Home Depot (HD) shares were down this morning on the heels of an earnings release but ended up sharply higher by market close. Revenues, same store sales results, and earnings all came in below expectations. Yet the share price rose by over 4% today. What gives?
Low expectations have depressed the shares, but Home Depot’s financial position remains very strong. The company carries prudent levels of debt and generates very high investment returns. Management reported 22% returns on invested capital for the quarter (after considering operating leases the real number is in the high teens). These are admirable returns to post in this environment. Despite a slowing business climate, the company has been using its free cash flow to buy back shares. CEO Bob Nardelli knows a bargain when he sees one. Investors must have noticed.
EPS is still expected to grow by 4% and sales should be up around 12% for the full fiscal year. Frankly, I would expect worse. But the valuation is far from demanding: the shares sell at just around 12 times forward earnings and operating cash flow. For a premiere franchise like Home Depot, there seems to be a margin of safety built in to the current valuation, though not as much after the recent run-up.
One problem I had with their reported results today: no cash flow statement. It’d be nice to see a cash flow statement in the press release. This would help us gain a clearer picture of what went on during the quarter and first nine months of the year. Maybe next time, Bobby.
Disclosure: I own shares for clients as well as personally.
No comments:
Post a Comment