Stocks•23 July 2026•
2 min read

CI Investments Slashes Stakes in Lowe's and BlackRock Despite Earnings Beat

Key Facts

1CI Investments Inc. reduced its stake in Lowe's Companies, Inc. by 16.1% during the first quarter of 2026.
2CI Investments Inc. slashed its position in BlackRock by 63.6%, despite the company beating earnings and revenue expectations.
3Insiders at Lowe's, including EVPs Margrethe R. Vagell and Janice Dupre, sold significant shares recently.

In a move reflecting institutional portfolio rebalancing within the retail and financial sectors, CI Investments has significantly reduced its holdings in major US firms. According to reports, the firm cut its stake in Lowe's by 16.1% during the first quarter of 2026, while its position in BlackRock was slashed by a substantial 63.6%. These adjustments at BlackRock occurred despite the company exceeding earnings and revenue expectations, suggesting strategic shifts beyond immediate financial performance.

These institutional adjustments coincide with insider selling activity at Lowe's, where executive vice presidents including Margrethe R. Vagell and Janice Dupre recently sold portions of their holdings. Per market data, LOW shares closed at $204.35 (close July 22, 2026), while BLK shares settled at $1,056.63 (close July 22, 2026). These developments signal a degree of caution among major investors and corporate insiders despite generally positive analyst consensus.

Traders should monitor current support levels, as BLK recorded a day low of $1,034.34 and LOW touched $202.21 during the July 22, 2026 session. Looking at the economic calendar, retail sector sentiment may be influenced by recent US Retail Sales data which showed a modest 0.2% growth, alongside the Michigan Consumer Sentiment index which reached 54.4 on July 17, 2026, providing broader context for domestic consumption conditions.