Attached files

file filename
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - HOME DEPOT, INC.Financial_Report.xls
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit312x05032015.htm
EX-12.1 - STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit121x05032015.htm
EX-32.2 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit322x05032015.htm
EX-32.1 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit321x05032015.htm
EX-15.1 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit151x05032015.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_exhibit311x05032015.htm
10-Q - 10-Q - HOME DEPOT, INC.hd_10qx05032015.htm


Exhibit 18.1


PREFERABILITY LETTER ON CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
May 26, 2015
The Board of Directors

The Home Depot, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have been furnished with a copy of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Home Depot, Inc. (the Company) for the three months ended May 3, 2015, and have read the Company’s statements contained in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included therein. As stated in note 2, the Company changed its method of accounting for shipping and handling costs from the Company's stores, locations or distribution centers to customers and for online fulfillment center costs. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in cost of sales whereas they were previously included in operating expenses. The Company states that the newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because including these expenses in cost of sales will better align these costs with the related revenue in the gross profit calculation. In accordance with your request, we have reviewed and discussed with Company officials the circumstances and business judgment and planning upon which the decision to make this change in the method of accounting was based.
We have not audited any financial statements of the Company as of any date or for any period subsequent to February 1, 2015, nor have we audited the information set forth in the aforementioned note 2 to the consolidated financial statements; accordingly, we do not express an opinion concerning the factual information contained therein.
With regard to the aforementioned accounting change, authoritative criteria have not been established for evaluating the preferability of one acceptable method of accounting over another acceptable method. However, for purposes of the Company’s compliance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are furnishing this letter.
Based on our review and discussion, with reliance on management’s business judgment and planning, we concur that the newly adopted method of accounting is preferable in the Company’s circumstances.
Very truly yours,
/s/ KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia