Home Depot’s second quarter results were well received by the market, as the company delivered steady growth in same-store sales and maintained profitability in line with Wall Street’s expectations. Management attributed the positive momentum to robust engagement across both professional and do-it-yourself customers, with particular strength in categories such as lumber, hardware, and seasonal goods. CEO Ted Decker noted, “The performance across the business was the strongest we’ve seen in over two years,” highlighting investments in technology, supply chain, and the pro ecosystem as meaningful contributors to recent performance.

Is now the time to buy HD? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Home Depot’s Q2 Earnings Call

• Zach Fadem (Wells Fargo) asked about the sustainability of July’s sales improvement and the drivers of second-half comps. CEO Ted Decker attributed the uptick to better weather and broader customer engagement, while CFO Richard McPhail emphasized continued momentum without assuming major changes in trends.
• Steven Zaccone (Citi) inquired about the impact of tax reform and potential interest rate cuts on large project recovery. Decker noted that economic uncertainty remains the main barrier, with rate relief and favorable tax changes as possible future catalysts.
• Christopher Horvers (JPMorgan) questioned the cadence of comps for the remainder of the year and the rationale behind the GMS acquisition. Decker and McPhail described the acquisition as a strategic fit, expanding distribution and product offerings for pros.
• Simeon Gutman (Morgan Stanley) asked if the improvement in demand reflects a housing turn or market share gains. McPhail pointed to healthy customer fundamentals and ongoing deferral of large projects, while Decker highlighted share gains in pro categories.
• Michael Lasser (UBS) pressed on the company’s willingness to make large strategic moves and the balance between growth and returns. Decker and McPhail explained that capital allocation is focused on areas with attractive returns and market share opportunities, especially in pro and digital channels.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In coming quarters, the StockStory team will be closely watching (1) the pace of integration and performance from the SRS and pending GMS acquisitions, (2) ongoing expansion of the pro ecosystem and adoption of new trade credit and order management features, and (3) signs of recovery or continued deferral in larger discretionary home improvement projects. We also see digital sales growth and delivery enhancements as important markers for execution.

Home Depot currently trades at $409.87, up from $394.52 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

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