Home DepotHDTOP PICKSep 09, 2014Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 04, 2026. Market Open.
Dominant home improvement retailer in US. Its edge is being a one-stop shop for complex, multi-trade projects. Taking share from both LOW and specialty suppliers. Expanded into roofing, building products, and repair/maintenance. Stepped up e-commerce.
13% compound pace of dividend increases over last decade. Lagged effect of interest rate increases in US likely to shore up housing this year and bolster earnings. Yield is 2.50%.
This is a consumer story. The consumer is in great shape. They haven’t spent money on their homes in a long time. This company got stronger through the downturn and came out the other side in a very dominant position. Their financial metrics have been getting better. They have a great counter to the Internet trend in retail, because you have to go into a store to buy lumber and get advice. Incredibly shareholder friendly. Have been buying back an enormous amount of stock. Have increased their dividend by about 15% a year in the last 5 years. Dividend yield of 2.1%.