Reality Check for Home Improvement Stocks
What does the current state, and the likely future, of the American real estate market mean for companies like Home Depot and Lowe's? We break down the numbers to see which (if either) is a good investment.
What does the current state, and the likely future, of the American real estate market mean for companies like Home Depot and Lowe's? We break down the numbers to see which (if either) is a good investment.
Over the last few years, Home Depot has expanded its retail stores aggressively, adding more than 200 outlets annually. However, the firm has recently embarked on a $1.1 billion program to improve its Web presence while dramatically reducing the number of new store openings to around 10 in 2011.
Home Depot raised its 2010 outlook, and expects both sales and profits to rise in 2011, when it plans to open 10 new stores. The nation's biggest home improvement retailer expects sales to rise approximately 2.3%, up from a previously projected 2.2% gain.
The nation's largest home improvement retailer reported that its third quarter net earnings rose a higher-than-expected 21% due to lower expenses and cost cuts. Additionally, Home Depot raised its fiscal 2010 earnings outlook.
The home improvement retailer beat earnings expectations but sales fell below estimates as consumers continue to hold back on spending due to economic concerns.

