Home Depot Earnings: YF Invest's Key Metrics to Watch

Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, is set to report its second-quarter earnings for fiscal 2024 on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. As investors and analysts await the results, it's crucial to focus on key metrics that can provide insights into the company's performance and growth prospects. This article will highlight the most important metrics to watch in Home Depot's earnings report, using data and analysis to support the investment thesis.



1. **Sales and Revenue Growth**: Home Depot's sales and revenue growth are essential indicators of its overall performance. Analysts expect the company's second-quarter sales to come in at $42.57 billion, edging down from $42.92 billion a year ago. However, investors should focus on the year-over-year change in sales and revenue growth trends to assess the company's growth prospects.
2. **Earnings per Share (EPS) and Net Income**: EPS and net income are critical metrics for evaluating Home Depot's profitability. Analysts project EPS of $4.52 and net income of $4.48 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Investors should compare these figures to the same period last year and consider the company's EPS growth rate and margin trends.
3. **Comparable Sales**: Comparable sales, or same-store sales, measure the change in revenue at stores open for at least one year. This metric helps investors understand Home Depot's organic growth and the performance of its existing store base. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, Home Depot's comparable sales decreased by 1.5%, indicating a slowdown in growth compared to the previous year. Investors should monitor the trend in comparable sales and compare it to the company's historical averages and competitors' performance.
4. **Gross Margin**: Gross margin is a key indicator of Home Depot's pricing power and cost management. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, Home Depot's gross margin decreased to 33.6% from 34.8% in the same period last year. Investors should analyze the trend in gross margin and consider the impact of inflation, input costs, and pricing strategies on the company's profitability.
5. **Operating Margin**: Operating margin is another crucial metric for evaluating Home Depot's profitability and cost management. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, Home Depot's operating margin decreased to 14.1% from 14.8% in the same period last year. Investors should monitor the trend in operating margin and assess the company's ability to maintain or improve its profitability despite macroeconomic headwinds.
6. **Guidance**: Home Depot's guidance for fiscal 2024 is an essential indicator of the company's outlook and confidence in its growth prospects. The company expects total sales growth of approximately 1.0% including the 53rd week, with comparable sales to decline approximately 1.0% for the 52-week period. Investors should analyze the company's guidance and compare it to its historical performance and analysts' expectations.



In conclusion, Home Depot's earnings report for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 will provide valuable insights into the company's performance and growth prospects. Investors should focus on key metrics such as sales and revenue growth, EPS and net income, comparable sales, gross margin, operating margin, and guidance to make informed investment decisions. By analyzing these metrics and considering the company's strategic initiatives and market positioning, investors can gain a comprehensive understanding of Home Depot's investment potential.