home depot Quarterly Earnings 2008 3rd

- The Home Depot reported third quarter earnings for fiscal year 2008, with sales of $17.8 billion, down 6.2% from the previous year, and same-store sales down 8.3%. Earnings per share were $0.45. - Challenging housing and home improvement markets continued to pressure results. Previously strong regions like the Northwest saw double-digit negative comps. - While sales were weak across most departments, building materials had positive comps led by roofing and insulation. Initiatives to improve merchandising and focus on value are showing early signs of success through improved transactions, market share gains, and gross margin expansion despite volatile costs. - Tightening credit availability also