** Home improvement firm Lowe's LOW.N joined larger rival Home Depot HD.N in signaling a squeeze from the subdued U.S. housing market

** 36 analysts rate LOW "buy" on average; median PT $275 - LSEG-compiled data

WHO SAID SLOW MEANS STOP?

** J.P. Morgan ("Overweight," PT: $279) says Lowe’s aiming to temper expectations amid consumer and interest rate risks, potentially setting up guidance toward lower end of full-year comp range in Q2

** Jefferies ("Buy," PT: $278) says Lowe’s has demonstrated its ability to gain market share and remains well-positioned to navigate headwinds and deliver on its targets

** Piper Sandler ("Overweight," PT: $276) says while the sector remains weak, Lowe’s posted its fourth straight quarter of positive comps, driven by seasonal demand and continued strength across key initiatives

** Morningstar (Fair Value: $250) says most of LOW's growth comes from acquisitions (Artisan Design Group and Foundation Building Materials) and stronger connections with professional customers