Alan Rifkin Home Quotations

If you look at the four hurricanes last year, which had combined insured losses of $23 billion, both Home Depot and Lowe's benefited by about 100 basis points on their same-store sales,

While we believe Home Depot is one of the finest names in retailing, we continue to reiterate our cautious outlook on the shares, given the company's vulnerability to a potential slowdown in the housing environment.

Lowe's remains one of our favorite names. Despite concern of a softening housing market in 2006, we believe Lowe's solid results are indicative of trends in the broader home improvement industry.

We remain very positive on the home improvement sector and Home Depot's prospects, particularly given current valuation levels. Home Depot shares are currently trading in line with the five-year historic low forward price-to-earnings ratio, based on consensus estimates.

We admire Home Depot's solid execution and productivity. We continue to have a more positive view on the macroeconomic environment over the next six to 12 months.

We admire Home Depot's solid execution and productivity, ... We continue to have a more positive view on the macroeconomic environment over the next six to 12 months.