Home Depot®, the global leader in home improvement retail, recently released its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The company reported sales of $42.9 billion, a 2.0% decline from the same period last year. Comparable sales mirrored this trend, falling by 2.0% in the U.S. market. Despite the challenging environment, Home Depot remains optimistic about the future of the home improvement industry.

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Net Earnings Dip in Q2 2023

Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 reached $4.7 billion, or $4.65 per diluted share. This marks a decline from the $5.2 billion, or $5.05 per diluted share, recorded during the same period in fiscal 2022. Ted Decker, the Chair, President, and CEO of Home Depot, acknowledged the performance in the second quarter. Decker highlighted strength in smaller project-related categories while noting pressure in significant discretionary categories.

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"We remain very positive on the medium-to-long term outlook for home improvement and our ability to grow share in a large and fragmented market," Decker stated. He commended the dedication and hard work of Home Depot associates who delivered exceptional value and service to customers.

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Fiscal 2023 Guidance and Challenges

Home Depot reaffirmed its fiscal 2023 guidance amidst challenges. The company expects sales and comparable sales to decline between 2% and 5% compared to fiscal 2022. The operating margin rate is projected to be between 14.3% and 14.0%, with a tax rate of approximately 24.5%. The company also anticipates an interest expense of around $1.8 billion and a diluted earnings-per-share-percent decline of 7% to 13% compared to fiscal 2022.

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New $15 Billion Share Repurchase Program Announced

The company's board of directors announced an authorization for a new $15 billion share repurchase program, effective August 15, 2023. This new program replaces the previous authorization, indicating Home Depot's commitment to enhancing shareholder value despite the market challenges.

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Expansion and Market Presence

At the close of the second quarter, Home Depot operated an extensive network of 2,326 retail stores across various regions, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and more. With a strong presence in 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico, the company continues to serve a wide range of customers. Home Depot employs over 470,000 associates who play a crucial role in the company's growth.

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Stock Information

Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HD." It remains an active player in the market, with recent trading showing a positive trajectory of +0.65%. The company is also a part of the prestigious Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index.

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