Will Home Depot beat analysts' expectations in the second quarter?

Adjusted earnings and Home Depot sales (HD) exceeded the consensus forecast of analysts in the last eight of the nine quarters. The largest increase in adjusted EPS (earnings per share) was 24.1% to $ 1.44, recorded in the first quarter of 2016. Home Depot plans to announce its quarterly results on 16 August.

Growth in the first quarter was due to the impressive increase in sales and effective cost management measures.

Home Depot's profit in the first quarter also favorably influenced by "buy backs". Home Depot bought back 9.5 million shares for approximately $ 1.3.

Adjusted EPS growth was better than the competition. Profits of Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) decreased by 14% compared to the same period of last year, to $ 0.80 per share, mainly against the background of weak sales. Adjusted earnings of Williams-Sonoma jumped by 10.4% in the previous quarter, to $ 0.53. Lowe's Inc. (LOW) profit increased by 24.3% to $ 0.87 per share, on the back of improved sales and profitability.

After the impressive results of the first quarter, Home Depot raised its forecast for revenue. The company expects earnings per share to grow by 14.8%, to $ 6.27. This estimate is based on the expectation of 6.3% sales growth, or by 4.9% in 2016 fiscal year.

Analysts expect second-quarter adjusted earnings per share to grow by 15.2%, to $ 1.97.

Currently, shares of The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) trading at $ 136.22 (-0.60%)