Latest news with #Lowe's
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lowe's homicide victim's sister says company ignored ‘red flag'
The sister of a Scranton man shot and killed while working overnight Saturday at the Scranton Lowe's Home Improvement says the store could have done more to protect her brother. Christina Moeller-Baxter alleged in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon that the company failed to act. She referenced the criminal complaint, which stated accused gunman Christopher Wasnetsky of Dalton emailed Lowe's management and human resources department before he allegedly shot Jeffrey Moeller Jr., 44, to death. He said he was going to shoot Moeller in the email and said it could have been avoided if someone had stopped Moeller from harassing him. Wasnetsky had filed complaints against Moeller that were investigated and unfounded, the store manager told police. 'Shame on you, Lowe's Home Improvement!!' Christina Moeller-Baxter wrote in the Facebook post tagging the company. 'You had the chance to protect him and you chose not to. You ignored every red flag. Now our family is shattered forever because of your failure to act!' Moeller-Baxter also said her brother made reports to the company about Wasnetsky. 'To our knowledge, (Wasnetsky) had been making troubling comments directed at Jeffrey. Despite Jeffrey's repeated reports, nothing was done,' she posted on a GoFundMe page raising money for her brother's wife and three daughters. Lowe's Companies Inc. did not immediately respond to email and phone requests for comment Thursday. It had released a statement after the shooting that said the company is working closely with law enforcement's investigation. 'The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence,' the statement read. Husband, dad and hard worker Moeller's obituary, published by Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service in Orange County, New York, paints Moeller as a committed father and family man. Moeller, born July 15, 1980, in Suffern, New York, is survived by Keisha Moeller, his wife; their daughters, Olivia, 11, Carter, 8, and Peyton, 6; his father, Jeffrey Moeller; brother, Gary Moeller, and sister. Moeller built a life in Scranton rooted in dedication to his family and community, and died while working at a job he took great pride in, the obituary stated. 'He will be remembered for his warm heart and deep love he held for his family,' the obituary read. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, and a private burial will take place at the Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe, New York. The GoFundMe page had raised more than $20,000 by 4 p.m. Thursday, exceeding its $18,000 goal. Continuing investigation Wasnetsky was originally charged with aggravated assault, pending the results of an autopsy. On Monday, the charges were amended to include first- and third-degree murder, according to a criminal complaint. Wasnetsky remains in Lackawanna County Prison without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 30 before District Judge Laura Turlip.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lowe's homicide victim's sister says company ignored ‘red flag'
The sister of a Scranton man shot and killed while working overnight Saturday at the Scranton Lowe's Home Improvement says the store could have done more to protect her brother. Christina Moeller-Baxter alleged in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon that the company failed to act. She referenced the criminal complaint, which stated accused gunman Christopher Wasnetsky of Dalton emailed Lowe's management and human resources department before he allegedly shot Jeffrey Moeller Jr., 44, to death. He said he was going to shoot Moeller in the email and said it could have been avoided if someone had stopped Moeller from harassing him. Wasnetsky had filed complaints against Moeller that were investigated and unfounded, the store manager told police. 'Shame on you, Lowe's Home Improvement!!' Christina Moeller-Baxter wrote in the Facebook post tagging the company. 'You had the chance to protect him and you chose not to. You ignored every red flag. Now our family is shattered forever because of your failure to act!' Moeller-Baxter also said her brother made reports to the company about Wasnetsky. 'To our knowledge, (Wasnetsky) had been making troubling comments directed at Jeffrey. Despite Jeffrey's repeated reports, nothing was done,' she posted on a GoFundMe page raising money for her brother's wife and three daughters. Lowe's Companies Inc. did not immediately respond to email and phone requests for comment Thursday. It had released a statement after the shooting that said the company is working closely with law enforcement's investigation. 'The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence,' the statement read. Husband, dad and hard worker Moeller's obituary, published by Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service in Orange County, New York, paints Moeller as a committed father and family man. Moeller, born July 15, 1980, in Suffern, New York, is survived by Keisha Moeller, his wife; their daughters, Olivia, 11, Carter, 8, and Peyton, 6; his father, Jeffrey Moeller; brother, Gary Moeller, and sister. Moeller built a life in Scranton rooted in dedication to his family and community, and died while working at a job he took great pride in, the obituary stated. 'He will be remembered for his warm heart and deep love he held for his family,' the obituary read. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, and a private burial will take place at the Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe, New York. The GoFundMe page had raised more than $20,000 by 4 p.m. Thursday, exceeding its $18,000 goal. Continuing investigation Wasnetsky was originally charged with aggravated assault, pending the results of an autopsy. On Monday, the charges were amended to include first- and third-degree murder, according to a criminal complaint. Wasnetsky remains in Lackawanna County Prison without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 30 before District Judge Laura Turlip.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dinosaurs and deep dish cookies roar their way into Raleigh County
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — 'Spare no expense' as cookies and dinosaurs make their way to Raleigh County. According to a post on the I Heart Cookies Facebook page, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the I Heart Cookies food truck will be at the Lowe's at 1210 North Eisenhower Drive with deep dish cookies and animatronic dinosaurs. Visit Southern West Virginia and The UPS Store to hold 'Almost Heaven' treasure hunt on West Virginia Day 'Life finds a way' as a variety of animatronic dinosaurs will be at the event for people to enjoy alongside sweet treats, and the animatronics at the event will include: Two T-Rex Gigantic Triceratops Five Raptors (including 'Blue') Stegosaurus Spinosaurus Two Dimorphodontia Ten-foot T-Rex Baby Triceratops Baby Stygimoloch Baby Allosaurus Baby Raptor According to information on the I Heart Cookies Facebook page and event page, people will need to buy a cookie per person to attend the event, with no age exceptions, and cookies are $5 each or $25 for six cookies. Enjoy a free family movie with the Robert C. Byrd Clinic Those who wish to attend 'must go faster' before the one-day event leaves Raleigh County, and the event will include a fossil dig pit, Raptor Enclosure and dinosaurs for children to sit, play, and take photos on. According to the post and the event page, a free deep dish cookie will be offered to everyone who attends the event, however there are requirements to receive a free cookie. The requirements to get a free cookie at the event can be found on the event's Facebook page, and people can screenshot their RSVP and show it at the checkout to redeem their free deep dish cookie. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
HD vs. LOW: Which is the Better Bet in the Home Improvement Space?
In the high-stakes arena of home improvement retail, two titans dominate the landscape — The Home Depot Inc. HD and Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW. These industry heavyweights have long been locked in a competitive duel, each carving out a formidable presence in a sector that thrives on consumer demand for housing upgrades, DIY trends and professional construction projects. While both operate within the same core business — selling tools, appliances, building materials and services — their strategic playbooks, market positioning and financial trajectories reveal key differences. Home Depot continues to lead in market share and professional customer penetration, while Lowe's has been reshaping its model with targeted investments in digital infrastructure and store productivity. As macroeconomic conditions shift and consumer behavior evolves, this face-off explores how each retailer is positioned for sustained dominance and which is better built for long-term growth. The Case for HD As the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, Home Depot commands an estimated 25% share of the highly fragmented $1-trillion home improvement industry. In first-quarter fiscal 2025, the company posted $39.9 billion in sales, a 9.4% year-over-year increase, with strong performance across categories like appliances, electrical and building materials. Despite a slight comp decline of 0.3%, Home Depot's deep market penetration and diversified customer base — from DIYers to large-scale Pros — continue to reinforce its leadership. The retailer's portfolio, including its 2,350 stores and rapidly expanding SRS division, positions it to tap into a significant pool of deferred demand, estimated at $50 billion in home improvement spending. Home equity remains strong, as more than 55% of U.S. homes are more than 40 years old, signaling ongoing structural tailwinds. Home Depot is investing in the Pro ecosystem, enhancing order management, pricing and credit solutions. The SRS acquisition, spanning roofing, pool and landscaping, boosts organic growth while expanding reach into complex, large-ticket projects. Simultaneously, Home Depot is doubling down on digital innovation. Its 'Magic Apron' generative AI tool boosts e-commerce engagement, while fast, reliable delivery and strong in-stock rates elevate customer satisfaction. Digital sales rose 8% year over year, and features like AI-powered associate tools are sharpening execution at scale. The brand's trusted image, wide assortment and premium positioning ensure that Home Depot remains the go-to destination for home upgrades and contractor-grade solutions alike. HD is well-positioned to manage tariff headwinds, with more than 50% of sourcing in the United States and diversified supplier bases, where no single country outside the United States will account for more than 10% of purchases by fiscal 2026. The company plans to maintain stable pricing, leveraging productivity and SKU rationalization rather than passing on broad cost increases, potentially widening its advantage over smaller, less agile competitors. As market dynamics evolve, Home Depot's scale, strategy and innovation keep it firmly anchored as a long-term investment cornerstone. The Case for LOW Lowe's, the second-largest player in the U.S. home improvement market, holds 17-18% of the $1-trillion industry, with a strong focus on both DIY and Pro customer segments. In first-quarter fiscal 2025, the company generated $20.9 billion in sales despite 1.7% comps decline, which was largely attributed to soft early spring weather and reduced big-ticket DIY demand. With more than 1,700 stores nationwide and growing brand equity, Lowe's has a distinct market position focused on value, innovation and helpful customer service. Its recent acquisition of Artisan Design Group adds a growth lever, giving Lowe's access to the $50-billion planned Pro spend segment linked to home construction. Lowe's is scaling its Total Home strategy with targeted investments in Pro, online and in-store experience. The company saw mid-single-digit Pro comp growth in the fiscal first quarter and is expanding its reach through initiatives like MyLowe's Pro Rewards and the rollout of AI-powered tools to assist both customers and associates. Lowe's localization strategies and productivity efforts, including rural-specific assortments and private label innovations, position it to tap into underpenetrated and high-potential geographies and categories. These moves are building a more responsive and digitally connected omnichannel network for the future. On the tariff front, LOW has been proactive: nearly 60% of its sourcing is U.S.-based, with China exposure trimmed to 20%, and ongoing diversification is underway. Management has emphasized that it will remain price competitive, using a portfolio-based approach and deep vendor relationships to mitigate margin impacts. With strategic clarity, prudent financial management and a long runway for growth in Pro, digital and marketplace offerings, Lowe's presents a compelling investment case in a maturing but opportunity-rich sector. How does Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for HD & LOW? Home Depot's fiscal 2025 sales are projected to grow 3.1% year over year to $164.5 billion and EPS is expected to decline 1.3% year over year to $15.04. HD's EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 moved up by a penny in the last 30 days. Home Depot's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 4.4% and 9.2% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. HD's Estimate Revision Trend Meanwhile, Lowe's fiscal 2025 sales are expected to increase 0.7% year over year to $84.3 billion, and EPS is anticipated to rise 2.4% to $12.29. LOW's EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 have moved up 0.4% in the past 30 days. Lowe's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 3.4% and 9.2% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. LOW's Estimate Revision Trend This clearly illustrates that both Home Depot and Lowe's have witnessed upward estimate revisions in the past 30 days. However, LOW's estimates indicate year-over-year increases in sales and earnings for fiscal 2025, whereas HD's EPS estimate suggests a decline. Price Performance & Valuation Comparisons of HD & LOW In the past year, Home Depot's stock had the edge in terms of performance despite recording a decline of 1.8%, including dividends. This has noticeably lagged the benchmark S&P 500's return of 9.5% but has outperformed Lowe's 7.3% decline. 1-Year Price Performance From a valuation perspective, Home Depot trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 22.31X, which is above its 5-year median of 22.28X, and Lowe's is trading at 16.58X, below its 5-year median of 17.59X. Home Depot stock seems pricey. Its premium valuations reflect its superior alignment with Pro customers, and well-recognized and trusted private-label portfolio, reinforcing its market leadership. If the company sustains its aggressive focus on Pro contractors and investments in supply-chain efficiency, the premium can be warranted. Conversely, Lowe's stock looks cheap from a valuation perspective. LOW has made significant strides in recent years by refining its operations, expanding its Pro segment and enhancing digital capabilities, aiming to close the gap with its bigger rival, highlighting its growth prospects. Lowe's appears more attractively valued on a relative basis, suggesting an upside if execution improves. Dividend Analysis: HD & LOW Apart from stability and growth potential, Home Depot and Lowe's tend to attract investors with their strong record of paying out regular dividends. These companies have consistently raised dividend payouts, reflecting their confidence in their earnings growth potential. Home Depot offers a dividend yield of 2.64%, supported by a payout ratio of 61%, signaling a balance between rewarding shareholders and reinvesting in the business. HD has a five-year dividend growth rate of 10.6%. (Check HD's dividend history here) Lowe's, with a dividend yield of 2.17% and a lower payout ratio of 39%, provides more room for dividend growth. LOW has a five-year dividend growth rate of 19.1%. (Check LOW's dividend history here.) Conclusion Home Depot and Lowe's demonstrate solid fundamentals, strong brand equity and deep industry expertise. Home Depot remains the market leader with a broader scale, a dominant Pro business and robust financial efficiency. However, Lowe's is quickly narrowing the gap through targeted investments in digital innovation, marketplace expansion and strategic acquisitions. Its sharper focus on store productivity, a revitalized Pro strategy and growing online presence position it well to capitalize on the evolving demands of both DIYers and professional contractors. What ultimately strengthens the investment case in favor of Lowe's is its compelling valuation and stronger upside potential. Still, in the early stages of its transformation, Lowe's has several self-driven growth levers that appear underappreciated by the market. Recent upward revisions to earnings estimates further underscore growing investor confidence in the company's long-term trajectory, even amid macro uncertainty. With a disciplined strategic roadmap and improving operational execution, Lowe's emerges as the more compelling opportunity for investors seeking value and momentum in the home improvement space. Both HD and LOW currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report The Home Depot, Inc. (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Lowe's CEO has a tough message for young workers
Corporate America is drastically changing at a rapid pace. After the Covid pandemic came to an end, remote work began suddenly disappearing from company cultures across the country, as more CEOs mandate employees to return to working in the office five days a week. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Also, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, which were developed to advance workplace opportunities for people of various backgrounds, are fading away from workplaces nationwide amid pressure from consumers and after President Donald Trump said the policies cause "illegal and immoral discrimination." Related: Amazon CEO warns employees of a harsh new reality In addition, artificial intelligence is growing rapidly and creeping into U.S. workplaces, which is worrying Americans. A survey from YouGov last year found that more than one-third of U.S. workers are worried that AI will result in job loss or fewer work hours. Bloomberg/Getty Images Amid this AI boom, Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison said during Business Roundtable's CEO Workforce Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 17 that while AI threatens to take over corporate jobs, it can't complete front-line work. "AI isn't going to fix a hole in your roof," said Ellison. "It's not going to respond to an electrical issue in your home. It's not going to stop your water heater from leaking." He also said that young workers should seek these blue-collar jobs to maintain employment stability as AI expands. Related: Dell CEO's harsh new policy for employees isn't going as planned "When young people come to me and they desire to work in the corporate office, my advice to them is: stay as close to the cash register as you can," said Ellison. "Stay close to the customers, because you will always have employment opportunities to grow." Ellison also promoted Lowe's (LOW) education benefit program, which offers its employees tuition-free education for select degrees, boot camps, certificates, etc., allowing them to move on to jobs outside of Lowe's. "It could be a general contractor, could be a builder, and we're perfectly OK with that," said Ellison. "It fills the need that is much greater." Ellison's comments come after companies such as Amazon, IBM, Chipotle, JPMorgan Chase, and even the IRS have welcomed AI into their workplaces with open arms. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy even said in a memo to employees on June 17 that AI will replace some of the company's corporate jobs as it will "automate a lot of tasks that consume our time." More Labor: Amazon CEO gives hard-nosed message to employeesIRS has an alarming solution to a growing problem after layoffsJPMorgan Chase CFO issues stern warning to employees "As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done," said Jassy. "We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs. It's hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce as we get efficiency gains from using AI extensively across the company." AI use in U.S. workplaces has almost doubled over the past two years, according to a new Gallup survey. The survey found that 41% of employees use AI to generate ideas, 39% use it to consolidate information, and 39% use the technology to automate basic tasks. It also discovered that 27% of white-collar U.S. workers use AI regularly, compared to the 9% of blue-collar workers who use it often. While AI has grown in popularity in workplaces across the country, it still has more ground to cover. About 7 in 10 employees in the survey said they never use AI, while 1 in 10 say they use it at least weekly. Related: Lowe's CEO flags alarming consumer trend that's hurting sales The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
