Home DepotHDBUY ON WEAKNESSDec 08, 2017Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Oct 23, 2026. Market Open.
Both new home construction and renovation are suffering. Mortgage rates are high, population growth has stalled, immigration laws have increased labour costs. Relatively demanding multiple, but not really any growth.
Wait to see green shoots of improving consumer confidence and of new/renovated home activity before entering the space.
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%.
Spending a significant amount buying back shares. This company is in a great spot. One of the few retailers in North America that is not impacted by the on-line phenomena. Most purchases is on an “at need” basis by contractors. It’s very insulated from the on-line phenomena. Valuation is getting expensive and is trading at a premium multiple to the market at around 24X. One of the few retail companies you can buy without worrying about Amazon or some other online retailer. He would like to see a pullback before stepping in.