Mixed quarter at Home Depot with less storm damage to homes and a more anxious shopper

Core Insights - Home Depot's third-quarter results were mixed, with a decline in earnings and a lowered fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings forecast, despite an increase in sales growth expectations [1][2] Financial Performance - For the three months ended Nov. 2, Home Depot reported earnings of $3.6 billion, or $3.62 per share, compared to $3.65 billion, or $3.67 per share a year earlier [1] - Adjusted earnings, excluding one-time charges, were $3.74 per share, falling short of Wall Street expectations by ten cents [2] - Revenue increased to $41.35 billion from $40.22 billion, surpassing Wall Street projections of $41.15 billion [3] Sales Metrics - Comparable store sales rose by 0.2%, with U.S. comparable store sales increasing by 0.1% [4] - Customer transactions decreased by 1.4%, while the average transaction amount increased to $90.39 from $88.65 in the previous year [4] Market Conditions - CEO Ted Decker attributed the earnings miss to fewer storms impacting sales and consumer uncertainty affecting home improvement demand [3] - External factors, such as increased consumer anxiety regarding the economy, were noted as significant contributors to the quarter's performance [5] Strategic Positioning - Analysts believe Home Depot is well-positioned to navigate current adverse market conditions due to its scale, operating strategy, and business mix [6]