Home Depot (NYSE: HD) reported Q3 EPS of $2.51, $0.25 better than the analyst estimate of $2.26. Revenue for the quarter came in at $26.3 billion versus the consensus estimate of $26.26 billion.

Comparable sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 were positive 4.8 percent, and comp sales in the U.S. were positive 5.4 percent.

"We are pleased with our third quarter results and the growth that we saw from both our professional and do-it-yourself customers. Our customers continue to respond to our expansive assortment and enhancements we are making to drive an interconnected shopping experience. We saw continued strength across the store, as well as healthy growth in our digital business," said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. "We believe this is a testament to the overall strength of demand in the home improvement market."

GUIDANCE:

• Sales growth of approximately 7.2 percent;
• Comp sales growth of approximately 5.5 percent for the comparable 52-week period;
• Operating margin of approximately 14.5 percent;
• Tax rate of approximately 24 percent;
• Fiscal 2018 share repurchases of approximately $8 billion;
• Diluted earnings-per-share growth of approximately 33.8 percent from fiscal 2017 to $9.75 (*** consensus was $9.55).

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Home Depot (HD) click here.