The Home Depot’s strong first-quarter results boost stock, exceeding analysts’ expectations amid global decline

    by VT Markets
    /
    May 20, 2025
    The Home Depot shared its first-quarter results, which calmed market worries. Globally, comparable sales fell by 0.3% year-on-year, a bit worse than expected, but US comparable sales rose by 0.2%. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.56, below Wall Street’s forecasts, while revenue climbed to $39.86 billion, exceeding expectations by $610 million. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures went up slightly, while NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500 futures saw moderate drops. Customer transactions increased by 2.1% year-on-year, and the average purchase price remained stable at $90.71.

    Revenue And Stock Performance

    Management predicts a 2.8% revenue increase and a 3% drop in adjusted earnings per share for the 2025 fiscal year. Home Depot’s stock opened near $390, surpassing the 200-day Simple Moving Average. Support is noted between $370 and $380, while resistance is at around $396. The company stated it will not raise prices despite new tariffs and plans to keep current prices steady through supplier partnerships. They are also looking to change suppliers to cushion the effects of the tariffs. The first-quarter report from this home improvement retailer showed mixed signals but mostly reassured market participants. While earnings per share fell short of predictions, revenue growth exceeded expectations, showing that consumer spending is still strong. Notably, American stores saw a small but significant increase in comparable sales, while international results fell slightly. This change might encourage some adjustment in market views, at least temporarily. Transactions increased slightly, but spending per visit remained unchanged, indicating stability rather than growth in extra project budgets. Overall, it appears foot traffic is healthy again, especially compared to last year’s low levels. From a trading perspective, volume indicates interest, but the lack of growth in ticket size restricts bullish confidence. Management’s outlook suggests they expect sales to grow, despite anticipating margin pressures, as indicated in their earnings forecast. These figures suggest they are managing costs well but have less room for error in upcoming quarters. This situation is not surprising given today’s inflation and supply-chain challenges, but it will require close attention.

    Technical Analysis And Market Sentiment

    Examining price action, the stock’s rise above the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) is significant. It signals renewed strength and could indicate the start of an upward trend if it continues. However, with resistance just below $400, the market may take a pause, waiting for more data or updates. Support is clearly established in the $370–$380 range, which has handled selling pressure in the past. If broader markets decline or sentiment shifts quickly, this is a key level to watch for potential rebounds. However, with futures showing mixed signs—Dow rising while NASDAQ and S&P fall—there is a general sense of uncertainty in the overall market, at least for the day. The pricing strategy appears both cautious and confident. By confirming that prices will remain steady despite new tariffs, the company is aiming to show that its supply chain is stable. Their sourcing plan seems practical; if executed well, it could help maintain margins without burdening customers. The focus is on control—staying flexible while keeping volume steady. These factors create a strategic opportunity. Implied volatility might decrease slightly due to better predictability, but movements toward established support or resistance can provide entry points. It’s essential to consider options positioning and balance direction against the reduced risk of earnings surprises this quarter. Additionally, monitoring forward-looking earnings multiples in relation to pricing power could reveal broader risk appetite. Consistent pricing, stable customer traffic, and clear technical levels give traders a chance to express more defined views, especially with contracts that expire just after fiscal updates. However, caution is advised if macroeconomic data begins to challenge US consumer stability. For now, the sentiment is resilient but has underlying fragility. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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