Home DepotHDBUYOct 06, 2020Stock 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%.
HD vs. Lowes He's come close to buying HD in the past. It pays a 2.1% yield vs. Lowes' 1.3%, and HD boasts better metrics elsewhere. Key point it that scale matters in this business, and the 3x bigger HD enjoys a size advantage and has a wider moat (can get better pricing and service from suppliers). He picks HD.