U.S. equity futures are showing modest movement ahead of the opening bell, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both edging down about 0.1%, while the Russell 2000 remains flat. Despite the broader market being relatively steady, several individual names are making notable moves in pre-market trading on company-specific developments.

Lowe’s (LOW) – Strength from Earnings Beat

Lowe’s shares are up more than 3% after the home improvement retailer delivered better-than-expected quarterly profits and raised its full-year sales guidance. Investors are encouraged by management’s optimism, signaling that demand trends may be stabilizing even as consumers remain selective with spending.

Estée Lauder (EL) – Weakness in Asia Hits Results

Estée Lauder is under pressure, falling nearly 9% pre-market. The company reported a drop in skincare revenue, with performance in Asia-Pacific weighing heavily on results. The miss highlights ongoing challenges in international markets, particularly China, which remains a critical growth driver for global beauty companies.

Target (TGT) – Leadership Transition Sparks Decline

Shares of Target are sliding about 7.5% despite reporting solid earnings and reaffirming guidance. The weakness comes as the company announced its long-time CEO will step aside, with the COO set to take the helm. While the transition is internal and keeps leadership within the company’s established ranks, investors appear cautious about potential changes in strategy and execution.

Analog Devices (ADI) – Guidance Provides Boost

Analog Devices is trading higher by about 2% after topping Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. Strong demand and upbeat forward guidance for the next quarter are driving optimism for continued momentum in the semiconductor sector.

Dayforce (DAY) – Buyout Speculation Lifts Shares

Dayforce is seeing pre-market gains of around 3% amid reports that private equity firm Thoma Bravo is in advanced talks to acquire the company for $70 per share. Merger chatter has fueled increased interest after initial reports surfaced earlier in the week.

Hertz (HTZ) – Amazon Partnership Sparks Rally

Hertz stock is surging more than 12% after announcing a partnership with Amazon to sell its used vehicles through the e-commerce platform. The deal gives Hertz a broader channel to move its fleet while offering Amazon a new entry point into the used-car market.

Avis Budget Group (CAR) – Downgrades Drive Weakness

Avis shares are down more than 5% after Bank of America issued a rare double downgrade on the stock. Analysts cited concerns around valuation and softer demand trends, prompting investors to reassess near-term prospects.

Aspira Holdings (AHL) – Acquisition Speculation Pushes Stock Higher

Aspira Holdings is climbing roughly 10% following reports that Japanese insurer Sompo is considering acquiring the company. The news comes as Sompo looks to deploy excess capital into growth-oriented opportunities abroad.

Alcon (ALC) – Forecast Cut Sends Shares Lower

Alcon shares are under pressure, dropping more than 12% after missing revenue expectations and reducing its full-year outlook for both revenue and operating margin. The guidance cut has rattled investors, raising concerns about the company’s growth trajectory.

---

Market Outlook

While futures point to a subdued start for the broader indices, company-specific catalysts are driving sharp moves across sectors this morning. Retail, beauty, healthcare, and autos are all in focus, reflecting the diverse set of earnings and strategic updates shaping investor sentiment.