Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2015July 31, 2016
- OR -
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 1-8207
THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 95-3261426
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
2455 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30339
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(770) 433-8211
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated 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.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
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 ¨ No x
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
1,267,881,2631,235,573,686 shares of common stock, $0.05 par value, as of November 17, 2015August 16, 2016
 



THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
  Page
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
  
  

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

Item 1.Financial Statements
THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
amounts in millions, except share and per share dataNovember 1,
2015
 February 1,
2015
July 31,
2016
 January 31,
2016
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash and Cash Equivalents$3,040
 $1,723
$4,018
 $2,216
Receivables, net1,942
 1,484
1,995
 1,890
Merchandise Inventories12,495
 11,079
12,323
 11,809
Other Current Assets1,129
 1,016
605
 569
Total Current Assets18,606
 15,302
18,941
 16,484
Property and Equipment, at cost39,116
 38,513
39,834
 39,266
Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization16,922
 15,793
17,859
 17,075
Net Property and Equipment22,194
 22,720
21,975
 22,191
Goodwill2,111
 1,353
2,106
 2,102
Other Assets1,241
 571
1,225
 1,196
Total Assets$44,152
 $39,946
$44,247
 $41,973
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current Liabilities:      
Short-Term Debt$
 $290
$
 $350
Accounts Payable7,236
 5,807
8,273
 6,565
Accrued Salaries and Related Expenses1,354
 1,391
1,453
 1,515
Sales Taxes Payable556
 434
663
 476
Deferred Revenue1,513
 1,468
1,666
 1,566
Income Taxes Payable192
 35
346
 34
Current Installments of Long-Term Debt3,047
 38
43
 77
Other Accrued Expenses2,078
 1,806
2,081
 1,941
Total Current Liabilities15,976
 11,269
14,525
 12,524
Long-Term Debt, excluding current installments17,815
 16,869
20,900
 20,789
Other Long-Term Liabilities1,949
 1,844
1,874
 1,965
Deferred Income Taxes793
 642
291
 379
Total Liabilities36,533
 30,624
37,590
 35,657
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Common Stock, par value $0.05; authorized: 10 billion shares; issued: 1.771 billion shares at November 1, 2015 and 1.768 billion shares at February 1, 2015; outstanding: 1.268 billion shares at November 1, 2015 and 1.307 billion shares at February 1, 201588
 88
Common Stock, par value $0.05; authorized: 10 billion shares; issued: 1.775 billion shares at July 31, 2016 and 1.772 billion shares at January 31, 2016; outstanding: 1.236 billion shares at July 31, 2016 and 1.252 billion shares at January 31, 201688
 88
Paid-In Capital8,966
 8,885
9,549
 9,347
Retained Earnings30,246
 26,995
33,492
 30,973
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(662) (452)(778) (898)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 503 million shares at November 1, 2015 and 461 million shares at February 1, 2015(31,019) (26,194)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 539 million shares at July 31, 2016 and 520 million shares at January 31, 2016(35,694) (33,194)
Total Stockholders’ Equity7,619
 9,322
6,657
 6,316
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$44,152
 $39,946
$44,247
 $41,973
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
amounts in millions, except per share dataNovember 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
 November 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
 July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
NET SALES$21,819
 $20,516
 $67,539
 $64,014
$26,472
 $24,829
 $49,234
 $45,720
Cost of Sales14,254
 13,473
 44,430
 42,207
17,545
 16,464
 32,516
 30,176
GROSS PROFIT7,565
 7,043
 23,109
 21,807
8,927
 8,365
 16,718
 15,544

Operating Expenses:
              
Selling, General and Administrative4,161
 4,080
 12,623
 12,293
4,388
 4,299
 8,669
 8,462
Depreciation and Amortization423
 410
 1,261
 1,236
436
 419
 869
 838
Total Operating Expenses4,584
 4,490
 13,884
 13,529
4,824
 4,718
 9,538
 9,300

OPERATING INCOME

2,981
 2,553
 9,225
 8,278
4,103
 3,647
 7,180
 6,244
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:              
Interest and Investment Income(7) (105) (160) (222)(8) (149) (15) (153)
Interest Expense247
 218
 677
 617
236
 233
 480
 430
Interest and Other, net240
 113
 517
 395
228
 84
 465
 277

EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR
INCOME TAXES
2,741
 2,440
 8,708
 7,883
3,875
 3,563
 6,715
 5,967
Provision for Income Taxes1,016
 903
 3,170
 2,917
1,434
 1,329
 2,471
 2,154
NET EARNINGS$1,725
 $1,537
 $5,538
 $4,966
$2,441
 $2,234
 $4,244
 $3,813
              
Weighted Average Common Shares1,268
 1,327
 1,284
 1,348
1,235
 1,283
 1,242
 1,291
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

$1.36
 $1.16
 $4.31
 $3.68
$1.98
 $1.74
 $3.42
 $2.95
Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares1,274
 1,334
 1,290
 1,356
1,240
 1,289
 1,247
 1,298
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$1.35
 $1.15
 $4.29
 $3.66
$1.97
 $1.73
 $3.40
 $2.94
Dividends Declared per Share$0.59
 $0.47
 $1.77
 $1.41
$0.69
 $0.59
 $1.38
 $1.18
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) 
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
amounts in millionsNovember 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
 November 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
 July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
Net Earnings$1,725
 $1,537
 $5,538
 $4,966
$2,441
 $2,234
 $4,244
 $3,813
Other Comprehensive Loss:       
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:       
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments(70) (124) (200) (69)(192) (241) 117
 (130)
Cash Flow Hedges, net of tax(10) 15
 (10) 4
(9) (14) 2
 
Other
 
 
 1
1
 
 1
 
Total Other Comprehensive Loss(80) (109) (210) (64)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income(200) (255) 120
 (130)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$1,645
 $1,428
 $5,328
 $4,902
$2,241
 $1,979
 $4,364
 $3,683
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


5


THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months EndedSix Months Ended
amounts in millionsNovember 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net Earnings$5,538
 $4,966
$4,244
 $3,813
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation and Amortization1,384
 1,345
978
 915
Stock-Based Compensation Expense177
 174
133
 122
Gain on Sales of Investments(144) (212)
 (144)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:   
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:   
Receivables, net(220) (221)(91) (232)
Merchandise Inventories(1,176) (975)(495) (828)
Other Current Assets57
 (87)(38) (17)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses1,582
 1,063
1,773
 2,017
Deferred Revenue50
 88
94
 187
Income Taxes Payable295
 191
389
 287
Deferred Income Taxes(148) 25
(86) (81)
Other(29) (110)(24) (105)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities7,366
 6,247
6,877
 5,934

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
      
Capital Expenditures(1,083) (999)(697) (705)
Proceeds from Sales of Investments144
 212

 144
Payments for Businesses Acquired, net(1,662) 
Proceeds from Sales of Property and Equipment24
 20
23
 8
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(2,577) (767)(674) (553)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      
Repayments of Short-Term Borrowings, net(290) 
(350) (290)
Proceeds from Long-Term Borrowings, net of discount3,991
 1,981
Proceeds from Long-Term Borrowings, net of discounts2,989
 2,492
Repayments of Long-Term Debt(29) (30)(3,023) (19)
Repurchases of Common Stock(5,043) (5,578)(2,441) (3,085)
Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock149
 178
121
 134
Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders(2,287) (1,912)(1,718) (1,533)
Other Financing Activities86
 150
1
 161
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities(3,423) (5,211)(4,421) (2,140)

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
1,366
 269
1,782
 3,241
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents(49) (17)20
 (28)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period1,723
 1,929
2,216
 1,723
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$3,040
 $2,181
$4,018
 $4,936
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents
THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2015January 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Business
The Home Depot, Inc. and, together with its subsidiaries (the "Company") operate, is a home improvement retailer that sells a wide assortment of building materials, home improvement products and lawn and garden products and provides a number of services to do-it-yourself customers, do-it-for-me customers and professional customers. The Home Depot stores, which are full-service, warehouse-style stores averaging approximately 104,000 square feet of enclosed space, with approximately 24,000 additional square feet of outside garden area. The storesarea, 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 and professional customers.products. The Company also offers a significantly broader product assortment through its Home Depot, Home Decorators Collection and Blinds.com websites.
Valuation Reserves
As of November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015January 31, 2016, the valuation allowances for Merchandise Inventories and uncollectible Receivables were not material.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, "Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting", which makes several modifications to the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the requirement to recognize the income tax effects of awards that vest or settle as income tax expense. This guidance also clarifies the presentation of certain components of share-based awards in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-09 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)", which requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. This guidance also requires disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, using a modified retrospective approach, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP, and it permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date", which delayed the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. In the first six months of fiscal 2016, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the interpretation of certain principles of ASU No. 2014-09. The Company is evaluating the effect that this revenue recognition guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

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Table of Contents
THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Reclassifications
Certain amounts in prior fiscal periods have been reclassified to conform with the presentation adopted in the current fiscal periods. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.
2.CHANGE INRECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING POLICYPRONOUNCEMENTS
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015,On February 1, 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy for shipping and handlingadopted ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest–Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs". Under ASU No. 2015-03, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented as a direct deduction from the Company's stores, locations or distribution centers to customers and for online fulfillment center costs. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Costcarrying amount of Sales, whereas they were previously included in Operating Expenses. Including these expenses in Costthat debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The adoption of Sales better aligns these costs with the related revenue in the gross profit calculation. This change in accounting policyASU No. 2015-03 has been applied retrospectively.
Theretrospectively and accordingly, the Company's Consolidated StatementsBalance Sheet as of Earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 haveJanuary 31, 2016 has been reclassified to reflect this change in accounting policy.adoption. The impact of this reclassification was an increasea decrease of $142 million and $424$99 million to Cost of Sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively,Other Assets, and a corresponding decrease to OperatingLong-Term Debt, excluding current installments, as of January 31, 2016.
Also on February 1, 2016, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". Under ASU No. 2015-17, deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-17 has been applied retrospectively and accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2016 has been reclassified to reflect this adoption. The impact of this reclassification was a decrease of $509 million to Other Current Assets, an increase of $32 million to Other Assets, a decrease of $2 million to Other Accrued Expenses in the same periods. This reclassification had no impact on Net Sales, Operatingand a $475 million decrease to Deferred Income Net Earnings or Earnings per Share.Taxes as of January 31, 2016. All future deferred tax assets and liabilities will be presented as noncurrent.
3.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Data Breach
In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company confirmed that its payment data systems were breached, which potentially impacted customers who used payment cards at self-checkout systems in the Company's U.S. and Canadian stores (the "Data Breach"). The Company's investigation to date has determined the intruder used a vendor's user name and password to enter the perimeter of the Company's network. The intruder then acquired elevated rights that allowed it to navigate portions of the Company's systems and to deploy unique, custom-built malware on the Company's self-checkout systems to access payment card information of customers who shopped at the Company's U.S. and Canadian stores between April 2014 and September 2014.

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Table of Contents
THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Litigation, Claims and Government Investigations
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the payment card networks made claims against the Company for costs that they assert they or their issuing banks have incurred in connection with the Data Breach, including incremental counterfeit fraud losses and non-ordinary course operating expenses (such as card reissuance costs), and the Company recorded an accrual for estimated probable losses it expected to incur in connection with those claims. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company entered into settlement agreements with American Express and Discover with respect to their claims.
In addition, at least 57 putative class actions have been filed in courts in the U.S. and Canada allegedly arising from the Data Breach. The U.S. class actions have been consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the "District Court"). That court ordered that the individual class actions be administratively closed in favor of the filing of consolidated class action complaints on behalf of customers and financial institutions allegedly harmed by the Data Breach. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded an accrual for estimated probable losses that it expects to incur in connection with the U.S. customer class actions.
The accruals for estimated probable losses in connection with the payment card networks’ claims and the U.S. customer class actions are based on currently available information associated with those matters. These estimates may change as new information becomes available or circumstances change. The accruals are also based on the expectation of reaching negotiated settlements with the claimants and not on any determination that it is probable that the Company would be found liable for the losses it has accrued were these matters to be litigated.
Other claims have been and may be asserted against the Company on behalf of customers, payment card issuing banks, shareholders or others seeking damages or other related relief allegedly arising from the Data Breach. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed in the District Court against certain present and former members of the Company's Board of Directors and executive officers. The Company was also named as a nominal defendant in both suits, which together assert claims for breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages, equitable relief to reform the Company's corporate governance structure, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation obtained by the defendants, and reasonable costs and expenses. In addition, several state and federal agencies, including State Attorneys General, are investigating events related to the Data Breach, including how it occurred, its consequences and the Company's responses. The Company is cooperating in the governmental investigations, and the Company may be subject to fines or other obligations. While a loss from these matters, including the Canadian class actions and the U.S. financial institution class actions, is reasonably possible, the Company is not able to estimate the costs, or range of costs, related to these matters because the proceedings remain in the early stages, alleged damages have not been specified, there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of a class or classes being certified or the ultimate size of any class if certified, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. The Company has not concluded that a loss from these matters is probable; therefore, the Company has not recorded an accrual for litigation, claims and governmental investigations related to these matters in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company will continue to evaluate information as it becomes known and will record an estimate for losses at the time or times when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. The Company believes that the ultimate amount paid on these actions, claims and investigations could have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.
Expenses Incurred and Amounts Accrued
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded $20 million of pretax expenses related to the Data Breach. The Company did not record any related expected insurance proceeds in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The results for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 included $189 million of pretax gross expenses related to the Data Breach, partially offset by $70 million of expected insurance proceeds, for pretax net expenses of $119 million. Since the Data Breach occurred, the Company has recorded $252 million of pretax gross expenses related to the Data Breach, partially offset by $100 million of expected insurance proceeds, for pretax net expenses of $152 million. These expenses include costs to investigate the Data Breach; provide identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to impacted customers; increase call center staffing; and pay legal and other professional services, all of which were expensed as incurred. Expenses also include the accruals for estimated probable losses that the Company expects to incur in connection with the claims made by the payment card networks and the U.S. customer class actions. These expenses are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

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Table of Contents
THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

At November 1, 2015, accrued liabilities and the insurance receivable related to the Data Breach consisted of the following (amounts in millions):
 Accrued Liabilities Insurance Receivable
Balance at August 3, 2014$
 $
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded(43) 15
Payments made (received)35
 
Balance at November 2, 2014(8) 15
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded(20) 15
Payments made (received)16
 (10)
Balance at February 1, 2015(12) 20
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded(16) 9
Payments made (received)9
 (20)
Balance at May 3, 2015(19) 9
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded(153) 61
Payments made (received)20
 
Balance at August 2, 2015(152) 70
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded(20) 
Payments made (received)7
 
Balance at November 1, 2015$(165) $70
Future Costs
The Company expects to incur additional legal and other professional services expenses associated with the Data Breach in future periods and will recognize these expenses as services are received. Costs related to the Data Breach that may be incurred in future periods may include additional liabilities to payment card networks and impacted customers; liabilities from current and future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings; future expenses for legal, investigative and consulting fees; and incremental expenses and capital investments for remediation activities. The Company believes that the ultimate amount paid on these services and claims could have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.
Insurance Coverage
The Company maintained $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage in fiscal 2014, above a $7.5 million deductible, to limit the Company's exposure to losses such as those related to the Data Breach. As of November 1, 2015, the Company had received initial payments totaling $30 million of insurance reimbursements under the fiscal 2014 policy, and expects to receive additional payments. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company entered into a new policy, with $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage, above a $10 million deductible, to limit the Company's exposure to similar losses.
4.INTERLINE ACQUISITION
On August 24, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Interline Brands, Inc. ("Interline"). Interline is a leading national distributor and direct marketer of broad-line maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO") products. The Company intends to leverage Interline's capabilities and expertise in MRO products to expand the Company's share of the MRO product market with its current customers as well as gain new customers currently served by Interline.
The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was $1.7 billion. A portion of the purchase price was used for the repayment of substantially all of Interline's existing indebtedness. The acquisition was accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 805 "Business Combinations" and, accordingly, Interline's results of operations have been consolidated in the Company's financial statements since the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred and were not material. Pro forma results of operations for the three and nine months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 would not be materially different as a result of the acquisition and therefore are not presented.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for Interline and is subject to the final fair value determination of certain assets and liabilities (amounts in millions):

 Fair Value
Cash$6
Receivables263
Inventories325
Property and Equipment56
Intangible Assets563
Goodwill782
Other Assets85
Total assets acquired2,080
  
Current Liabilities197
Other Liabilities215
Total liabilities assumed412
  
Net assets acquired$1,668

The intangible assets acquired consist of customer relationships of $310 million, with a weighted average useful life of 12 years, and tradenames of $253 million, with an indefinite life, which are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Goodwill of $782 million represents future economic benefits expected to arise from the Company's expanded presence in the MRO market and expected revenue and purchasing synergies. Both the intangible assets and Goodwill acquired are not deductible for income tax purposes.

5.INVESTMENT IN HD SUPPLY HOLDINGS, INC.
At the end of fiscal 2013, the Company owned 16.3 million shares of HD Supply Holdings, Inc. ("HD Supply") common stock, which represented approximately 8% of the shares of HD Supply common stock outstanding. This investment was accounted for using the cost method, as there were significant restrictions in place on the Company's ability to sell or transfer its HD Supply shares. The restrictions were controlled by the three largest shareholders of HD Supply (the "Principal Shareholders") for so long as they continued to own a certain portion of their original holdings of HD Supply. The carrying value of the HD Supply shares was impaired by the Company to a zero cost basis in fiscal 2009.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Principal Shareholders elected to sell shares of HD Supply common stock in a secondary public offering (the "May 2014 Offering"). Under the terms of a registration rights agreement among the Company, HD Supply and the Principal Shareholders (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), the Company had the right to include a portion of its shares in the May 2014 Offering and elected to do so. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, two of the Principal Shareholders again elected to sell shares of HD Supply common stock in secondary public offerings, and the Company again exercised its rights under the Registration Rights Agreement to include a portion of its shares in these offerings. As a result of all of these offerings (including an overallotment option exercised during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 by the underwriters of the May 2014 Offering), the Company sold 12.2 million shares of HD Supply common stock in fiscal 2014, for which it received $323 million of proceeds and recognized a corresponding gain in fiscal 2014. The total pretax gain of $323 million is included in Interest and Investment Income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal 2014, of which a pretax gain of $212 million was recognized in the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the remaining Principal Shareholder elected to sell shares of HD Supply common stock in a secondary public offering, and the Company again exercised its rights under the Registration Rights Agreement to include its shares in this offering. As a result, the Company sold its remaining 4.1 million shares of HD Supply common stock, for which it received $144 million of proceeds and recognized a corresponding gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

total pretax gain of $144 million is included in Interest and Investment Income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the first nine months of fiscal 2015.
6.LONG-TERM DEBT
In September 2015,February 2016, the Company issued $500 million$1.35 billion of floating rate2.00% senior notes due September 15, 2017April 1, 2021 (the "2017 notes") and $1.0 billion of 3.35% senior notes due September 15, 2025 (the "2025 notes") at a discount of $1 million (together, the "September 2015 issuance"). The 2017 notes bear interest at a variable rate determined quarterly equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 37 basis points. Interest on the 2017 notes is due quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2015. Interest on the 2025 notes is due semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning March 15, 2016. The net proceeds of the September 2015 issuance were used to fund the Company's recently completed acquisition of Interline. The $1 million discount associated with the 2025 notes is being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method. Issuance costs associated with the September 2015 issuance were $7 million and are being amortized over the term of the notes.
In May 2015, the Company issued $1.25 billion of 2.625% senior notes due June 1, 2022 (the "2022"2021 notes") at a discount of $5 million, $1.3 billion of 3.00% senior notes due April 1, 2026 (the "2026 notes") at a discount of $8 million, and $1.25 billion$350 million of 4.25% senior notes due April 1, 2046 (the "2046 notes") at a discountpremium of $3$2 million (together, the "May"February 2016 issuance"). The 2046 notes form a single series with the Company's $1.25 billion of 4.25% senior notes due April 1, 2046 that were issued in May 2015, issuance").and have the same terms. The aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Company's senior notes due April 1, 2046 is $1.6 billion. Interest on the 20222021 and 2026 notes is due semi-annually on JuneApril 1 and DecemberOctober 1 of each year, beginning DecemberOctober 1, 2015.2016. Interest on the 2046 notes is due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning April 1, 2016, with interest accruing from October 1, 2015. The net proceeds of the May 2015 issuance were used for general corporate purposes, including repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. The $8$13 million discount associated with the May 2015 issuance is2021 and 2026 notes and the $2 million premium associated with the 2046 notes are being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method. Issuance costs of $17 million associated with the May 2015February 2016 issuance were $19 millionrecorded as a direct deduction to the senior notes and are being amortized over the term of the notes. The net proceeds of the February 2016 issuance were used to repay the Company's 5.40% senior notes that matured on March 1, 2016.
TheAll of the Company's senior notes, other than the $500 million of floating rate senior notes due September 15, 2017, notes, may be redeemed by the Company at any time, in whole or in part, at the 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 notes to be redeemed, and (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to the Par Call Date, as defined in the respective notes. Additionally, if a Change in Control Triggering Event occurs, as defined in the notes, holders of the notes, including the 2017all notes 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 indentureindentures governing the notes in its ability to incur additional indebtedness or required to maintain financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity. Further, while the indentureindentures governing the notes containscontain various restrictive covenants, none are expected to impact the Company's liquidity or capital resources.
7.ACCELERATED SHARE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
TheIn fiscal 2015, the Company entersentered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") agreement from time to timeforward starting interest rate swap agreements with a third-party financial institutioncombined notional amount of $1.0 billion, accounted for as cash flow hedges, to repurchase shareshedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of the Company's common stock. UnderFebruary 2016 issuance. In connection with the ASR agreement,February 2016 issuance, the Company pays a specifiedpaid $89 million to settle these forward starting interest rate swap agreements. This amount, net of income taxes, is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and is being amortized to the financial institution and receives an initial delivery of shares. This initial delivery of shares represents the minimum number of shares that the Company may receive under the agreement. Upon settlement of the ASR agreement, the financial institution delivers additional shares, with the final number of shares delivered determined with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of the Company's common stockInterest Expense over the term of the agreement, less2026 notes.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

4.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Data Breach
As previously reported, in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company confirmed that its payment data systems were breached, which potentially impacted customers who used payment cards at self-checkout systems in the Company's U.S. and Canadian stores (the "Data Breach").
Litigation, Claims and Government Investigations
In fiscal 2015, the four major payment card networks made claims against the Company for costs that they assert they or their issuing banks incurred in connection with the Data Breach. The Company entered into settlement agreements with all four networks in fiscal 2015. In addition, a negotiated discount.total of 57 putative class actions were filed in the U.S. on behalf of customers and financial institutions and in Canada on behalf of customers allegedly harmed by the Data Breach. The transactionsU.S. class actions have been consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the "District Court"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company agreed in principle to settlement terms that will resolve and dismiss the claims asserted in the U.S. and Canadian customer class actions, respectively. In August 2016, the respective courts approved the settlements. The U.S. customer class action settlement remains subject to potential appeal. The U.S. financial institution class actions remain ongoing.
The Company previously recorded accruals for estimated probable losses in connection with the payment card networks' claims and the U.S. and Canadian customer class actions. These estimates are accountedbased on currently available information associated with those matters and may change as new information becomes available or circumstances change.
Other claims have been and may be asserted against the Company on behalf of customers, payment card issuing banks, shareholders or others seeking damages or other related relief allegedly arising from the Data Breach. In fiscal 2015, two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed in the District Court against certain present and former members of the Company's Board of Directors and executive officers. The Company was also named as a nominal defendant in both suits. In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the two actions were consolidated into a single derivative complaint, which asserts claims for breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, equitable relief to reform the Company's corporate governance structure, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation obtained by the defendants, and reasonable costs and expenses. In addition, several state and federal agencies, including State Attorneys General, are investigating events related to the Data Breach, including how it occurred, its consequences and the Company's responses. The Company is cooperating in the governmental investigations, and the Company may be subject to fines or other obligations.
While losses from these pending matters, including the U.S. financial institution class actions, are reasonably possible, the Company is not able to estimate the costs, or range of costs, related to these matters because the proceedings remain in the early stages, alleged damages have not been specified, there is uncertainty as equity transactionsto the likelihood of a class or classes being certified in the U.S. financial institution matter or the ultimate size of any such class if certified, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. The Company has not concluded that a loss from these matters is probable; therefore, the Company has not recorded an accrual for litigation, claims and governmental investigations related to these matters as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company will continue to evaluate information as it becomes known and will record an estimate for losses at the time or times when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. The Company believes that the ultimate amount paid on these actions, claims and investigations could have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in future periods.
Expenses Incurred and Amounts Accrued
In the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded $2 million and $4 million, respectively, of pretax expenses related to the Data Breach. The Company did not record any related expected insurance proceeds in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016. Since the Data Breach occurred, the Company has recorded $265 million of pretax gross expenses related to the Data Breach, partially offset by $100 million of expected insurance proceeds, for pretax net expenses of $165 million. These expenses include costs to investigate the Data Breach; provide identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to impacted customers; increase call center staffing; and pay legal and other professional services, all of which were expensed as incurred. Expenses also include the accruals for estimated probable losses that the Company has incurred or expects to incur in connection with the claims made by the payment card networks or their issuing banks and the U.S. and Canadian customer class actions. These expenses are included in Treasury Stock when the shares are received, at which time there is an immediate reductionSelling, General and Administrative expenses in the weighted average common shares calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share.accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following table providesAt July 31, 2016, accrued liabilities and insurance receivable related to the terms for eachData Breach consisted of the ASR agreements the Company entered into during the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Each of these agreements followed the structure outlined abovefollowing (amounts in millions):
Agreement Date Settlement Date Amount Initial Shares Delivered Additional Shares Delivered Total Shares Delivered
Q1 2015 Q1 2015 $850
 7.0 0.5 7.5
Q2 2015 Q3 2015 $1,500
 12.0 1.3 13.3
   Q3 2015(1)
 TBD $1,375
 10.1 TBD TBD
 Accrued Liabilities Insurance Receivable
Balance at January 31, 2016$(34) $70
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2016(2) 
Payments made (received) in the first quarter of fiscal 20169
 (15)
Balance at May 1, 2016$(27) $55
(Expenses incurred) insurance receivable recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2016(2) 
Payments made (received) in the second quarter of fiscal 2016
 (10)
Balance at July 31, 2016$(29) $45
—————Future Costs
The Company expects to incur additional legal and other professional service expenses associated with the Data Breach in future periods and will recognize these expenses as services are received. Costs related to the Data Breach that may be incurred in future periods may include liabilities from current and future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings; future expenses for legal, investigative, and consulting fees; and incremental expenses and capital investments for remediation activities. The Company believes that the ultimate amount paid for these services and claims could have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.
Insurance Coverage
The Company maintained $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage in fiscal 2014, above a $7.5 million deductible, to limit the Company's exposure to losses such as those related to the Data Breach. As of July 31, 2016, the Company had received initial payments totaling $55 million of insurance reimbursements under the fiscal 2014 policy, and expects to receive additional payments. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company maintained $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage, above a $10 million deductible, to limit the Company's exposure to similar losses.
(1)The fair market value of the initial 10.1 million shares delivered on the date of purchase was $1.158 billion and is included in Treasury Stock in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 1, 2015. The remaining $217 million is included in Paid-In Capital in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 1, 2015. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the $1.375 billion ASR agreement will be determined in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of the Company's common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount.

TBD - To Be Determined
8.5.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability's fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, rather than the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are:
Level 1 –Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets
Level 2 –Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable
Level 3 –Unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The assets and liabilities of the Company that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015January 31, 2016 were as follows (amounts in millions):
Fair Value at November 1, 2015 Using Fair Value at February 1, 2015 UsingFair Value at July 31, 2016 Using Fair Value at January 31, 2016 Using
Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    
Derivative agreements - assets$
 $193
 $
 $
 $124
 $
$
 $253
 $
 $
 $213
 $
Derivative agreements - liabilities
 (49) 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 (82) 
Total$
 $144
 $
 $
 $124
 $
$
 $253
 $
 $
 $131
 $

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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 fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments was measured using level 2 inputs.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Long-lived assets were analyzed for impairment on a nonrecurring basis using fair value measurements with unobservable inputs (level 3). Impairment charges related to long-lived assets in the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 and 20142015 were not material.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed its annual assessment of the recoverability of Goodwill for its U.S., Canada and Mexico reporting units. The Company performed qualitative assessments, concluding that the fair value of the reporting units was not more likely than not less than the carrying value. Accordingly, no Goodwill impairments were recorded for these reporting units.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for Interline were measured using unobservable inputs (level 3). See Note 4 for further discussion of the Interline acquisition.
The aggregate fair value of the Company's senior notes, based on quoted market prices, was $21.923.7 billion and $19.0$21.8 billion at November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015January 31, 2016, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $20.2$20.1 billion and $16.2$20.1 billion at November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, respectively.
9.6.
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares for the three and ninesix months ended November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and NovemberAugust 2, 20142015 was as follows (amounts in millions):
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
November 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
 November 1,
2015
 November 2,
2014
July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
 July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
Weighted average common shares1,268
 1,327
 1,284
 1,348
1,235
 1,283
 1,242
 1,291
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:              
Stock plans6
 7
 6
 8
5
 6
 5
 7
Diluted weighted average common shares1,274
 1,334
 1,290
 1,356
1,240
 1,289
 1,247
 1,298
Stock plans consist of shares granted under the Company's employee stock plans. Options to purchase 1 million and 444 thousand2 million shares of common stock for the three months ended November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and NovemberAugust 2, 20142015, respectively, and options to purchase 1 million and 12 million shares of common stock for the ninesix months ended November 1,July 31, 2016 and August 2, 2015, and November 2, 2014, respectively, were excluded from the computation of Diluted Earnings per Share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

13


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Home Depot, Inc.:
We have reviewed the Consolidated Balance Sheet of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 1, 2015July 31, 2016, the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the three-monththree-month and nine-monthsix-month periods ended November 1,July 31, 2016 and August 2, 2015, and November 2, 2014, and the related Consolidated StatementsStatement of Cash Flows for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 and NovemberAugust 2, 2014.2015. These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheet of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2015January 31, 2016, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income, Stockholders' Equity, and Cash Flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 26, 2015, except as to Note 2 and the effects of the change in accounting principle described in Note 2, which is as of August 24, 2015,2016, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements. Our report referson the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to a change in the presentation of certain shipping and handling costs. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2015January 31, 2016, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the Consolidated Balance Sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
November 23, 2015August 22, 2016


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Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein 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; effects of competition; state of the economy; state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; demand for credit offerings; inventory and in-stock positions; implementation of store, interconnected retail and supply chain initiatives; management of relationships with our suppliers and vendors; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including those related to the data breach we discovered in the third quarter of fiscal 2014; issues related to the payment methods we accept and the timing of upgrades and enhancements impacting point of sale devices;accept; continuation of share repurchase programs; net earnings performance; earnings per share; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; store openings and closures; financial outlook; and the integration of Interline Brands, Inc. ("Interline") into our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of the acquisition.
Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These 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. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report. You should read such information in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this report. There also may be other factors that we cannot anticipate or that are not described in this report, generally because we do not currently perceive them to be material. Such factors could cause results to differ materially from our expectations.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these 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").
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS DATA
Net Sales increased 6.4%6.6% to $21.8$26.5 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 from $20.5$24.8 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014.2015. For the first ninesix months of 2015,fiscal 2016, Net Sales increased 5.5%7.7% to $67.5$49.2 billion from $64.0$45.7 billion for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2014.2015. Our total comparable store sales increased 5.1%4.7% in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, driven by a 4.3%2.5% increase in our comparable store average ticket and a 2.2% increase in our comparable store customer transactions and a 0.9% increase in our comparable store average ticket.transactions. Comparable store sales for our U.S. stores increased 7.3%5.4% in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015.2016. For the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, our total comparable store sales increased 5.1%,5.5% and comparable store sales for our U.S. stores increased 6.6%6.3%.
For the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, we reported Net Earnings of $1.7$2.4 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $1.35$1.97 compared to Net Earnings of $1.5 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $1.15 for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we reported Net Earnings of $5.5$2.2 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $4.29 compared to$1.73 for the second quarter of fiscal 2015. For the first six months of fiscal 2016, we reported Net Earnings of $5.0$4.2 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $3.66$3.40 compared to Net Earnings of $3.8 billion and Diluted Earnings per Share of $2.94 for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2014.2015.
The results for the second quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 included $92 million and $99 million, respectively, of pretax net expenses related to a breach of our payment data systems that we discovered in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 (the "Data Breach"). These charges resulted in a decrease of $0.05 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2015.
The results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2015 included a $144 million pretax gain related to the sale of our remaining equity ownership in HD Supply Holdings, Inc. ("HD Supply"). This gain contributed $0.07 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the second quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015. The results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 included $100 million and $212 million, respectively, of pretax gains related to the sales of portions of our equity ownership in HD Supply. These gains contributed $0.05 and $0.10 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively.
The results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015 included $20 million and $119 million, respectively, of pretax net expenses related to a breach of our payment data systems that we discovered in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 (the "Data Breach"). These charges resulted in decreases of $0.01 and $0.06 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015, respectively. The results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 included $28 million of pretax net expenses related to the Data Breach, which resulted in a decrease of $0.01 to Diluted Earnings per Share for those periods.

15


The results for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 included a $71 million net benefit to our Provision for Income Taxes due primarily to the favorable settlement of a tax audit, resulting in a benefit of $0.05 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we changed our accounting policy for shipping and handling costs from our stores, locations or distribution centers to customers and for online fulfillment center costs. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in Cost of Sales, whereas they were previously included in Operating Expenses. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 have been reclassified to reflect this change in accounting policy. The impact of this reclassification was an increase of $142 million and $424 million to Cost of Sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively, and a corresponding decrease to Operating Expenses in the same periods. This reclassification had no impact on Net Sales, Operating Income, Net Earnings or Earnings per Share.
Data Breach
As previously reported, in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we confirmed that our payment data systems were breached, which potentially impacted customers who used payment cards at self-checkout systems in our U.S. and Canadian stores. Since the breach, we completed a major payment security project that provides enhanced encryption of payment card data at the point of sale in all of our U.S. and Canadian stores. We have also rolled out EMV chip card technology in our U.S. stores, which adds extra layers of payment card protection for customers who use EMV enabled chip cards. Our Canadian stores were already enabled with EMV chip card technology.
Litigation, Claims and Government Investigations
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the payment card networks made claims against us for costs that they assert they or their issuing banks have incurred in connection with the Data Breach, including incremental counterfeit fraud losses and non-ordinary course operating expenses (such as card reissuance costs), and we recorded an accrual for estimated probable losses we expected to incur in connection with those claims. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into settlement agreements with American Express and Discover with respect to their claims.
In addition, at least 57 putative class actions have been filed in courts in the U.S. and Canada allegedly arising from the Data Breach. The U.S. class actions have been consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the "District Court"). That court ordered that the individual class actions be administratively closed in favor of the filing of consolidated class action complaints on behalf of customers and financial institutions allegedly harmed by the Data Breach. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded an accrual for estimated probable losses that we expect to incur in connection with the U.S. customer class actions.
The accruals for estimated probable losses in connection with the payment card networks' claims and the U.S. customer class actions are based on currently available information associated with those matters. These estimates may change as new information becomes available or circumstances change. Our accruals are also based on the expectation of reaching negotiated settlements with the claimants and not on any determination that it is probable that we would be found liable for the losses we have accrued were these matters to be litigated.
Other claims have been and may be asserted against us on behalf of customers, payment card issuing banks, shareholders or others seeking damages or other related relief allegedly arising from the Data Breach. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed in the District Court against certain present and former members of our Board of Directors and executive officers. We are also named as a nominal defendant in both suits, which together assert claims for breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages, equitable relief to reform our corporate governance structure, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation obtained by the defendants, and reasonable costs and expenses. In addition, several state and federal agencies, including State Attorneys General, are investigating events related to the Data Breach, including how it occurred, its consequences and our responses. We are cooperating in the governmental investigations, and we may be subject to fines or other obligations. While a loss from these matters, including the Canadian class actions and the U.S. financial institutions class actions, is reasonably possible, we are not able to estimate the costs, or range of costs, related to these matters because the proceedings remain in the early stages, alleged damages have not been specified, there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of a class or classes being certified or the ultimate size of any class if certified, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. We have not concluded that a loss from these matters is probable; therefore, we have not recorded an accrual for litigation, claims and governmental investigations related to these matters in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. We will continue to evaluate information as it becomes known and will record an estimate for losses at the time or times when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. We believe that the ultimate amount paid on these actions, claims and investigations could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

16


Expenses Incurred and Amounts Accrued
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded $20 million of pretax expenses related to the Data Breach. We did not record any related expected insurance proceeds in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The results for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 included $189 million of pretax gross expenses related to the Data Breach, partially offset by $70 million of expected insurance proceeds, for pretax net expenses of $119 million. Since the Data Breach occurred, we have recorded $252 million of pretax gross expenses related to the Data Breach, partially offset by $100 million of expected insurance proceeds, for pretax net expenses of $152 million. These expenses include costs to investigate the Data Breach; provide identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to impacted customers; increase call center staffing; and pay legal and other professional services, all of which were expensed as incurred. Expenses also include the accruals for estimated probable losses that we expect to incur in connection with the claims made by the payment card networks and the U.S. customer class actions. These expenses are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Future Costs
We expect to incur additional legal and other professional services expenses associated with the Data Breach in future periods and will recognize these expenses as services are received. Costs related to the Data Breach that may be incurred in future periods may include additional liabilities to payment card networks and impacted customers; liabilities from current and future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings; future expenses for legal, investigative and consulting fees; and incremental expenses and capital investments for remediation activities. We believe that the ultimate amount paid on these services and claims could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.
Insurance Coverage
We maintained $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage in fiscal 2014, above a $7.5 million deductible, to limit our exposure to losses such as those related to the Data Breach. As of November 1, 2015, we had received initial payments totaling $30 million of insurance reimbursements under the fiscal 2014 policy, and expect to receive additional payments. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into a new policy, with $100 million of network security and privacy liability insurance coverage, above a $10 million deductible, to limit our exposure to similar losses.
Key Initiatives
In the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016, we continued to focus on the following key initiatives:
Customer ServiceExperience – Our customer serviceexperience initiative is anchored on the principles of simplifying the business, creating an emotional connection with customers, putting customers first and taking care of our associates.associates, and our commitment to customer service remains strong. We have taken a number of steps to enhance this initiative to provide our customers with a seamless and frictionless shopping experience in our stores, online, on the job site or in their homes. In the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, we continuedenhanced our dynamic ETA feature for online purchases. Dynamic ETA provides a timelier and more accurately estimated delivery date and we believe it will lead to utilize our second generation FIRST phone, a handheld mobile device used by our store associates, to enhanceincreased conversion and customer service in the stores by allowing associates to convert online sales in the aisle and expedite the checkout process for customers during peak traffic periods.satisfaction.
Product Authority – Our product authority initiative is facilitated by our merchandising transformation and portfolio strategy, which is focused on delivering product innovation, assortment and value. In the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, we continued to introduce a wide range of innovative new products to our professional,do-it-yourself, do-it-for-me and do-it-yourselfprofessional customers, while remaining focused on offering everyday values in our stores and online. We also continued to utilizeleverage our merchandising assortment planning and pricing tools to better understand customer preferences and to refine our online and in-store product assortment in particular stores orand geographic areas.
DisciplinedProductivity and Efficiency Driven by Capital Allocation Productivity and Efficiency– Our approach to driving productivity and efficiency is advanced through continuous operational improvement in theour stores and our supply chain, disciplined capital allocation, and building shareholder value through higher returns on invested capital and total value returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. During the third quarterWe continue to optimize our supply chain through our multi-year program called Project Sync, which is being rolled out gradually to suppliers in several of fiscal 2015,our U.S. Rapid Deployment Centers ("RDCs"). This will allow us to significantly reduce our average lead time from supplier to shelf, reduce transportation expenses and improve inventory turns. As we settled a $1.5 billion Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") agreementcontinue to roll out Project Sync, we plan to create an end-to-end solution that was entered intobenefits all participants in our supply chain, from our suppliers to our transportation providers to our RDC and store associates to our customers.
We did not open or close any stores during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. We received a total of 13.3 million shares of our common stock under the $1.5 billion ASR agreement, including 1.3 million shares received upon settlement of the agreement in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Also during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into a $1.375 billion ASR agreement and received an initial delivery of 10.1 million shares of our common stock. In addition to the ASR, we repurchased 5.0 million shares of our common stock through the open market in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we repurchased a total of 42.4 million shares for $5.0 billion through ASR agreements and the open market.
We opened three new stores in Mexico during the third quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, for a total store count of 2,2732,275 at the end of the quarter. As of the end of the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, a total of 296298 of our stores, or 13.0%13.1%, were located in Canada and Mexico.

17


In August 2015, we completed the acquisition of Interline for $1.7 billion. Interline is a leading national distributor and direct marketer of broad-line maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO") products. We intend to leverage Interline's capabilities and expertise in MRO products to expand our share of the MRO product market with our current customers as well as gain new customers currently served by Interline.
We generated $7.4$6.9 billion of cash flow from operations in the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015.2016. This cash flow, along with $4.0$3.0 billion of long-term debt issued in the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, was used to fund $5.0repay $3.0 billion of 5.40% senior notes that matured on March 1, 2016, fund cash payments of $2.4 billion for share repurchases, pay $2.3$1.7 billion of dividends, purchase Interline for $1.7 billion, fund $1.1 billion$697 million in capital expenditures and repay $290$350 million of short-term borrowings.
Our inventory turnover ratio was 5.05.2 times at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 compared to 4.85.1 times at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014.2015. Our return on invested capital (computed on net operating profit after tax, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the trailing twelve months andmost recent twelve-month period, divided by the average of beginning and ending long-term debt and equity) was 26.2%equity for the thirdmost recent twelve-month period) was 29.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 20152016 compared to 22.2%25.0% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014.2015. For a reconciliation of net operating profit after tax to Net Earnings, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, and our calculation of return on invested capital, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
InterconnectedInterconnecting Retail – Our focus on interconnectedinterconnecting retail which connects our other three key initiatives, is based on building a competitive and seamless platform across all commerce channels. DuringIn the third quarterfirst six months of fiscal 2015,2016, we continued to invest in our interconnected abilities to more effectively meet customers' demands for increased fulfillment options. We completed the pilotdeployment of our new order alignment system, referred to as COM, which we expect to roll outCustomer Order Management platform (“COM”) in all of our U.S. stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. We also continued the roll out of our Buy Online, Deliver From Store ("BODFS") program, which complements our existing interconnecting retail programs, Buy Online, Ship to investStore ("BOSS") and Buy Online, Pick-up In Store ("BOPIS"). We have seen strong demand for our BODFS program in offeringcertain markets where it has been piloted, and we expect to complete the roll out of BODFS by the end of fiscal 2016.
Additionally, we have fully implemented BOSS via RDC delivery capability, which enables us to fulfill BOSS orders through our customers convenientRDC network, leveraging our inventory and fulfillment options for products purchased online. Duringchannels, which has resulted in significant cost savings and improved shipping times and customer satisfaction scores. In the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015, we opened and began shipping products from our third new Direct Fulfillment Center ("DFC") located in Troy Township, Ohio. We expect this facility, along with our other two new DFCs in California and Georgia, to provide us with the capability to reach 90% of our U.S. customers in two business days or less with parcel shipping. We also opened our third online customer contact center in Tempe, Arizona during the quarter.
In addition, approximately 42%2016, over 40% of our online orders were picked up in our stores through our Buy Online, Pick-up In Store ("BOPIS")BOPIS and Buy Online, Ship to Store ("BOSS")BOSS offerings in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. We also continued the pilotand approximately 90% of our Buy Online, Deliver From Store ("BODFS") program, which we expect to roll out in fiscal 2016 afteronline returns were processed through the roll outconvenience of COM.our stores. Sales from our online channels increased 25.2%18.8% and 26.4%20.0% for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, respectively, compared to the same periods last year, and represented 5.1% and 5.0%5.6% of our total Net Sales for both the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015, respectively.
Outside of the U.S., we rolled out Mexico's digital commerce site and re-platformed our Canadian website in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.2016.


18


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.
% of Net Sales % Increase (Decrease)
in Dollar Amounts
% of Net Sales % Increase (Decrease)
in Dollar Amounts
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 Three Months Nine MonthsJuly 31, 2016 August 2, 2015 July 31, 2016 August 2, 2015 Three Months 
Six
Months
NET SALES100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 6.4 % 5.5 %100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 6.6 % 7.7 %
GROSS PROFIT34.7
 34.3
 34.2
 34.1
 7.4
 6.0
33.7
 33.7
 34.0
 34.0
 6.7
 7.6
Operating Expenses:    

 

        

 

    
Selling, General and Administrative19.1
 19.9
 18.7
 19.2
 2.0
 2.7
16.6
 17.3
 17.6
 18.5
 2.1
 2.4
Depreciation and Amortization1.9
 2.0
 1.9
 1.9
 3.2
 2.0
1.6
 1.7
 1.8
 1.8
 4.1
 3.7
Total Operating Expenses21.0
 21.9
 20.6
 21.1
 2.1
 2.6
18.2
 19.0
 19.4
 20.3
 2.2
 2.6
                      
OPERATING INCOME13.7
 12.4
 13.7
 12.9
 16.8
 11.4
15.5
 14.7
 14.6
 13.7
 12.5
 15.0
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:                      
Interest and Investment Income
 (0.5) (0.2) (0.3) (93.3) (27.9)
 (0.6) 
 (0.3) (94.6) (90.2)
Interest Expense1.1
 1.1
 1.0
 1.0
 13.3
 9.7
0.9
 0.9
 1.0
 0.9
 1.3
 11.6
Interest and Other, net1.1
 0.6
 0.8
 0.6
 N/M
 30.9
0.9
 0.3
 0.9
 0.6
 N/M 67.9
                      
EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES12.6
 11.9
 12.9
 12.3
 12.3
 10.5
14.6
 14.4
 13.6
 13.1
 8.8
 12.5
Provision for Income Taxes4.7
 4.4
 4.7
 4.6
 12.5
 8.7
5.4
 5.4
 5.0
 4.7
 7.9
 14.7
NET EARNINGS7.9 % 7.5 % 8.2 % 7.8 % 12.2 % 11.5 %9.2 % 9.0 % 8.6 % 8.3 % 9.3 % 11.3 %

SELECTED SALES DATA(1)
                      
Number of Customer Transactions (in millions)371.1
 355.4
 1,151.7
 1,109.5
 4.4 % 3.8 %430.0
 420.4
 804.8
 780.6
 2.3 % 3.1 %
Average Ticket$58.03
 $57.55
 $58.72
 $57.90
 0.8 % 1.4 %$60.87
 $59.42
 $60.48
 $59.04
 2.4 % 2.4 %
Sales per Square Foot$366.37
 $347.79
 $380.12
 $361.73
 5.3 % 5.1 %$438.61
 $420.37
 $407.64
 $387.04
 4.3 % 5.3 %
Comparable Store Sales Increase (%)(2)
5.1 % 5.2 % 5.1 % 4.6 % N/A
 N/A
4.7% 4.2% 5.5 % 5.1 % N/A N/A
Online Sales (% of Net Sales)(3)
5.1 % 4.4 % 5.0 % 4.3 % 25.2 % 26.4 %5.6% 5.0% 5.6 % 5.0 % 18.8 % 20.0 %
Note: Certain percentages may not sum to totals due to rounding.
 —————
(1)Selected Sales Data does not include results for the Interline acquisition that was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
(2)
Includes Net Sales at locations open greater than 12 months, including relocated and remodeled stores and online sales, and excluding closed 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.
(3)Consists of Net Sales generated online through our Home Depot, Home Decorators Collection and Blinds.com websites for products picked up in stores or delivered to customer locations or picked up in stores through our BOPIS, BOSS and BOSSBODFS programs.
N/A – Not Applicable
N/M – Not Meaningful
N/A – Not Applicable


19


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016increased6.6% to $26.5 billion from $24.8 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2015increased6.4% to $21.8 billion from $20.5 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. For the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, Net Sales increased 5.5%7.7% to $67.5$49.2 billion from $64.0$45.7 billion for the comparable period of fiscal 2014.2015. The increase in Net Sales for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 primarily reflects the impact of positive comparable store sales driven by increased customer transactions and average ticket growth, as well as sales from Interline, which was acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in Net Sales was partially offset by pressure from a stronger U.S. dollar, which negatively impacted total sales growth by $181 million and $377 million in the strengthening U.S. dollar. second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016, respectively.
Total comparable store sales increased 5.1%4.7% and 5.5% for both the thirdsecond quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015.
The positive comparable store sales for the third quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 reflect, respectively, which reflects a number of factors, including the execution of our key initiatives, continued strength in our maintenance and repair categories, and an improved U.S. home improvement market. All of our departments posted positive comparable store sales for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015.2016. Comparable store sales for our Appliances, Tools, Lumber, Plumbing, Décor, Lighting, Hardware,Indoor Garden, Building Materials and Indoor GardenLighting product categories were above the Company average for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015. Comparable store sales for our Outdoor Garden, Kitchen and Bath, Electrical, Millwork, Flooring, Lumber and Paint product categories were positive but below the Company average for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.2016. Further, our comparable store customer transactions increased 4.3%2.2% and 3.7%3.0% for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016, respectively. Our comparable store average ticket increased 0.9% and 1.4%2.5% for both the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015, respectively,2016, due in part to strong sales in big ticket purchases such as HVAC, appliances roofing and countertops,roofing, offset in part by the strength of the U.S. dollar and its resulting impact to non-U.S. dollar average ticket.dollar.
Gross Profit increased7.4% 6.7% to $7.6$8.9 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 from $7.0$8.4 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014.2015. Gross Profit increased 6.0%7.6% to $23.1$16.7 billion for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 from $21.8$15.5 billion for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2014.2015. Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales, increased 34 basis points to 34.7%or gross profit margin, was 33.7% for the thirdsecond quarter of both fiscal 2016 and 2015, compared to 34.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross Profit as a percent of Net Sales increased 15 basis points to 34.2% and 34.0% for the first ninesix months of both fiscal 2015 compared to 34.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The increase in gross2016 and 2015. Gross profit margin for the thirdsecond quarter and first six months of fiscal 20152016 reflects higher levelsthe impact of co-op allowances and rebates,Interline, which has a lower gross profit margin, offset by benefits from our supply chain driven by lower fuel costs and increased productivity and lower shrink, partially offset by contraction due to the acquisitionfrom reaching higher levels of Interline. Gross profit margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 reflects benefits from our supply chain partially offset by a changeco-op allowances and rebates in the mix of products sold.certain category classes.
Selling, General and Administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased 2.0%2.1% to $4.2$4.4 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 from $4.1$4.3 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20142015, and increased 2.7%2.4% to $12.6$8.7 billion for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 from $12.3$8.5 billion for the first ninesix months of 2014.fiscal 2015. SG&A for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 included $20$92 million and $119$99 million, respectively, of pretax net expenses related to the Data Breach. SG&A for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 included $28 million of pretax net expenses related to the Data Breach. As a percent of Net Sales, SG&A was 19.1%16.6% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 compared to 19.9%17.3% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014.2015. For the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, SG&A as a percent of Net Sales was 18.7%17.6% compared to 19.2%18.5% for the same period last year. The decrease in SG&A as a percent of Net Sales for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 reflects strong expense controls and expense leverage resulting from the positive comparable store sales environment partially offset by expenses related to the Data Breach.and strong expense controls.
Depreciation and Amortization increased 3.2%4.1% to $423436 million for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016 from $419 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from $410 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. For the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015,2016, Depreciation and Amortization increased 2.0%3.7% to $1.3 billion$869 million from $1.2 billion$838 million for the same periodfirst six months of fiscal 2014.2015. Depreciation and Amortization as a percent of Net Sales was 1.9%1.6% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 compared to 2.0%1.7% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2014,2015, and was 1.9%1.8% for the first ninesix months of both fiscal 20152016 and 2014.2015. Depreciation and Amortization as a percent of Net Sales for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 reflects expense leverage resulting from the positive comparable store sales environment.
Operating Income increased 16.8%12.5% to $3.04.1 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016 from $3.6 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from $2.6. Operating Income increased 15.0% to $7.2 billion for the first six months of fiscal 2016 from $6.2 billion for the first six months of fiscal third2015. Operating Income as a percent of Net Sales was 15.5% for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 14.7% for the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Operating Income as a percent of Net Sales was 14.6% for the first six months of fiscal 2016 compared to 13.7% for the first six months of fiscal 2015.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Operating Income increased 11.4% to $9.2 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 from $8.3 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
For the third quarter of fiscal 20152016, we recognized $240$228 million of Interest and Other, net, compared to $11384 million for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20142015. We recognized $517$465 million of Interest and Other, net, for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 compared to $395$277 million for the same period last year. Interest and Other, net, for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2015 included a $144 million pretax gain related to the sale of our remaining equity ownership in HD Supply. Interest and Other, net, as a percent of Net Sales was 1.1%0.9% for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 0.3% for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 0.6% for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Interest and Other, net, as a percent of Net Sales was 0.8%0.9% for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 compared to 0.6% for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2014.2015. These results reflect a $144 million pretax gain in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 related to the sale of our remaining equity ownership in HD Supply compared to pretax gains of $100 million and $212 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014,

20


respectively, related to the sales of portions of our equity ownership in HD Supply. This was partially offset by additional interest expense incurred in the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 due primarily due to higher long-term debt issued in June 2014, May 2015 and September 2015.balances.

Our combined effective income tax rate was 36.4%36.8% for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 compared to 37.0%36.1% for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20142015. The effective income tax rate for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 reflects a $71 million net benefit to our Provision for Income Taxes due primarily to the favorable settlement of a tax audit.
Diluted Earnings per Share were $1.351.97 and $4.29$3.40 for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2016, respectively, compared to $1.73 and $2.94 for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2015, respectively, compared to $1.15 and $3.66 for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively. The gainsgain on the salessale of our remaining equity ownership ofin HD Supply contributed a benefit of $0.07 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the second quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 compared to a benefit of $0.10 for the first nine months of fiscal 2014, of which $0.05 was recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.. Expenses related to the Data Breach had a negative impactsimpact of $0.01 and $0.06$0.05 to Diluted Earnings per Share for the thirdsecond quarter and first ninesix months of fiscal 2015, respectively, compared to a negative impact of $0.01 for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014. Diluted Earnings per Share for the first ninesix months of fiscal 2015 also reflect $0.05 of benefit from the favorable settlement of a tax audit.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To provide clarity, internally and externally, about our operating performance, we supplement our reporting with certain non-GAAP financial measures. However, this supplemental information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures. Non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may differ from similar measures used by other companies.
Return on Invested Capital
We believe return on invested capital ("ROIC") is meaningful for investors and management because it measures how effectively we deploy our capital base. We define ROIC as net operating profit after tax ("NOPAT"), a non-GAAP financial measure, for the most recent twelve-month period divided by the average of beginning and ending long-term debt, including current maturities, and equity for the most recent twelve-month period.
The following table provides our ROIC calculation and reconciles NOPAT, a non-GAAP financial measure, to Net Earnings, a GAAP financial measure, for the twelve months ended July 31, 2016 and August 2, 2015 (amounts in millions):
  For the Twelve Months Ended
  July 31,
2016
 August 2,
2015
Net Earnings $7,440
 $6,729
Add:    
Interest and Other, net 941
 488
Provision for Income Taxes 4,329
 3,771
Operating Income 12,710
 10,988
Subtract:    
Income Tax Adjustment (1)
 4,655
 3,981
Net Operating Profit After Tax $8,055
 $7,007
     
Average Debt and Equity (2)
 $27,757
 $28,010
     
Return on Invested Capital (NOPAT / Average Debt and Equity) 29.0% 25.0%
—————
(1)Income Tax Adjustment is defined as Operating Income multiplied by the Company's effective tax rate.
(2)Average Debt and Equity is defined as the average of beginning and ending long-term debt, including current maturities, and equity for the most recent twelve-month period.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity. DuringFor the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016, Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $7.46.9 billion compared to $6.25.9 billion for the same period in fiscal 20142015. This increase was primarily due to a $572$431 million increase in Net Earnings resulting from higher comparable store sales and expense leverage, and a $519 million increase in cash flows from Accounts Payablethe effective management of Merchandise Inventories and Accrued Expenses related to increased purchases and the timing of payments, as well as expenses accrued related to the Data Breach.other working capital items.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 was $2.6 billion$674 million compared to $767553 million for the same period in fiscal 20142015. This change was primarily due to $144 million less in Proceeds from Sales of Investments in the acquisitionfirst six months of Interline. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was $1.7 billion, of which a portion was used for the repayment of substantially all of Interline's existing indebtedness. See Note 4fiscal 2016 compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements includedsame period in this report.fiscal 2015.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities for the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 was $3.4$4.4 billion compared to $5.2$2.1 billion for the same period of fiscal 2014.2015. This change was primarily the result of $2.0$2.5 billion moreless in incremental long-term debt issued in the first six months of net Proceeds from Long-Term Borrowings and $535fiscal 2016, partially offset by $644 million less in Repurchases of Common Stock partially offset by $375 million more in Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders and $290 million in Repayments of Short-Term Borrowings in the first ninesix months of fiscal 20152016 compared to the same period ofin fiscal 2014.2015.
In September 2015,February 2016, we issued $500 million$1.35 billion of floating rate2.00% senior notes due September 15, 2017April 1, 2021 (the "2017 notes") and $1.0 billion of 3.35% senior notes due September 15, 2025 (the "2025 notes") at a discount of $1 million (together, the "September 2015 issuance"). The 2017 notes bear interest at a variable rate determined quarterly equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 37 basis points. Interest on the 2017 notes is due quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2015. Interest on the 2025 notes is due semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning March 15, 2016. The net proceeds of the September 2015 issuance were used to fund our recently completed acquisition of Interline.
In May 2015, we issued $1.25 billion of 2.625% senior notes due June 1, 2022 (the "2022"2021 notes") at a discount of $5 million, $1.3 billion of 3.00% senior notes due April 1, 2026 (the "2026 notes") at a discount of $8 million, and $1.25 billion$350 million of 4.25% senior notes due April 1, 2046 (the "2046 notes") at a discountpremium of $3$2 million (together, the "May"February 2016 issuance"). The 2046 notes form a single series with our $1.25 billion of 4.25% senior notes due April 1, 2046 that were issued in May 2015, issuance").and have the same terms. The aggregate principal amount outstanding of our senior notes due April 1, 2046 is $1.6 billion. Interest on the 20222021 and 2026 notes is due semi-annually on JuneApril 1 and DecemberOctober 1 of each year, beginning DecemberOctober 1, 2015.2016. Interest on the 2046 notes is due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning April 1, 2016, with interest accruing from October 1, 2015. The net proceeds of the May 2015February 2016 issuance were used for general corporate purposes, including repurchases of shares ofto repay our common stock.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into an ASR agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $850 million of our common stock. Under this agreement, we paid $850 million to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 7.0 millionshares in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The transaction was completed later in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, at which time we received 500 thousand additional shares. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the $850 million ASR agreement was determined with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into an ASR agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $1.5 billion of our common stock. Under this agreement, we paid $1.5 billion to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 12.0 millionshares in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The transaction was completed in the third quarter of fiscal

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2015, at which time we received 1.3 million additional shares. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the $1.5 billion ASR agreement was determined with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into an ASR agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $1.375 billion of our common stock. Under this agreement, we paid $1.375 billion to the financial institution and received an initial delivery of 10.1 millionshares in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the $1.375 billion ASR agreement will be determined in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount.
We have commercial paper programs5.40% senior notes that allow for borrowings up to $2.0 billion. In connection with the programs, we have a back-up credit facility with a consortium of banks for borrowings up to $2.0 billion. The credit facility expires in December 2019 and contains various restrictive covenants. At Novembermatured on March 1, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants, and they are not expected to impact our liquidity or capital resources. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, all of our short-term borrowings were under these commercial paper programs, and the maximum amount outstanding at any time during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was $720 million. As of November 1, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper programs or the related credit facility.2016.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into forward starting interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $1.0 billion, accounted for as cash flow hedges, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of issuing long-term debtthe February 2016 issuance. In connection with the February 2016 issuance, we paid $89 million to refinance debt maturingsettle these forward starting interest rate swap agreements. This amount, net of income taxes, is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and is being amortized to Interest Expense over the term of the 2026 notes.
We have commercial paper programs that allow for borrowings up to $2.0 billion. In connection with these programs, we have a back-up credit facility with a consortium of banks for borrowings up to $2.0 billion. The credit facility expires in December 2019 and contains various restrictive covenants. At July 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the covenants, and they are not expected to impact our liquidity or capital resources. During the first six months of fiscal 2016.2016, all of our short-term borrowings were under these commercial paper programs, and the maximum amount outstanding at any time during the first six months of fiscal 2016 was $617 million. As of July 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper programs or the related credit facility.
As of November 1, 2015July 31, 2016, we had $3.0$4.0 billion in Cash and Cash Equivalents. We believe that our current cash position, access to the long-term debt capital markets and cash flow generated from operations should be sufficient not only for our operating requirements but also to enable us to complete our capital expenditure programs and fund dividend payments, share repurchases obligations incurred as a result of the Data Breach and any 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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April 2015,For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements which may be applicable to us, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issuedStatements included in this report.
On February 1, 2016, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, "Interest "Interest–Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" ("and ASU No. 2015-03"), which requires an entity2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". See Note 2 to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected byConsolidated Financial Statements included in this ASU. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter, and retrospective application is required. We do not believe that ASU No. 2015-03 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, "Interest Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements" ("ASU No. 2015-15"), which states that ASU No. 2015-03 does not address debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements, and therefore the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting these related debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We do not believe that ASU No. 2015-15 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.report.




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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our exposure to market risks results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates. We are also exposed to risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars and on the purchase of goods by these foreign operations that are not denominated in their local currencies. There have been no material changes to our exposure to market risks from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2015January 31, 2016 as filed with the SEC on March 26, 24, 2016 ("2015 ("2014 Form 10-K").

Item 4.Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’sCompany's Securities Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its 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, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that 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.
There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended November 1, 2015July 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Except as set forth below, there were no material changes during the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 to our disclosure in Item 3 of our 20142015 Form 10-K.
For a description of the litigation and government inquiries related to the Data Breach, see Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1, "Financial Statements", which description is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our 20142015 Form 10-K. These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or by factors that we currently consider immaterial to our business. There have been no material changes in the risk factors discussed in our 20142015 Form 10-K.


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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(a) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

1.
During the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016, the Company issued 5064,164 deferred stock units under The Home Depot, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’Directors' Deferred Stock Compensation Plan pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Rule 506 of the SEC's Regulation D thereunder. The deferred stock units were credited to the accounts of those non-employee directors who elected to receive all or a portion of board retainers in the form of deferred stock units instead of cash during the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016. 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.

2.
During the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016, the Company credited 1,2241,126 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 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 service as described in this plan.

(b) Purchases of Equity Securities

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an $18.0 billion share repurchase program. Through the end of the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016, the Company has repurchased shares of its common stock having a value of approximately $5.09.5 billion under this program. The number and average price of shares purchased in each fiscal month of the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 are set forth in the table below:
Period 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average Price
Paid
Per Share(1)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program(2)
 
Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased 
Under the Program(2)
August 3, 2015 – August 30, 2015(3)
 3,764,835
 $114.56
 3,761,178
 $14,626,082,050
August 31, 2015 – September 27, 2015(4)
 12,700,671
 $114.70
 12,656,026
 $12,957,000,867
September 28, 2015 – November 1, 2015 5,190
 $121.14
 
 $12,957,000,867
  16,470,696
 $114.67
 16,417,204
  
Period 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average Price
Paid
Per Share(1)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program(2)
 
Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased 
Under the Program(2)
May 2, 2016 – May 29, 2016 2,952,801
 $134.09
 2,945,810
 $9,355,001,347
May 30, 2016 – June 26, 2016 2,928,503
 $128.99
 2,922,690
 $8,978,002,421
June 27, 2016 – July 31, 2016 3,590,485
 $133.20
 3,588,476
 $8,500,002,478
  9,471,789
 $132.18
 9,456,976
  

(1)These amounts include repurchases pursuant to the Company’sCompany's 1997 and Amended and Restated 2005 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans (the “Plans”). Under the Plans, participants may surrender shares as payment of applicable tax withholding on the vesting of restricted stock and deferred share awards. Participants in the Plans may also exercise stock options by surrendering shares of common stock that the participants already own as payment of the exercise price. Shares so surrendered by participants in the Plans are repurchased pursuant to the terms of the Plans and applicable award agreement and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs.
(2)In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an $18.0 billion share repurchase program that replaced the previous authorization. The program does not have a prescribed expiration date.
(3)In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company paid $1.5 billion under an ASR agreement and received an initial delivery of 12.0 million shares. The transaction was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, at which time the Company received 1.3 million additional shares to settle the agreement. The Average Price Paid Per Share was calculated with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of the Company's common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.
(4)In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company paid $1.375 billion under an ASR agreement and received an initial delivery of 10.1 million shares. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the agreement will be determined with reference to the volume weighted average price per share of the Company's common stock over the term of the agreement, less a negotiated discount. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

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Item 6.Exhibits
Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to exhibits or appendices previously filed with the SEC, as indicated by the references in brackets. All other exhibits are filed or furnished herewith.
 
*3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Home Depot, Inc. [Form 10-Q filed on September 1, 2011, Exhibit 3.1]
  
*3.2

By-Laws of The Home Depot, Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective August 21, 2014)March 3, 2016). [Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2014,March 8, 2016, Exhibit 3.2]
  
12.1
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  
15.1
AcknowledgementAcknowledgment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated November 23, 2015.
*18.1

Preferability Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated May 26, 2015. [Form 10-Q filed on May 27, 2015, Exhibit 18.1]
August 22, 2016.
  
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and President pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Corporate Services pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Corporate Services furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
101
The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 1, 2015,July 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and filed electronically herewith: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.







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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
 THE HOME DEPOT, INC. 
 (Registrant) 
   
By:/s/ CRAIG A. MENEAR 
 Craig A. Menear 
 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and 
 
President

 
   
 /s/ CAROL B. TOMÉ 
 Carol B. Tomé 
 Chief Financial Officer and 
 Executive Vice President – Corporate Services 
 
November 23, 2015August 22, 2016
(Date)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
  
ExhibitDescription
 
Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to exhibits or appendices previously filed with the SEC, as indicated by the references in brackets. All other exhibits are filed or furnished herewith.
  
*3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Home Depot, Inc. [Form 10-Q filed on September 1, 2011, Exhibit 3.1]
  
*3.2

By-Laws of The Home Depot, Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective August 21, 2014)March 3, 2016). [Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2014,March 8, 2016, Exhibit 3.2]
  
12.1
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  
15.1
AcknowledgementAcknowledgment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated November 23, 2015.
*18.1
Preferability Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated May 26, 2015. [Form 10-Q filed on May 27, 2015, Exhibit 18.1]

August 22, 2016.
  
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and President pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Corporate Services pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Corporate Services furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
101
The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 1, 2015,July 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and filed electronically herewith: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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