10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2011

HOME DEPOT, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended May 2, 2010

Filed June 3, 2010For Securities:HD

Summary

The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) reported a solid first quarter for fiscal year 2010, demonstrating a significant rebound from the previous year. Net sales increased by 4.3% to $16.9 billion, driven by a strong 4.8% increase in comparable store sales, the largest increase since late 2005. This growth was fueled by improved customer transactions and positive performance across most departments, with notable contributions from seasonal categories and lumber due to price inflation. Profitability saw a substantial improvement, with operating income rising 33.2% and diluted earnings per share (EPS) reaching $0.43, up from $0.30 in the prior year's comparable period. Excluding certain charges and the impact of exited businesses, adjusted EPS was $0.45. The company also strengthened its balance sheet, reducing its long-term debt-to-equity ratio and generating robust operating cash flow of $2.0 billion. These results indicate positive momentum and effective operational management in a challenging economic environment.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$16.86B
Cost of Revenue$11.07B
Gross Profit$5.79B
SG&A Expenses$4.08B
Operating Expenses$4.49B
Operating Income$1.30B
Interest Expense$142.00M
Net Income$725.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.43
EPS (Diluted)$0.43
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.68B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.69B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 4.3% to $16.9 billion, indicating a recovery in demand.
  • 2Comparable store sales grew by 4.8%, marking the strongest increase in nearly five years.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.43 from $0.30 year-over-year.
  • 4Operating Income saw a significant increase of 33.2%, reflecting improved profitability.
  • 5The company generated strong operating cash flow of $2.0 billion.
  • 6Long-term debt-to-equity ratio improved significantly, indicating a healthier balance sheet.
  • 7The company continued its share repurchase program, buying back $508 million in the quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the sales increase was a significant 4.8% rise in comparable store sales, which was the largest increase since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. This was supported by a 4.4% increase in comparable store customer transactions and positive sales performance across most departments, including seasonal categories and lumber, which benefited from price inflation.

Profitability improved considerably. Operating income increased by 33.2% to $1.3 billion, and net earnings grew to $725 million from $514 million in the prior year's first quarter. Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.43 from $0.30. Excluding one-time charges and adjustments, adjusted EPS was $0.45, representing a 28.6% increase.

The company's financial health appears to be strengthening. Operating cash flow was robust at $2.0 billion. The long-term debt-to-equity ratio improved to 39.6% from 53.7% year-over-year, indicating reduced leverage. The company ended the quarter with $2.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, and management believes its current cash position and access to capital are sufficient to meet its obligations and fund its programs.

Yes, there was a $51 million pretax charge related to the extension of a guarantee for an HD Supply, Inc. loan. The prior year's first quarter included $117 million in pretax 'Rationalization Charges' related to store closures, exiting certain businesses, and restructuring support functions. The company provided non-GAAP measures to allow for a clearer comparison by excluding these items.