Home Depot (HD): A Reliable Dividend Stock with Strong Profitability

Core Insights - The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is recognized as a reliable dividend stock with strong profitability, positioned to benefit from a future rebound in the housing market [2][3] - The company has demonstrated solid sales growth despite a sluggish housing market, with a 4.9% increase in sales in Q2 year-over-year [3] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Home Depot's earnings per share slightly decreased to $4.58 from $4.60, reflecting a minor decline in profit [3] - The company anticipates a full-year sales growth of 2.8% and aims to maintain an operating margin of around 13% [3] - Home Depot has a dividend payout ratio of approximately 62%, indicating that its dividend is well-supported by earnings [3] - The quarterly dividend is set at $2.30 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.42% as of October 13 [3] Dividend Growth - Home Depot has a track record of increasing its dividends for 15 consecutive years, making it one of the top dividend stocks for investors [3]