HD & LOW: Strength in numbers

Atlanta-based The Home Depot and Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe's are connected by the home improvement industry's biggest rivalry -- as well as the American consumer's enthusiasm and ability to spend money on the house.

With 2,273 stores in operation at the end of the third quarter, Depot brings more firepower to the battle. Lowe's operates 1,849. But they appear to be riding the same tide in home improvement.

Atlanta-based The Home Depot and Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe's are connected by the home improvement industry's biggest rivalry -- as well as the American consumer's enthusiasm and ability to spend money on the house.

With 2,273 stores in operation at the end of the third quarter, Depot brings more firepower to the battle. Lowe's operates 1,849. But they appear to be riding the same tide in home improvement.

With both companies producing strong third-quarter results, here's a look at the last four quarters in some of the major metrics: net earnings, total sales and total company comparable-store sales. The three simple charts showcase the big-number performances of the last year.