Don't Buy Home Depot Stock Until You Know This 1 Key Metric

Home Depot's same-store sales grew 0.6% in Q1 2026, following a 0.3% gain in 2025 and a 1.8% drop in 2024. The metric strips new store impact, offering a clear view of core performance. Investors should watch same-store sales as Home Depot faces cyclicality from higher mortgage rates and inflation. The stock trades 28% below its June 4 peak. A 3% dividend yield may attract income-focused investors.