The Motley Foolยท2025-11-23 07:45Core Viewpoint - Home Depot is experiencing one of its worst performances relative to the S&P 500 in years, indicating a significant slowdown in the housing market and consumer spending [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - Home Depot's stock is near a 52-week low following disappointing third-quarter fiscal 2025 results and a revised full-year guidance [3]. - The company anticipates a slight increase in comparable 52-week sales growth but a 5% decline in adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) [4]. - Home Depot's diluted EPS for fiscal 2023 was $15.25, reflecting a 9.5% decline from $16.69 in fiscal 2022, marking over three years of falling earnings [5]. Group 2: Market Conditions - CEO Ted Decker noted ongoing consumer uncertainty and a weak housing market, which are negatively impacting home improvement demand [6]. - There is a notable bifurcation in the economy, with strong stock market performance contrasting with struggles in the consumer-facing sector [7][8]. - Management's tone has shifted from cautiously optimistic to serious as the slowdown in housing and consumer spending intensifies [9]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - Home Depot's stock has declined 14% year-to-date and has only increased 24% over the last five years, compared to an 86.2% gain in the S&P 500 [11]. - Despite three consecutive years of lower adjusted earnings, there are still reasons for long-term optimism regarding Home Depot's market share and valuation [12][13]. - The company has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years, with the latest increase being 2.2%, the smallest since 2010, resulting in a current yield of 2.7% [14]. Group 4: Long-term Outlook - Home Depot is viewed as a strong company amidst a significant industry slowdown, with a recommendation for long-term investors to consider the stock for its potential as a blue-chip dividend investment [15][16].