Home Depot(HD) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q1 2025 were $39.9 billion, an increase of 9.4% from the same period last year [6][29] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.56, a decrease of approximately 3% compared to $3.67 in Q1 2024 [7][32] - Comp sales declined by 0.3% year-over-year, with U.S. comps increasing by 0.2% [6][30] - Gross margin was 33.8%, down 35 basis points from the previous year, while operating margin was 12.9%, compared to 13.9% in Q1 2024 [30][31] - Return on invested capital was 31.3%, down from 37.1% in Q1 2024 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Six out of 16 merchandising departments posted positive comps, including appliances, plumbing, indoor garden, electrical, outdoor garden, and building materials [21] - Pro comp sales were positive and outpaced DIY customer sales, with strength in pro-heavy categories like gypsum, decking, concrete, and siding [22] - Online comp sales increased approximately 8% compared to the previous year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In local currency, Mexico posted positive comps while Canada was below the company average [7][30] - Foreign exchange rates negatively impacted total company comps by approximately 70 basis points for the quarter [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its global supply chain, with over 50% of purchases sourced in the U.S. and no single country expected to represent more than 10% of purchases outside the U.S. within 12 months [8][10] - The company aims to invest in its business to gain market share, particularly in periods of disruption, and is focused on enhancing the pro ecosystem to better serve professional customers [11][12] - The company operates in a fragmented market of approximately $1 trillion, with a healthy consumer base and increasing home equity driving confidence in home improvement investments [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the worst macroeconomic concerns have passed, with improved consumer sentiment and low unemployment [40][41] - Despite high interest rates impacting larger remodeling projects, management remains optimistic about future engagement in home improvement projects as macro confidence increases [42][43] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting total sales growth of approximately 2.8% and comp sales growth of about 1% [34][35] Other Important Information - The company opened three new stores, bringing the total store count to 2,350 [32] - Merchandise inventories were $25.8 billion, up approximately $3.3 billion compared to the previous year, with inventory turns at 4.3 times [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on overall demand environment and sales trends - Management indicated that macro concerns have improved, with consumer sentiment rising and home prices continuing to increase, but high interest rates are still affecting larger remodeling projects [40][41] Question: SG&A growth and one-time impacts - SG&A grew 12% year-over-year, influenced by a legal settlement from the previous year and the addition of SRS expenses [44][45] Question: Comp guidance and market conditions - Management reaffirmed guidance, noting that FX pressure impacted results but overall business performance heading into Q2 is positive [55] Question: Tariffs and pricing strategy - The company has diversified its supply chain, with over 50% of purchases sourced in the U.S., and plans to maintain pricing without broad-based increases [67][70] Question: Deferred demand in home improvement - Management expects to capture share from deferred demand as macro conditions improve, with a focus on servicing both DIY and pro customers [74][75] Question: Regional performance and housing activity - Slight softening was noted in some markets, but overall sales have not been impacted significantly by housing price changes [108] Question: Inventory positioning and summer outlook - Management feels confident about inventory levels, with no pull forward and good positioning for the upcoming season [89][92]