The company announced Tuesday that for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, earnings of net $1.3 billion, compared with net earnings of $1.0 billion reported for the same period in fiscal 2004. Sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 totaled $19.5 billion, a 15.9 percent increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 5.5 percent.

For 2005, Home Depot?EUR??,,????'???s earnings were $5.8 billion, compared to net earnings of $5.0 billion in fiscal 2004. Sales for fiscal 2005 increased to $81.5 billion, an 11.5 percent increase over fiscal 2004, and comparable store sales for the year grew 3.8 percent.

?EUR??,,????'??Our performance in 2005 reflects the hard work and dedication of our 345,000 associates, and I want to personally thank them for another year of record results,?EUR??,,????'?? said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president & CEO. ?EUR??,,????'??In 2006, we will capitalize on our strong momentum and continue to deliver sustainable, predictable and profitable growth.?EUR??,,????'??

In 2005, the Home Depot opened 20 net new stores in Canada and 10 net new stores in Mexico. As of year-end 2005, approximately 9.4 percent of the company?EUR??,,????'???s store base was located outside of the U.S.

?EUR??,,????'??This year was one of significant growth,?EUR??,,????'?? said Carol Tome, executive vice president and CFO. ?EUR??,,????'??In 2005, we maintained our disciplined approach to capital allocation, investing $3.9 billion back into our business, spending $2.5 billion to acquire 21 companies and returning nearly $3.9 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.?EUR??,,????'??