First quarter results from Home Depot

Home Depot succeeded in increasing sales in the first quarter of 2005 by 8.1 per cent to US $ 19 bn (€ 15 bn). Comparable store sales growth was 2.1 per cent over the same period last year. Net earnings were 13.6 per cent up at US $ 1.2 bn (€ 0.95 bn). During the first quarter the company opened 21 new stores altogether across Canada, Mexico and the United States, bringing the store count to a total of 1 911. The increasing demand for do-it-for-me services resulted in 16 per cent growth for the company's services business. Growth was especially strong in the categories of roofing, kitchens, windows and carpet installation.