HispanicBusiness

The Home Depot today reported sales of $18.1 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, a 4.6 percent increase from the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were positive 4.2 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 4.3 percent.

Net earnings for the third quarter were $947 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $934 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2011. These results reflect a nonrecurring charge of approximately $165 million, net of tax, or $0.11 per diluted share due to the previously announced closing of seven stores in China. On an adjusted basis, the Company reported net earnings of $1.1 billion, or $0.74 per diluted share, a 23.3 percent increase from the same period in the prior year.

"Our third-quarter results were better than we expected and reflected, in part, what we believe is the start of the path toward the healing of the housing market," said Frank Blake, chairman & CEO. "I particularly want to thank all of our associates who are helping the communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy. They are working under difficult circumstances, often with their own lives and homes disrupted by the storm, and their efforts exemplify our core values."