On Tuesday, Home Depot (NYSE:HD) delivered a mixed first-quarter earnings report, according to Citi. The company's earnings per share (EPS) exceeded expectations, helped by a tax rate benefit that was 9 cents lower than anticipated.
However, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell short of projections. Home Depot's same-store sales (SSS) declined by 2.8%, which was more than the anticipated 2.0% drop.
The company attributed this to a delayed start to the spring season and a continued decrease in certain large discretionary projects.
Despite these first-quarter challenges, Home Depot confirmed its full-year 2024 guidance. The forecast for full-year 2024 same-store sales suggests a 1% decline, which now appears to be more weighted towards the second half of the year following the first-quarter miss.
The company's gross margin execution was strong, with around a 44 basis point year-over-year expansion, slightly beating expectations.
Citi noted that the upcoming discussion on the sequential performance of same-store sales and the state of the U.S. consumer during the 9 AM ET conference call would be crucial for Home Depot's stock performance on Tuesday.
At initial glance, Citi anticipated that the stock might trade flat to slightly lower on the day, but emphasized that the first-quarter results should not be seen as altering the fundamental investment thesis for Home Depot.
The company's reaffirmation of its full-year guidance suggests a level of confidence in its business strategy and operational execution for the remainder of the year.
Home Depot's ability to maintain its gross margin amidst the reported sales challenges indicates solid execution on the cost management and operational efficiency fronts.
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