Investopediaยท2025-11-18 19:56Core Insights - Home Depot's CEO Edward Decker indicated that contractors are adding fewer projects to their pipelines, and clients are opting for less expensive materials, suggesting a potential fatigue among affluent consumers [2][8] - The company reported a decline in earnings and sales growth for the fiscal third quarter, leading to lowered earnings expectations for the fiscal year due to various economic pressures [5][6] Economic Context - The home improvement sector has become increasingly reliant on affluent consumers, whose spending has been supported by the stock market; however, a market correction or job losses could disrupt this trend [4] - Home Depot noted that high interest rates and elevated home prices have deterred consumers from moving and undertaking home improvement projects, with housing turnover at a potential 40-year low [6][9] Financial Performance - Home Depot's comparable store sales in the U.S. increased by 0.1% year-over-year, with modest price increases contributing to higher average spending [9] - The number of transactions over $1,000 rose by 2.3% year-over-year, indicating that the increase is primarily due to contractors rather than consumers taking on larger projects [10]