Big boxes, level playing fields
In the fourth quarter, Home Depot had a field day in its quarterly sales comparisons with rival Lowe's — a 13.9% gain compared with a 5% decline. However, the field wasn't level.
Home Depot had an extra week in its 2012 quarter, while Lowe's was operating with one fewer week. The difference created a nearly $2 billion swing, as the extra week benefited Home Depot to the tune of $1.2 billion, and deflated Lowe's by about $766 million.
Adjusted to uniform 13-week periods, Home Depot still won the day. But as the numbers show, at least the game was respectable.
Home Depot had an extra week in its 2012 quarter, while Lowe's was operating with one fewer week. The difference created a nearly $2 billion swing, as the extra week benefited Home Depot to the tune of $1.2 billion, and deflated Lowe's by about $766 million.
Adjusted to uniform 13-week periods, Home Depot still won the day. But as the numbers show, at least the game was respectable.