Home Depot Exceeds Expectations with Strong Second Quarter Results

The Home Depot reported its second quarter fiscal 2026 results, exceeding expectations. The company's sales reached $47.9 billion, a 5.7% increase from the same period last year. Comparable sales increased by 1.7%, with U.S. comparable sales rising by 1.3%. Net earnings were $4.8 billion, or $4.79 per diluted share, compared to $4.6 billion, or $4.58 per diluted share, in the previous year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $4.92, up from $4.68.

According to Richard McPhail, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 'Our second quarter results exceeded our expectations. We saw broad based demand across the business as customers continued to engage in smaller projects.' Ann-Marie Campbell, Senior Executive Vice President, added that the company's teams did an exceptional job executing throughout a dynamic environment.

The Home Depot reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, which includes a total sales growth of approximately 2.5% to 4.5%, and comparable sales growth of approximately flat to 2.0%. The company also expects to open around 15 new stores, with gross margin of approximately 33.1%, operating margin of approximately 12.4% to 12.6%, and adjusted operating margin of approximately 12.8% to 13.0%. Net interest expense is expected to be approximately $2.3 billion.