouws, Group IT Director and Board Member, VWG UK Ltd, United Kingdom

SOURCE IBM

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Presents at Bank of America 2026 Global Technology Conference Transcript

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASY), the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, today announced the appointment of Stanley J. Sutula III to its Board of Directors (the “Board”).

Mr. Sutula brings to the Board over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, financial planning and operations, tax, strategic planning and risk management. Since 2020, he has served as Chief Financial Officer at Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), where he oversees its global finance, global IT and mergers and acquisitions teams. He was previously at Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI), where he served as Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, and spent 28 years at IBM Corporation (NYSE: IBM) in various financial management roles, including as its Vice President and Controller.

“We are excited to welcome Stan to the Board as he adds deep financial and strategic expertise to our already expansive board capabilities. His leadership in these areas will benefit Casey’s, the Board and its shareholders immensely,” said Darren Rebelez, Casey’s Board Chair, President and CEO.

Mr. Sutula graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Finance & Management and holds an MBA in Finance from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

Mr. Sutula’s addition to the Board will temporarily bring the number of directors from eleven to twelve, as director Cara Heiden has decided to retire from the Board effective September 2, 2026. “On behalf of the Board and the entire Casey’s team, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Cara for nearly a decade of distinguished service and leadership on the Board and its Audit Committee. She helped build Casey’s into the great organization it is today and we wish her nothing but the best in her retirement from the Board in September,” said Rebelez.

About Casey’s

Casey’s is a Fortune 500 company (Nasdaq: CASY) operating over 2,900 convenience stores. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company has grown to become the third-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Casey’s provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at its locations. Guests can enjoy pizza, donuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of beverages and snacks. Learn more and order online at www.caseys.com, or in the mobile app.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260608193579/en/

According to recent news, Xanadu Quantum Technologies announced on May 21 a synthetic at-the-market equity facility for up to $300 million.

BP announced on May 26 that it had appointed Albert Manifold as chair and director with immediate effect.

On Friday, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Galaxy Digital announced a new referral capability. Under this arrangement, eligible clients can lend cryptocurrency directly to Galaxy. In return, they receive shares of spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), including the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT).

Cramer said he can't recommend Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ:TSCO) as the numbers are bad.

On June 5, Guggenheim analyst Steven Forbes maintained Tractor Supply at Buy and lowered the price target from $60 to $50.

Price Action:

Xanadu Quantum Technologies shares rose 1.3% to settle at $13.07 on Monday. BP shares rose 1.8% to close at $43.72. Galaxy Digital shares jumped 21.4% to close at $30.51 on Monday. CBOE Global Markets shares slipped 0.6% to settle at $280.32. Tractor Supply shares gained 1.2% to settle at $30.14. Photo created using images from Shutterstock.

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna says he's excited about the potential uses for quantum computing. Speaking with Romaine Bostick at the Mizuho Technology Conference in New York, Krishna also comments on the Trump administration's investment in the company, the utilization of AI and IBM's profit strategy.

BOSTON, June 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JA Worldwide and IBM today announced the expansion of their global collaboration through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. The organizations have set a goal to deliver practical digital learning experiences to help one million high-school student learners build AI and technology skills needed for the future of work.

The expanded initiative builds on successful pilot programs implemented across the JA network and will scale to more than two dozen countries. Participating countries will span Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America.

As one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide delivers hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability. Through this expanded global collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, JA learners will gain access to industry-relevant digital and AI courses and credentials designed to help them build the skillset and mindset to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming nearly every industry, creating extraordinary opportunity while also accelerating the need for new skills,” said Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide. “Through our expanded collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, we’re helping young people around the world gain access to future-focused learning experiences that increase confidence, expand opportunity, and prepare them to build thriving communities.”

“Through JA Worldwide, we are helping students around the world build the technical and professional skills they need to participate confidently and responsibly in an AI-driven workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM.

The collaboration will combine IBM SkillsBuild content with JA’s global implementation capabilities, educator networks, and localized delivery model. The first phase of implementation will reach 185,000 high-school students across participating countries, with projected growth to 600,000 learners in 2027 and a goal of reaching one million students by the end of 2028. The initiative will include courses focused on AI, professional skills, and career readiness, with content available in 15 languages.

In addition to digital learning experiences, the collaboration offers opportunities for learners to engage IBM employees as volunteer mentors, speakers, and career guides across participating countries, creating additional opportunities for young people to connect classroom learning to real-world careers and technology applications.

The three-year collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and preparing the next generation for success in an increasingly digital world.

About JA Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA provides hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability.

Delivering more than 23 million student experiences each year through 750,000+ teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Visit us at jaworldwide.org.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52b5b7ca-e606-4b22-908b-2ba286f72791

JA Worldwide and IBM Expand Global Collaboration The expanded initiative builds on successful pilot programs implemented across the JA network and wi...

For years, enterprise IT strategy followed a simple script: Move workloads to the public cloud. Amazon (AMZN 1.24%) Web Services, Microsoft (MSFT +0.11%) Azure, and Alphabet's (GOOG +0.45%) (GOOGL +0.53%) Google Cloud built massive businesses on that assumption.

But the AI era is throwing a spanner in the cloud computing works.

Image source: Getty Images.

The gravitational pull of stubborn data "Hybrid cloud and AI are two sides of the same coin," said Dr. Hillery Hunter, CTO and general manager of innovation for IBM (IBM 1.13%) Infrastructure. "Where your data is, is becoming very much a grounding factor, because where your data is, is then where you naturally want to build out your AI."

That makes sense, right? It's the concept of data gravity in action.

Once enterprise data settles somewhere, it tends to stay put. It accumulates. It gets comfortable. And moving it becomes a difficult production. Taking a large company's data out of its natural habitat incurs egress fees, data transfer latency, security reviews, and the need to explain to regulators why sensitive information is taking a field trip, perhaps across international borders.

For some organizations, AI accelerates the move to public cloud; they've already committed to that architecture and will consolidate further. But Hunter sees an equally strong motion in the opposite direction: enterprises with significant on-premises data gravity that need to bring AI capabilities to where the data already lives.

"I see both motions equally developing," Hunter said in a recent interview with The Fool. "People are taking different decisions across that spectrum."

IBM has receipts for the hybrid cloud thesis Research from the IBM Institute for Business Value supports this split. Nearly three-quarters of executives surveyed are backing away from cloud-first defaults and deeper into their corporation's data centers. And 72% of organizations said that cloud costs in production exceeded expectations by an average of 1.5 times. IBM's hybrid computing model supports both sides of this equation, pairing the centralized IBM Cloud services with mainframes and Power servers in the data center.

IBM isn't the only company leveraging the data gravity idea.

Oracle (ORCL 0.05%) is making a similar bet from a different starting point. The database giant has positioned itself as a "data vault" provider, optimizing for enterprises whose mission-critical data already lives in Oracle systems and databases. CrowdStrike (CRWD 1.27%) argues that its Falcon security system creates useful data gravity wherever it goes. "This integration means data doesn't just accumulate; it's immediately actionable, contributing to threat detection and response," the company stated in a company blog post. Seagate (STX +7.25%) highlights how large data sets tend to attract smaller data collections to the same storage system, simply because it's easier to move the smaller ones. Enterprises should account for the data gravity effect when planning their large-scale storage setups, breaking up huge data buckets before they grow too large to manage. The investment case for stubborn data Different tech veterans are reaching the same observation from different angles: Data doesn't like to move, and pretending otherwise gets expensive.

IBM's infrastructure business is built around this premise. The company's Power servers and Z mainframes are designed for enterprises that need AI capabilities without relocating mission-critical data to third-party clouds.

Hunter emphasized that IBM's systems deliver "six nines of resilience" (meaning 99.9999% uptime, or just a few seconds of downtime per year) and twice the power efficiency of competing server architectures.

The hyperscalers aren't going anywhere; Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet have the scale and momentum to keep growing cloud revenues for years. But IBM is betting that "move everything to the cloud" was never the right answer for every workload. The company will help if you insist on cloud computing, but some data is just too heavy to lift.

Today's Change

(

-1.13

%) $

-3.10

Current Price

$

271.75

For IBM investors, the hybrid cloud model is the thesis. If enterprises keep pulling AI-related workloads back from the cloud to their data centers, IBM's infrastructure business has a huge growth opportunity in that shift.

If cloud-first comes back in style over the years, IBM is swimming against the tide.

Place your bets accordingly. I, for one, see the value of local data collections rising as the datasets grow larger.

Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and International Business Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, CrowdStrike, International Business Machines, Microsoft, and Oracle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

UNH weekly chart shows completion of bearish correction and bottom reversal During the pullback, a relatively tight bull flag pattern formed, and a breakout triggered on Thursday, which also reclaimed the 20-day moving average after a brief undercut of the line. The formation of this bullish continuation pattern during the first pullback following a significant breakout adds evidence that buyers remain in control. This suggests that another leg up for UNH may now be underway.

Recovery Trend Builds Momentum UNH completed an 88.6% Fibonacci retracement of the prior decline, reaching a low of $234.60 in July 2025, following a peak of $630.73 in November 2024. An 88.6% retracement represents the deepest Fibonacci retracement level from which a sustainable recovery can still emerge. UNH was down approximately 63% from its peak at the low.

The subsequent bullish recovery developed gradually, with the stock spending considerable time below its 200-day moving average before establishing higher swing low at $255.97 at the end of March and a rally and reclaim of the 200-day average in April. By the May high, the stock was up more than 57% from that low in only 32 trading days.

Higher Targets Come into Focus An initial upside target zone begins around the prior swing low of $436.38, which previously marked the lower boundary of a 41-month topping pattern that triggered a bearish breakdown in April 2025. The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the prior decline is slightly higher at $464.35. It is followed by the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement target zone at $526.80. Those higher price levels provide upside potential objectives if the recent breakout and subsequent bull flag continuation pattern lead to the next stage of the recovery, reinforcing the bullish reversal signal that first emerged in May.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH, Financials) and Eli Lilly (LLY, Financials) are emerging as leaders in a renewed healthcare sector rally as investors increasingly rotate into defensive stocks amid volatility across high-growth technology and AI names.

The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) gained 3% on Thursday and recently moved above a key short-term resistance level, signaling improving momentum for a sector that has largely underperformed the broader market in recent years.

Market participants also pointed to stronger trading volumes in managed care stocks, suggesting institutional investors may be increasing exposure to healthcare as concerns about stretched valuations in parts of the technology sector persist.

Among the largest holdings in the S&P Health Care Index, UnitedHealth currently holds the highest Seeking Alpha Quant Rating at 3.47, followed closely by Eli Lilly at 3.44. Both stocks advanced in recent trading, with Lilly rising 1.56% and UnitedHealth gaining 0.89%.

Other highly ranked healthcare names include Johnson & Johnson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Intuitive Surgical, Amgen and Merck. While most companies currently carry Hold-rated Quant scores, their relatively stable fundamentals have helped attract investor interest during the recent market rotation.

Investors will continue watching whether healthcare's improving momentum can be sustained as market leadership broadens beyond AI-driven growth stocks.