The Home Depot, Inc. reported sales results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2009. For the quarter, the company reported total company comparable store sales for the fourth quarter grew 1.2%. Comparable store sales for U.S. stores were negative 1.1%. Sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 of $14.6 billion, a 0.3% decrease from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales for fiscal 2009 were $66.2 billion, a decline of 7.2% from fiscal 2008. Total company comparable store sales for the year declined 6.6%, and comps for U.S. stores were negative 6.2% for the year.

The Home Depot, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended January 31, 2010. For the quarter, the company reported operating income of $727 million, earnings from continuing operations of $301 million or $0.18 per diluted share and net earnings of $342 million or $0.20 per diluted share on net sales of $14,569 million against operating income of $266 million, loss from continuing operations of $2 million and net loss of $54 million or $0.03 per diluted share on net sales of $14,607 million for the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2009. In the fourth quarter, the company's sales performance was driven by gains in kitchen and bath, paint, flooring and plumbing as well as its international businesses. On a Non-GAAP basis, the company reported earnings from continuing operations of $402 million or $0.24 per diluted share and net earnings of $443 million or $0.26 per diluted share compared to earnings from continuing operations of $327 million or $0.19 per diluted share and net earnings of $275 million or $0.16 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2009. For the full year, the company reported operating income of $4,803 million, earnings from continuing operations of $2,620 million or $1.55 per diluted share and net earnings of $2,661 million or $1.57 per diluted share on net sales of $66,176 million against operating income of $4,359 million, earnings from continuing operations of $2,312 million or $1.37 per diluted share and net earnings of $2,260 million or $1.34 per diluted share on net sales of $71,288 million for the full year ended February 1, 2009. On a Non-GAAP basis, the company reported operating income of $4,949 million, earnings from continuing operations of $2,811 million or $1.66 per diluted share and net earnings of $2,852 million or $1.69 per diluted share compared to operating income of $5,310 million, earnings from continuing operations of $2,996 million or $1.78 per diluted share and net earnings of $2,944 million or $1.75 per diluted share for the full year ended February 1, 2009. The company announced that its board of directors declared a 5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 23.625 cents per share. The dividend is payable on March 25, 2010, to shareholders of record on the close of business on March 11, 2010. This is the 92nd consecutive quarter the company has paid a cash dividend. The company provided earnings guidance for fiscal 2010. Sales growth is approximately 2.5%. Comparable store sales growth is approximately 2.5%. EPS from continuing operations growth is approximately 15.5% to $1.79. Capital expenditures expects to approximately $1.25 billion. Cash flow from the business is approximately $5.4 billion.

The Home Depot, Inc. expects to open 6 net new stores in fiscal year 2010.