Home Depot Inc., the largest U.S. home-improvement retailer, forecast 2014 earnings growth that trailed some analysts’ estimates while also saying it would meet a profitability goal earlier than expected.
The first spending decline on a Black Friday weekend since 2009 reinforced projections for a lackluster holiday, increasing chances retailers will extend the deep discounts already hurting their profit margins.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, rose to the highest ever after the company said its back-to-school season was “very strong” and annual sales would grow as much as 7% next year.
