Home Depot(HD) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the third quarter were $41.4 billion, an increase of 2.8% year-over-year [5][20] - Comparable sales increased by 0.2%, with U.S. comps up 0.1% [5][20] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.74, down from $3.78 in the same quarter last year [5][23] - Gross margin was 33.4%, flat compared to the previous year [20] - Operating margin decreased to 12.9% from 13.5% year-over-year [21][24] - Return on invested capital was 26.3%, down from 31.5% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nine out of 16 merchandising departments posted positive comps, including kitchen, bath, and outdoor garden [14] - Comp average ticket increased by 1.8%, while comp transactions decreased by 1.6% [14] - Big ticket comp transactions (over $1,000) were positive at 2.3% [14] - Online comp sales increased approximately 11% year-over-year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comps in Canada and Mexico were positive in local currency [5][20] - Comp sales progression showed positive results in August (2%), September (0.5%), but negative in October (-1.5%) [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on controlling operational aspects and believes it is gaining market share [6][7] - The acquisition of GMS enhances the company's position as a multi-category building materials distributor [7] - The company plans to continue investing in business initiatives and customer experience [8][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management revised guidance for fiscal 2025 due to softer-than-expected results and ongoing consumer uncertainty [6][24] - The lack of storm activity has significantly impacted home improvement demand [5][34] - Management expects total sales growth of approximately 3% for fiscal 2025, with GMS contributing about $2 billion [24] Other Important Information - The company opened three new stores, bringing the total to 2,356 [23] - Merchandise inventories were $26.2 billion, up approximately $2.3 billion year-over-year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of GMS on EBIT shortfall - Management explained that the inclusion of GMS and transaction expenses contributed to a 20 basis point impact on operating margin [28][29] Question: Consumer demand recovery without housing activity - Management indicated that ongoing consumer uncertainty and housing pressure are affecting home improvement demand [34][50] Question: Average ticket and promotional activity - Management noted that the increase in average ticket was due to customers trading up for innovative products, with promotional activity remaining consistent year-over-year [40][41] Question: Margin structure improvement from acquisitions - Management discussed the potential for margin recovery through synergies and cross-selling opportunities between SRS and GMS [74][87] Question: Regional differences in consumer behavior - Management observed that storm and weather patterns were the most significant regional differences, with no specific fatigue noted in the upper-income customer base [85]