Home Depot Reports Strong Q4 Earnings and Announces Dividend Increase
Home Depot (NYSE: HD), the world’s largest home improvement retailer, has released its fourth-quarter and fiscal 2024 results, highlighting robust sales growth and an increase in its quarterly dividend. Despite challenges in the home improvement market, the company demonstrated resilience and strategic growth.
Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights
Revenue Growth: Sales surged 14.1% year-over-year to $39.7 billion, largely influenced by an extra 14th week in the quarter, which contributed approximately $2.5 billion to the total.
Comparable Sales: U.S. comparable store sales rose 1.3%, reflecting increased consumer engagement despite ongoing pressures on large-scale remodeling projects.
Earnings Growth: Net earnings for Q4 stood at $3.0 billion, or $3.02 per diluted share, a 7% increase compared to $2.8 billion in Q4 2023.
Adjusted EPS: Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) climbed to $3.13, up from $2.86 the prior year.
Fiscal Year 2024 Overview
Total Sales: Fiscal 2024 revenue reached $159.5 billion, marking a 4.5% increase from fiscal 2023.
Comparable Sales Decline: Despite the overall revenue increase, comparable sales declined 1.8%, with U.S. sales mirroring this trend.
Net Earnings: Home Depot reported $14.8 billion in net earnings, or $14.91 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 billion ($15.11 per diluted share) in fiscal 2023.
Adjusted EPS: Adjusted diluted EPS remained nearly flat at $15.24, compared to $15.25 in 2023.
Dividend Increase and Fiscal 2025 Outlook
Home Depot’s board of directors has approved a 2.2% increase in its quarterly dividend, bringing it to $2.30 per share (or an annual dividend of $9.20 per share). This marks the company’s 152nd consecutive quarter of dividend payments.
For fiscal 2025, Home Depot expects:
Sales Growth: Projected at 2.8%, with 1.0% comparable sales growth (excluding the 14th week from 2024).
Store Expansion: Plans to open 13 new stores.
Operating Margins: Estimated at 13.0% GAAP and 13.4% adjusted.
EPS Outlook: Diluted EPS expected to decline 3% from $14.91, while adjusted EPS is projected to decline 2% from $15.24.
Capital Expenditures: Set at 2.5% of total sales.
Strategic Investments Amid Market Challenges
CEO Ted Decker emphasized Home Depot’s commitment to long-term investments despite economic headwinds. The company continues to focus on improving supply chain efficiency, digital capabilities, and store infrastructure to maintain its market leadership.
Conclusion
Home Depot’s strong Q4 performance, driven by an extra operating week and steady consumer demand, underscores its ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty. While fiscal 2025 presents some challenges, including expected EPS declines, the company’s continued dividend growth and strategic investments signal confidence in long-term profitability.
Investors and analysts will closely watch how Home Depot balances cost management with growth initiatives as it moves forward in 2025.
