Revenue, however, has been a struggle, thanks to adverse weather conditions and impacts of the strong dollar that devalues its sales overseas. The factors have weighed on Lowe's stock, which has suffered along with the 11% year-to-date decline in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF ( XHB ). But with the company's gross margin rate improving some 26 basis points in the third quarter, this suggests management is taking strategic steps to offset revenue headwinds. The 91-basis-point decline in third-quarter selling, general & administrative expenses, which helped boost third-quarter operating margins, serves as an example. In short, Lowe's stock, which has a consensus buy rating and price target of $83, implying a 21% premium, remains a strong buy. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.