Core Viewpoint - Home Depot remains a strong dividend stock despite facing challenges in the current macroeconomic environment, with a long-term investment thesis intact [2][5][10]. Company Performance - Home Depot's market capitalization has increased from approximately $50 billion 15 years ago to over $380 billion today, indicating strong stock performance [2]. - In fiscal 2023, comparable sales fell by 3.5% and diluted EPS decreased by 9.5%, reflecting a multiyear downturn [4]. - The company's stock has increased by around 11% over the last three years and 57% over the last five years, although it is underperforming compared to the S&P 500 [5]. Macroeconomic Challenges - High interest rates are making home improvement financing more expensive, while elevated mortgage rates are discouraging home purchases [7]. - Existing home sales in the U.S. are near a 10-year low, down approximately 20% from pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strained housing market [8]. - The Case-Shiller Home Price Index is at a 10-year high, contributing to affordability issues for potential homebuyers [7][8]. Dividend Growth - Home Depot has consistently raised its quarterly dividend from $0.25 per share in 2011 to $2.25 per share in 2024, showcasing a commitment to dividend growth [11]. - The company has a dividend yield of 2.3%, making it an attractive option for passive income investors [12]. Valuation and Future Outlook - Home Depot's current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 26.2, with a forward P/E of 24.5, indicating a reasonable valuation despite appearing slightly overvalued [14]. - The acquisition of SRS Distribution for $18.25 billion is expected to enhance Home Depot's exposure to the contractor market, although the full benefits may take time to materialize due to industry slowdowns [15][16]. - Fiscal 2025 may see a slight uptick in sales and earnings post-integration of SRS, even if interest rates remain high [17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2024 were $181.6 million, down from $196.3 million in the prior year, with same-store sales decreasing by 6.1% [6][18] - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was $51.2 million, compared to $59.2 million in Q4 2023, resulting in a gross profit margin of 28.2%, down from 30.2% [15][17] - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $20.9 million or $0.95 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $8.9 million or $0.41 per basic share in Q4 2023 [17][19] - Adjusted EBITDA was negative $16.4 million in Q4 2024, compared to negative $8.7 million in the same quarter last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - On a same-store basis, apparel sales declined by 1.3%, footwear by 5.4%, and hard goods by 8.7% [8] - Average sale decreased by 2.3%, while transactions were down by 3.8% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumer discretionary spending, with winter-related product sales being particularly soft due to unfavorable weather conditions [7][12] - Southern markets experienced below-normal snowfall, impacting winter product sales [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close 15 stores in fiscal 2025, having already closed eight locations in the first quarter, to focus resources on more productive stores [11] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 were $10.9 million, with expectations for $4 million to $8 million in fiscal 2025, primarily for store-related remodeling [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that sales trends remain challenged, with no improvement in macroeconomic conditions expected in the near term [12][23] - For Q1 2025, same-store sales are expected to decline in the mid to high single-digit range compared to Q1 2024 [23] Other Important Information - Merchandise inventory at the end of Q4 2024 decreased by 5.6% year-over-year, reflecting efforts to align inventory levels with sales [20] - The company amended and extended its $150 million credit agreement with Bank of America, providing financial flexibility [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for same-store sales in the upcoming quarter? - Management expects same-store sales to decline in the mid to high single-digit range due to ongoing macroeconomic headwinds [23] Question: How is the company managing its inventory levels? - The company has successfully reduced inventory by 5.6% year-over-year to better align with sales [20] Question: What is the outlook for the winter business? - The winter business remains soft, particularly in southern markets, but spring-related activities are anticipated to drive business as the season transitions [12][13]