10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

HOME DEPOT, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Apr 30, 2006

Filed June 1, 2006For Securities:HD

Summary

The Home Depot, Inc. reported a strong first quarter for fiscal year 2006, with net sales increasing by 13.1% to $21.5 billion and diluted earnings per share rising to $0.70 from $0.57 in the prior year period. This growth was driven by both the core retail business and a significant expansion of the Supply segment, notably through the acquisition of Hughes Supply, Inc. The company achieved record gross profit and operating margins, reflecting improved operational efficiencies and product mix. Financially, the company demonstrated robust cash flow generation, which was used to fund capital expenditures, significant acquisitions, and shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases. While long-term debt increased due to recent financings for acquisitions, the company maintains sufficient liquidity and is confident in its ability to meet financial obligations. The strategic focus on enhancing the core business, extending its services, and expanding market reach appears to be yielding positive financial results.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew 13.1% year-over-year to $21.5 billion in Q1 fiscal 2006.
  • 2Diluted EPS increased to $0.70, up from $0.57 in Q1 fiscal 2005.
  • 3Gross profit margin improved to a record 33.7%.
  • 4Operating income margin reached a record 11.3%.
  • 5Acquisition of Hughes Supply, Inc. significantly boosted the Supply segment's revenue.
  • 6Capital expenditures totaled $705 million, including investments in store modernization and new store openings.
  • 7Cash flow from operations was strong at $3.9 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant increase in Net Sales for the Supply segment (up 225%) was primarily driven by the acquisition of Hughes Supply, Inc. in March 2006, which contributed $483 million in sales. The remaining Supply segment businesses (owned prior to Q1 2005) also showed an 18% increase in Net Sales.

Long-term debt increased due to the March 2006 issuance of $4.0 billion in Senior Notes ( $1.0 billion of 5.20% notes and $3.0 billion of 5.40% notes) to fund acquisitions and refinance existing debt. This led to an increase in the long-term debt-to-equity ratio to 23.9% from 9.0% in the prior year quarter.

The company adopted SFAS 123(R) using a modified prospective transition method. This resulted in additional stock compensation expense, with $26 million recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 related to previously granted options. The total expected additional expense for fiscal 2006 is approximately $40 million. However, the reported Net Earnings and Diluted EPS were not materially impacted in this quarter, and pro forma adjustments showed minimal difference.

The company expects consolidated fiscal 2006 sales growth of 14% to 17%, driven by both organic growth and sales from newly acquired businesses like Hughes Supply. They anticipate this growth could be impacted by competitive pressures in the fragmented home improvement and professional supply industries.