Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q3 2024 were $40.2 billion, an increase of 6.6% from the same period last year [6][28] - Comparable sales declined by 1.3% year-over-year, with U.S. stores experiencing a negative comp of 1.2% [6][28] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.78, down from $3.85 in Q3 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 2% [6][31] - Gross margin was approximately 33.4%, a decrease of 40 basis points from the previous year [29] - Operating margin for Q3 was 13.5%, compared to 14.3% in Q3 2023 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive comps were seen in power, outdoor garden, building materials, indoor garden, and paint departments, while lumber, plumbing, and hardware were above the company average [21] - Comp transactions decreased by 0.6%, and comp average ticket decreased by 0.8% [21] - Pro sales outpaced DIY customer sales, indicating stronger performance in the professional segment [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mexico and Canada posted comps above the company average, with Mexico showing positive comps in the quarter [7] - The impact of hurricanes contributed approximately $200 million in sales, positively affecting total company comps by about 55 basis points for the quarter [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance the interconnected experience and grow pro wallet share through differentiated capabilities and new store openings [9][10] - Investments are being made in supply chain capabilities, including direct fulfillment centers to improve delivery speeds [10] - The focus remains on supporting the growth of the SRS team and leveraging cross-sale opportunities [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged continued macroeconomic uncertainty and its impact on larger remodeling projects due to higher interest rates [9][68] - The company updated its fiscal 2024 guidance, expecting total sales growth of approximately 4% and adjusted diluted earnings per share to decline by about 1% [33][35] - Management remains optimistic about market share growth despite current challenges [35] Other Important Information - The company opened 5 new stores, bringing the total store count to 2,345 [31] - Merchandise inventories increased to $23.9 billion, up approximately $1.1 billion compared to Q3 2023 [32] - Return on invested capital was approximately 31.5%, down from 38.7% in Q3 2023 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of hurricane-related sales - Management noted that hurricane-related sales contributed approximately 55 basis points to Q3 comps, with a focus on generators and cleanup products [41][42] Question: Needs-based vs discretionary projects - Management indicated that needs-based projects are being completed, while larger discretionary projects are being deferred due to economic conditions [44] Question: Progress with SRS and cross-selling - Management reported strong progress with SRS, contributing $2.9 billion in Q3, and highlighted the potential for cross-selling opportunities [51][49] Question: Gross margin pressures - Management explained that the primary impact on gross margin was from the mix due to SRS, with an expected annualized impact of about 70 basis points [54][56] Question: Market share performance - Management expressed confidence in gaining market share, particularly in seasonal categories and building materials [61][63] Question: Future housing market outlook - Management discussed the relationship between interest rates and housing turnover, emphasizing the need for stability in rates to encourage home improvement projects [96][97]