Home Depot(US:HD) Guohai Securities·2024-11-18 05:39Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for the company, Home Depot (HD), marking its first coverage [1]. Core Insights - Home Depot's Q3 FY2024 performance exceeded market expectations, leading to an upward revision of its full-year guidance. The company reported sales of $40.2 billion, a year-over-year increase of 6.6%, while comparable sales decreased by 1.3% [1]. - The company anticipates a full-year sales growth of 4% year-over-year, an increase from the previous guidance of 2.5% to 3.5% [1]. - The report highlights the positive impact of the U.S. interest rate cuts on the real estate market, which is expected to boost demand for home improvement products [1]. Summary by Sections Q3 Performance - Home Depot's Q3 FY2024 sales reached $40.2 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 6.6%. Comparable sales decreased by 1.3%, while net profit was $3.6 billion, down 4.3% year-over-year. The diluted EPS was $3.67, a decrease of 3.7% year-over-year [1]. - The gross profit margin (GPM) was 33.4%, down 0.4 percentage points year-over-year, and the operating profit margin (OPM) was 13.5%, down 0.9 percentage points year-over-year [1]. Market Outlook - The report indicates that the U.S. construction spending continues to show a year-over-year growth trend, with new home sales improving in the July-September period [1]. - The company expects a recovery in real estate demand due to the interest rate cuts, which will likely drive sales growth in home improvement products [1]. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for FY2024 to FY2026 are $158.1 billion, $166.4 billion, and $174.7 billion, respectively, with year-over-year growth rates of 4%, 5%, and 5% [1]. - The report forecasts net profits of $15.1 billion, $15.6 billion, and $16.3 billion for FY2024 to FY2026, with growth rates of -1%, +4%, and +4% [1].