Home DepotHDWAITSep 17, 2024Stock 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%.
He sold Home Depot to buy Lowes, because it trades at a lower PE and they execute as well. Managers here used to run HD and apply the same playbook at Lowes. Operating margins in the last 10 years have almost doubled. He exited both stocks given higher PEs and weakening consumers. Would like to re-enter later.