The Home Depot reported second-quarter fiscal 2025 sales of $45.277 billion, up 4.9% from last year but slightly below estimates. Comparable sales rose 1.0%, with U.S. comparable sales up 1.4%. Net earnings were $4.6 billion, or $4.58 per share, with operating income at $6.555 billion.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $4.68, slightly above last year but below estimates. Comparable customer transactions declined, but the average ticket increased. For the first six months of fiscal 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $8.968 billion.

At the quarter’s end, cash and cash equivalents were $2.804 billion, while adjusted debt decreased to $61.321 billion. Return on invested capital dropped to 27.2%, and adjusted debt-to-EBITDAR improved to 2.2x. The company operated 2,353 retail stores and over 800 branches.

Home Depot reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 outlook, expecting sales growth of approximately 2.8% and a gross margin of 33.4%. Diluted EPS is projected to decline about 3% to $14.46, with full-year sales expected to reach $163.980 billion. HD shares were trading lower by 0.33% premarket.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Home Depot Navigates Traffic Decline, Reaffirms Annual Outlook