What Analysts Think of Home Depot's Stock Ahead of Earnings

Key Takeaways

• Home Depot reports earnings Tuesday morning, with analysts expecting higher revenue but lower profits compared to the same time last year.
• Recent quarters from Home Depot and rival Lowe's have disappointed as Americans put off big purchases to focus spending on essentials.
• JPMorgan analysts suggested sales could see a bump from hurricanes that impacted parts of the South in the quarter.

Home Depot (HD) is set to report earnings before the bell Tuesday after its recent quarters have disappointed as many Americans put off big purchases and home improvement projects to focus spending on essentials.

Most analysts covering the stock tracked by Visible Alpha hold "buy" ratings, though their average price target isn't much higher than Friday's closing price of $405.90. Of the 18 analysts tracked, there are 14 with "buy" ratings and four with "hold" ratings, with an average price target of $410.94, implying about 1% upside.

For the third quarter, analysts expect Home Depot's sales to rise 4% from the same time last year to $39.2 billion, while net income is projected to slip about 6% to $3.6 billion.

Potential Boost From Severe Weather, Rate Cuts

JPMorgan analysts suggested Home Depot and rival Lowe's (LOW) could see a bump in sales from hurricanes that impacted parts of the South in the quarter, but costs for the retailers to handle the storm damage themselves could offset the sales boost.

Over the next year, the analysts said the retailers could also get a boost if easing mortgage rates lead the housing market to pick up and consumers take on more renovation or home improvement projects.

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