A second-quarter surge for Home Depot

Home Depot has posted double digit comp-store sales in the second-quarter, exceeding its own expectations, thanks to a rebound in seasonal categories.

Net sales at the world's largest home improvement retailer increased 9.5% to $22.5 billion in the quarter ended Aug. 4, compared to $20.6 billion in the same quarter last year. Comp-store sales increased 10.7% across the company, and increased 11.4% among domestic stores.

Net earnings for the quarter were $1.80 billion, up 17.2% from $1.53 billion in last year's 14-week second quarter.

"The second quarter results exceeded our expectations as our business benefited from a rebound in our seasonal categories, continued strength in the core of the store and the recovering housing market in the U.S.," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO.

The number of customer transactions increased 4.9%. The average ticket for the quarter increased 4.3% to $57.39.

With the strong performance came increased expectations for 2013 full-year performance. Home Depot raised it guidance for sales to increase 4.5%, and comp-store sales to increase about 6.0% for the year.

Home Depot operates 2,258 stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.