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The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) is a leading American multinational home improvement retailer. Founded in 1978, it has grown to become the largest home improvement specialty retailer in the world. The company operates more than 2,300 warehouse-format stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offering a vast array of products that range from tools and construction materials to appliances and services, including fuel and transportation rentals.
Home Depot's stores provide customers with more than 30,000 products in-store and over 1 million products online. Its extensive product line caters to both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors, featuring building materials, home improvement products, lawn and garden products, and decor items. The company also offers various services such as home improvement installations and tool and equipment rentals.
In 2015, Home Depot acquired Interline Brands, marking its entry into the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) business, which was further expanded with the acquisition of HD Supply in 2020. Additionally, the acquisition of The Company Store provided a foothold in the textile market, while Redi Carpet added multifamily flooring to its portfolio.
Despite a modest sales decline in 2023 following three years of significant growth, Home Depot continues to invest in its business operations. The company reported fiscal 2023 sales of $152.7 billion, a 3% decrease from fiscal 2022. Net earnings for fiscal 2023 stood at $15.1 billion, down from $17.1 billion in the previous year. In response, Home Depot has implemented several initiatives to enhance its business, including the creation of interconnected retail experiences and the expansion of its store network.
Home Depot recently announced a 7.7% increase in its quarterly dividend, highlighting its strong financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders. The company also continues to strengthen its community engagement through initiatives like The Homer Fund, which has granted over $250 million to associates in need since 1999.
In terms of recent developments, Home Depot has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SRS Distribution Inc., a leader in residential specialty trade distribution. This acquisition is expected to enhance Home Depot's capabilities in serving professional customers, adding significant value and expanding its market presence.
Furthermore, The Home Depot is actively involved in collegiate sports, having recently become an official corporate partner of the NCAA. The partnership includes rights across all 90 NCAA championships, aligning with Home Depot's busiest selling season and enhancing its engagement with sports fans and customers alike.
Home Depot is also committed to sustainability and community support, with initiatives like organic gardening products, native plants, and disaster relief efforts through The Home Depot Foundation. The company's Retool Your School program provides grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for campus enhancements, further showcasing its dedication to community development.
The Home Depot Foundation, partnered with Community Solutions and others, has converted 60 transitional units into permanent housing for veterans in Detroit, aiming to combat veteran homelessness. The renovated facility, located at 211 Glendale, features upgraded apartments and common areas, meeting veterans' needs for sustainable housing. This initiative aligns with the city's goal to achieve a state of "functional zero" homelessness, having already reduced veteran homelessness by 50% from January 2018 to September 2022. The Foundation has invested over $400 million in veteran causes since 2011, improving over 50,000 veteran homes and facilities.
The Home Depot will increase its investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to $4 million in 2023, focusing on community projects and career resources through its Retool Your School program. Half of this funding will enhance career opportunities for HBCU students with scholarships and externships, while the other $2 million will expand the Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant. The program has already invested over $5.2 million in 184 HBCUs since its inception. Grants this year will support 30 campuses, with amounts ranging from $40,000 to $150,000.
The Home Depot celebrates the remarkable 36-year career of Joe Beland, an associate recognized for his artistic talent in signage. Starting in 1986 in Dallas, Texas, Joe has evolved from creating hand-painted signs to being an appliance associate in Santa Rosa, California. He played a significant role in the Sign Force team, collaborating on store signage and designs. Joe faced health challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, losing 80% of his lung capacity but received robust support from the company. His message to others is to leverage their talents for career growth.
The Home Depot is actively supporting communities affected by recent tornadoes in the Southeast through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Team Rubicon, and the American Red Cross. Volunteers from Team Depot delivered nearly 1,000 disaster relief kits in Griffin, Georgia, and assisted in cleanup efforts. In Selma, Alabama, Team Rubicon and World Central Kitchen are aiding in debris removal and providing meals. In 2022, The Home Depot Foundation committed over $5.5 million to disaster response initiatives, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
The Home Depot is launching a nationwide week of service from January 16 to 20, 2023, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The initiative aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and communities. In collaboration with the Home Builders Institute and 100 Black Men of America, the week will enhance educational spaces and promote career opportunities in skilled trades. Additionally, The Home Depot Foundation is donating $10,000 to The King Center to support its community programs. This effort signifies The Home Depot's commitment to social equity and sustainable change.
The Home Depot premiered a documentary titled "Hope Builds," showcasing the impacts of natural disasters on communities and the collective effort to rebuild. The film highlights three significant disasters: Hurricane Andrew (1992), Joplin tornado (2011), and California's Camp Fire (2018), featuring insights from associates and survivors. The Home Depot has been active in disaster preparedness and recovery for over 30 years, collaborating with organizations like the American Red Cross. The documentary, directed by Jessica Dimmock, underscores The Home Depot's commitment to volunteerism and community support.
The Home Depot has launched a new app, Sidekick, designed to enhance store associates' task prioritization and productivity. Utilizing machine learning, the app identifies high-demand products and guides associates on restocking tasks. With over 99,000 hdPhones devices already rolled out, Sidekick is currently installed in more than 600 stores and will expand to all U.S. locations by the end of the 2022 fiscal year. This initiative aims to improve customer service and operational efficiency.
The Home Depot emphasizes the importance of high-efficiency toilets for water conservation, accounting for approximately 30% of household water use. Industry advancements since 2006, including the WaterSense program, have led to improved models, with some toilets now using just 0.8 gallons per flush (GPF). The Home Depot has committed to stocking only WaterSense toilets and highlights products like the Niagara Stealth Toilet and Glacier Bay Power Flush, which combine efficiency and performance. The company’s strategic actions support sustainability and consumer savings.
The Home Depot has expanded its Pro Xtra loyalty program as of January 5, 2023, introducing new tiers: Member, Elite, and VIP. These enhancements aim to provide professional contractors with more benefits as they spend. Members can earn rewards, access an Elite Support Line, and enjoy preferred pricing. The Pro market represents a $450 billion opportunity, and The Home Depot is committed to supporting its Pros with specialized products, digital tools, and fulfillment options. The program has evolved since its 2012 launch to better serve the growing needs of Pros.