The Home Depot reported a strong second quarter for fiscal year 2026, with total sales reaching $47.9 billion, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Comparable sales saw a healthy rise of 1.7%, driven by a 1.3% increase in the U. S. Net earnings climbed to $4.8 billion, or $4.79 per diluted share, up from $4.58 per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also saw an improvement, reaching $4.92 compared to $4.68 in the prior-year period.
Executives expressed optimism, noting that the quarter's performance exceeded expectations. "Our second quarter results exceeded our expectations. We saw broad based demand across the business as customers continued to engage in smaller projects," stated Richard McPhail, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. This positive outcome was attributed to investments across the business and the dedication of its associates to customer service.
Crucially, The Home Depot reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting total sales growth between 2.5% and 4.5%, with comparable sales growth expected to be relatively flat to 2.0%. The company anticipates an adjusted operating margin between 12.8% and 13.0%. While acknowledging ongoing consumer uncertainty and housing market pressures, the company highlighted its ability to maintain market share, partly supported by IEEPA tariff refunds that are expected to help offset rising fuel, energy, and product input costs. The company also reported an 11% increase in online sales, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in e-commerce.
