Home Depot(HD) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - The company reported net sales of $159.5 billion in fiscal 2024, with net earnings of$ 14.8 billion, or $14.91 per diluted share[163]. - Net sales for fiscal 2024 increased by$ 6.8 billion, or 4.5%, to $159.5 billion, primarily driven by SRS contributing$ 6.4 billion and an additional week of sales[174]. - Comparable sales decreased by 1.8% in fiscal 2024, with a 1.0% decrease in comparable customer transactions and a 0.9% decrease in comparable average ticket[176]. - Gross profit increased by $2.3 billion, or 4.6%, to$ 53.3 billion, maintaining a gross profit margin of 33.4%[178]. - Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by $2.2 billion, or 8.1%, to$ 28.7 billion, representing 18.0% of net sales[179]. - Diluted earnings per share decreased to $14.91 in fiscal 2024 from$ 15.11 in fiscal 2023, with the 53rd week contributing approximately $0.30 to EPS[183]. - Online sales accounted for 15.1% of net sales, increasing by 6.6% compared to fiscal 2023[175]. - The effective income tax rate was 23.7% in fiscal 2024, slightly down from 24.0% in fiscal 2023[182]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - In fiscal 2024, The Home Depot invested$ 3.5 billion in capital expenditures to support business growth and enhance customer experience[23]. - The company plans to invest approximately $4 billion in capital expenditures for fiscal 2025, focusing on customer experience and new store openings[191]. - The company completed the acquisition of SRS for a total cash purchase consideration of$ 17.7 billion on June 18, 2024, which is expected to enhance growth in the Pro segment[164][167]. - The company raised over $15.0 billion in commercial paper borrowings to fund the SRS acquisition, subsequently repaying approximately$ 10.0 billion with long-term debt proceeds[164]. - The commercial paper program was increased from $5.0 billion to$ 19.5 billion in May 2024 to finance the acquisition of SRS[195]. - Over $15.0 billion in commercial paper borrowings were raised in June 2024 to fund the SRS acquisition, with$ 10.0 billion of long-term debt issued to repay a portion of these borrowings[196]. Shareholder Returns - The company returned $8.9 billion to shareholders in cash dividends and$ 0.6 billion in share repurchases prior to pausing repurchases in March 2024[24]. - Cash dividends paid to shareholders totaled $8.9 billion in fiscal 2024, with a 2.2% increase in the quarterly cash dividend announced in February 2025[192]. - As of February 2, 2025, approximately$ 11.7 billion of the $15.0 billion share repurchase authorization remained available[193]. Store Operations and Customer Experience - The Home Depot aims to provide the best customer experience in home improvement and extend its position as the low-cost provider[22]. - The company serves two primary customer groups: DIY customers and professional customers (Pros), with tailored approaches for each[25][26]. - The Home Depot's stores stock approximately 30,000 to 40,000 items, including both national brands and proprietary products[29]. - The company focuses on enhancing its digital platforms to improve customer experience and drive sales growth[39]. - A significant majority of traffic in The Home Depot's digital channels comes from mobile devices, prompting investments in mobile user experience[40]. - Approximately 50% of U.S. online orders were fulfilled through stores in fiscal 2024, enhancing customer convenience[49]. - The company has invested in mobile app-enabled store navigation to enhance the customer shopping experience[42]. - In fiscal 2024, the company opened 12 new stores as part of a plan to open approximately 80 new stores over five years to address market opportunities[42]. Workforce and Community Engagement - The company employs approximately 470,100 associates, with 89.3% located in the United States[54]. - The U.S. workforce is composed of 50% minority associates, with 36% being female[55]. - The Home Depot Foundation focuses on improving the lives of U.S. veterans and training skilled tradespeople through various community initiatives[63]. Supply Chain and Operational Efficiency - The company continues to invest in supply chain enhancements, focusing on achieving faster and more reliable delivery capabilities[46]. - Investments in store operations aim to improve associate productivity and customer service through optimized processes and technology[43]. - The company has made significant investments in its interconnected retail strategy, including enhancing its supply chain and expanding its store base[79]. - Labor shortages in distribution and fulfillment centers may affect product availability and customer demand, resulting in potential lost sales[96]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces strong competition from various retailers, which could adversely affect prices and demand for its products and services[69]. - Customer expectations are evolving, with increased demand for personalized experiences and quick delivery options, impacting the company's market share[75]. - The company must effectively manage its relationships with suppliers to maintain product differentiation and higher margins[81]. - The aging store base requires maintenance and investment to meet customer expectations for the shopping experience[79]. - The company is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could negatively impact its financial condition and results of operations[67]. - Failure to adapt to changing customer preferences and expectations could adversely affect sales and market share[74]. - The company faces challenges in controlling labor costs due to external factors such as wage pressures and high turnover rates, which can lead to increased training and retention costs[85]. - The competitive market for skilled professionals, particularly in technology, may adversely affect the company's ability to attract and retain associates if competitive wages and benefits are not provided[86]. - The company relies heavily on information technology systems for operations, and failures in these systems could disrupt business and impair data security[88]. - The company faces ongoing cybersecurity risks, including potential data breaches that could result in significant costs and reputational damage[99]. - The evolving cybersecurity threat landscape necessitates continuous evaluation and adaptation of security measures, with no guarantee that all threats can be adequately safeguarded against[101]. - The company is subject to increased scrutiny regarding consumer protection laws, which may lead to higher administrative expenses and litigation risks[121]. - Economic conditions, including inflation and interest rate fluctuations, could adversely affect demand for the company's products and services[116]. - The company may face increased default risk from specialty trade and MRO customers who rely on trade credit, impacting cash flow and operational results[117]. - The potential long-term impacts of climate change could affect the availability and cost of products, commodities, and energy, impacting business operations[108]. - The company is exposed to risks associated with proprietary products, including regulatory compliance and product liability, which could affect reputation and financial performance[114]. - The company faces potential increases in business costs due to changes in federal, state, local, or international laws and regulations, which may impact sales, operations, or profitability[118]. - The company is predominantly self-insured for various risks, which could adversely affect its financial condition if significant claims arise or if insurance coverage is inadequate[124]. Facilities and Infrastructure - The company has a total of 356.5 million square feet of facilities in its Primary segment, with 89% of stores owned and 11% leased[139]. - The company operated over 500 distribution and fulfillment centers and warehouses at the end of fiscal 2024[140]. - The company’s owned stores include those subject to ground leases, indicating a strategic approach to property management[139]. - Aggregate remaining lease payment obligations totaled$ 15.2 billion, with $2.0 billion payable within 12 months[202]. - Aggregate purchase obligations amounted to$ 2.4 billion, with $1.1 billion payable within 12 months[203].