Home Depot reported comparable sales growth of 1.7% for the quarter (1.3% in U.S. stores) and reaffirmed a fiscal 2026 forecast of 0% to 2%. Against $165 billion in sales from its last fiscal year, the article estimates a flat year would forgo about $1.65 billion, which would dent the year but not the company. Twelve-month operating income slipped to $21.0 billion from $21.6 billion, and the 12.4% operating margin is the lowest at any quarter-end in ten years, although the latest quarter's operating income rose to $6.84 billion from $6.56 billion. Free cash flow of $15.1 billion over the past twelve months exceeded the $9.22 billion paid in dividends, and the company bought back no shares. The next report, expected on or around November 17, 2026, will show whether comparable sales stay within the forecast and whether the 12.4% to 12.6% operating margin forecast holds.
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