Bernstein analysts upgraded Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) from a Market Perform rating to an Outperform rating. In a note issued on Tuesday, the analysts raised the stock's price target to $282 per share, up from the previous target of $252.

The analysts highlighted a convergence of positive trends that are mutually reinforcing for the company, and they anticipate these trends to persist. The analysts' viewpoint is that Lowe's is poised to achieve a gradual expansion of operational margins over the next two years, driven by a continuous moderate increase in gross margins of approximately 5 to 10 basis points per year, combined with the stability or modest improvement of operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

Bernstein expressed confidence in the near-term outlook for the home improvement market and envisions a return to low-single-digit growth through 2024-25 as the housing market becomes more stable.