The Home Depot

2008 Annual Report

Dear Shareholders:
In 2008, our retail sales declined by 7.8 percent, with comp sales down 8.7 percent.
Our adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations declined 22 percent. In ordinary times, these would be very disappointing results. But 2008 was not an ordinary year.
Despite the difficult economic environment, we continued to improve our retail business, through investing in our associates and our stores, rebuilding our supply chain and improving customer service. We also made several strategic decisions to optimize our capital allocation, concentrating our efforts on our core business.
In the first quarter, we closed 15 underperforming stores and reduced our pipeline of new stores by 50. In the third quarter, we renegotiated our private label credit card agreement, capping our cost of private label credit. In the fourth quarter, we announced our decision to exit EXPO and related businesses. These actions will make the Company stronger.
On the financial side, we ended the year with a solid operating profit and $41 billion in assets. We generated cash from the business of approximately $5.5 billion, which allowed us to invest in the business where necessary and reduce our debt obligations while maintaining a healthy dividend.
On the operational side, we implemented an “Aprons on the Floor” initiative, which deployed over $200 million in annualized savings onto the floor of the stores for customer service. Our customer service levels, as measured by our Voice of
Customer surveys and other external sources, continue to improve.
We launched our “New Lower Price” campaign in the fall and have been very pleased with the customer response to this program. More than ever, our customers expect great value and exciting products in our stores, and we are committed to providing for these expectations.
We started the roll-out of our enhanced supply chain. At the end of January, we opened our fifth Rapid Deployment Center (RDC), and RDCs now serve approximately 500 of our U.S. stores. Our goal is to have approximately 20 RDCs in place by the end of 2010, serving all of our U.S. stores.

We also rolled out new merchandising tools allowing our merchants to better plan and assort our products. These tools helped us drive better inventory productivity and provided better markdown control, particularly for our seasonal categories.
On the international front, our stores in Mexico continued their strong performance, ending the year with double digit positive comps. We also took a major step in transforming our information technology application footprint by converting our
Canadian business to a new enterprise resource planning platform. The rest of the business will benefit from the lessons learned from the Canadian effort.
None of these activities would be possible without outstanding associates. Our associates carry our service culture to our customers every day. For 2008, we issued success sharing checks in excess of $88 million to our hourly associates. This is a
Company record, and it is a source of pride that we can take care of associates in economically difficult times like these. Furthermore, associates under the officer level will receive performance based merit increases and our 401(k) matching program remains intact. Taking care of our associates is an important part of taking care of our customers.
We are expecting another challenging year in 2009. Across the business, we are making the adjustments necessary to respond to the economic environment. We are carefully controlling our discretionary spending, scrutinizing every dollar of capital, and — most importantly — intensifying our focus on our customers.
Our strategy is simple and straightforward: We are passionate about customer service. We are — and must continue to be — the number one authority on products in the home improvement market. And we will drive shareholder return through disciplined capital allocation.
Above all, we are a values-based business. The Home Depot was founded in 1979 when the U.S. was in the middle of a recession. Our values — taking care of our customers and taking care of our associates — speak even more powerfully in difficult times.
I hope as you spend time in our stores you will notice our continuing improvement.

Francis S. Blake
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
April 2, 2009

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
≤

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2009
OR

n

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-8207

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

95-3261426

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2455 PACES FERRY ROAD, N.W., ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (770) 433-8211
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE

OF

NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
ON WHICH REGISTERED

EACH CLASS

Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value Per Share

New York Stock Exchange

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes ≤ No n
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes n No ≤
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes ≤ No n
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. n
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a nonaccelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Smaller reporting company n
Large accelerated filer ≤ Accelerated filer n
Non-accelerated filer n
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes n
No ≤
The aggregate market value of the common stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on August 3, 2008 was $39.7 billion.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of March 23, 2009 was
1,696,279,008 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described herein.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
FISCAL YEAR 2008 FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

5

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

8

Item 2.

Properties

8

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

10

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

11

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

12

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

14

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

15

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

24

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

25

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure

50

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

50

Item 9B.

Other Information

50

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

51

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

52

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters

52

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

52

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

52

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

53

Signatures

57

PART II

PART III

PART IV
Item 15.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Certain statements regarding our future performance constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the demand for our products and services, net sales growth, comparable store sales, impact of cannibalization, store openings and closures, state of the economy, state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets, commodity price inflation and deflation, implementation of store initiatives, continuation of reinvestment plans, net earnings performance, earnings per share, stock-based compensation expense, capital allocation and expenditures, liquidity, the effect of adopting certain accounting standards, return on invested capital, management of our purchasing or customer credit policies, the effect of charges, the planned recapitalization of the Company, timing of the completion of such recapitalization and the ability to issue debt securities on terms and at rates acceptable to us.
Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties — many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us — as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update such statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

PART I
Item 1.

Business.

Introduction
The Home Depot, Inc. is the world’s largest home improvement retailer based on Net Sales for the fiscal year ended
February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”). The Home Depot stores sell a wide assortment of building materials, home improvement and lawn and garden products and provide a number of services. The Home Depot stores average approximately
105,000 square feet of enclosed space, with approximately 24,000 additional square feet of outside garden area. As of the end of fiscal 2008, we had 2,233 The Home Depot stores located throughout the United States including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam (“U.S.”), Canada, China and
Mexico. In addition, at the end of fiscal 2008, the Company operated 34 EXPO Design Center stores, two THD Design
Center stores and five Yardbirds stores. On January 26, 2009, we announced the planned closing of our EXPO, THD
Design Center and Yardbirds stores as part of our focus on our core business.
The Home Depot, Inc. is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated in 1978. Our Store Support Center (corporate office) is located at 2455 Paces Ferry Road, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30339. Our telephone number is (770) 433-8211.
We maintain an Internet website at www.homedepot.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, our Annual
Reports to shareholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K,
Proxy Statements and Forms 3, 4 and 5 as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such documents with, or furnishing such documents to, the SEC.
We include our website addresses throughout this filing only as textual references. The information contained on our websites is not incorporated by reference into this report.

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Our Business
Operating Strategy. In fiscal 2008, despite the continuing difficult economic environment, we continued to focus on our core retail business, investing in our associates and stores and improving our customer service. We shifted our focus from new square footage growth to maximizing the productivity of our existing store base. During the year, we implemented significant changes in our store operations to make them simpler, more consistent and more customer-focused. We shifted associate hours to be more customer facing and refocused our efforts on offering every day values in the stores.
Additionally, we made several strategic decisions which are intended to optimize our capital allocation, concentrate our efforts on our core business and create long-term value for our shareholders, including our decision to close 15 stores, remove approximately 50 stores from our new store pipeline and exit our EXPO, THD Design Center, Yardbirds and HD
Bath businesses.
Customers. The Home Depot stores serve three primary customer groups:
• Do-It-Yourself (“D-I-Y”) Customers: These customers are typically home owners who purchase products and complete their own projects and installations.
• Do-It-For-Me (“D-I-F-M”) Customers: These customers are typically home owners who purchase materials themselves and hire third parties to complete the project or installation, or both. We arrange for the installation of a variety of The Home Depot products through qualified independent contractors.
• Professional Customers: These customers are professional remodelers, general contractors, repairmen, small business owners and tradesmen. In many stores, we offer a variety of programs to these customers, including delivery and will-call services, dedicated staff, extensive merchandise selections and expanded credit programs, all of which we believe increase sales to these customers.
Products. A typical Home Depot store stocks approximately 30,000 to 40,000 products during the year, including both national brand name and proprietary items. The following table shows the percentage of Net Sales of each major product group (and related services) for each of the last three fiscal years:
Percentage of Net Sales for
Fiscal Year Ended
February 1,
February 3,
January 28,
2009
2008
2007

Product Group

30.6%
28.7
22.1
18.6

Total

31.0%
28.0
22.3
18.7

30.8%
27.0
23.6
18.6

100.0%

Plumbing, electrical and kitchen
Hardware and seasonal
Building materials, lumber and millwork
Paint and flooring

100.0%

100.0%

In fiscal 2008, we reduced our inventory while maintaining a favorable in-stock rate. We also reduced a number of onetime discount promotions and refocused our efforts on offering every day values. We continued to introduce innovative and distinctive products to our customers, including Thomasville» deep seating patio furniture, Charbroil» infrared grills,
RIDGID» pressure washers and Homelite» trimmers.
To complement and enhance our product selection, we have formed strategic alliances and exclusive relationships with selected suppliers to market products under a variety of well-recognized brand names. During fiscal 2008, we offered a number of proprietary and exclusive brands across a wide range of departments including, but not limited to, Behr
Premium Plus» paint, Hampton Bay» lighting, Vigoro» lawn care products, Husky» hand tools, RIDGID» and Ryobi» power tools, Pegasus» faucets, and Glacier Bay» bath fixtures. We may consider additional strategic alliances and relationships with other suppliers and will continue to assess opportunities to expand the range of products available under brand names that are exclusive to The Home Depot.
From our Store Support Center we maintain a global sourcing merchandise program to source high-quality products directly from manufacturers around the world. Our Product Development Merchants identify and purchase market leading innovative products directly for our stores. Additionally, we have three sourcing offices located in the Chinese cities of
Shanghai, Shenzhen and Dalian, and offices in Gurgaon, India; Milan, Italy; Monterrey, Mexico and Toronto, Canada.
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Services. Our stores offer a variety of installation services. These services target D-I-F-M customers who select and purchase products and installation of those products from us. These installation programs include products such as carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops and water heaters. In addition, we provide professional installation of a number of products sold through our in-home sales programs, such as generators and furnace and central air systems.
Store Growth
United States. At the end of fiscal 2008, we were operating 1,971 The Home Depot stores in the U.S., including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. During fiscal 2008, we opened 41 new The Home Depot stores, including five relocations, in the U.S.
Canada. At the end of fiscal 2008, we were operating 176 The Home Depot stores in ten Canadian provinces. Of these stores, 12 were opened during fiscal 2008, including one relocation.
Mexico. At the end of fiscal 2008, we were operating 74 The Home Depot stores in Mexico. Of these stores, nine were opened during fiscal 2008.
China. At the end of fiscal 2008, we were operating 12 The Home Depot stores in six Chinese cities.
Certain financial information about our operations outside of the U.S. is reported in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Store Support Services
Information Technologies. During fiscal 2008, we continued to make information technology investments to better support our customers and provide an improved overall shopping environment and experience. We invested in our supply chain and merchandising tools to improve inventory management capabilities and streamline our operations.
We completed the deployment of a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system to our Canadian division, which includes all stores and distribution centers. We will assess the return on investment and performance of the system in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”) as we evaluate alternatives for our U.S. application footprint.
With regard to our supply chain, we implemented a new warehouse management system to support the U.S. and Canadian stores, continued implementation of a new transportation management system, completed a technology refresh at our distribution centers, and implemented improvements to our Central Automated Replenishment system.
We made improvements to the tools utilized in merchandising systems in the areas of assortment management, forecasting, and replenishment.
With our continued focus on the stores, we provided technology improvements designed to help store associates perform their tasks and improve customer service. We equipped 1,100 stores with new computers, registers and printers, and 920 stores received new paint dispensers.
Credit Services. We offer six credit programs through third-party credit providers to professional, D-I-Y and D-I-F-M customers. In fiscal 2008, approximately 3.2 million new The Home Depot credit accounts were opened, and the total number of The Home Depot active account holders was approximately 12.5 million. Proprietary credit card sales accounted for approximately 28% of store sales in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008, Home Depot re-negotiated and extended the term of the primary contracts governing the programs. The new contract with Citibank established a ceiling for the cost of credit for the program while retaining the ability for portfolio performance improvements to lower the cost of credit.
Logistics. Our logistics programs are designed to ensure product availability for customers, effective use of our investment in inventory and low total supply chain costs. At the end of fiscal 2008, we operated 30 lumber distribution centers, 45 conventional distribution centers and five transit facilities, all located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Additionally in 2008, we opened four new Rapid Deployment Centers (“RDC”) in the U.S., bringing our total number of
RDCs to five. We now serve approximately 25% of our U.S. stores from RDCs. RDCs allow for aggregation of store product needs to a single purchase order, and then rapid allocation and deployment of inventory to individual stores upon
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arrival at the center. This process allows improved transportation, simplified order processing at suppliers and reduced lead time from the time that product needs at stores are determined to actual replenishment. We plan to open additional
RDCs during fiscal 2009 and 2010 and ultimately serve all of our U.S. stores from RDCs.
In fiscal 2008, approximately 35% of the merchandise shipped to our U.S. stores flowed through our distribution facilities.
The remaining merchandise was shipped directly from suppliers to our stores. The expansion of the RDC network is expected to increase our distribution utilization. In addition to replenishing merchandise at our stores, we also provide delivery of in-stock and special order product directly to our customers.
Associates. At the end of fiscal 2008, we employed approximately 322,000 associates, of whom approximately 22,500 were salaried, with the remainder compensated on an hourly or temporary basis. Approximately 65% of our associates are employed on a full-time basis. We believe that our employee relations are very good. To attract and retain qualified personnel, we seek to maintain competitive salary and wage levels in each market we serve.
Intellectual Property. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Homer TLC, Inc., we have registered or applied for registration, in a number of countries, for a variety of internet domain names, service marks and trademarks for use in our businesses, including The Home Depot»; Hampton Bay» fans, lighting and accessories; Glacier Bay» toilets, sinks and faucets; Pegasus» faucets and bath accessories; and Workforce» tools, tool boxes and shelving. We have also obtained and now maintain patent portfolios relating to certain products and services provided by The Home Depot, and continually seek to patent or otherwise protect selected innovations we incorporate into our products and business operations. We regard our intellectual property as having significant value to our business and as being an important factor in the marketing of our brand, e-commerce, stores and new areas of our business.
Quality Assurance Program. We have both quality assurance and engineering resources who oversee the quality of our directly imported, globally-sourced and proprietary products. Through these programs, we have established criteria for supplier and product performance that are designed to ensure our products comply with federal, state and local quality and performance standards. These programs also allow us to measure and track timeliness of shipments. These performance records are made available to the factories to allow them to strive for improvement. The program addresses quality assurance at the factory, product and packaging levels.
Environmental, Health & Safety (“EH&S”). We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our customers and associates and protecting the environment of the communities in which we do business. Our EH&S function in the field is directed by trained associates focused primarily on the execution of the EH&S programs. Additionally, we have a
Store Support Center-based team of dedicated EH&S professionals who evaluate, develop, implement and enforce policies, processes and programs on a Company-wide basis.
Environmental. The Home Depot is committed to conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner and this commitment impacts all areas of our business, including store construction and maintenance, energy usage, product selection and customer education.
In fiscal 2008, we spent approximately $27.5 million for energy efficiency related projects. By replacing HVAC units in approximately 200 existing stores and switching to the use of T-5 lighting in approximately 700 existing stores, we estimate cumulative savings to be approximately $28 million since fiscal 2006. In addition, we have implemented strict operational standards that establish energy efficient practices in all of our facilities. These include HVAC unit temperature regulation and adherence to strict lighting schedules, which are the largest sources of energy consumption in our stores, as well as utilizing the Novar Energy Management and Alarm System in each store to monitor energy efficiency. We estimate that by implementing and utilizing these energy saving programs we have avoided 1.6 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions since fiscal 2006. We believe this is equivalent to removing approximately 132,000 cars from the highway. In June 2008, we launched a nation-wide in-store compact fluorescent light bulb recycling program. This service is offered to all customers free-of-charge and is available in all U.S. stores, including Alaska and Hawaii.
We have also taken additional measures to further our sustainability efforts. We partnered with the U.S. Green Building
Council and have built seven Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) green certified and equivalent stores. We offset the carbon emissions created by our facilities and a portion of those emissions created by businessrelated travel through an agreement with The Conservation Fund that resulted in the planting of thousands of trees that will help reduce the heat-island effect in urban areas, reduce erosion and help clean the air. Through our Eco OptionsSM
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Program, we have created product categories that allow consumers to easily identify environmentally preferred product selections in our stores. We implemented a Supplier Social and Environmental Responsibility Program to ensure that our suppliers adhere to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.
Seasonality. Our business is seasonal to a certain extent. Generally, our highest volume of sales occurs in our second fiscal quarter, and the lowest volume occurs during our fourth fiscal quarter.
Competition. Our business is highly competitive, based in part on price, store location, customer service and assortment of merchandise. In each of the markets we serve, there are a number of other home improvement stores, electrical, plumbing and building materials supply houses and lumber yards. With respect to some products, we also compete with discount stores, local, regional and national hardware stores, mail order firms, warehouse clubs, independent building supply stores and, to a lesser extent, other retailers. Due to the variety of competition we face, we are unable to precisely measure the impact on our sales by our competitors.
Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

The risks and uncertainties described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. The Risk
Factors described below include the considerable risks associated with the current economic environment and the possible adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations. You should read these Risk Factors in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and our
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in Item 8. There also may be other factors that we cannot anticipate or that are not described in this report, generally because we do not perceive them to be material. Such factors could cause results to differ materially from our expectations.
The state of the housing, construction and home improvement markets, rising costs, a reduction in the availability of financing, weather and other conditions in North America could further adversely affect our costs of doing business, demand for our products and services and our financial performance.
In 2008, the housing, residential construction and home improvement markets have deteriorated dramatically and more severely than was previously anticipated. We expect the deterioration to continue through 2009 and our fiscal 2009 Net
Sales and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations to decline from fiscal 2008. Other factors — including increasing unemployment and foreclosures, interest rate fluctuations, fuel and other energy costs, labor and healthcare costs, the availability of financing, the state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit, consumer confidence, weather, natural disasters and other factors beyond our control — could further adversely affect demand for our products and services and our financial performance. These and other similar factors could increase our costs and cause our customers to delay purchasing or determine not to purchase home improvement products and services. We rely on third party suppliers. If we fail to identify and develop relationships with a sufficient number of qualified suppliers, or if our current suppliers experience financial difficulties, our ability to timely and efficiently access products that meet our high standards for quality could be adversely affected.
We buy our products from suppliers located throughout the world. Our ability to continue to identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers who can satisfy our high standards for quality and our need to access products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge. Our ability to access products also can be adversely affected by political instability, the financial instability of suppliers, suppliers’ noncompliance with applicable laws, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and cost and other factors beyond our control.
If we are unable to effectively manage and expand our alliances and relationships with selected suppliers of brand name products, we may be unable to effectively execute our strategy to differentiate ourselves from our competitors.
As part of our focus on product differentiation, we have formed strategic alliances and exclusive relationships with selected suppliers to market products under a variety of well-recognized brand names. If we are unable to manage and expand these alliances and relationships or identify alternative sources for comparable products, we may not be able to effectively execute product differentiation.
5

Our ability to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, if needed, could be adversely affected by the volatility in the capital markets.
We obtain and manage liquidity from the positive cash flow we generate from our operating activities and our access to capital markets, including our commercial paper programs supported by a long-term bank line-of-credit commitment.
Although we currently maintain a strong investment grade rating and had no outstanding commercial paper obligations as of the end of fiscal 2008, there is no assurance that our ability to obtain additional financing through the capital markets, if needed, will not be adversely impacted if the current recessionary trends persist or worsen. Continued volatility in the capital markets could result in diminished availability of credit, higher cost of borrowing and lack of confidence in the equity market, making it more difficult to obtain additional financing on terms that are favorable to us.
The implementation of our supply chain and technology initiatives could disrupt our operations in the near term, and these initiatives might not provide the anticipated benefits or might fail.
We have made, and we plan to continue to make, significant investments in our supply chain and technology. These initiatives are designed to streamline our operations to allow our associates to continue to provide high quality service to our customers and to provide our customers with a better experience. The cost and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of these initiatives could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations in the near term. In addition, our improved supply chain and new or upgraded technology might not provide the anticipated benefits, it might take longer than expected to realize the anticipated benefits, or the initiatives might fail altogether.
We may not timely identify or effectively respond to consumer trends, which could adversely affect our relationship with customers, the demand for our products and services and our market share.
It is difficult to successfully predict the products and services our customers will demand. The success of our business depends in part on our ability to identify and respond to evolving trends in demographics and consumer preferences.
Failure to design attractive stores and to timely identify or effectively respond to changing consumer tastes, preferences, spending patterns and home improvement needs could adversely affect our relationship with customers, the demand for our products and services and our market share.
The inflation or deflation of commodity prices could affect our prices, demand for our products, sales and profit margins. Prices of certain commodity products, including lumber and other raw materials, are historically volatile and are subject to fluctuations arising from changes in domestic and international supply and demand, labor costs, competition, market speculation, government regulations and periodic delays in delivery. Rapid and significant changes in commodity prices may affect our sales and profit margins.
Our costs of doing business could increase as a result of changes in federal, state or local regulations.
Changes in the federal, state or local minimum wage or living wage requirements or changes in other wage or workplace regulations could increase our costs of doing business. In addition, changes in federal, state or local regulations governing the sale of some of our products or tax regulations could increase our costs of doing business. Also, passage of the
Employee Free Choice Act or other similar laws in Congress could lead to higher labor costs by encouraging unionization efforts among our associates and disruption of store operations.
Our success depends upon our ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified associates.
To be successful, we must attract, train and retain a large number of highly qualified associates while controlling labor costs. Our ability to control labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including prevailing wage rates and health and other insurance costs. In addition, many of our associates are in hourly positions with historically high turnover rates.
We compete with other retail businesses for these associates and invest significant resources in training and motivating them. We also depend on our executives and other key associates for our success. There is no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified associates in the future.

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Changes in accounting standards and subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results or financial condition.
Generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business, such as revenue recognition, asset impairment, inventories, lease obligations, self-insurance, tax matters and litigation, are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance or financial condition.
Increased competition could adversely affect prices and demand for our products and services and could decrease our market share.
We operate in markets that are highly competitive. We compete principally based on price, store location, customer service and assortment of merchandise. In each market we serve, there are a number of other home improvement stores, electrical, plumbing and building materials supply houses and lumber yards. With respect to some products, we also compete with discount stores, local, regional and national hardware stores, mail order firms, warehouse clubs, independent building supply stores and other retailers. In addition, we compete with specialty design stores or showrooms, some of which are only open to interior design professionals, local and regional distributors, and wholesalers and manufacturers that sell products directly to their customer bases. Intense competitive pressures from one or more of our competitors could affect prices or demand for our products and services. If we are unable to timely and appropriately respond to these competitive pressures, our financial performance and our market share could be adversely affected.
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings, and while we cannot predict the outcomes of such proceedings and other contingencies with certainty, some of these outcomes may adversely affect our operations or increase our costs.
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings, including government inquiries and investigations, and consumer, employment, tort and other litigation that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and the outcome of some of these proceedings and other contingencies could require us to take or refrain from taking actions which could adversely affect our operations or could result in excessive verdicts.
Additionally, defending against these lawsuits and proceedings may involve significant expense and diversion of management’s attention and resources from other matters.
The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, and a significant privacy breach could adversely affect our business.
The protection of our customer, employee and company data is important to us. The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business. In addition, our customers have a high expectation that we will adequately protect their personal information. A significant breach of customer, employee or company data could damage our reputation and result in lost sales, fines and lawsuits.
Any inability to open new stores on schedule will delay the contribution of these new stores to our financial performance. We expect to increase our presence in certain existing markets and enter new markets. Our ability to open new stores will depend primarily on our ability to identify attractive locations, negotiate leases or real estate purchase agreements on acceptable terms, attract and train qualified employees, and manage pre-opening expenses, including construction costs.
Environmental regulations, local zoning issues and other laws related to land use affect our ability to open new stores.
Failure to effectively manage these and other similar factors will affect our ability to open stores on schedule, which will delay the impact of these new stores on our financial performance.

7

If we cannot successfully manage the unique challenges presented by international markets, we may not be successful in expanding our international operations.
Our strategy includes expansion of our operations in international markets by selective acquisitions, strategic alliances and the opening of new stores. Our ability to successfully execute our strategy in international markets is affected by many of the same operational risks we face in expanding our U.S. operations. In addition, international expansion may be adversely affected by our inability to identify and gain access to local suppliers as well as by local laws and customs, U.S. laws applicable to foreign operations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), legal and regulatory constraints, political and economic conditions and currency regulations of the countries or regions in which we currently operate or intend to operate in the future. Risks inherent in international operations also include, among others, the costs and difficulties of managing international operations, adverse tax consequences, greater difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights and risks associated with FCPA and local anti-bribery law compliance. Additionally, foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations may have an impact on our future costs or on future cash flows from our international operations. Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.
Item 2.

Properties.

The following tables show locations of the 1,971 The Home Depot stores located in the U.S. and its territories and the
262 The Home Depot stores outside of the U.S. at the end of fiscal 2008:
U.S. Locations

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana

Number of Stores

U.S. Locations

28
7
56
14
230
45
28
9
1
153
90
1
7
11
76
24
10
16
14
28
11
40
45
71
33
14
34
6

Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virgin Islands
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Total U.S.

8

Number of Stores

8
20
20
66
13
99
43
1
70
16
26
70
8
8
25
1
39
178
22
3
1
49
45
6
27
5
1,971

International Locations

Canada:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan

Number of Stores

International Locations

Number of Stores

176

China:
Beijing
Henan
Liaoning
Shaanxi
Shandong
Tianjin

2
1
1
2
1
5

Total China

12

1
4
1
2
5
2
6
1
4
1
1
4
1
1
7
2
2
1
1
3
2
13
1
4
3
1

Total Mexico

Total Canada

Mexico:
Aguascalientes
Baja California Norte
Baja California Sur
Chiapas
Chihuahua
Coahuila
Distrito Federal
Durango
Guanajuato
Guerrero
Hidalgo
Jalisco
Michoacán
Morelos
Nuevo León
Puebla
Queretaro
Quintana Roo
San Luis Potosi
Sinaloa
Sonora
State of Mexico
Tabasco
Tamaulipas
Veracruz
Yucatan

26
23
6
3
1
4
86
1
22
4

74

Additionally, at the end of fiscal 2008, we had 41 other retail store locations, which included 34 EXPO Design Center stores located in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New
York, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, five Yardbirds stores located in California and two THD Design Center stores located in California and North Carolina. We also operated nine Home Decorators Collection locations in California,
Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and Oklahoma.
Of our 2,274 stores at the end of fiscal 2008, approximately 89% were owned (including those owned subject to a ground lease) consisting of approximately 211.9 million square feet, and approximately 11% of such stores were leased consisting of approximately 26.2 million square feet.
At the end of fiscal 2008, we utilized 204 warehouses and distribution centers located in 46 states, consisting of approximately 30.2 million square feet, of which approximately 0.2 million is owned and approximately 30.0 million is leased. Our executive, corporate staff, divisional staff and financial offices occupy approximately 2.0 million square feet of leased and owned space in Atlanta, Georgia. At the end of fiscal 2008, we occupied an aggregate of approximately 4.0 million square feet, of which approximately 2.2 million square feet is owned and approximately 1.8 million square feet is leased, for store support centers and customer support centers.

9

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

In August 2005, the Company received an informal request from the staff of the SEC for information related to the
Company’s return-to-vendor policies and procedures. Subsequent to August 2005, the SEC staff requested additional information related to such policies and procedures. The SEC staff last contacted the Company regarding this matter in
January 2007. The Company responded to the requests and will continue to fully cooperate with the SEC staff. The SEC has informed the Company that the informal inquiry is not an indication that any violations of law have occurred.
Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter, it does not expect that this informal inquiry will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The SEC informed the Company on December 10, 2008 that it does not intend to take any action on its informal inquiry into the Company’s stock option granting practices, which inquiry commenced in June 2006. The Office of the
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York also requested information on this subject in 2006. The Company responded to each request and otherwise cooperated with the SEC and the Office of the U.S. Attorney, including producing documents to the Office of the U.S. Attorney in late 2006. The SEC matter is therefore now closed, and we have not received any communication from the Office of the U.S. Attorney since that time.
On October 8, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of class actions filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors in the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, alleging certain misrepresentations in violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder in connection with the Company’s return-to-vendor practices.
These actions were filed by certain current and former shareholders of the Company in the second quarter of 2006. Relief sought in the amended complaint included unspecified damages and costs and attorney’s fees. The disposition of these matters is now complete.
The Company has agreed to settle derivative and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 14(a) claims filed against it and certain of its current and former officers and directors relating to the Company’s return-to-vendor, stock option granting and compensation practices. The claims were filed by certain shareholders of the Company from the second quarter of fiscal 2006 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Relief sought included, among others, unspecified damages, injunctive relief, disgorgement of profits, benefits and compensation obtained by the defendants, cancellation of a new stock incentive plan and awards granted under such plan, punitive damages, costs and attorneys’ fees. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company agreed to maintain or adopt certain corporate governance practices and to pay plaintiff’s counsel attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses in the aggregate amount of $14.5 million. The settlement was approved by the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, on June 10, 2008. The derivative and
Section 14(a) actions were dismissed in accordance with the settlement, and the disposition of these matters is now complete. The following actions have been filed against the Company and, in some cases, against certain of its current and former officers and directors as described below. Although the Company cannot predict their outcome, it does not expect these actions, individually or together, will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In the second and third quarters of fiscal 2006, three purported, but uncertified, class actions were filed against the
Company, The Home Depot FutureBuilder Administrative Committee and certain of the Company’s current and former directors and employees alleging breach of fiduciary duty in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (“ERISA”) in connection with the Company’s return-to-vendor and stock option practices. These actions are before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the plaintiffs joined together in one case and voluntarily dismissed the other two cases. In March 2007, the three original plaintiffs and two additional former employees filed a joint amended complaint seeking certification as a class action, unspecified damages, costs, attorneys’ fees and equitable and injunctive relief. On September 10, 2007, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss and entered judgment for the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed the dismissal and, on
July 31, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed the District Court’s decision on standing, affirmed its finding that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust the administrative remedies provided under ERISA, and remanded the matter to the District Court for further adjudication. The District Court has stayed the matter pending plaintiffs’ pursuit of their administrative remedies under ERISA.

10

The Company has reached a tentative settlement, subject to court approval, with the plaintiffs in five current lawsuits in the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles in California, containing multiple class-action allegations that the
Company failed to provide meal breaks. The complaints were filed by current and former hourly associates from the first quarter of 2004 through the fourth quarter of 2008. Relief sought included unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief or both. Class or collective-action certification was not addressed in any of these cases. In the fourth quarter of fiscal
2008, the Company established a reserve for this settlement, which is recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in
Other Accrued Expenses.
From the third quarter of 2004 through the fourth quarter of 2008, current and former associates have filed three pending lawsuits in the District Court of New Jersey and the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, containing multiple class-action allegations that the Company misclassified their positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act and that they are entitled to overtime, or otherwise that they were not paid for work performed. The complaints generally seek unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief or both. Final class or collective-action certification has yet to be addressed in most of these cases. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss which may arise from these lawsuits. These matters, if decided adversely to or settled by the Company, individually or in the aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is vigorously defending itself against these actions.
In July 2005, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles,
California, seeking documents and information relating to the Company’s handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The Company is cooperating fully with the United States Attorney’s Office. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding, it does not expect any such outcome to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
On September 26, 2008, the Company received an Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty
Assessment from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”). The Order and Notice seeks a civil penalty for alleged violations of recordkeeping requirements pertaining to the use of generators as determined by the DEP. The Company is currently in settlement discussions with the DEP regarding this matter. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding, it does not expect any such outcome to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

11

PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Since April 19, 1984, our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol
“HD.” The Company paid its first cash dividend on June 22, 1987, and has paid cash dividends during each subsequent quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors.
The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange and the quarterly cash dividends declared per share of common stock during the periods indicated.
Price Range
High
Low

Cash Dividends
Declared

Fiscal Year 2008
First Quarter Ended May 4, 2008
Second Quarter Ended August 3, 2008
Third Quarter Ended November 2, 2008
Fourth Quarter Ended February 1, 2009

$30.12
$29.53
$30.16
$25.26

$25.00
$21.46
$18.51
$18.52

$0.225
$0.225
$0.225
$0.225

Fiscal Year 2007
First Quarter Ended April 29, 2007
Second Quarter Ended July 29, 2007
Third Quarter Ended October 28, 2007
Fourth Quarter Ended February 3, 2008

$41.76
$40.94
$38.31
$31.51

$36.74
$36.75
$30.70
$24.71

$0.225
$0.225
$0.225
$0.225

As of March 17, 2009, there were approximately 156,000 shareholders of record and approximately 1,200,000 additional shareholders holding stock under nominee security position listings.

12

Stock Performance Graph
This graph depicts the Company’s cumulative total shareholder returns relative to the performance of the Standard &
Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s Retail Composite Index for the five-year period commencing February 2, 2004, the first trading day of fiscal 2004, and ending January 30, 2009, the last trading day of fiscal 2008. The graph assumes $100 invested at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the New York
Stock Exchange and each index on January 30, 2004 and assumes that all dividends were reinvested on the date paid. The points on the graph represent fiscal year-end amounts based on the last trading day in each fiscal year.

$225
$200
$175
$150
The Home Depot

$125

S&P 500 Index
$100

S&P Retail Composite

$75
$50
$25
$0
January 30, 2004

January 28, 2005

January 27, 2006

January 26, 2007

February 3, 2008

February 1, 2009

Fiscal 2003

The Home Depot
S&P 500 Index
S&P Retail Composite Index

Fiscal 2004

Fiscal 2005

Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2007

Fiscal 2008

$100.00
$100.00
$100.00

$114.91
$105.33
$114.90

$114.88
$117.57
$124.97

$116.79
$132.72
$139.54

$ 91.40
$132.76
$117.39

$66.93
$80.49
$73.11

13

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Since fiscal 2002, the Company has repurchased shares of its common stock having a value of approximately
$27.3 billion pursuant to its share repurchase program. The number and average price of shares purchased in each fiscal month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 are set forth in the table below:

Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)

Period

Nov. 3, 2008 — Nov. 30, 2008
Dec. 1, 2008 — Dec. 28, 2008
Dec. 29, 2008 — Feb. 1, 2009

Average
Price Paid per Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program(2)

10,405
10,237
43,381

$25.28
$23.14
$23.72

—
—
—

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Program

$12,731,893,819
$12,731,893,819
$12,731,893,819

(1)

These amounts are repurchases pursuant to the Company’s 1997 and 2005 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans (the
“Plans”). Under the Plans, participants may exercise stock options by surrendering shares of common stock that the participants already own as payment of the exercise price. Participants in the Plans may also surrender shares as payment of applicable tax withholding on the vesting of restricted stock and deferred share awards. Shares so surrendered by participants in the Plans are repurchased pursuant to the terms of the Plans and applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs.

(2)

The Company’s common stock repurchase program was initially announced on July 15, 2002. As of the end of fiscal 2008, the Board approved purchases up to $40.0 billion. The program does not have a prescribed expiration date. Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company issued 513 deferred stock units under The Home Depot, Inc.
NonEmployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The deferred stock units were credited to the accounts of such nonemployee directors who elected to receive board retainers in the form of deferred stock units instead of cash during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The deferred stock units convert to shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis following a termination of service as described in this plan.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company credited 53,608 deferred stock units to participant accounts under
The Home Depot FutureBuilder Restoration Plan pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for involuntary, non-contributory plans. The deferred stock units convert to shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis following the termination of services as described in this plan.
Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to pages F-1 and F-2 of this report.

14

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Executive Summary and Selected Consolidated Statements of Earnings Data
For fiscal year ended February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”), we reported Net Earnings of $2.3 billion and Diluted Earnings per
Share of $1.34 compared to Net Earnings of $4.4 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $2.37 for fiscal year ended
February 3, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”).
We took action on several strategic items in fiscal 2008 resulting in total pretax charges of $951 million (“Rationalization
Charges”). These Rationalization Charges included the closing of 15 underperforming stores and the removal of approximately 50 stores from our new store opening pipeline, the planned exit of our EXPO, THD Design Center,
Yardbirds and HD Bath businesses and strategic support staff reductions. Additionally, fiscal 2008 included a $163 million pretax write-down of our investment in HD Supply and a $52 million loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the settlement of working capital from the sale of HD Supply.
Fiscal 2008 consisted of 52 weeks compared with 53 weeks for fiscal 2007. The 53rd week added approximately
$1.1 billion in Net Sales and increased Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations by approximately $0.04 for fiscal 2007.
We reported Earnings from Continuing Operations of $2.3 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing
Operations of $1.37 for fiscal 2008 compared to Earnings from Continuing Operations of $4.2 billion and Diluted
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations of $2.27 for fiscal 2007. Excluding the Rationalization Charges and the write-down of our investment in HD Supply, Earnings from Continuing Operations were $3.0 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations were $1.78 for fiscal 2008.
Net Sales decreased 7.8% to $71.3 billion for fiscal 2008 from $77.3 billion for fiscal 2007. Excluding the 53rd week of fiscal 2007, Net Sales decreased 6.5% for fiscal 2008. The slowdown in the global economy and weakness in the
U.S. residential construction and home improvement markets negatively impacted our Net Sales for fiscal 2008. Our comparable store sales declined 8.7% in fiscal 2008 driven by a 5.5% decline in comparable store customer transactions, as well as a 3.3% decline in our average ticket.
In fiscal 2008, despite the continuing difficult economic environment, we continued to focus on our core retail business, investing in our associates and stores and improving our customer service. We have exited non-core businesses, restructured support staff and have stopped applying significant capital to building new square footage. We remain committed to the long-term health of our business through our strategy of investing in our retail business through the following five priorities:
Associate Engagement – We have taken a number of actions to improve associate engagement by changing the way our associates are compensated, recognized and rewarded, including enhancing our success sharing program, an incentive program for our hourly associates driven by individual store performance. Success sharing payouts will be received by
83% of our stores for the second half of fiscal 2008 compared to 44% of stores for the same period last year.
Product Excitement – We continue to work on our merchandising transformation by redefining how we run our business, implementing a focused bay portfolio approach to product assortment and creating new tools to support better merchandising decision making. As a result, we saw consumer unit share gains against the market in several key merchandising classes. For example, carpet, hand tools, power tools, blinds, bath fixtures, windows and doors all gained share in fiscal 2008. Our new lower price campaign is a major component of our portfolio strategy. An example is interior paint, where we have lowered prices on items such as Behr Flat Premium Plus. Unit sales are increasing, and at the same time, our attachment sales of related items are going up.
Shopping Environment – We continued our store reinvestment by completing an aggressive list of maintenance projects, including the completion of our lighting upgrade, as well as more complex repair and maintenance activities for hundreds of other stores. In addition to programmatic maintenance, our integrated field and support center teams have rolled out store standards to all stores. We developed and piloted common guidelines on store appearance and shopability, including standards for front apron merchandising, wingstack usage, signage presentation, fixturing and off-shelf product. This

15

initiative helps reduce the amount of time our store managers spend on these issues, removes unnecessary clutter from the aisles and implements a basic and consistent approach to store appearance.
Product Availability – We continued our supply chain transformation to improve product availability. We have five RDCs operating that now serve approximately 500 of our stores. We plan to open additional RDCs in fiscal 2009 and expect that they will serve approximately 1,000 of our stores by the end of fiscal 2009. We remain committed to our overall roll-out strategy for RDCs, supporting our goal of increasing our central distribution penetration.
Own the Pro – We have made significant improvements in the services we provide our pro customers, particularly through our pro bid room. The pro bid room, which is available in all of our stores, allows us to leverage the buying power of The
Home Depot for the benefit of our pro customers. Our direct ship program allows us to have large orders delivered from our vendors to the customer’s job site directly, reducing handling, lead-time and cost while building loyalty with the pro customer. We opened 62 new stores in fiscal 2008, including 6 relocations, closed 15 stores as part of our store rationalization actions and closed one store in Mexico due to a fire, bringing our total store count at the end of fiscal 2008 to 2,274. As of the end of fiscal 2008, 262, or approximately 12%, of our stores were located in Canada, Mexico and China compared to 243 as of fiscal 2007.
We generated $5.5 billion of cash flow from operations in fiscal 2008. We used this cash flow to repay $2.0 billion of short-term debt and other debt obligations, fund $1.8 billion in capital expenditures and pay $1.5 billion of dividends.
At the end of fiscal 2008, our long-term debt-to-equity ratio was 54.4% compared to 64.3% at the end of fiscal 2007. Our return on invested capital for continuing operations (computed on the average of beginning and ending long-term debt and equity for the trailing twelve months) was 9.5% at the end of fiscal 2008 compared to 13.9% for fiscal 2007. This decrease reflects the decline in our operating profit, which includes the impact of the Rationalization Charges. Excluding
Rationalization Charges, our return on invested capital for continuing operations was 11.4%.

16

We believe the selected sales data, the percentage relationship between Net Sales and major categories in the Consolidated
Statements of Earnings and the percentage change in the dollar amounts of each of the items presented below are important in evaluating the performance of our business operations. We believe the information presented in our
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations provides an understanding of our business, our operations and our financial condition.
% of Net Sales
Fiscal Year(1)

% Increase
(Decrease)
In Dollar Amounts

2008 vs. 2007

2007 vs. 2006

2008

2007

2006

100.0%
33.7

100.0%
33.6

100.0%
33.6

25.0
2.5

22.1
2.2

20.4
2.0

4.7
4.9

5.9
8.1

27.5

24.3

22.4

4.7

6.1

6.1

9.4

11.2

(39.8)

(18.3)

—
0.9
0.2

(0.1)
0.9
—

—
0.5
—

(75.7)
(10.3)
0.0

174.1
78.0
0.0

1.1

0.8

0.5

23.6

70.9

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Provision for Income Taxes

5.0
1.8

8.6
3.1

10.8
4.1

(45.8)
(47.0)

(22.1)
(25.5)

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

3.2%

5.4%

(45.1)%

(20.1)%

(4.8)%
(3.3)

0.5%
(2.4)

NET SALES
Gross Profit
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative
Depreciation and Amortization
Total Operating Expenses
OPERATING INCOME
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:
Interest and Investment Income
Interest Expense
Other
Interest and Other, net

SELECTED SALES DATA
Number of Customer Transactions (in millions)(2)
Average Ticket(2)
Weighted Average Weekly Sales per Operating Store (in thousands)(2) Weighted Average Sales per Square Foot(2)
Comparable Store Sales Decrease (%)(3)

1,272
$ 55.61

1,336
$ 57.48

6.7%
1,330
$ 58.90

(7.8)%
(7.7)

(2.1)%
(2.1)

$ 601 $ 658 $ 723
(8.7)
$298.19
$331.86
$357.83
(10.1)
(8.7)%
(6.7)%
(2.8)% N/A

(9.0)
(7.3)
N/A

Note: Certain percentages may not sum to totals due to rounding.
(1)

Fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 refer to the fiscal years ended February 1, 2009, February 3, 2008 and
January 28, 2007, respectively. Fiscal years 2008 and 2006 include 52 weeks; fiscal year 2007 includes 53 weeks.

(2)

The 53rd week of fiscal 2007 increased customer transactions by 20 million, negatively impacted average ticket by
$0.05, negatively impacted weighted average weekly sales per operating store by $3 thousand and increased weighted average sales per square foot by $4.77.

(3)

Includes Net Sales at locations open greater than 12 months, including relocated and remodeled stores. Retail stores become comparable on the Monday following their 365th day of operation. Comparable store sales is intended only as supplemental information and is not a substitute for Net Sales or Net Earnings presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Results of Operations
For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this report.
17

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007
Net Sales
Fiscal 2008 consisted of 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2007. Net Sales for fiscal 2008 decreased 7.8% to
$71.3 billion from $77.3 billion for fiscal 2007. The decrease in Net Sales for fiscal 2008 reflects the impact of negative comparable store sales and $1.1 billion of Net Sales attributable to the additional week in fiscal 2007, partially offset by
Net Sales of $1.8 billion from new stores in fiscal 2008. Comparable store sales decreased 8.7% for fiscal 2008 compared to a decrease of 6.7% for fiscal 2007.
There were a number of factors that contributed to our comparable store sales decline. The U.S. residential construction and home improvement markets continued to be soft and consumers were challenged due to higher unemployment and an across-the-board tightening of consumer credit availability. We saw relative strength in Building Materials, Plumbing,
Garden/Seasonal and Hardware as comparable store sales in these areas were above or at the Company average for fiscal
2008. Comparable store sales for Lumber, Flooring, Paint, Electrical, Kitchen/Bath and Millwork were below the
Company average for fiscal 2008. Softness in our big ticket categories negatively impacted average ticket, which decreased 3.3% to $55.61 for fiscal 2008.
In order to meet our customer service objectives, we strategically open stores near market areas served by existing stores
(“cannibalize”) to enhance service levels, gain incremental sales and increase market penetration. Our new stores cannibalized approximately 5% of our existing stores as of the end of fiscal 2008, which had a negative impact to comparable store sales of approximately 1%.
We believe that our sales performance has been, and could continue to be, negatively impacted by the level of competition that we encounter in various markets. Due to the highly-fragmented U.S. home improvement industry, in which we estimate our market share is approximately 20%, measuring the impact on our sales by our competitors is difficult.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit decreased 7.7% to $24.0 billion for fiscal 2008 from $26.0 billion for fiscal 2007. Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales was 33.7% for fiscal 2008 compared to 33.6% for fiscal 2007, an increase of four basis points. This gross margin expansion included $30 million in markdowns taken in connection with our Rationalization Charges. Excluding these markdowns, our Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales increased eight basis points for fiscal 2008, reflecting our focused bay portfolio approach to product assortment.
Operating Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased 4.7% to $17.8 billion for fiscal 2008 from
$17.1 billion for fiscal 2007. As a percent of Net Sales, SG&A was 25.0% for fiscal 2008 compared to 22.1% for fiscal
2007. Excluding the Rationalization Charges, SG&A as a percent of Net Sales for fiscal 2008 was 23.7%, an increase of approximately 170 basis points over the prior year. The increase in SG&A as a percent of Net Sales for fiscal 2008 was primarily the result of expense deleverage in the negative comparable store sales environment, as well as an increase of approximately 70 basis points due to a higher cost of credit associated with the private label credit card program. For fiscal 2008, the penetration of the private label credit card sales was 28.1% compared to 29.4% for fiscal 2007.
Depreciation and Amortization increased 4.9% to $1.8 billion for fiscal 2008 from $1.7 billion for fiscal 2007.
Depreciation and Amortization as a percent of Net Sales was 2.5% for fiscal 2008 and 2.2% for fiscal 2007. The increase as a percent of Net Sales was primarily due to sales deleverage and the depreciation of our investments in shorter lived assets such as store resets and technology.
Operating Income
Operating Income decreased 39.8% to $4.4 billion for fiscal 2008 from $7.2 billion for fiscal 2007. Operating Income as a percent of Net Sales was 6.1% for fiscal 2008 compared to 9.4% for fiscal 2007. Excluding the Rationalization Charges,
Operating Income as a percent of Net Sales was 7.4% for fiscal 2008.

18

Interest and Other, net
In fiscal 2008, we recognized $769 million of Interest and Other, net, compared to $622 million in fiscal 2007. Interest and Other, net, as a percent of Net Sales was 1.1% for fiscal 2008 compared to 0.8% for fiscal 2007. Interest and Other, net, reflects a $163 million charge to write-down our investment in HD Supply. Excluding this charge, Interest and Other, net, as a percent of Net Sales was 0.9% for fiscal 2008.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our combined effective income tax rate for continuing operations decreased to 35.6% for fiscal 2008 from 36.4% for fiscal 2007. The decrease in our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2008 reflects lower state and foreign effective tax rates. Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations were $1.37 for fiscal 2008 and $2.27 for fiscal 2007. Excluding the Rationalization Charges and the write-down of our investment in HD Supply, Diluted Earnings per Share from
Continuing Operations for fiscal 2008 were $1.78, a decrease of 21.6% from fiscal 2007. The 53rd week in fiscal 2007 increased Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations by approximately $0.04 for fiscal 2007.
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations were favorably impacted by the repurchase of shares of our common stock. We repurchased 2.4 million shares for $70 million in fiscal 2008 and 293 million shares for $10.8 billion in fiscal 2007. Since the inception of the repurchase program in 2002, we have repurchased 746 million shares of our common stock for a total of $27.3 billion.
Discontinued Operations
On August 30, 2007, the Company closed the sale of HD Supply. Discontinued operations for fiscal 2008 consist of a loss of $52 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share, recorded to settle net working capital matters arising from the sale of HD Supply. Discontinued operations for fiscal 2007 consist of the results of operations for HD Supply through
August 30, 2007 and a $4 million loss on the sale of HD Supply. Net Sales from discontinued operations were
$7.4 billion for fiscal 2007 and Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, were $185 million for fiscal 2007.
Non-GAAP Measurements
To provide clarity, internally and externally, about our operating performance for fiscal 2008, we supplemented our reporting with non-GAAP measurements to reflect the Rationalization Charges as described more fully in Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements and the charge to write-down our investment in HD Supply as described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This supplemental information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measurements. We believe these non-GAAP measurements provide management and investors with meaningful information to understand and analyze our performance. The following reconciles the nonGAAP measurements reflecting the Rationalization Charges and investment write-down to the reported GAAP information for fiscal 2008:
As
Reported

amounts in millions, except per share data

Charges

Non-GAAP
Measurement

% of
Net Sales

Net Sales
Cost of Sales
Gross Profit
Operating Expenses
Operating Income
Interest and Other, net
Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Provision for
Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes
Earnings from Continuing Operations

$71,288
47,298
23,990
19,631
4,359
769

$

—
30
(30)
921
(951)
163

$71,288
47,268
24,020
18,710
5,310
606

100.0%
66.3
33.7
26.2
7.4
0.9

3,590
1,278
$ 2,312

(1,114)
(430)
$ (684)

4,704
1,708
$ 2,996

6.6
2.4
4.2%

Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

$

$ (0.41)

$

19

1.37

1.78

N/A

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 2007 (“fiscal 2006”)
Net Sales
Fiscal 2007 consisted of 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2006. Net Sales for fiscal 2007 decreased 2.1%, or
$1.7 billion, to $77.3 billion from $79.0 billion for fiscal 2006. The decrease in Net Sales for fiscal 2007 reflects the impact of negative comparable store sales, partially offset by Net Sales of $3.7 billion for fiscal 2007 from new stores and
$1.1 billion of Net Sales attributable to the additional week in fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales decreased 6.7% for fiscal 2007 compared to a decrease of 2.8% for fiscal 2006.
There were a number of factors that contributed to our comparable store sales decline. The residential construction and home improvement markets continued to be soft, especially in some of our traditionally strong markets such as Florida,
California and the Northeast. The combination of softness in our big ticket categories and commodity price deflation negatively impacted average ticket, which decreased 2.4% to $57.48 for fiscal 2007. Our international business performed well in fiscal 2007. Our Mexican stores posted a double digit comparable store sales increase for fiscal 2007, and
Canada’s comparable store sales were also positive. Our new stores cannibalized approximately 10% of our existing stores as of the end of fiscal 2007, which had a negative impact to comparable store sales of approximately 1%.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit decreased 2.1% to $26.0 billion for fiscal 2007 from $26.5 billion for fiscal 2006. Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales was 33.6% for fiscal 2007, flat compared to fiscal 2006. Lower deferred interest costs associated with our private label credit card financing programs provided a benefit of 39 basis points to Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales for fiscal 2007. The deferred interest benefit was mostly offset by a higher penetration of lower margin products such as appliances and markdowns taken to clear through some seasonal items, such as outdoor power equipment and grills, and to allow us to transition into new products, such as assembled cabinets and kitchen accessories.
Operating Expenses
SG&A increased 5.9% to $17.1 billion for fiscal 2007 from $16.1 billion for fiscal 2006. As a percent of Net Sales,
SG&A was 22.1% for fiscal 2007 compared to 20.4% for fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007, our profit sharing with the thirdparty administrator of the private label credit card portfolio was $275 million less than what we received in fiscal 2006.
We also recognized $88 million of write-offs associated with certain future store locations that we determined we will not open and $34 million of expense associated with closing our 11 Home Depot Landscape Supply stores and our Tampa
Call Center in fiscal 2007. SG&A also reflects investments we are making in support of our five key priorities. As a percentage of Net Sales, total payroll increased by 76 basis points for fiscal 2007 over fiscal 2006. This reflects investments in store labor and our Master Trade Specialists program, the impact of our success sharing bonus plans, as well as the negative sales environment. The increase in SG&A for fiscal 2007 over fiscal 2006 was partially offset by
$129 million of executive severance recorded in fiscal 2006.
Depreciation and Amortization increased 8.1% to $1.7 billion for fiscal 2007 from $1.6 billion for fiscal 2006.
Depreciation and Amortization as a percent of Net Sales was 2.2% for fiscal 2007 and 2.0% for fiscal 2006. The increase as a percent of Net Sales was primarily due to the depreciation of our investments in store modernization and technology.
Operating Income
Operating Income decreased 18.3% to $7.2 billion for fiscal 2007 from $8.9 billion for fiscal 2006. Operating Income as a percent of Net Sales was 9.4% for fiscal 2007 compared to 11.2% for fiscal 2006.
Interest and Other, net
In fiscal 2007, we recognized $622 million of net Interest Expense compared to $364 million in fiscal 2006. Net Interest
Expense as a percent of Net Sales was 0.8% for fiscal 2007 compared to 0.5% for fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to additional interest incurred related to the December 2006 issuance of $750 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes,
$1.25 billion of 5.25% Senior Notes and $3.0 billion of 5.875% Senior Notes.

20

Provision for Income Taxes
Our combined effective income tax rate for continuing operations decreased to 36.4% for fiscal 2007 from 38.1% for fiscal 2006. The decrease in our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2007 reflects the impact of a one-time retroactive tax assessment received from the Canadian province of Quebec in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and tax benefits recognized upon settlement of several state audits and completion of the fiscal 2003 and 2004 federal tax audits in fiscal
2007.
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations were $2.27 for fiscal 2007 and $2.55 for fiscal 2006. The
53rd week increased Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations by approximately $0.04 for fiscal 2007.
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations were favorably impacted in both fiscal 2007 and 2006 by the repurchase of shares of our common stock.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations consist of the results of operations for HD Supply through August 30, 2007 and a loss on the sale of HD Supply. Net Sales from discontinued operations were $7.4 billion for fiscal 2007 compared to $11.8 billion for fiscal 2006. Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, were $185 million for fiscal 2007, compared to
$495 million for fiscal 2006. Earnings from Discontinued Operations for fiscal 2007 include a $4 million loss, net of tax, recognized on the sale of the business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow generated from operations provides a significant source of liquidity. For fiscal 2008, Net Cash Provided by
Operating Activities was $5.5 billion compared to $5.7 billion for fiscal 2007. This change was primarily a result of decreased Net Earnings partially offset by improved inventory management.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities for fiscal 2008 was $1.7 billion compared to $4.8 billion provided by investing activities for fiscal 2007. The change in Net Cash Used in/Provided by Investing Activities was primarily the result of
$8.3 billion of net proceeds from the sale of HD Supply in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 partially offset by $1.7 billion less in capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.
In fiscal 2008, we spent $1.8 billion on Capital Expenditures, allocated as follows: 45% for new stores, 15% for merchandising and operations, 12% for maintenance, 11% for core technology and 17% for other initiatives. In fiscal
2008, we added 62 new stores, including six relocations.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities for fiscal 2008 was $3.7 billion compared with $10.6 billion for fiscal 2007. The decrease in Net Cash Used in Financing Activities was primarily due to the repurchase of 289 million shares of our common stock for $10.7 billion in connection with our tender offer related to the sale of HD Supply in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and by repayments in fiscal 2008 of $1.7 billion of short-term commercial paper and $282 million of structured financing debt.
We repurchased 2.4 million shares of our common stock for $70 million in fiscal 2008 and a total of 293 million shares for $10.8 billion in fiscal 2007, including a $10.7 billion tender offer funded primarily using proceeds from the sale of
HD Supply. Since the inception of our share repurchase program in 2002, we have repurchased 746 million shares of our common stock for a total of $27.3 billion. As of February 1, 2009, $12.7 billion remained under our share repurchase authorization. Given current market conditions, we have suspended the repurchase program until our business and credit markets stabilize.
We have commercial paper programs that allow for borrowings up to $3.25 billion. In connection with the programs, we have a back-up credit facility with a consortium of banks for borrowings up to $3.25 billion. As of February 1, 2009, there were no borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper programs or the related credit facility. The credit facility, which expires in December 2010, contains various restrictive covenants, all of which we are in compliance. None of the covenants are expected to impact our liquidity or capital resources.
21

We use capital and operating leases to finance a portion of our real estate, including our stores, distribution centers and store support centers. The net present value of capital lease obligations is reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in
Long-Term Debt and Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the operating leases are not reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of the end of fiscal 2008, our long-term debt-to-equity ratio was 54.4% compared to 64.3% at the end of fiscal 2007.
As of February 1, 2009, we had $525 million in Cash and Short-Term Investments. We believe that our current cash position, access to the debt capital markets and cash flow generated from operations should be sufficient to enable us to complete our capital expenditure programs and required long-term debt payments through the next several fiscal years. In addition, we have funds available from our commercial paper programs and the ability to obtain alternative sources of financing for other requirements. We intend to use cash flow generated by operations to repay $1.8 billion in debt coming due in fiscal 2009.
During fiscal 2008 and 2007, we entered into interest rate swaps, accounted for as fair value hedges, with notional amounts of $3.0 billion, that swapped fixed rate interest on our $3.0 billion 5.40% Senior Notes for variable rate interest equal to LIBOR plus 60 to 149 basis points. In fiscal 2008, we received $56 million to settle these swaps, which will be amortized to reduce Interest Expense over the remaining term of the debt.
At February 1, 2009, we had outstanding an interest rate swap, accounted for as a cash flow hedge, with a notional amount of $750 million that swaps variable rate interest on our $750 million Floating Rate Senior Notes for fixed rate interest at 4.36% that expires on December 16, 2009. At February 1, 2009, the approximate fair value of this agreement was a liability of $21 million, which is the estimated amount we would have paid to settle this interest rate swap agreement. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, operating leases for a portion of our real estate and other assets are not reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of February 1, 2009 (amounts in millions):
Contractual Obligations

Total

(1)

Total Debt
Capital Lease Obligations(2)
Operating Leases
Purchase Obligations(3)
FIN 48 Unrecognized Tax Benefits(4)
Total

$17,850
1,366
8,738
6,123
18
$34,095

Payments Due by Fiscal Year
2009
2010-2011
2012-2013

$2,327
88
804
1,687
18
$4,924

$2,943
178
1,366
1,791
—
$6,278

$2,068
178
1,094
1,712
—
$5,052

Thereafter

$10,512
922
5,474
933
—
$17,841

(1)

Excludes present value of capital lease obligations of $417 million. Includes $6.8 billion of interest payments and
$2 million, net, of unamortized non-cash items.

(2)

Includes $949 million of imputed interest.

(3)

Purchase obligations include all legally binding contracts such as firm commitments for inventory purchases, utility purchases, capital expenditures, software acquisition and license commitments and legally binding service contracts. Purchase orders that are not binding agreements are excluded from the table above.

(4)

Excludes $677 million of noncurrent unrecognized tax benefits due to uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash payments related to the FIN 48 liabilities.

22

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our exposure to market risk results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates. Although we have international operating entities, our exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations is not significant to our financial condition and results of operations. Our primary objective for entering into derivative instruments is to manage our exposure to interest rates, as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt.
As of February 1, 2009 we had, net of discounts, $11.0 billion of Senior Notes outstanding. The market values of the publicly traded Senior Notes as of February 1, 2009, were approximately $10.0 billion.
Impact of Inflation, Deflation and Changing Prices
We have experienced inflation and deflation related to our purchase of certain commodity products. We do not believe that changing prices for commodities have had a material effect on our Net Sales or results of operations. Although we cannot precisely determine the overall effect of inflation and deflation on operations, we do not believe inflation and deflation have had a material effect on our results of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require significant judgment or use of complex estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue, net of estimated returns and sales tax, at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise or receives services. We estimate the liability for sales returns based on our historical return levels. We believe that our estimate for sales returns is an accurate reflection of future returns. We have never recorded a significant adjustment to our estimated liability for sales returns. However, if these estimates are significantly below the actual amounts, our sales could be adversely impacted. When we receive payment from customers before the customer has taken possession of the merchandise or the service has been performed, the amount received is recorded as Deferred Revenue in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets until the sale or service is complete. We also record Deferred Revenue for the sale of gift cards and recognize this revenue upon the redemption of gift cards in Net Sales.
Merchandise Inventories
Our Merchandise Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, with approximately 82% valued under the retail inventory method and the remainder under a cost method. Retailers like The Home Depot, with many different types of merchandise at low unit cost and a large number of transactions, frequently use the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, Merchandise Inventories are stated at cost, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the ending retail value of inventories. As our inventory retail value is adjusted regularly to reflect market conditions, our inventory valued under the retail method approximates the lower of cost or market. We evaluate our inventory valued under a cost method at the end of each quarter to ensure that it is carried at the lower of cost or market. The valuation allowance for Merchandise Inventories valued under a cost method was not material to our
Consolidated Financial Statements as of the end of fiscal 2008 or 2007.
Independent physical inventory counts or cycle counts are taken on a regular basis in each store and distribution center to ensure that amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for Merchandise Inventories are properly stated. During the period between physical inventory counts in our stores, we accrue for estimated losses related to shrink on a store-by-store basis. Shrink (or in the case of excess inventory, “swell”) is the difference between the recorded amount of inventory and the physical inventory. Shrink may occur due to theft, loss, inaccurate records for the receipt of inventory or deterioration of goods, among other things. We estimate shrink as a percent of Net Sales using the average shrink results from the previous two physical inventories. The estimates are evaluated quarterly and adjusted based on recent shrink results and current trends in the business. Actual shrink results did not vary materially from estimated amounts for fiscal 2008, 2007 or 2006.

23

Self-Insurance
We are self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. Our liability represents an estimate of the ultimate cost of claims incurred as of the balance sheet date.
The estimated liability is not discounted and is established based upon analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates, and is reviewed by management and third-party actuaries on a quarterly basis to ensure that the liability is appropriate.
While we believe these estimates are reasonable based on the information currently available, if actual trends, including the severity or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation, or fluctuations in premiums, differ from our estimates, our results of operations could be impacted. Actual results related to these types of claims did not vary materially from estimated amounts for fiscal 2008, 2007 or 2006.
Vendor Allowances
Vendor allowances primarily consist of volume rebates that are earned as a result of attaining certain purchase levels and advertising co-op allowances for the promotion of vendors’ products that are typically based on guaranteed minimum amounts with additional amounts being earned for attaining certain purchase levels. These vendor allowances are accrued as earned, with those allowances received as a result of attaining certain purchase levels accrued over the incentive period based on estimates of purchases. We believe that our estimate of vendor allowances earned based on expected volume of purchases over the incentive period is an accurate reflection of the ultimate allowance to be received from our vendors.
Volume rebates and advertising co-op allowances earned are initially recorded as a reduction in Merchandise Inventories and a subsequent reduction in Cost of Sales when the related product is sold. Certain advertising co-op allowances that are reimbursements of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote vendors’ products are recorded as an offset against advertising expense in SG&A.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets when management makes the decision to relocate or close a store or other location, or when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. A store’s assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing its undiscounted cash flows with its carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, a provision is made to write down the related assets to fair value if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. We make critical assumptions and estimates in completing impairment assessments of long-lived assets. While we believe these estimates are reasonable based on the information currently available, if actual results differ from our estimates, our results of operations could be impacted. Impairment losses are recorded as a component of SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. When a location closes, we also recognize in SG&A the net present value of future lease obligations, less estimated sublease income.
In fiscal 2008, we recorded $580 million of asset impairments and $252 million of lease obligation costs as part of our
Rationalization Charges. See Note 2 for more details on the Rationalization Charges. We also recorded impairments on the other closings and relocations in the ordinary course of business, which were not material to the Consolidated
Financial Statements in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Emerging Issues
Task Force No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are
Participating Securities” (“FSP-EITF 03-6-1”). FSP-EITF 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. FSP-EITF 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.
FSP-EITF 03-6-1 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.
24

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements
The financial statements presented in this Annual Report have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and are the responsibility of the management of The Home Depot, Inc. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and properly reflect certain estimates and judgments based upon the best available information.
The financial statements of the Company have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their accompanying report is based upon an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of outside directors, meets five times a year with the independent registered public accounting firm, the internal auditors and representatives of management to discuss auditing and financial reporting matters. In addition, a telephonic meeting is held prior to each quarterly earnings release. The
Audit Committee retains the independent registered public accounting firm and regularly reviews the internal accounting controls, the activities of the independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors and the financial condition of the Company. Both the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have free access to the Audit Committee.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2009 based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 1, 2009 in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2009 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included on page 26 in this Form 10-K.
/s/ FRANCIS S. BLAKE
Francis S. Blake
Chairman &
Chief Executive Officer

/s/ CAROL B. TOMÉ
Carol B. Tomé
Chief Financial Officer &
Executive Vice President – Corporate Services

25

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Home Depot, Inc.:
We have audited The Home Depot Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Home Depot Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, The Home Depot, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2009 and
February 3, 2008, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income, and Cash Flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 1, 2009, and our report dated
March 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 2009

26

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Home Depot, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Stockholders’ Equity and
Comprehensive Income, and Cash Flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 1, 2009.
These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 1, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 29, 2007, the beginning of the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), The Home Depot, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 2009

27

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
February 1,
February 3,
January 28,
2009
2008
2007

amounts in millions, except per share data

NET SALES
Cost of Sales

$71,288
47,298

26,546

17,053
1,702

16,106
1,574

19,631

18,755

17,680

4,359

OPERATING INCOME
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:
Interest and Investment Income
Interest Expense
Other

25,997

17,846
1,785

Total Operating Expenses

$79,022
52,476

23,990

GROSS PROFIT
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative
Depreciation and Amortization

$77,349
51,352

7,242

8,866

(18)
624
163

(74)
696
—

(27)
391
—

769

622

364

3,590
1,278

6,620
2,410

8,502
3,236

2,312
(52)

4,210
185

5,266
495

$ 2,260

$ 4,395

$ 5,761

Weighted Average Common Shares
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

1,682
$ 1.37
$ (0.03)
$ 1.34

1,849
$ 2.28
$ 0.10
$ 2.38

$
$
$

Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

1,686
$ 1.37
$ (0.03)
$ 1.34

1,856
$ 2.27
$ 0.10
$ 2.37

2,062
$ 2.55
$ 0.24
$ 2.79

Interest and Other, net
EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES
Provision for Income Taxes
EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
NET EARNINGS

(1)

2,054
2.56
0.24
2.80

Fiscal years ended February 1, 2009 and January 28, 2007 include 52 weeks. Fiscal year ended February 3, 2008 includes 53 weeks.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
February 1,
2009

amounts in millions, except share and per share data

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Short-Term Investments
Receivables, net
Merchandise Inventories
Other Current Assets

$

519
6
972
10,673
1,192

February 3,
2008

$

445
12
1,259
11,731
1,227

13,362

14,674

8,301
16,961
8,741
1,359
625
490

8,398
16,642
8,050
1,390
1,435
497

36,477
10,243

36,412
8,936

26,234

27,476

36
1,134
398

342
1,209
623

$41,164

$44,324

$

—
4,822
1,129
337
1,165
289
1,767
1,644

$ 1,747
5,732
1,094
445
1,474
60
300
1,854

11,153

12,706

9,667
2,198
369

11,383
1,833
688

23,387

26,610

85
6,048
12,093
(77)
(372)

85
5,800
11,388
755
(314)

Total Current Assets
Property and Equipment, at cost:
Land
Buildings
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Leasehold Improvements
Construction in Progress
Capital Leases
Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
Net Property and Equipment
Notes Receivable
Goodwill
Other Assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-Term Debt
Accounts Payable
Accrued Salaries and Related Expenses
Sales Taxes Payable
Deferred Revenue
Income Taxes Payable
Current Installments of Long-Term Debt
Other Accrued Expenses
Total Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt, excluding current installments
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes
Total Liabilities
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock, par value $0.05; authorized: 10 billion shares; issued 1.707 billion shares at
February 1, 2009 and 1.698 billion shares at February 3, 2008; outstanding 1.696 billion shares at
February 1, 2009 and 1.690 billion shares at February 3, 2008
Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 11 million shares at February 1, 2009 and 8 million shares at February 3, 2008

17,777

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

29

17,714

$41,164

Total Stockholders’ Equity

$44,324

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Accumulated
Other
Retained Comprehensive Treasury Stock
Earnings Income (Loss) Shares Amount

amounts in millions, except per share data

Common Stock
Shares Amount

Paid-In
Capital

BALANCE, JANUARY 29, 2006

2,401

$ 7,149 $ 28,943

Cumulative Effect of Adjustment Resulting from the Adoption of SAB 108, net of tax
ADJUSTED BALANCE, JANUARY 29, 2006
Net Earnings
Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Plans
Tax Effect of Sale of Option Shares by Employees
Translation Adjustments
Cash Flow Hedges
Stock Options, Awards and Amortization of
Restricted Stock
Repurchase of Common Stock
Cash Dividends ($0.675 per share)
Other

$120

201

(257)

$ 409

—

—

2,401

$120

—
20
—
—
—

—
1
—
—
—

—
351
18
—
—

5,761
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
(77)
(22)

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

296
—
—
(85)

—
—
(1,395)
—

—
—
—
—

—
(174)
—
—

$ 7,350 $ 28,686

—

(277) $ (9,712)

$ 409

—

—

(277) $ (9,712)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(6,671)
—
—

Total
Stockholders’ Comprehensive
Equity
Income

$ 26,909
(56)
$ 26,853
5,761
352
18
(77)
(22)

Cumulative Effect of the Adoption of FIN 48
Net Earnings
Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Plans
Tax Effect of Sale of Option Shares by Employees
Translation Adjustments
Cash Flow Hedges
Stock Options, Awards and Amortization of
Restricted Stock
Repurchase of Common Stock
Retirement of Treasury Stock
Cash Dividends ($0.90 per share)
Other

$5,662
2,421

$121

—
—
12
—
—
—

—
—
1
—
—
—

—
—
(735)
—
—

—
—
(37)
—
—

$ 7,930 $ 33,052
—
—
239
4
—
—

(111)
4,395
—
—
—
—

206
—
—
—
(2,608) (24,239)
—
(1,709)
29
—

$ 310

(451) $(16,383)

—
—
—
—
455
(10)

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—
(292)
735
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(10,815)
26,884
—
—

$ 25,030
(111)
4,395
240
4
455
(10)

Net Earnings
Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Plans
Tax Effect of Sale of Option Shares by Employees
Translation Adjustments
Cash Flow Hedges
Stock Options, Awards and Amortization of
Restricted Stock
Repurchase of Common Stock
Cash Dividends ($0.90 per share)
Other

455
(10)

$4,840
1,698

$ 85

—
9
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

$ 5,800 $ 11,388
—
68
7
—
—

2,260
—
—
—
—

$ 755
—
—
—
(831)
(1)

—
—
—
—
—

(8) $

(314)
—
—
—
—
—

2,260
68
7
(831)
(1)

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

176
—
—
(3)

—
—
(1,521)
(34)

—
—
—
—

—
(3)
—
—

—
(70)

176
(70)
(1,521)
(25)

12

$ 17,714

Comprehensive Income
BALANCE, FEBRUARY 1, 2009

$4,395

206
(10,815)
—
(1,709)
29

Comprehensive Income
BALANCE, FEBRUARY 3, 2008

(77)
(22)

296
(6,671)
(1,395)
(85)

Comprehensive Income
BALANCE, JANUARY 28, 2007

$5,761

$2,260

(831)
(1)

$1,428
1,707

$ 85

$ 6,048 $ 12,093

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

30

$ (77)

(11) $

(372)

$ 17,777

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
February 1,
February 3,
January 28,
2009
2008
2007

amounts in millions

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Earnings
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization
Impairment Related to Rationalization Charges
Impairment of Investment
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and disposition:
Decrease in Receivables, net
Decrease (Increase) in Merchandise Inventories
(Increase) Decrease in Other Current Assets
(Decrease) Increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Decrease in Deferred Revenue
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable
(Decrease) Increase in Deferred Income Taxes
Increase (Decrease) in Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other

$ 2,260

$ 4,395

$ 5,761

1,902
580
163
176

1,906
—
—
207

1,886
—
—
297

121
743
(7)
(646)
(292)
262
(282)
306
242

116
(491)
109
(465)
(159)
—
(348)
186
271

96
(563)
(225)
531
(123)
(172)
46
(51)
178

5,528

5,727

7,661

(1,847)
—
—
147
(168)
139

(3,558)
8,337
(13)
318
(11,225)
10,899

(3,542)
—
(4,268)
138
(5,409)
5,434

(1,729)

4,758

(7,647)

(1,732)
—
(313)
(70)
84
(1,521)
(128)

1,734
—
(20)
(10,815)
276
(1,709)
(105)

(900)
8,935
(509)
(6,684)
381
(1,395)
(31)

(3,680)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures, net of $37, $19 and $49 of non-cash capital expenditures in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively
Proceeds from Sale of Business, net
Payments for Businesses Acquired, net
Proceeds from Sales of Property and Equipment
Purchases of Investments
Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Investments
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
(Repayments of) Proceeds from Short-Term Borrowings, net
Proceeds from Long-Term Borrowings, net of discount
Repayments of Long-Term Debt
Repurchases of Common Stock
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock
Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders
Other Financing Activities

(10,639)

(203)

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

119

(154)

(189)

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

(45)
445

(1)
600

(4)
793

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

$

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
Interest, net of interest capitalized
Income Taxes

$ 622
$ 1,265

(1)

519

$

445

$
672
$ 2,524

$

600

$ 270
$ 3,963

Fiscal years ended February 1, 2009 and January 28, 2007 include 52 weeks. Fiscal year ended February 3, 2008 includes 53 weeks.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
31

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business, Consolidation and Presentation
The Home Depot, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) operate The Home Depot stores, which are full-service, warehouse-style stores averaging approximately 105,000 square feet in size. The stores stock approximately 30,000 to
40,000 different kinds of building materials, home improvement supplies and lawn and garden products that are sold to do-it-yourself customers, do-it-for-me customers, home improvement contractors, tradespeople and building maintenance professionals. At the end of fiscal 2008, the Company was operating 2,274 stores, which included 1,971 The Home Depot stores, 34 EXPO stores, five Yardbirds stores and two THD Design Center stores in the United States, including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam (“U.S.”), 176 The Home Depot stores in Canada, 74 The Home Depot stores in Mexico and 12 The Home Depot stores in China. On January 26, 2009, the Company announced plans to close the EXPO, THD Design Center and Yardbirds stores as part of the Company’s focus on its core business. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its whollyowned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday nearest to January 31. Fiscal year ended
February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”) includes 52 weeks, fiscal year ended February 3, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”) includes 53 weeks and fiscal year ended January 28, 2007 (“fiscal 2006”) includes 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses in preparing these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Short-Term Debt and Accounts Payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Company’s investments is discussed under the caption “Short-Term Investments” in this Note 1. The fair value of the Company’s Long-Term Debt is discussed in Note 6.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s Cash Equivalents are carried at fair market value and consist primarily of high-grade commercial paper, money market funds and U.S. government agency securities.
Short-Term Investments
Short-Term Investments are recorded at fair value based on current market rates and are classified as available-for-sale.
Accounts Receivable
The Company has an agreement with a third-party service provider who directly extends credit to customers, manages the
Company’s private label credit card program and owns the related receivables. We evaluated the third-party entities holding the receivables under the program and concluded that they should not be consolidated by the Company in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46(R),
“Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” The agreement with the third-party service provider expires in 2018, with the
Company having the option, but no obligation, to purchase the receivables at the end of the agreement. The deferred
32

interest charges incurred by the Company for its deferred financing programs offered to its customers are included in Cost of Sales. The interchange fees charged to the Company for the customers’ use of the cards and the profit sharing with the third-party administrator are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”). The sum of the three is referred to by the Company as “the cost of credit” of the private label credit card program.
In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Company extend credit directly to customers in the ordinary course of business.
The receivables due from customers were $37 million and $57 million as of February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, respectively. The Company’s valuation reserve related to accounts receivable was not material to the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company as of the end of fiscal 2008 or 2007.
Merchandise Inventories
The majority of the Company’s Merchandise Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, as determined by the retail inventory method. As the inventory retail value is adjusted regularly to reflect market conditions, the inventory valued using the retail method approximates the lower of cost or market. Certain subsidiaries, including retail operations in Canada, Mexico and China, and distribution centers record Merchandise Inventories at the lower of cost or market, as determined by a cost method. These Merchandise Inventories represent approximately 18% of the total
Merchandise Inventories balance. The Company evaluates the inventory valued using a cost method at the end of each quarter to ensure that it is carried at the lower of cost or market. The valuation allowance for Merchandise Inventories valued under a cost method was not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as of the end of fiscal 2008 or 2007.
Independent physical inventory counts or cycle counts are taken on a regular basis in each store and distribution center to ensure that amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for Merchandise Inventories are properly stated. During the period between physical inventory counts in stores, the Company accrues for estimated losses related to shrink on a store-by-store basis based on historical shrink results and current trends in the business. Shrink (or in the case of excess inventory, “swell”) is the difference between the recorded amount of inventory and the physical inventory. Shrink may occur due to theft, loss, inaccurate records for the receipt of inventory or deterioration of goods, among other things.
Income Taxes
The Company provides for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as for those deferred due to timing differences between reporting income and expenses for financial statement purposes versus tax purposes. Federal, state and foreign tax benefits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in income tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Non-U.S. subsidiaries and certain U.S. subsidiaries, which are consolidated for financial reporting purposes, are not eligible to be included in the
Company’s consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Separate provisions for income taxes have been determined for these entities. The Company intends to reinvest substantially all of the unremitted earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries and postpone their remittance indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes for these non-U.S. subsidiaries was recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Depreciation and Amortization
The Company’s Buildings, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold Improvements are amortized using the straight-line method

33

over the original term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. The Company’s Property and Equipment is depreciated using the following estimated useful lives:
Life

Buildings
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Leasehold Improvements

5-45 years
3-20 years
5-45 years

Capitalized Software Costs
The Company capitalizes certain costs related to the acquisition and development of software and amortizes these costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, which is three to six years. These costs are included in Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue, net of estimated returns and sales tax, at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise or receives services. The liability for sales returns is estimated based on historical return levels. When the
Company receives payment from customers before the customer has taken possession of the merchandise or the service has been performed, the amount received is recorded as Deferred Revenue in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets until the sale or service is complete. The Company also records Deferred Revenue for the sale of gift cards and recognizes this revenue upon the redemption of gift cards in Net Sales. Gift card breakage income is recognized based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote. During fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized $37 million,
$36 million and $33 million, respectively, of gift card breakage income. This income is recorded as other income and is included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a reduction in SG&A.
Services Revenue
Net Sales include services revenue generated through a variety of installation, home maintenance and professional service programs. In these programs, the customer selects and purchases material for a project and the Company provides or arranges professional installation. These programs are offered through the Company’s stores. Under certain programs, when the Company provides or arranges the installation of a project and the subcontractor provides material as part of the installation, both the material and labor are included in services revenue. The Company recognizes this revenue when the service for the customer is complete.
All payments received prior to the completion of services are recorded in Deferred Revenue in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Services revenue was $3.1 billion, $3.5 billion and $3.8 billion for fiscal 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. The expected ultimate cost for claims incurred as of the balance sheet date is not discounted and is recognized as a liability. The expected ultimate cost of claims is estimated based upon analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates.
Prepaid Advertising
Television and radio advertising production costs, along with media placement costs, are expensed when the advertisement first appears. Included in Other Current Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are $18 million and
$31 million, respectively, at the end of fiscal 2008 and 2007 relating to prepayments of production costs for print and broadcast advertising as well as sponsorship promotions.

34

Vendor Allowances
Vendor allowances primarily consist of volume rebates that are earned as a result of attaining certain purchase levels and advertising co-op allowances for the promotion of vendors’ products that are typically based on guaranteed minimum amounts with additional amounts being earned for attaining certain purchase levels. These vendor allowances are accrued as earned, with those allowances received as a result of attaining certain purchase levels accrued over the incentive period based on estimates of purchases.
Volume rebates and certain advertising co-op allowances earned are initially recorded as a reduction in Merchandise
Inventories and a subsequent reduction in Cost of Sales when the related product is sold. Certain advertising co-op allowances that are reimbursements of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote vendors’ products are recorded as an offset against advertising expense. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, gross advertising expense was
$1.0 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, which was recorded in SG&A. Specific, incremental and identifiable advertising co-op allowances were $107 million, $120 million and $83 million for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were recorded as an offset to advertising expense in SG&A.
Cost of Sales
Cost of Sales includes the actual cost of merchandise sold and services performed, the cost of transportation of merchandise from vendors to the Company’s stores, locations or customers, the operating cost of the Company’s sourcing and distribution network and the cost of deferred interest programs offered through the Company’s private label credit card program.
The cost of handling and shipping merchandise from the Company’s stores, locations or distribution centers to the customer is classified as SG&A. The cost of shipping and handling, including internal costs and payments to third parties, classified as SG&A was $501 million, $571 million and $545 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company does not amortize goodwill, but does assess the recoverability of goodwill in the third quarter of each fiscal year by determining whether the fair value of each reporting unit supports its carrying value. The fair values of the Company’s identified reporting units were estimated using the present value of expected future discounted cash flows.
The Company amortizes the cost of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to
20 years, unless such lives are deemed indefinite. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested in the third quarter of each fiscal year for impairment. The Company recorded no impairment charges for goodwill or other intangible assets for fiscal 2008, 2007 or 2006.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets when management makes the decision to relocate or close a store or other location, or when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. A store’s assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing its undiscounted cash flows with its carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, a provision is made to write down the related assets to fair value if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. Impairment losses are recorded as a component of SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. When a location closes, the Company also recognizes in SG&A the net present value of future lease obligations, less estimated sublease income.
In fiscal 2008, the Company recorded $580 million of asset impairments and $252 million of lease obligation costs as part of its Rationalization Charges. See Note 2 for more details on the Rationalization Charges. The Company also recorded impairments on the other closings and relocations in the ordinary course of business, which were not material to the
Consolidated Financial Statements in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006.

35

Stock-Based Compensation
Effective January 30, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), using the modified prospective transition method. Under the modified prospective transition method, the Company began expensing unvested options granted prior to fiscal 2003 in addition to continuing to recognize stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payments awarded since the adoption of SFAS 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” in fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2006, the Company recognized additional stock compensation expense of approximately $40 million as a result of the adoption of SFAS 123(R). Results of prior periods have not been restated.
The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6.46, $9.45 and $11.88, respectively. The fair value of these options was determined at the date of grant using the Black- Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
February 1,
2009

Risk-free
Assumed
Assumed
Assumed

2.9%
33.8%
3.5%
6 years

interest rate volatility dividend yield lives of option

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

4.4%
25.5%
2.4%
6 years

4.7%
28.5%
1.5%
5 years

Derivatives
The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its interest rate exposure on long-term debt and its exposure on foreign currency fluctuations. The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income includes Net Earnings adjusted for certain revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are excluded from Net Earnings under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Adjustments to Net Earnings and
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist primarily of foreign currency translation adjustments.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and Liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and Expenses are generally translated using average exchange rates for the period and equity transactions are translated using the actual rate on the day of the transaction.
Segment Information
The Company operates within a single reportable segment primarily within North America. Net Sales for the Company outside of the U.S. were $7.4 billion for fiscal 2008 and 2007 and were $6.3 billion for fiscal 2006. Long-lived assets outside of the U.S. totaled $2.8 billion and $3.1 billion as of February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, respectively.
2.

RATIONALIZATION CHARGES

In fiscal 2008, the Company reduced its square footage growth plans to improve free cash flow, provide stronger returns for the Company and invest in its existing stores to continue improving the customer experience. As a result of this store rationalization plan, the Company determined that it would no longer pursue the opening of approximately 50 U.S. stores that had been in its new store pipeline. The Company expects to dispose of or sublet these pipeline locations over varying periods. The Company also closed 15 underperforming U.S. stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, and the Company expects to dispose of or sublet those locations over varying periods.
Also in fiscal 2008, the Company announced that it would exit its EXPO, THD Design Center, Yardbirds and HD Bath businesses in order to focus on its core The Home Depot stores. The Company expects to close 34 EXPO Design Center
36

stores, five Yardbirds stores, two THD Design Center stores and seven HD Bath locations in the first quarter of fiscal
2009, and expects to dispose or sublet those locations over varying periods. These steps will impact approximately 5,000 associates in those locations, their support functions and their distribution centers.
The Company also restructured its support functions to better align the Company’s cost structure with the current economic environment. These actions impacted approximately 2,000 associates.
The Company recognized $951 million in total pretax charges for fiscal 2008 related to these actions. The significant components of the total expected charges and charges incurred to date are as follows (in millions):
Total
Expected
Charges

Fiscal
2008
Charges

Estimated
Remaining
Charges

Asset impairments
Lease obligation costs, net
Severance
Other

$ 580
336
82
103

$580
252
78
41

$ —
84
4
62

Total

$1,101

$951

$150

Inventory markdown costs in Other are included in Cost of Sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Earnings and costs related to asset impairments, lease obligations, severance and other are included in SG&A expenses.
Asset impairment charges, including contractual costs to complete certain assets, were determined based on fair market value using market data for each individual property. Lease obligations represent the present value of contractually obligated rental payments offset by estimated sublet income, and therefore are not generally incremental uses of cash.
Activity related to Rationalization Charges for fiscal 2008 was as follows (in millions):
Fiscal
2008
Charges

Non-cash
Uses

Asset impairments
Lease obligation costs, net
Severance
Other

$580
252
78
41

$—
39
6
18

$542
—
—
3

$ 38
213
72
20

Total
3.

Cash
Uses

Accrued
Balance,
February 1,
2009

$951

$63

$545

$343

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

During fiscal 2008, the Company implemented a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, including a new inventory system, for its retail operations in Canada. Along with this implementation, the Company changed its method of accounting for Merchandise Inventories for its retail operations in Canada from the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, as determined by the retail inventory method, to the lower of cost or market using a weighted-average cost method. As of the end of fiscal 2008, the implementation of the new inventory system and related conversion to the weighted-average cost method for Canadian retail operations was complete.
The new ERP system allows the Company to utilize the weighted-average cost method, which the Company believes will result in greater precision in the costing of inventories and a better matching of cost of sales with revenue generated. The effect of the change on the Merchandise Inventories and Retained Earnings balances was not material. Prior to the inventory system conversion, the Company could not determine the impact of the change to the weighted-average cost method and therefore, could not retroactively apply the change to periods prior to fiscal 2008.
4.

DISPOSITION AND ACQUISITIONS

On August 30, 2007, the Company closed the sale of HD Supply. The Company received $8.3 billion of net proceeds for the sale of HD Supply and recognized a $4 million loss, net of tax, in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, the Company finalized working capital adjustments related to the sale and recorded a loss of $52 million, net of tax.
37

In connection with the sale, the Company purchased a 12.5% equity interest in the newly formed HD Supply for
$325 million. In fiscal 2008, the Company determined its 12.5% equity interest in HD Supply was impaired and recorded a $163 million charge to write-down the investment, which is included in Interest and Other, net, in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Also in connection with the sale, the Company guaranteed a $1.0 billion senior secured loan (“guaranteed loan”) of HD
Supply. The fair value of the guarantee, which was determined to be approximately $16 million, is recorded as a liability of the Company and included in Other Long-Term Liabilities. The guaranteed loan has a term of five years and the
Company is responsible for up to $1.0 billion and any unpaid interest in the event of non-payment by HD Supply. The guaranteed loan is collateralized by certain assets of HD Supply.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), the Company reclassified the results of HD Supply as discontinued operations in its
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for all periods presented.
The following table presents Net Sales and Earnings of HD Supply through August 30, 2007 and the losses on disposition which have been classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

Net Sales

$—

$7,391

$11,815

Earnings Before Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes
Loss on Discontinued Operations, net
Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax

$—
—
(52)
$(52)

$ 291
(102)
(4)
$ 185

$

806
(311)
—
$ 495

The Company made no acquisitions during fiscal 2008. The aggregate purchase price for acquisitions in fiscal 2007 and
2006 was $25 million and $4.5 billion, respectively, including $3.5 billion for Hughes Supply in fiscal 2006. The
Company recorded Goodwill related to the HD Supply businesses of $20 million and $2.8 billion for fiscal 2007 and
2006, respectively, and recorded no Goodwill related to its retail businesses for fiscal 2007 and $229 million for fiscal
2006.
5.

STAFF ACCOUNTING BULLETIN NO. 108

In fiscal 2006, the Company adopted Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 addresses the process of quantifying prior year financial statement misstatements and their impact on current year financial statements. The provisions of SAB 108 allowed companies to report the cumulative effect of correcting immaterial prior year misstatements, based on the Company’s historical method for evaluating misstatements, by adjusting the opening balance of retained earnings in the financial statements of the year of adoption rather than amending previously filed reports. In accordance with SAB 108, the Company adjusted beginning Retained Earnings for fiscal 2006 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for the items described below. The Company does not consider these adjustments to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in any of the prior years affected. Historical Stock Option Practices
During fiscal 2006, the Company requested that its Board of Directors review its historical stock option granting practices.
A subcommittee of the Audit Committee undertook the review with the assistance of independent outside counsel, and it has completed its review. The principal findings of the 2006 review were as follows:
• All options granted in the period from 2002 through the present had an exercise price based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date the grant was approved by the Board of Directors or an officer acting pursuant to delegated authority. During this period, the stock administration department corrected
38

administrative errors retroactively and without separate approvals. The administrative errors included inadvertent omissions of grantees from lists that were approved previously and miscalculations of the number of options granted to particular employees on approved lists.
• All options granted from December 1, 2000 through the end of 2001 had an exercise price based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of a meeting of the Board of Directors or some other date selected without the benefit of hindsight. The February 2001 annual grant was not finally allocated to recipients until several weeks after the grant was approved. During this period, the stock administration department also corrected administrative errors retroactively and without separate approvals as in the period
2002 to the present.
• For annual option grants and certain quarterly option grants from 1981 through November 2000, the stated grant date was routinely earlier than the actual date on which the grants were approved by a committee of the
Board of Directors. In almost every instance, the stock price on the apparent approval date was higher than the price on the stated grant date. The backdating occurred for grants at all levels of the Company. Management personnel, who have since left the Company, generally followed a practice of reviewing closing prices for a prior period and selecting a date with a low stock price to increase the value of the options to employees on lists of grantees subsequently approved by a committee of the Board of Directors.
• The annual option grants in 1994 through 2000, as well as many quarterly grants during this period, were not finally allocated among the recipients until several weeks after the stated grant date. Because of the absence of records prior to 1994, it is unclear whether allocations also postdated the selected grant dates from 1981 through 1993. Moreover, for many of these annual and quarterly grants from 1981 through December 2000, there is insufficient documentation to determine with certainty when the grants were actually authorized by a committee of the Board of Directors. Finally, the Company’s stock administration department also retroactively added employees to lists of approved grantees, or changed the number of options granted to specific employees, without authorization of the Board of Directors or a board committee, to correct administrative errors.
• Numerous option grants to rank-and-file employees were made pursuant to delegations of authority that may not have been effective under Delaware law.
• In numerous instances, and primarily prior to 2003, beneficiaries of grants who were required to report them to the SEC failed to do so in a timely manner or at all.
• The subcommittee concluded that there was no intentional wrongdoing by any current member of the
Company’s management team or its Board of Directors.
The Company believes that because of these errors, it had unrecorded expense over the affected period (1981 through
2005) of $227 million in the aggregate, including related tax items. In accordance with the provisions of SAB 108, the
Company decreased beginning Retained Earnings for fiscal 2006 by $227 million within the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements.
As previously disclosed, the staff of the SEC began in June 2006 an informal inquiry into the Company’s stock option practices, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York also requested information on the subject. On December 10, 2008, the SEC stated in a letter to the Company that it did not intend to take any action as a result of the inquiry. The SEC matter is therefore now closed, and the Company has not received any communication from the Office of the U.S. Attorney since 2006.

39

The Company does not believe that the effect of the stock option adjustment was material, either quantitatively or qualitatively, in any of the years covered by the review of these items. In reaching that determination, the following quantitative measures were considered (dollars in millions):
Fiscal Year

Net After-Tax
Effect of
Adjustment

Reported Net
Earnings

2005
2004
2003
2002
1981-2001
Total

$ 11
18
18
21
159
$227

$ 5,838
5,001
4,304
3,664
14,531
$33,338

Percent of
Reported Net
Earnings

0.19%
0.36
0.42
0.57
1.09
0.68%

Vendor Credits
The Company records credits against vendor invoices for various issues related to the receipt of goods. The Company previously identified that it was not recording an allowance for subsequent reversals of these credits based on historical experience. Beginning Retained Earnings for fiscal 2006 was decreased by $30 million in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements to reflect the appropriate adjustments to Merchandise Inventories and Accounts Payable, net of tax.
Impact of Adjustments
The impact of each of the items noted above, net of tax, on fiscal 2006 beginning balances are presented below (amounts in millions):
Cumulative Effect as of January 30, 2006
Stock Option
Vendor
Practices
Credits
Total

Merchandise Inventories
Accounts Payable
Deferred Income Taxes
Other Accrued Expenses
Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings

$ —
—
11
(37)
(201)
227

40

$

$ —

Total

$ 9
(59)
20
—
—
30

9
(59)
31
(37)
(201)
257

$—

$ —

6.

DEBT

The Company has commercial paper programs that allow for borrowings up to $3.25 billion. All of the Company’s shortterm borrowings in fiscal 2008 and 2007 were under these commercial paper programs. In connection with the commercial paper programs, the Company has a back-up credit facility with a consortium of banks for borrowings up to
$3.25 billion. The credit facility, which expires in December 2010, contains various restrictive covenants, all of which we are in compliance. None of the covenants are expected to impact the Company’s liquidity or capital resources.
Short-Term Debt under the commercial paper programs was as follows (dollars in millions):
February 1,
2009

$ —
$1,771
$ 403
3.4%

Balance outstanding at fiscal year-end
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
Average daily short-term borrowings
Weighted average interest rate

February 3,
2008

$1,747
$1,747
$ 526
5.0%

The Company’s Long-Term Debt at the end of fiscal 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

3.75% Senior Notes; due September 15, 2009; interest payable semi-annually on
March 15 and September 15
Floating Rate Senior Notes; due December 16, 2009; interest payable on
March 16, June 16, September 16 and December 16
4.625% Senior Notes; due August 15, 2010; interest payable semi-annually on
February 15 and August 15
5.20% Senior Notes; due March 1, 2011; interest payable semi-annually on
March 1 and September 1
5.25% Senior Notes; due December 16, 2013; interest payable semi-annually on
June 16 and December 16
5.40% Senior Notes; due March 1, 2016; interest payable semi-annually on
March 1 and September 1
5.875% Senior Notes; due December 16, 2036; interest payable semi-annually on
June 16 and December 16
Capital Lease Obligations; payable in varying installments through January 31,
2055
Other

$

999

February 3,
2008

$

998
750

998

998

1,000

1,000

1,245

1,244

3,047

3,017

2,959

2,959

417
19

415
302

11,434
1,767
$ 9,667

Total debt
Less current installments
Long-Term Debt, excluding current installments

750

11,683
300
$11,383

During fiscal 2008 and 2007, the Company entered into interest rate swaps, accounted for as fair value hedges, with notional amounts of $3.0 billion, that swapped fixed rate interest on the Company’s $3.0 billion 5.40% Senior Notes for variable rate interest equal to LIBOR plus 60 to 149 basis points. In fiscal 2008, the Company received $56 million to settle these swaps, which will be amortized to reduce net Interest Expense over the remaining term of the debt.
At February 1, 2009, the Company had outstanding an interest rate swap, accounted for as a cash flow hedge, with a notional amount of $750 million that swaps variable rate interest on the Company’s $750 million floating rate Senior
Notes for fixed rate interest at 4.36% that expires on December 16, 2009. At February 1, 2009, the approximate fair value of this agreement was a liability of $21 million, which is the estimated amount the Company would have paid to settle the interest rate swap agreement.
The Senior Notes may be redeemed by the Company at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price plus accrued interest up to the redemption date. The redemption price is equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the
Senior Notes to be redeemed, or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to maturity.
41

Additionally, if a Change in Control Triggering Event occurs, as defined by the terms of the Floating Rate Senior Notes and 5.25% Senior Notes issuance (together the “December 2006 Issuance”), holders of the December 2006 Issuance have the right to require the Company to redeem those notes at 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest up to the redemption date.
The Company is generally not limited under the indentures governing the Senior Notes in its ability to incur additional indebtedness or required to maintain financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity. However, the indenture governing the Senior Notes contains various restrictive covenants, none of which is expected to impact the Company’s liquidity or capital resources.
Interest Expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings is net of interest capitalized of $20 million,
$46 million and $47 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Maturities of Long-Term Debt are $1.8 billion for fiscal 2009, $1.0 billion for fiscal 2010, $1.0 billion for fiscal 2011, $24 million for fiscal 2012, $1.3 billion for fiscal
2013 and $6.3 billion thereafter. As of February 1, 2009, the market value of the Senior Notes was approximately
$10.0 billion.
7.

INCOME TAXES

The components of Earnings from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes for fiscal 2008, 2007 and
2006 were as follows (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

United States
Foreign

$3,136
454

$5,905
715

$7,915
587

Total

$3,590

$6,620

$8,502

The Provision for Income Taxes consisted of the following (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

Current:
Federal
State
Foreign

$1,283
198
85
1,566

Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

$2,055
285
310
2,650

$2,557
361
326
3,244

(209)
(56)
(23)

(242)
17
(15)

(2)
(1)
(5)

(288)

(240)

(8)

$1,278

Total

$2,410

$3,236

The Company’s combined federal, state and foreign effective tax rates for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, net of offsets generated by federal, state and foreign tax benefits, were approximately 35.6%, 36.4% and 38.1%, respectively.

42

The reconciliation of the Provision for Income Taxes at the federal statutory rate of 35% to the actual tax expense for the applicable fiscal years was as follows (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

$1,257
92
(71)
$1,278

Income taxes at federal statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
Other, net
Total

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

$2,317
196
(103)
$2,410

$2,976
234
26
$3,236

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, were as follows (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

Current:
Deferred Tax Assets:
Property and equipment
Accrued self-insurance liabilities
Other accrued liabilities
Current Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Accelerated inventory deduction
Other
Current Deferred Tax Liabilities
Current Deferred Tax Assets, net
Noncurrent:
Deferred Tax Assets:
Accrued self-insurance liabilities
State income taxes
Capital loss carryover
Net operating losses
Other
Valuation allowance
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property and equipment
Goodwill and other intangibles
Other
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities, net
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

$

85
143
490
718

February 3,
2008

$

—
155
601
756

(114)
(118)
(232)
486

(118)
(113)
(231)
525

317
118
65
71
222
(12)
781

285
105
56
52
54
(7)
545

(1,068)
(78)
—
(1,146)
(365)
$ 121

(1,133)
(69)
(31)
(1,233)
(688)
$ (163)

Current deferred tax assets and current deferred tax liabilities are netted by tax jurisdiction and noncurrent deferred tax assets and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities are netted by tax jurisdiction, and are included in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

$ 491
4
(5)
(369)
$ 121

Other Current Assets
Other Assets
Other Accrued Expenses
Deferred Income Taxes
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

43

February 3,
2008

$ 535
—
(10)
(688)
$(163)

The Company believes that the realization of the deferred tax assets is more likely than not, based upon the expectation that it will generate the necessary taxable income in future periods and, except for certain net operating losses discussed below, no valuation reserves have been provided.
At February 1, 2009, the Company had state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income, expiring at various dates from 2010 to 2028. Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits related to the net operating losses will be realized. However, certain foreign net operating losses are in jurisdictions where the expiration period is too short to be assured of utilization. Therefore, a $12 million valuation allowance has been provided to reduce the deferred tax asset related to net operating losses to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Total valuation allowances at February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008 were $12 million and
$7 million, respectively.
As a result of its sale of HD Supply, the Company incurred a tax loss, resulting in a net capital loss carryover of approximately $187 million. The tax loss on sale resulted primarily from the Company’s tax basis in excess of its book investment in HD Supply. The net capital loss carryover will expire if not used by 2012. However, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits related to the capital loss carryover will be realized based on its ability to generate adequate capital gain income during the carryover period. Therefore, no valuation allowance has been provided.
The Company has not provided for U.S. deferred income taxes on approximately $1.3 billion of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries because of its intention to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable; however, unrecognized foreign income tax credits would be available to reduce a portion of this liability.
On January 29, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). Among other things, FIN 48 requires application of a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and derecognition of tax positions. It further requires that a change in judgment related to prior years’ tax positions be recognized in the quarter of such change. The adoption of FIN 48 reduced the Company’s Retained Earnings by $111 million. As a result of the implementation, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at January 29, 2007 for continuing operations totaled $667 million. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations is as follows (amounts in millions): February 1,
2009

February 3,
2008

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of fiscal year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions due to settlements
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations

$ 608
67
231
(142)
(65)
(4)

$ 667
66
25
(115)
(31)
(4)

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of fiscal year

$ 695

$ 608

The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of February 1, 2009 includes $401 million of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective income tax rate.
During fiscal 2008, the Company decreased its interest accrual associated with uncertain tax positions by approximately
$19 million and paid interest of approximately $12 million. During fiscal 2007, the Company increased its interest accrual associated with uncertain tax positions by approximately $32 million and paid interest of approximately $8 million. Total accrued interest as of February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008 is $109 million and $140 million, respectively. There were no penalty accruals during fiscal 2008 or 2007. Interest and penalties are included in net interest expense and operating expenses, respectively. Our classification of interest and penalties did not change as a result of the adoption of FIN 48.
The Company’s income tax returns are routinely examined by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits generally include queries regarding the cost recovery of certain assets, which may result in timing differences. During 2007, the IRS completed its examination of the Company’s fiscal 2003 and 2004 income tax returns, with the exception of certain issues
44

that are currently under appeal. During 2008, the IRS began its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. The Canadian governments, including various provinces, are currently auditing income tax returns for the years 2004 through 2005. Also, during 2008, the company entered into an Advance Pricing
Agreement which settled a transfer pricing issue for the years 2004 through 2008 related to intangible assets provided from the U.S. There are also ongoing U.S. state and local audits covering tax years 2001 to 2006. At this time, the
Company does not expect the results from any income tax audit to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company believes that certain adjustments under appeal for the completed IRS examination, as well as certain state audits, will be agreed upon within the next twelve months. The Company has classified approximately $18 million of the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits as a short-term liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Final settlement of these audit issues may result in payments that are more or less than these amounts, but the Company does not anticipate the resolution of these matters will result in a material change to its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
8.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS

The Home Depot, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) and The Home Depot, Inc. 1997 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan (“1997 Plan” and collectively with the 2005 Plan, the “Plans”) provide that incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, performance shares, performance units and deferred shares may be issued to selected associates, officers and directors of the Company. Under the 2005 Plan, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for issuance is 255 million shares, with any award other than a stock option reducing the number of shares available for issuance by 2.11 shares. As of February 1, 2009, there were
205 million shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan. No additional equity awards may be issued from the
1997 Plan after the adoption of the 2005 Plan on May 26, 2005.
Under the terms of the Plans, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options are to be priced at or above the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Typically, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options vest at the rate of 25% per year commencing on the first or second anniversary date of the grant and expire on the tenth anniversary date of the grant. Certain of the non-qualified stock options also include performance options which vest on the later of the first anniversary date of the grant and the date the closing price of the Company’s common stock has been 25% greater than the exercise price of the options for 30 consecutive trading days. The Company recognized
$47 million, $61 million and $148 million of stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to stock options.
Restrictions on the restricted stock issued under the Plans generally lapse according to one of the following schedules:
(1) the restrictions of the restricted stock lapse over various periods up to five years, (2) the restrictions on 25% of the restricted stock lapse upon the third and sixth anniversaries of the date of issuance with the remaining 50% of the restricted stock lapsing upon the associate’s attainment of age 62, or (3) the restrictions on 25% of the restricted stock lapse upon the third and sixth anniversaries of the date of issuance with the remaining 50% of the restricted stock lapsing upon the earlier of the associate’s attainment of age 60 or the tenth anniversary date. The restricted stock also includes the
Company’s performance shares, the payout of which is dependent on the Company’s total shareholders return percentile ranking compared to the performance of individual companies included in the S&P 500 index at the end of the three-year performance cycle. Additionally, certain awards may become non-forfeitable upon the attainment of age 60, provided the associate has had five years of continuous service. The fair value of the restricted stock is expensed over the period during which the restrictions lapse. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock of
$109 million, $122 million and $95 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, there were 641 thousand, 593 thousand and 417 thousand deferred shares, respectively, granted under the Plans. Each deferred share entitles the person to one share of common stock to be received up to five years after the vesting date of the deferred shares, subject to certain deferral rights of the associate. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to deferred shares of $9 million, $10 million and $37 million in fiscal
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
As of February 1, 2009, there were 2.5 million non-qualified stock options outstanding under non-qualified stock option plans that are not part of the Plans.
45

The Company maintains two Employee Stock Purchase Plans (“ESPPs”) (U.S. and non-U.S. plans). The plan for
U.S. associates is a tax-qualified plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The non-U.S. plan is not a
Section 423 plan. As of February 1, 2009, there were 15 million shares available under the plan for U.S associates and
21 million shares available under the non-U.S. plan. The purchase price of shares under the ESPPs is equal to 85% of the stock’s fair market value on the last day of the purchase period. During fiscal 2008, there were 3 million shares purchased under the ESPPs at an average price of $19.74. Under the outstanding ESPPs as of February 1, 2009, employees have contributed $6 million to purchase shares at 85% of the stock’s fair market value on the last day (June 30, 2009) of the purchase period. The Company recognized $11 million, $14 million and $17 million of stock-based compensation in fiscal
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to the ESPPs.
In total, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense, including the expense of stock options, ESPPs, restricted stock and deferred stock units, of $176 million, $207 million and $297 million, in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The following table summarizes stock options outstanding at February 1, 2009, February 3, 2008 and January 28, 2007, and changes during the fiscal years ended on these dates (shares in thousands):
Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price

84,032

$37.24

257
(10,045)
(8,103)

39.53
28.69
40.12

Outstanding at January 28, 2007

66,141

$38.20

Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding at February 3, 2008

2,926
(6,859)
(9,843)
52,365

37.80
28.50
40.68
$38.98

5,226
(777)
(4,800)

26.09
22.55
39.14

52,014

$37.91

Outstanding at January 29, 2006
Granted
Exercised
Canceled

Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding at February 1, 2009

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $4 million, $63 million and $120 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively. As of February 1, 2009, there were approximately 52 million stock options outstanding with a weighted average remaining life of 4 years and an intrinsic value of $1.4 million. As of February 1, 2009, there were approximately 42 million options exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $39.33, a weighted average remaining life of 4 years, and no intrinsic value. As of February 1, 2009, there were approximately 51 million shares vested or expected to ultimately vest. As of February 1, 2009, there was $47 million of unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
3 years.

46

The following table summarizes restricted stock outstanding at February 1, 2009 (shares in thousands):
Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

Outstanding at January 29, 2006

5,308

$35.76

Granted
Restrictions lapsed
Canceled
Outstanding at January 28, 2007

7,575
(1,202)
(1,551)
10,130

41.37
38.03
39.00
$39.20

Granted
Restrictions lapsed
Canceled
Outstanding at February 3, 2008

7,091
(2,662)
(2,844)
11,715

39.10
39.01
39.37
$39.14

Granted
Restrictions lapsed
Canceled
Outstanding at February 1, 2009

7,938
(1,251)
(2,115)
16,287

27.14
34.37
34.86
$34.22

As of February 1, 2009, there was $320 million of unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3 years. The total fair value of restricted stock shares vesting during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $33 million, $103 million and $48 million, respectively.
9.

LEASES

The Company leases certain retail locations, office space, warehouse and distribution space, equipment and vehicles.
While most of the leases are operating leases, certain locations and equipment are leased under capital leases. As leases expire, it can be expected that, in the normal course of business, certain leases will be renewed or replaced.
Certain lease agreements include escalating rents over the lease terms. The Company expenses rent on a straight-line basis over the lease term which commences on the date the Company has the right to control the property. The cumulative expense recognized on a straight-line basis in excess of the cumulative payments is included in Other Accrued Expenses and Other Long-Term Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company had a lease agreement under which the Company leased certain assets totaling $282 million. This lease was originally created under a structured financing arrangement and involved two special purpose entities. The Company financed a portion of its new stores opened in fiscal years 1997 through 2003 under this lease agreement. Under this agreement, the lessor purchased the properties, paid for the construction costs and subsequently leased the facilities to the
Company. The Company recorded the rental payments under the terms of the operating lease agreements as SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The $282 million lease agreement expired in fiscal 2008, and the Company exercised its option to purchase the assets under this lease for $282 million. As a result of this purchase, the Company paid off $282 million of Long-Term Debt included in the structured financing arrangement and reclassified $282 million from Long-Term Notes Receivable to
Property and Equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Total rent expense, net of minor sublease income for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $846 million, $824 million and
$768 million, respectively. Certain store leases also provide for contingent rent payments based on percentages of sales in excess of specified minimums. Contingent rent expense for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $5 million,
$6 million and $9 million, respectively. Real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and operating expenses applicable to the leased property are obligations of the Company under the lease agreements.

47

The approximate future minimum lease payments under capital and all other leases at February 1, 2009 were as follows
(in millions):
Capital
Leases

Fiscal Year

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Thereafter through 2097

$

Operating
Leases

$ 804
724
642
572
522
5,474

1,366
Less imputed interest

88
89
89
89
89
922

$8,738

949

Net present value of capital lease obligations
Less current installments
Long-term capital lease obligations, excluding current installments

417
16
$ 401

Short-term and long-term obligations for capital leases are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in
Current Installments of Long-Term Debt and Long-Term Debt, respectively. The assets under capital leases recorded in
Property and Equipment, net of amortization, totaled $309 million and $327 million at February 1, 2009 and February 3,
2008, respectively.
10.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains active defined contribution retirement plans for its employees (the “Benefit Plans”). All associates satisfying certain service requirements are eligible to participate in the Benefit Plans. The Company makes cash contributions each payroll period up to specified percentages of associates’ contributions as approved by the Board of
Directors.
The Company also maintains a restoration plan to provide certain associates deferred compensation that they would have received under the Benefit Plans as a matching contribution if not for the maximum compensation limits under the
Internal Revenue Code. The Company funds the restoration plan through contributions made to a grantor trust, which are then used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market.
The Company’s contributions to the Benefit Plans and the restoration plan were $158 million, $152 million and
$135 million for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. At February 1, 2009, the Benefit Plans and the restoration plan held a total of 20 million shares of the Company’s common stock in trust for plan participants.
11.

BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows
(amounts in millions):
February 1,
2009

Fiscal Year Ended
February 3,
January 28,
2008
2007

1,682

1,849

2,054

4
1,686

Weighted average common shares
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
Stock Plans
Diluted weighted average common shares

7
1,856

8
2,062

Stock plans include shares granted under the Company’s employee stock plans as described in Note 8 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. Options to purchase 52.2 million, 43.4 million and 45.4 million shares of common stock at
February 1, 2009, February 3, 2008 and January 28, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the computation of Diluted
Earnings per Share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
48

12.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

At February 1, 2009, the Company was contingently liable for approximately $695 million under outstanding letters of credit and open accounts issued for certain business transactions, including insurance programs, trade contracts and construction contracts. The Company’s letters of credit are primarily performance-based and are not based on changes in variable components, a liability or an equity security of the other party.
The Company is a defendant in numerous cases containing class-action allegations in which the plaintiffs are current and former hourly associates who allege that the Company failed to provide work breaks. The complaints generally seek unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief or both. Class or collective-action certification has yet to be addressed in most of these cases. The Company has reached a tentative settlement with the plaintiffs in certain of these cases, subject to court approval. The reserve recorded by the Company for these cases is not material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss which may arise from the remainder of these lawsuits. These matters, if decided adversely to or settled by the Company, individually or in the aggregate, may result in a liability material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is vigorously defending itself against these actions.
13.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the quarterly consolidated results of operations from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008 (dollars in millions, except per share data):
Basic
Earnings per
Share from
Continuing
Operations

Diluted
Earnings per
Share from
Continuing
Operations

Net Sales

Fiscal Year Ended February 1, 2009:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Ended February 3, 2008:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year

Gross Profit

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing
Operations

$17,907
20,990
17,784
14,607

$ 6,072
6,964
5,994
4,960

$ 356
1,202
756
(2)

$0.21
0.72
0.45
0.00

$0.21
0.71
0.45
0.00

$71,288

$23,990

$2,312

$1.37

$1.37

$18,545
22,184
18,961
17,659
$77,349

$ 6,263
7,341
6,339
6,054
$25,997

$ 947
1,521
1,071
671
$4,210

$0.48
0.78
0.59
0.40
$2.28

$0.48
0.77
0.59
0.40
$2.27

Note: The quarterly data may not sum to fiscal year totals.

49

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.
Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange
Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended February 1, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data” of this report.
Item 9B.

Other Information.

None.

50

10-Year Summary of Financial and Operating Results
The Home Depot, Inc. and Subsidiaries
10-Year
Compound Annual
Growth Rate

amounts in millions, except where noted

2008

2007(1)

2006

(2)

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA

Net sales
Net sales increase (decrease) (%)
Earnings before provision for income taxes
Net earnings
Net earnings increase (decrease) (%)
Diluted earnings per share ($)
Diluted earnings per share increase (decrease) (%)
Diluted weighted average number of common shares
Gross margin – % of sales
Total operating expenses – % of sales
Interest and other, net – % of sales
Earnings before provision for income taxes – % of sales
Net earnings – % of sales

9.0%
—
3.1
3.7
—
6.9
—
(3.1)
—
—
—
—
—

$ 71,288
(7.8)
3,590
2,312
(45.1)
1.37
(39.6)
1,686
33.7
27.5
1.1
5.0
3.2

$ 77,349
(2.1)
6,620
4,210
(20.1)
2.27
(11.0)
1,856
33.6
24.3
0.8
8.6
5.4

$ 79,022
2.6
8,502
5,266
(6.6)
2.55
(3.0)
2,062
33.6
22.4
0.5
10.8
6.7

BALANCE SHEET DATA AND FINANCIAL RATIOS(3)
Total assets
Working capital
Merchandise inventories
Net property and equipment
Long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
Book value per share ($)
Long-term debt-to-equity (%)
Total debt-to-equity (%)
Current ratio
Inventory turnover(2)
Return on invested capital (%)(2)

11.8%
0.6
9.5
12.4
20.0
7.4
10.3
—
—
—
—
—

$ 41,164
2,209
10,673
26,234
9,667
17,777
10.48
54.4
64.3
1.20:1
4.0x
9.5

$ 44,324
1,968
11,731
27,476
11,383
17,714
10.48
64.3
75.8
1.15:1
4.2x
13.9

$ 52,263
5,069
12,822
26,605
11,643
25,030
12.71
46.5
46.6
1.39:1
4.5x
16.8

17.7%
(1.2)
(100.0)
28.0

$ 1,902
1,847
—
0.900

$ 1,906
3,558
13
0.900

$ 1,886
3,542
4,268
0.675

STORE DATA
Number of stores
Square footage at fiscal year-end
Increase in square footage (%)
Average square footage per store (in thousands)

11.6%
11.4
—
(0.2)

2,274
238
1.3
105

2,234
235
4.9
105

2,147
224
4.2
105

STORE SALES AND OTHER DATA
Comparable store sales increase (decrease) (%)(4)(5)
Weighted average weekly sales per operating store (in thousands)
Weighted average sales per square foot ($)
Number of customer transactions
Average ticket ($)
Number of associates at fiscal year-end(3)

—
(3.3)%
(3.1)
6.7
2.1
7.5

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS DATA
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Payments for businesses acquired, net
Cash dividends per share ($)

(8.7)
601
298
1,272
55.61
322,000

$

$

(6.7)
658
332
1,336
57.48
331,000

(2.8)
723
358
1,330
58.90
364,400

$

(1)

Fiscal years 2007 and 2001 include 53 weeks; all other fiscal years reported include 52 weeks.

(2)

Fiscal years 2003 through 2008 include Continuing Operations only. The discontinued operations in fiscal years prior to 2003 were not material.

(3)

Amounts for fiscal years 2008 and 2007 include Continuing Operations only. All amounts in other fiscal years reported include discontinued operations.

F-1

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001(1)

2000

1999

$ 77,019
8.3
8,967
5,641
14.6
2.63
18.5
2,147
33.7
21.9
0.1
11.6
7.3

$ 71,100
11.7
7,790
4,922
15.7
2.22
19.4
2,216
33.4
22.4
—
11.0
6.9

$ 63,660
9.3
6,762
4,253
16.1
1.86
19.2
2,289
31.7
21.1
—
10.6
6.7

$ 58,247
8.8
5,872
3,664
20.4
1.56
20.9
2,344
31.1
21.1
(0.1)
10.1
6.3

$ 53,553
17.1
4,957
3,044
17.9
1.29
17.3
2,353
30.2
20.9
—
9.3
5.7

$ 45,738
19.0
4,217
2,581
11.3
1.10
10.0
2,352
29.9
20.7
—
9.2
5.6

$ 38,434
27.2
3,804
2,320
43.7
1.00
40.8
2,342
29.7
19.8
—
9.9
6.0

$ 44,405
2,563
11,401
24,901
2,672
26,909
12.67
9.9
15.2
1.20:1
4.7x
20.4

$ 39,020
3,818
10,076
22,726
2,148
24,158
11.06
8.9
8.9
1.37:1
4.9x
19.9

$ 34,437
3,774
9,076
20,063
856
22,407
9.93
3.8
6.1
1.40:1
5.0x
19.2

$ 30,011
3,882
8,338
17,168
1,321
19,802
8.38
6.7
6.7
1.48:1
5.3x
18.8

$ 26,394
3,860
6,725
15,375
1,250
18,082
7.71
6.9
6.9
1.59:1
5.4x
18.3

$ 21,385
3,392
6,556
13,068
1,545
15,004
6.46
10.3
10.3
1.77:1
5.1x
19.6

$ 17,081
2,734
5,489
10,227
750
12,341
5.36
6.1
6.1
1.75:1
5.4x
22.5

$ 1,579
3,881
2,546
0.400

$ 1,319
3,948
727
0.325

$ 1,076
3,508
215
0.26

$

$

$

$

2,042
215
7.0
105

1,890
201
9.8
106

1,707
183
10.2
107

$

3.1
763
377
1,330
57.98
344,800

(4)

(5)

5.1
766
375
1,295
54.89
323,100

$

3.7
763
371
1,246
51.15
298,800

$

903
2,749
235
0.21
1,532
166
14.1
108

(0.5)
772
370
1,161
49.43
280,900

$

764
3,393
190
0.17
1,333
146
18.5
109

—
812
394
1,091
48.64
256,300

$

601
3,574
26
0.16
1,134
123
22.6
108

4
864
415
937
48.65
227,300

$

463
2,618
101
0.11
930
100
23.5
108

10
876
423
797
47.87
201,400

$

Includes Net Sales at locations open greater than 12 months, including relocated and remodeled stores. Stores become comparable on the Monday following their 365th day of operation. Comparable store sales is intended only as supplemental information and is not a substitute for Net Sales or Net Earnings presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Comparable store sales in fiscal years prior to 2002 were reported to the nearest percent.

F-2

Corporate and Shareholder Information
FINANCIAL AND OTHER COMPANY INFORMATION
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 1, 2009 is available on our web site at www.homedepot.com under the Investor Relations section.
In addition, financial reports, filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, news releases and other information are available on The Home Depot web site.

STORE SUPPORT CENTER
The Home Depot, Inc.
2455 Paces Ferry Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30339-4024
Telephone: (770) 433-8211
THE HOME DEPOT WEB SITE www.homedepot.com The Home Depot, Inc. has included as exhibits to its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1,
2009 certifications of The Home Depot’s Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Home Depot’s Chief
Executive Officer has also submitted to the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) a certificate certifying that he is not aware of any violations by The Home Depot of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02490-3078
Telephone: (800) 577-0177
Internet address: www.computershare.com/investor
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
KPMG LLP
Suite 2000
303 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
New York Stock Exchange
Trading symbol – HD

QUARTERLY STOCK PRICE RANGE

Fiscal 2008
High
Low
Fiscal 2007
High
Low

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$30.12
$25.00

$29.53
$21.46

$30.16
$18.51

$25.26
$18.52

$41.76
$36.74

$40.94
$36.75

$38.31
$30.70

$31.51
$24.71

ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 9 a.m.,
Eastern Time, May 28, 2009, at Cobb Galleria Centre in
Atlanta, Georgia.
NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS
As of March 17, 2009, there were approximately 156,000 shareholders of record and approximately 1,200,000 additional shareholders holding stock under nominee security posting listings. DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

Fiscal 2008
Fiscal 2007

First
Quarter
$0.225
$0.225

Second
Quarter
$0.225
$0.225

Third
Quarter
$0.225
$0.225

Fourth
Quarter
$0.225
$0.225

DIRECT STOCK PURCHASE/DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN
New investors may make an initial investment, and shareholders of record may acquire additional shares, of our common stock through our direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan. Subject to certain requirements, initial cash investments, cash dividends and/or additional optional cash purchases may be invested through this plan. To obtain enrollment materials including the prospectus, access The
Home Depot web site, or call (877) HD-SHARE or (877) 4374273. For all other communications regarding these services, contact Computershare.

30%

Cert no. SGS-COC-3028

This paper contains fiber from well-managed, independently certified forests.

More saving.
More doing.

2455 Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30339-4024 United States 770.433.8211 www.homedepot.com