Home Depot reports sales of $23.2 billion

The Home Depot posted a double-digit increase in earnings during its thrid quarter, characterized as a balanced across-the-board period of growth for the world's largest home improvement retailer.

Net sales jumped 6.1% to $23.2 billion, compared to $21.8 billion in the same quarter last year.

Comparable-store sales in the U.S. increased 5.9%. 

“We experienced balanced sales growth in the quarter driven by an increase in both ticket and transactions, and our continued focus on productivity drove double-digit earnings-per-share growth,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president.

Third quarter sales to the pro customer grew faster than sales to the DIY customer.

And online sales generated double-digit growth -- more than 17%, representing 5.6% of Home Depot's overall sales. 

At the same time, the company said it continues to expect growth in the maintenance, repair and operations segment, through its acquisition of Interline -- a $1.6 billion deal that closed in August 2015.

Looking ahead, the company said it continues to expect sales for the year to finish ahead 6.3%, with cups up about 4.9%. The company raised its guidance for diluted eanrings-per-share -- now expecting 15.9% growth to $6.33.

At the end of the quarter, the company operated 2,276 stores -- up from 2,275 from the prior quarter.