Home Depot posts another quarter of growth

ATLANTA — Stormy weather around the country had something to do with Home Depot's third quarter sales gain of 2.9%. So did strength in core categories.

The world's largest home improvement retailer posted a 4.2% comp-store sales gain for the quarter ended Oct. 30. Total sales increased 2.9% to $17.326 billion. And even bigger growth came in the net earnings column, where Home Depot reported a 13.0% increase and net earnings of $934 million.

“Our third quarter was driven by strength in our core categories and storm-related sales as well as strong operating performance,” said Frank Blake, chairman & CEO. “We will continue to invest in our core initiatives to provide customers with exceptional customer service and great product values. I would like to thank our associates for their hard work and dedication.”

At the end of the third quarter, the company operated a total of 2,246 retail stores in the United States and abroad.

Home Depot also announced that its board of directors declared a 16% increase in its quarterly dividend to 29 cents per share.