The Home Depot Inc 2024: A Comprehensive Overview

The Home Depot, Inc., the world’s largest home improvement retailer, has demonstrated resilience and strategic foresight in its 2024 performance. This comprehensive post delves into the company’s operations, financial performance, strategic initiatives, subsidiary details, and future outlook, providing an in-depth analysis for stakeholders, investors, and home improvement enthusiasts. From its robust supply chain to its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, The Home Depot continues to set the standard in the retail industry.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Introduction to The Home Depot
  • 2. Key Subsidiaries
  • 3. Financial Performance in 2024
    • 3.1 Consolidated Statement of Earnings
    • 3.2 Consolidated Balance Sheet
    • 3.3 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  • 4. Strategic Objectives and Initiatives
    • 4.1 Delivering a Best-in-Class Interconnected Experience
    • 4.2 Growing Pro Wallet Share
    • 4.3 Expanding Store Footprint
  • 5. Strategic Acquisitions
  • 6. Supply Chain and Logistics
  • 7. Enhancing Customer Experience
  • 8. Sustainability and Human Capital Management
  • 9. Corporate Governance and Leadership
  • 10. Market Position and Competition
  • 11. Future Outlook and Challenges
  • 12. Conclusion

1. Introduction to The Home Depot

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) is a Delaware corporation and the global leader in home improvement retailing. As of February 2, 2025, the company operated 2,347 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with an average store size of approximately 104,000 square feet of enclosed space and an additional 24,000 square feet for outdoor garden areas. The company’s extensive network also includes distribution and fulfillment centers, supporting its omnichannel retail strategy.

The Home Depot serves two primary customer segments: do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and professional contractors (Pros), alongside do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers who rely on professional services for installations. Its product offerings span building materials, home improvement products, lawn and garden items, décor, and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products, available both in-store and online through platforms like homedepot.com, homedepot.ca, and srsdistribution.com.

In 2024, The Home Depot reinforced its market dominance despite macroeconomic challenges, including high interest rates and reduced consumer demand for home improvement projects. The company’s strategic focus on interconnected retail, professional customer growth, and new store openings, coupled with its acquisition of SRS Distribution Inc., has positioned it for sustained growth.

Key Fact: The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer, with net sales of $159.5 billion in 2024, a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

2. Key Subsidiaries

The Home Depot operates through several wholly-owned subsidiaries that enhance its operational capabilities and market reach. These subsidiaries support its core retail operations, e-commerce platforms, professional services, and specialty trade distribution. Below is an overview of key subsidiaries as of 2024:

2.1 The Home Depot Canada

Overview: The Home Depot Canada operates the company’s retail stores in Canada, offering a similar range of home improvement products and services as its U.S. counterpart. It caters to both DIY and Pro customers through physical stores and the homedepot.ca platform.

  • Operations: As of February 2, 2025, The Home Depot Canada operated 182 stores across 10 provinces, with a focus on localized product assortments for Canadian climates and building codes.
  • Contribution: The subsidiary contributes significantly to The Home Depot’s international sales, with Canada representing a key growth market. It supports omnichannel retail with services like BOPIS and BODFS.
  • Leadership: Managed under the oversight of The Home Depot’s international operations team, led by Senior EVP Ann-Marie Campbell.

2.2 The Home Depot México

Overview: The Home Depot México operates retail stores in Mexico, serving DIY, DIFM, and Pro customers with products tailored to the Mexican market.

  • Operations: The subsidiary operates 131 stores across Mexico as of February 2, 2025, supported by distribution centers and an online platform. It focuses on affordable home improvement solutions and professional services.
  • Contribution: México is a growing market for The Home Depot, with steady sales growth driven by urbanization and demand for construction materials.
  • Community Engagement: The subsidiary supports local communities through The Home Depot Foundation’s initiatives, including disaster relief and housing projects.

2.3 SRS Distribution Inc.

Overview: Acquired on June 18, 2024, SRS Distribution Inc. is a leading distributor of specialty trade products, focusing on roofing, landscaping, and pool supplies for professional customers.

  • Operations: SRS operates over 780 branch locations across the U.S., each with distribution centers, material handling, and delivery equipment. It serves professional roofers, landscapers, and pool contractors through three business lines: roofing, landscape, and pool.
  • Financial Impact: Since its acquisition, SRS contributed $6.4 billion in net sales to The Home Depot in 2024, significantly boosting Pro market penetration.
  • Strategic Role: SRS enhances The Home Depot’s Pro ecosystem, expanding its total addressable market in fragmented specialty trade verticals.

2.4 HD Supply (Interline Brands, Inc.)

Overview: HD Supply, operating as Interline Brands, Inc., is a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products, serving facility maintenance professionals, contractors, and specialty trades.

  • Operations: The subsidiary operates a network of distribution centers and an online platform, offering products like plumbing, HVAC, and janitorial supplies. It supports The Home Depot’s Pro customer base with specialized inventory.
  • Contribution: HD Supply strengthens The Home Depot’s MRO offerings, complementing its retail operations and driving sales to institutional and commercial clients.
  • Integration: Fully integrated into The Home Depot’s supply chain, leveraging its logistics network for efficient delivery.
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2.5 The Company Store

Overview: The Company Store is an e-commerce subsidiary specializing in home décor, bedding, and bath products, enhancing The Home Depot’s online product assortment.

  • Operations: Operates primarily through thecompanystore.com, offering premium home goods to DIFM and DIY customers.
  • Contribution: Expands The Home Depot’s presence in the home décor market, driving online sales and complementing in-store offerings.
  • Customer Focus: Targets consumers seeking high-quality, design-focused products, supported by The Home Depot’s omnichannel fulfillment capabilities.

Subsidiary Insight: The Home Depot’s subsidiaries, particularly SRS Distribution and HD Supply, enhance its ability to serve diverse customer segments, from DIY enthusiasts to specialty trade professionals, driving both retail and B2B growth.

3. Financial Performance in 2024

The year 2024, which ended on February 2, 2025, and included 53 weeks, was a year of solid financial performance for The Home Depot, despite a challenging economic environment. Below is a detailed breakdown of the company’s financial results, including consolidated financial statements.

3.1 Consolidated Statement of Earnings

The Home Depot’s consolidated statement of earnings reflects its operational performance for fiscal 2024, with key metrics showing resilience amid market challenges.

Fiscal Year EndedFeb. 2, 2025 (53 weeks)Jan. 28, 2024 (52 weeks)
Net Sales$159,512$152,669
Cost of Sales$105,459$101,709
Gross Profit$54,053$50,960
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative$29,885$26,995
Depreciation and Amortization$3,374$3,213
Total Operating Expenses$33,259$30,208
Operating Income$20,794$20,752
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:
Interest Expense, Net$2,008$1,943
Earnings Before Provision for Income Taxes$18,786$18,809
Provision for Income Taxes$3,976$3,784
Net Earnings$14,810$15,025
Basic Earnings Per Share$14.97$15.16
Diluted Earnings Per Share$14.91$15.11

Key Insights: Net sales grew by 4.5% to $159.5 billion, driven by the SRS acquisition and the 53rd week, though comparable sales declined by 1.8%. Operating income remained stable at $20.8 billion, reflecting disciplined cost management. Net earnings slightly decreased to $14.8 billion due to higher operating expenses and taxes.

3.2 Consolidated Balance Sheet

The consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2025, highlights The Home Depot’s financial position, including assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity.

Feb. 2, 2025Jan. 28, 2024
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents$3,252$3,760
Receivables, Net$3,664$3,328
Merchandise Inventories$21,819$20,976
Other Current Assets$1,885$1,710
Total Current Assets$30,620$29,774
Net Property and Equipment$27,438$26,154
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets$7,529$7,183
Goodwill$10,144$8,455
Other Intangible Assets, Net$4,865$3,734
Other Assets$1,346$1,295
Total Assets$81,942$76,595
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-Term Debt$1,475$1,363
Accounts Payable$10,879$10,037
Accrued Salaries and Related Expenses$2,106$2,096
Current Operating Lease Liabilities$1,048$945
Other Current Liabilities$7,215$7,468
Total Current Liabilities$22,723$21,909
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Installments$43,232$42,866
Long-Term Operating Lease Liabilities$6,665$6,389
Other Long-Term Liabilities$2,954$2,783
Total Liabilities$75,574$73,947
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common Stock$90$90
Paid-In Capital$13,314$12,799
Retained Earnings$84,773$78,648
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss$(678)$(787)
Treasury Stock$(91,131)$(88,102)
Total Shareholders’ Equity$6,368$2,648
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$81,942$76,595

Key Insights: Total assets grew to $81.9 billion, driven by increased goodwill and intangible assets from the SRS acquisition. Liabilities rose to $75.6 billion, reflecting additional debt. Shareholders’ equity increased to $6.4 billion, supported by retained earnings growth.

3.3 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

The consolidated statement of cash flows outlines The Home Depot’s cash generation and utilization in 2024.

Fiscal Year EndedFeb. 2, 2025Jan. 28, 2024
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Earnings$14,810$15,025
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization$3,374$3,213
Stock-Based Compensation Expense$426$398
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisition Effects:
Receivables, Net$(336)$(192)
Merchandise Inventories$(843)$1,012
Other Current Assets$(175)$(85)
Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities$842$(1,234)
Other$347$285
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities$18,445$18,422
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures$(3,501)$(3,226)
Payments for Businesses Acquired, Net$(5,672)$(1,500)
Other Investing Activities$45$32
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities$(9,128)$(4,694)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Long-Term Debt, Net$2,981$3,978
Repayments of Long-Term Debt$(2,503)$(1,976)
Repurchases of Common Stock$(600)$(7,951)
Cash Dividends$(8,885)$(8,376)
Other Financing Activities$(261)$(205)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities$(9,268)$(14,530)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents$(951)$(802)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash$443$92
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year$3,760$4,470
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year$3,252$3,760

Key Insights: Operating activities generated $18.4 billion in cash, supporting investments and shareholder returns. Investing activities used $9.1 billion, primarily for the SRS acquisition and capital expenditures. Financing activities consumed $9.3 billion, reflecting dividends and reduced share repurchases.

Financial Highlight

The Home Depot returned $9.5 billion to shareholders in 2024, including $8.9 billion in dividends and $0.6 billion in share repurchases, before pausing repurchases in anticipation of the SRS acquisition.

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4. Strategic Objectives and Initiatives

The Home Depot’s strategic priorities in 2024 centered on delivering the best customer experience, developing differentiated capabilities, and maintaining its position as a low-cost provider. These objectives were pursued through three key initiatives: enhancing the interconnected shopping experience, growing professional customer market share, and expanding its store footprint.

4.1 Delivering a Best-in-Class Interconnected Experience

The Home Depot has prioritized creating a seamless shopping experience that integrates physical and digital channels, recognizing that customers increasingly blend online and in-store interactions. Key enhancements in 2024 included:

  • Digital App Improvements: The company enhanced its mobile app with better in-store navigation features, allowing customers to locate products using store-specific maps. This contributed to higher customer satisfaction and engagement.
  • Store Transformations: Upgrades to store front-ends, including reconfigured service desks and expanded self-checkout options, reduced checkout times and improved convenience.
  • Supply Chain Investments: The Home Depot invested in 19 direct fulfillment centers, stocking high-velocity products to reduce delivery lead times. Partnerships with third-party last-mile providers and technology upgrades across its 2,000+ stores enabled same-day and next-day delivery options, achieving the fastest delivery speeds in company history.
  • Appliance Delivery Network: Transitioning 100% of appliance deliveries to its market delivery network improved reliability and customer satisfaction.

These efforts resulted in higher conversion rates, increased sales, and improved customer satisfaction scores, reinforcing The Home Depot’s leadership in omnichannel retail.

4.2 Growing Pro Wallet Share

Professional customers, including contractors, renovators, and specialty tradespeople, are a critical growth segment for The Home Depot. In 2024, the company focused on capturing a larger share of Pro spending through tailored capabilities:

  • In-Store Enhancements: Investments in tools like Sidekick and Computer Vision improved on-shelf availability, ensuring Pros have access to trusted products. The introduction of Pro Customer Experience Managers in stores enhanced service for Pros, fostering stronger relationships.
  • Pro Ecosystem Development: The Home Depot expanded its Pro ecosystem in 17 markets, offering broader product assortments, dedicated sales forces, and digital platforms tailored to complex project needs. These initiatives generated over $1 billion in incremental sales.
  • SRS Acquisition: The acquisition of SRS Distribution Inc., a leading distributor serving professional roofers, landscapers, and pool contractors, expanded The Home Depot’s capabilities in specialty trades. SRS’s 780+ branch locations and $6.4 billion in sales since June 2024 significantly boosted Pro market penetration.
  • Tools and Programs: The MyView tool provided associates with visibility into customer activity, enabling proactive engagement. The Pro Xtra loyalty program and enhanced credit offerings, such as the Pro House Account, further supported Pro customers.

These efforts not only strengthened relationships with existing Pros but also attracted larger contractors working on complex projects, driving significant sales growth.

4.3 Expanding Store Footprint

While maintaining focus on existing store productivity, The Home Depot pursued strategic store openings to capture additional market opportunities. In 2024:

  • New Store Openings: The company opened 12 new stores, contributing to a total of 25 new stores since announcing a five-year plan in 2023 to open approximately 80 stores.
  • Strategic Locations: New stores were prioritized in areas with significant population growth or where existing high-volume stores required relief, enhancing customer access and sales potential.

This expansion strategy complements The Home Depot’s interconnected retail approach, leveraging its premium real estate to drive sales and improve customer experience.

Strategic Insight: The Home Depot’s focus on interconnected retail, Pro growth, and store expansion aligns with its goal to grow faster than the market, delivering exceptional shareholder value.

5. Strategic Acquisitions

Acquisitions played a pivotal role in The Home Depot’s growth strategy in 2024, with the acquisition of SRS Distribution Inc. being the most significant.

SRS Acquisition

Completed on June 18, 2024, the acquisition of SRS, a leading specialty trade distributor, enhanced The Home Depot’s capabilities in serving professional roofers, landscapers, and pool contractors. Key details include:

  • Scale and Scope: SRS operates over 780 branch locations across the U.S., each with distribution centers, material handling, and delivery equipment. Its three lines of business—roofing, landscape, and pool—generated $6.4 billion in net sales in 2024.
  • Strategic Fit: SRS complements The Home Depot’s existing capabilities, expanding its total addressable market by adding a leading distributor in fragmented verticals. The acquisition is expected to accelerate growth in the Pro market and enhance delivery network capabilities.
  • Financial Impact: The goodwill from the acquisition, approximately $1.0 billion of which is tax-deductible, reflects anticipated growth and synergies. Net earnings from SRS were immaterial in 2024, but its sales contribution was significant.

Other Acquisitions

In 2023, The Home Depot completed three smaller acquisitions for $1.5 billion, recognizing $469 million in intangible assets and $1.0 billion in goodwill. These acquisitions supported operational synergies and growth strategies but were immaterial to overall results.

The SRS acquisition, in particular, underscores The Home Depot’s commitment to expanding its Pro-focused capabilities, positioning it to capture a larger share of the specialty trade market.

6. Supply Chain and Logistics

The Home Depot’s supply chain is a cornerstone of its competitive advantage, enabling fast, reliable, and cost-effective delivery. In 2024, the company continued to invest in its supply chain network to meet evolving customer expectations.

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Distribution and Fulfillment Network

The Home Depot operates a sophisticated network of distribution centers tailored to different product types and delivery needs:

  • Rapid Deployment Centers: Automate and mechanize product movement for efficiency.
  • Stocking and Bulk Distribution Centers: Handle large inventories of high-demand products.
  • Flatbed Distribution Centers: Manage large items like lumber and building materials.
  • Direct Fulfillment Centers: Support online orders with 19 centers stocking high-velocity products.
  • Omni-Channel Fulfillment Centers: Deliver directly to customers, with a focus on appliances.
  • Market Delivery Operations: Consolidate freight for last-mile delivery, managing 100% of appliance deliveries.

Interconnected Retail Programs

The company leverages its 2,347 stores as fulfillment hubs, with approximately 50% of U.S. online orders fulfilled through stores in 2024. Key programs include:

  • BOSS (Buy Online, Ship to Store): Allows customers to order online and pick up in-store.
  • BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In Store): Offers convenient pickup options, including curbside and self-service lockers.
  • BODFS (Buy Online, Deliver From Store): Enables direct delivery from stores.
  • BORIS (Buy Online, Return In Store): Simplifies returns for online purchases.

Delivery Enhancements

Investments in last-mile delivery capacity, third-party partnerships, and technology upgrades enabled same-day and next-day delivery for a wide range of products. The Home Depot’s ability to control appliance deliveries end-to-end improved reliability and customer satisfaction.

Supply Chain Milestone

The Home Depot achieved its fastest delivery speeds across the greatest number of products in company history in 2024, enhancing customer convenience and driving sales.

7. Enhancing Customer Experience

Customer experience is at the heart of The Home Depot’s strategy, with investments aimed at making shopping seamless, convenient, and personalized.

In-Store Experience

The company continued to enhance its stores to improve navigation and checkout efficiency:

  • Wayfinding Signage: Improved product locateability.
  • Self-Service Lockers and Curbside Pickup: Streamlined online order pickups.
  • Electronic Shelf Labels: Enhanced pricing accuracy and efficiency.
  • hdPhone Devices: Empowered associates with tools like Sidekick to assist customers and manage inventory.

Digital Experience

With a significant portion of digital traffic coming from mobile devices, The Home Depot optimized its online platforms:

  • Improved Search and Navigation: Enhanced site functionality and product page content, including reviews and fulfillment options.
  • Personalized Marketing: Leveraged customer data to deliver relevant messaging, driving engagement and conversions.
  • Extended Aisle Online: Offered a broader product assortment through websites, complementing in-store inventory.

Associate Productivity and Safety

The Home Depot invested in associate tools and training to enhance service:

  • Process Improvements: Optimized product flow and order management to free up associate time for customer interactions.
  • Safety Programs: Implemented daily inspections, preventative maintenance, and training to ensure a safe environment for customers and associates.

These efforts resulted in higher customer satisfaction scores and reinforced The Home Depot’s reputation for exceptional service.

8. Sustainability and Human Capital Management

The Home Depot’s sustainability and human capital management initiatives are integral to its business strategy, organized around three pillars: Focus on Our People, Operate Sustainably, and Strengthen Our Communities.

Focus on Our People

With approximately 470,100 associates as of 2024, The Home Depot prioritizes a compelling associate experience:

  • Workforce Demographics: 89.3% of associates are in the U.S., with 50% of U.S. associates identifying as minorities and 36% as female.
  • Culture and Values: The company’s inverted pyramid philosophy places customers and associates at the top, supported by competitive wages, benefits, and development programs.
  • Talent Development: Approximately 90% of U.S. store leaders started as hourly associates, reflecting strong internal mobility.

Operate Sustainably

The Home Depot is committed to environmental responsibility:

  • Energy Efficiency: The company aims to save customers $600 million in energy costs by 2026 through ENERGY STAR products.
  • Water Conservation: Received the WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award for its efforts.
  • Responsible Sourcing: Maintains a global program ensuring suppliers comply with social and environmental standards, with audits for private-branded products.

Strengthen Our Communities

The Home Depot Foundation supports community initiatives:

  • Grants: Contributed approximately $90 million in 2024 to support communities.
  • Path to Pro Program: Since 2018, trained over 44,000 participants and introduced 315,000 people to skilled trades.

Sustainability Milestone: The Home Depot’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement enhances its brand reputation and supports long-term shareholder value.

9. Corporate Governance and Leadership

The Home Depot’s governance structure and leadership team drive its strategic vision and operational excellence.

Board of Directors

The board, led by Chair, President, and CEO Edward P. Decker, includes experienced directors with expertise in retail, finance, and technology. Notable members include:

  • Gregory D. Brenneman: Lead Director and Executive Chairman of CCMP Capital Advisors.
  • J. Frank Brown: Audit Committee Financial Expert and former Managing Director at General Atlantic.
  • Caryn Seidman-Becker: Chair and CEO of CLEAR Secure, Inc.

Executive Leadership

The executive team, appointed by the board, includes:

  • Edward P. Decker: Chair, President, and CEO since March 2022, with over 20 years at The Home Depot.
  • Richard V. McPhail: EVP and CFO, overseeing financial strategy.
  • Ann-Marie Campbell: Senior EVP, leading U.S. stores and international operations.

The company’s governance practices, including robust disclosure controls and internal audits by KPMG LLP, ensure transparency and accountability.

10. Market Position and Competition

The Home Depot operates in a highly competitive and fragmented home improvement industry, facing competition from traditional retailers, online platforms, and specialty distributors. Key competitors include:

  • Traditional Retailers: Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Menards.
  • Online Retailers: Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty e-commerce platforms.
  • Specialty Distributors: Local hardware stores, lumber yards, and MRO distributors.

The company competes on customer experience, price, product availability, and delivery options. Its interconnected retail strategy, premium real estate, and Pro-focused capabilities provide a competitive edge.

Competitive Advantage

The Home Depot’s ability to blend physical and digital channels, coupled with its extensive supply chain and Pro ecosystem, positions it as the market leader in home improvement.

11. Future Outlook and Challenges

Looking ahead to 2025, The Home Depot is well-positioned to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities, but it faces several challenges:

Growth Opportunities

  • Pro Market Expansion: Continued investment in Pro capabilities and SRS integration will drive market share gains.
  • Store Openings: The planned addition of approximately 55 more stores over the next four years will enhance market coverage.
  • Digital Innovation: Further enhancements to digital platforms and personalized marketing will boost online sales.

Challenges

  • Macroeconomic Uncertainty: High interest rates and inflation may continue to suppress consumer spending on home improvement.
  • Competition: Increasing online competition and price transparency require ongoing innovation.
  • Supply Chain Risks: Global disruptions, labor costs, and fuel prices could impact delivery efficiency.

The Home Depot’s disciplined capital allocation, focus on cost efficiency, and commitment to customer experience will help mitigate these challenges and sustain growth.

12. Conclusion

The Home Depot’s 2024 performance underscores its resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to delivering value to customers, associates, and shareholders. Through its focus on interconnected retail, Pro market growth, and strategic acquisitions like SRS, the company has strengthened its market leadership. Its subsidiaries, including The Home Depot Canada, México, SRS Distribution, HD Supply, and The Company Store, enhance its ability to serve diverse markets and customer segments. Investments in supply chain, digital platforms, and sustainability further solidify its competitive position.

As The Home Depot navigates a dynamic economic landscape, its robust financial foundation, innovative capabilities, and customer-centric approach position it for continued success. For investors, the company’s disciplined capital allocation and shareholder returns make it a compelling opportunity. For customers, its seamless shopping experience and extensive product offerings solidify its status as the go-to destination for home improvement.

Final Thought: The Home Depot’s legacy, built on the vision of co-founder Bernie Marcus, continues to thrive through its values-driven culture and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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