1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------- FORM 11-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 7, 1996]. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]. For the transition period from to ---------------- ----------------- Commission file number 1-8207 ------- Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below: The Home Depot FutureBuilder - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office: The Home Depot, Inc., 2455 Paces Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30339 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Financial Statements December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon 3 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Independent Auditors' Report 1 Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits 2 Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits 3 Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits by Fund 4-6 Notes to Financial Statements 7 Item 27a - Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Purposes 12 Item 27d - Schedule of Reportable Transactions 15 4 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Administrative Committee The Home Depot Futurebuilder 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan: We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of The Home Depot Futurebuilder 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Plan") as of December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's Administrative Committee. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Plan's Administrative Committee, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of The Home Depot Futurebuilder 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan at December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The supplementary information included in Schedules 1 and 2 is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. These supplemental schedules are the responsibility of the Plan's Administrative Committee. The fund information in the statements of net assets available for benefits and the statements of changes in net assets available for benefits is presented for purposes of additional analysis rather than to present the net assets available for benefits and changes in net assets available for benefits of each fund. The supplemental schedules and fund information have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, are fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. May 18, 1999 5 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 1998 1997 1996 -------------- ----------- ----------- Assets: Investments, at fair value: Shares of registered investment companies: Biltmore Prime Fund $ -- -- 698,544 Dimensional Fixed Income Fund 9,388,834 6,144,851 3,348,509 Barclay's Global Investors Fund 34,286,478 22,698,430 8,669,946 Putnam New Opportunities Fund 54,400,853 37,683,315 17,497,281 Templeton Foreign Fund 10,090,597 10,457,652 4,930,358 Invesco Value Trust Fund 20,180,662 14,784,880 5,960,785 Home Depot Stock Fund 133,487,420 29,148,472 5,695,704 WB Short-term Investment Fund 28,023,828 15,643,666 6,241,294 Participant loans receivable 19,397,904 7,329,452 -- The Home Depot, Inc. common stock 1,151,069,495 566,880,156 329,802,701 -------------- ----------- ----------- Total investments 1,460,326,071 710,770,874 382,845,122 Cash 384,590 341,324 -- Employer contributions receivable 6,913,263 10,539,803 11,705,780 Other receivable 146,641 -- 190,575 -------------- ----------- ----------- Total assets 1,467,770,565 721,652,001 394,741,477 -------------- ----------- ----------- Liabilities: Accrued liabilities 553,163 490,198 179,731 Other payable 494,967 2,728,134 -- Accrued interest payable -- -- 311,999 Long-term debt -- -- 5,990,785 -------------- ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 1,048,130 3,218,332 6,482,515 -------------- ----------- ----------- Net assets available for benefits $1,466,722,435 718,433,669 388,258,962 ============== =========== =========== See accompanying notes to financial statements 2 6 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 1998 1997 1996 -------------- ----------- ------------ Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income: Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. $ 12,558,447 30,810,110 32,697,754 Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies 4,178,694 1,046,972 48,988 Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments 659,591,800 236,552,302 (14,508,716) Interest income 1,031,654 735,630 -- Dividends 7,821,045 4,681,418 2,353,642 -------------- ----------- ------------ 685,181,640 273,826,432 20,591,668 -------------- ----------- ------------ Contributions: Participants' 85,298,480 63,988,463 43,435,643 Employer's 38,328,001 32,555,354 23,978,312 -------------- ----------- ------------ 123,626,481 96,543,817 67,413,955 -------------- ----------- ------------ Total additions 808,808,121 370,370,249 88,005,623 -------------- ----------- ------------ Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 57,872,186 38,092,137 28,719,332 Administrative expenses 2,647,169 2,069,154 2,562,401 Interest expense -- 34,251 1,041,246 -------------- ----------- ------------ Total deductions 60,519,355 40,195,542 32,322,979 -------------- ----------- ------------ Net increase 748,288,766 330,174,707 55,682,644 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 718,433,669 388,258,962 332,576,318 -------------- ----------- ------------ End of year $1,466,722,435 718,433,669 388,258,962 ============== =========== ============ See accompanying notes to financial statements. 3 7 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(k) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits With Fund Information Year ended December 31, 1998 PARTICIPANT DIRECTED --------------------------------------------------------------------- DIMENSIONAL BARCLAY'S PUTNAM INVESCO FIXED GLOBAL NEW TEMPLETON VALUE INCOME INVESTORS OPPORTUNITIES FOREIGN TRUST FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- --------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. $ -- -- -- -- -- Realized gain (loss) on sale of shares of registered investment companies 6,867 1,972,784 1,860,505 (309,973) 648,511 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments 2,726 5,168,087 6,852,011 (1,206,351) 625,811 Interest income -- -- -- -- -- Dividends 355,503 -- 1,670,721 1,049,788 962,738 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 365,096 7,140,871 10,383,237 (466,536) 2,237,060 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Contributions: Participants' 3,435,751 13,050,896 20,754,506 5,468,894 8,496,807 Employer's -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 3,435,751 13,050,896 20,754,506 5,468,894 8,496,807 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total additions 3,800,847 20,191,767 31,137,743 5,002,358 10,733,867 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 595,528 1,233,290 1,990,431 512,624 773,934 Administrative expenses -- 46,527 -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total deductions 595,528 1,279,817 1,990,431 512,624 773,934 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) prior to interfund transfers 3,205,319 18,911,950 29,147,312 4,489,734 9,959,933 Interfund transfers 38,664 (7,323,902) (12,429,774) (4,856,789) (4,564,151) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) 3,243,983 11,588,048 16,717,538 (367,055) 5,395,782 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 6,144,851 22,698,430 37,683,315 10,457,652 14,784,880 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- End of year $ 9,388,834 34,286,478 54,400,853 10,090,597 20,180,662 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== PARTICIPANT NON-PARTICIPANT DIRECTED DIRECTED ------------------------- -------------------------- HOME DEPOT LOAN CLEARING STOCK FUND FUND OTHER ACCOUNT ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. 1,381,429 -- -- 2,660,808 Realized gain (loss) on sale of shares of registered investment companies -- -- -- -- Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments 54,964,626 -- -- -- Interest income -- 1,031,654 -- -- Dividends 341,362 -- -- 44,170 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 56,687,417 1,031,654 -- 2,704,978 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Contributions: Participants' 34,091,626 -- -- -- Employer's -- -- (3,626,540) -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 34,091,626 -- (3,626,540) -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total additions 90,779,043 1,031,654 (3,626,540) 2,704,978 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 4,438,352 995,711 -- -- Administrative expenses -- (67,050) 52,925 2,614,767 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total deductions 4,438,352 928,661 52,925 2,614,767 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) prior to interfund transfers 86,340,691 102,993 (3,679,465) 90,211 Interfund transfers 17,998,257 12,031,576 (41) 5,709,080 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) 104,338,948 12,134,569 (3,679,506) 5,799,291 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 29,148,472 7,576,335 10,039,606 6,702,295 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- End of year 133,487,420 19,710,904 6,360,100 12,501,586 =========== =========== =========== =========== NON-PARTICIPANT DIRECTED -------------- HOME DEPOT STOCK TOTAL -------------- ------------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. 8,516,210 12,558,447 Realized gain (loss) on sale of shares of registered investment companies -- 4,178,694 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments 593,184,890 659,591,800 Interest income -- 1,031,654 Dividends 3,396,763 7,821,045 -------------- ------------- 605,097,863 685,181,640 -------------- ------------- Contributions: Participants' -- 85,298,480 Employer's 41,954,541 38,328,001 -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- 41,954,541 123,626,481 -------------- ------------- Total additions 647,052,404 808,808,121 -------------- ------------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 47,332,316 57,872,186 Administrative expenses -- 2,647,169 -------------- ------------- Total deductions 47,332,316 60,519,355 -------------- ------------- Net increase (decrease) prior to interfund transfers 599,720,088 748,288,766 Interfund transfers (6,602,920) -- -------------- ------------- Net increase (decrease) 593,117,168 748,288,766 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 573,197,833 718,433,669 -------------- ------------- End of year 1,166,315,001 1,466,722,435 ============== ============= See accompanying notes to financial statements 4 8 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(k) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits With Fund Information Year ended December 31, 1997 PARTICIPANT DIRECTED --------------------------------------------------------------------- DIMENSIONAL BARCLAY'S PUTNAM INVESCO FIXED GLOBAL NEW TEMPLETON VALUE INCOME INVESTORS OPPORTUNITIES FOREIGN TRUST FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ------------ ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. $ -- -- -- -- -- Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies 98 435,449 291,969 114,169 205,287 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments (11,935) 3,796,317 4,705,755 (835,600) 1,508,533 Interest income -- -- -- -- -- Dividends -- -- -- -- -- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- (11,837) 4,231,766 4,997,724 (721,431) 1,713,820 ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Contributions: Participants' 5,103,158 12,219,264 21,917,387 8,193,821 9,003,680 Employer's -- -- -- -- -- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- 5,103,158 12,219,264 21,917,387 8,193,821 9,003,680 ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Total additions 5,091,321 16,451,030 26,915,111 7,472,390 10,717,500 ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 2,294,979 2,422,546 6,729,077 1,945,096 1,893,405 Administrative expenses -- -- -- -- -- Interest expense -- -- -- -- -- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Total deductions 2,294,979 2,422,546 6,729,077 1,945,096 1,893,405 ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) 2,796,342 14,028,484 20,186,034 5,527,294 8,824,095 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 3,348,509 8,669,946 17,497,281 4,930,358 5,960,785 ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- End of year $ 6,144,851 22,698,430 37,683,315 10,457,652 14,784,880 ============ ========== =========== =========== ========== PARTICIPANT NON-PARTICIPANT DIRECTED DIRECTED ----------- ---------------------------------------- WB HOME SHORT-TERM HOME DEPOT INVESTMENT DEPOT STOCK FUND OTHER FUND STOCK TOTAL ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. -- 30,810,110 -- -- 30,810,110 Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies -- -- -- -- 1,046,972 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments 23,452,768 -- -- 203,936,464 236,552,302 Interest income -- 735,630 -- -- 735,630 Dividends -- 4,681,418 -- -- 4,681,418 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 23,452,768 36,227,158 -- 203,936,464 273,826,432 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Contributions: Participants' -- 7,551,153 -- -- 63,988,463 Employer's -- (11,269,706) 8,703,831 35,121,229 32,555,354 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -- (3,718,553) 8,703,831 35,121,229 96,543,817 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total additions 23,452,768 32,508,605 8,703,831 239,057,693 370,370,249 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants -- 20,826,797 -- 1,980,237 38,092,137 Administrative expenses -- 2,069,154 -- -- 2,069,154 Interest expense -- 34,251 -- -- 34,251 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total deductions -- 22,930,202 -- 1,980,237 40,195,542 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) 23,452,768 9,578,403 8,703,831 237,077,456 330,174,707 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 5,695,704 5,413,840 6,939,838 329,802,701 388,258,962 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- End of year 29,148,472 14,992,243 15,643,669 566,880,157 718,433,669 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== See accompanying notes to financial statements 5 9 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(k) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits With Fund Information Year ended December 31, 1996 PARTICIPANT DIRECTED ------------------------------------------------------------------- DIMENSIONAL BARCLAY'S PUTNAM INVESCO FIXED GLOBAL NEW TEMPLETON VALUE INCOME INVESTORS OPPORTUNITIES FOREIGN TRUST FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ----------- ----------- ------------- ---------- ---------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income: Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. $ -- -- -- -- -- Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies 6,497 10,507 (3,077) 2,962 3,937 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments (9,369) 841,626 (532,619) 194,200 250,946 Interest income -- -- -- -- -- Dividends -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- (2,872) 852,133 (535,696) 197,162 254,883 ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- Contributions: Participants' 3,812,813 8,062,586 18,594,971 4,935,900 5,850,419 Employer's -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- 3,812,813 8,062,586 18,594,971 4,935,900 5,850,419 ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- Total additions 3,809,941 8,914,719 18,059,275 5,133,062 6,105,302 ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 461,433 244,773 561,994 202,704 144,517 Administrative expenses -- -- -- -- -- Interest expense -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- Total deductions 461,433 244,773 561,994 202,704 144,517 ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) 3,348,508 8,669,946 17,497,281 4,930,358 5,960,785 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 1 -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- End of year $ 3,348,509 8,669,946 17,497,281 4,930,358 5,960,785 =========== =========== =========== ========= ========== NON-PARTICIPANT PARTICIPANT DIRECTED DIRECTED ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- HOME BILTMORE BILTMORE DEPOT PRIME SHORT-TERM FIXED STOCK FUND FUND OTHER INVESTMENT CD FUND FUND ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income: Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. -- -- 32,697,754 -- -- -- Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies -- -- -- -- -- (2,726) Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments (464,758) -- -- -- -- -- Interest income -- -- -- -- -- -- Dividends -- -- 2,353,642 -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- (464,758) -- 35,051,396 -- -- (2,726) ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Contributions: Participants' -- -- 2,178,954 -- -- -- Employer's 6,160,462 488 11,677,566 5,071,560 367,700 161,136 ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- 6,160,462 488 13,856,520 5,071,560 367,700 161,136 ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Total additions 5,695,704 488 48,907,916 5,071,560 367,700 158,410 ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants -- -- 22,597,322 -- 602,800 233,605 Administrative expenses -- -- 2,562,401 -- -- -- Interest expense -- -- 1,041,246 -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Total deductions -- -- 26,200,969 -- 602,800 233,605 ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) 5,695,704 488 22,706,947 5,071,560 (235,100) (75,195) Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year -- 698,056 (17,293,107) 1,169,734 235,100 75,195 ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -------- End of year 5,695,704 698,544 5,413,840 6,241,294 -- -- ========== ========== =========== ========= ======== ======== NON-PARTICIPANT DIRECTED --------------------------- BILTMORE HOME EQUITY DEPOT FUND STOCK TOTAL ----------- ------------ ------------ Additions to net assets attributed to: Investment income: Realized gain on sale or distribution of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. -- -- 32,697,754 Realized gain on sale of shares of registered investment companies 30,888 -- 48,988 Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments -- (14,788,742) (14,508,716) Interest income -- -- -- Dividends -- -- 2,353,642 ----------- ------------ ------------ 30,888 (14,788,742) 20,591,668 ----------- ------------ ------------ Contributions: Participants' -- -- 43,435,643 Employer's 539,400 -- 23,978,312 ----------- ------------ ------------ 539,400 -- 67,413,955 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total additions 570,288 (14,788,742) 88,005,623 ----------- ------------ ------------ Deductions from net assets attributed to: Benefits paid to participants 882,526 2,787,658 28,719,332 Administrative expenses -- -- 2,562,401 Interest expense -- -- 1,041,246 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total deductions 882,526 2,787,658 32,322,979 ----------- ------------ ------------ Net increase (decrease) (312,238) (17,576,400) 55,682,644 Net assets available for benefits: Beginning of year 312,238 347,379,101 332,576,318 ----------- ------------ ------------ End of year -- 329,802,701 388,258,962 =========== ============ ============ See accompanying notes to financial statements 6 10 (1) DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN The following is a brief description of The Home Depot Futurebuilder 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Plan"). Participants should refer to the Plan agreement for a more complete description of the Plan's provisions. (A) GENERAL The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees of The Home Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company"). Employees are eligible to become participants on the first quarterly entry date (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1) following the completion of one year of service. The Plan is subject to certain provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). (B) CONTRIBUTIONS Under the employee stock ownership portion of the Plan, contributions are made solely by the Company and at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors ("ESOP contributions"). Under the 401(k) portion of the Plan, participants may contribute up to 15% of pretax annual compensation, as defined in the Plan. Participants may also contribute amounts representing distributions from other qualified defined benefit plans or contribution plans. For the first 10 months of the Plan year ended December 31, 1998, the Company contributed 50% of the first 5% of base compensation that a participant contributed to the Plan. Effective November 1, 1998, the Plan was amended increasing the Company matching contribution to 150% of the first 1% of base compensation contributed by a participant and 50% of the next 2% to 5% of base compensation contributed by a participant. Additional amounts may be contributed at the option of the Company's Board of Directors. All employer contributions are initially invested in Home Depot common stock. Contributions are subject to certain limitations. (C) PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS The Plan maintains a separate account for each participant, to which contributions, forfeitures, and investment performance are allocated. ESOP contributions are allocated to individual accounts based on the ratio of the employee's eligible compensation to total eligible compensation of all participants. 7 11 (D) VESTING An employee becomes 100% vested upon death, reaching retirement age 65, total or permanent disability, or if the Plan is terminated. If an employee leaves the service of the Company for reasons other than stated above, vesting for the ESOP contributions and earnings thereon is based on years of service, as follows: YEARS VESTING OF SERVICE PERCENTAGE ---------- ---------- 3 20% 4 40 5 60 6 80 7 or more 100 === Nonvested stock and cash forfeited by participants are reallocated to active participant accounts annually on December 31. For the 401(k) portion of the Plan, participants are immediately vested in their contributions plus actual earnings thereon. Vesting in the Company's matching and discretionary contributions plus actual earnings thereon is based on years of vesting service. A participant is 100% vested after three years of vesting service. (E) PAYMENT OF BENEFITS Upon retirement, death, disability, or termination of service for any other reason, participants may elect to receive a lump-sum payment of their vested account balance in the form of cash or securities at the market value on the date of distribution. (F) PARTICIPANT LOANS RECEIVABLE Participants may borrow from their fund accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum equal to the lessor of $50,000 or 50% of their account balance. Loan transactions are treated as a transfer to (from) the investment fund from (to) the loan fund. Loan terms range from one to five years. The loans bear interest at a rate commensurate with local prevailing rates. (G) FORFEITED ACCOUNTS Forfeited nonvested accounts are used to reduce forfeitures of future employer contributions. In 1998, employer contributions were reduced by forfeitures of $6,742,000. 8 12 (2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Plan in preparing its financial statements. (A) GENERAL The Plan is administered by an Administrative Committee made up of employees of the Company. Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. has been appointed the Trustee of the Plan, and as such holds, controls, manages, and administers the assets of the Plan. (B) BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. (C) INVESTMENTS The Plan's investments are stated at fair value. Shares of registered investment companies are valued at quoted market prices, which represents the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. The Company's common stock is valued at its quoted market price as obtained from the New York Stock Exchange. The investment in the WB Short-Term Investment Fund is reported at fair value as determined by Wachovia Bank based on the quoted market prices of the securities in the fund. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. The cost basis of securities owned is determined using an annual average cost method on a first-in, first-out basis. At December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, the fair value of common stock of the Company was $61.19, $29.44, and $16.71 per share, respectively. At December 31, 1998, the Plan's average cost basis per share of common stock is $6.87. Per share amounts have been adjusted for a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend on July 2, 1998 and a three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend on July 3, 1997. The Plan also invests in short-term investments which are carried at market value. (D) EXPENSES Administrative expenses consist principally of amounts paid for consulting and management fees related to the 401(k) program and to the Trustee for management and investment of the trust fund. These fees are paid out of Plan assets. (E) USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 9 13 (3) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Internal Revenue Service has determined and informed the Company by a letter dated September 4, 1997 that the Plan is designed in accordance with applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"). The Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter. However, the Administrative Committee of the Plan believes the Plan is designed and is currently being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the IRC. (4) TERMINATION Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and terminate the Plan subject to provisions of ERISA. In the event of plan termination, participants will become 100% vested in their accounts. (5) REALIZED GAIN ON COMMON STOCK OF THE HOME DEPOT, INC. The Plan's realized gains on common stock of the Company are summarized as follows: 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ---------- ---------- Market value at date of sale or distribution of shares of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. $16,225,791 32,790,348 35,485,412 Less cost of shares of common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. sold or distributed 3,667,344 1,980,238 2,787,658 ----------- ---------- ---------- Total realized gain $12,558,447 30,810,110 32,697,754 =========== ========== ========== The total number of shares sold or distributed to fund cash withdrawals and expenses of the Plan were 442,437 in 1998; 590,794 in 1997; and 522,724 in 1996. 10 14 (6) INVESTMENTS The Plan's investments are held by the Trustee of the Plan, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. A description of the assets of the Plan follows: PARTICIPANT DIRECTED - Dimensional Fixed Income Fund - Funds are invested in shares of a registered investment company that invests in high quality short-term debt obligations that mature within two years. - Barclay's Global Investors Fund - Funds are invested in shares of a registered investment company that invests in the common stocks included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. - Putnam New Opportunities Fund - Funds are invested in shares of a registered investment company that invests primarily in common stocks which are believed to have the potential to grow at an above-average pace over time. - Templeton Foreign Fund - Funds are invested in shares of a registered investment company that invests in stocks and debt obligations of companies and governments outside the U.S. - Invesco Value Trust Fund - Funds are invested in shares of a registered investment company that invests in bonds, common stocks, and high-quality short-term to intermediate-term debt obligations. - Home Depot Stock Fund - Funds are invested in common stock of The Home Depot, Inc. NON-PARTICIPANT DIRECTED - The Home Depot, Inc. Common Stock - Comprised of shares of The Home Depot's common stock, representing the Company's matching and ESOP contributions. These shares have been allocated to individual participant accounts. Participants may immediately transfer the Company's matching contributions to other investment funds. Each participant who has completed five years of service and attained the age of 55 may transfer ESOP contributions to other investment funds. The fair value of individual investments that represent 5.0% or more of the Plan's net assets are as follows: 1998 1997 1996 -------------- ----------- ----------- The Home Depot, Inc. common stock $1,284,556,915 596,028,628 329,802,701 Putnam New Opportunities Fund 54,400,853 37,683,315 17,497,281 Investments in the Putnam New Opportunities Fund did not exceed 5.0% of the Plan's net assets at December 31, 1998 and 1996. 11 15 SCHEDULE 1 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27a - Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Purposes December 31, 1998 DESCRIPTION CURRENT IDENTITY OF ISSUE OF INVESTMENT COST VALUE - -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- *The Home Depot, Inc. common stock 20,993,779 shares of common stock $144,168,684 1,284,556,915 Dimensional Fixed Income Fund 927,750 shares of registered investment company 9,407,412 9,388,834 Barclay's Global Investors Fund 1,020,345 shares of registered investment company 24,480,448 34,286,478 Invesco Value Trust Fund 643,516 shares of registered investment company 17,795,371 20,180,662 Putnam New Opportunities Fund 931,043 shares of registered investment company 43,375,706 54,400,853 Templeton Foreign Fund 1,202,693 shares of registered investment company 11,938,348 10,090,597 *Wachovia Bank Short-Term 28,023,833 shares of collective Investment Fund trust fund of Wachovia Bank 28,023,828 28,023,828 Loans receivable Participant loans 19,397,904 19,397,904 ------------ -------------- Total investments $298,587,701 1,460,326,071 ============ ============== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan. 12 16 SCHEDULE 1 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27a - Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Purposes December 31, 1997 DESCRIPTION CURRENT IDENTITY OF ISSUE OF INVESTMENT COST VALUE - ------------------------------------ --------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- *The Home Depot, Inc. common stock 10,123,629 shares of common stock $114,760,756 596,028,628 Dimensional Fixed Income Fund 608,401 shares of registered investment company 6,166,155 6,144,851 Barclay's Global Investors Fund 868,241 shares of registered investment company 18,060,487 22,698,430 Invesco Value Trust Fund 508,246 shares of registered investment company 13,025,401 14,784,880 Putnam New Opportunities Fund 774,580 shares of registered investment company 33,510,179 37,683,315 Templeton Foreign Fund 1,051,020 shares of registered investment company 11,099,052 10,457,652 *Wachovia Bank Short-Term 15,643,665 shares of collective Investment Fund trust fund of Wachovia Bank 15,643,666 15,643,666 Loans receivable Participants' loans 7,329,452 7,329,452 ------------ ----------- Total investments $219,595,148 710,770,874 ============ =========== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan. 13 17 SCHEDULE 1 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27a - Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Purposes December 31, 1996 DESCRIPTION CURRENT IDENTITY OF ISSUE OF INVESTMENT COST VALUE - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- *The Home Depot, Inc. common stock 6,579,605 shares of common stock $ 75,459,041 329,802,701 *Home Depot Stock Fund 113,630 shares of common stock 6,150,462 5,695,704 Dimensional Fixed Income Fund 331,208 shares of registered investment income 3,357,878 3,348,509 Barclay's Global Investors Fund 442,254 shares of registered investment income 7,828,320 8,669,946 Invesco Value Trust Fund 245,300 shares of registered investment income 5,709,839 5,960,785 Putnam New Opportunities Fund 430,649 shares of registered investment income 18,029,900 17,497,281 Templeton Foreign Fund 475,903 shares of registered investment income 4,736,158 4,930,358 Biltmore Prime Fund 698,544 shares of registered investment income 698,544 698,544 *Wachovia Bank Short-Term Investment Fund 6,241,294 shares of collective trust fund of Wachovia Bank 6,241,294 6,241,294 Total investments $128,211,436 382,845,122 ============ =========== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan. 14 18 SCHEDULE 2 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27(d) - Schedule of Reportable Transactions Year ended December 31, 1998 A reportable transaction is defined as any individual transaction or a series of similar transactions greater than 5% of the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning of the plan year. The following represents reportable transactions for the year ended December 31, 1998: CURRENT VALUE PURCHASE SELLING COST ON TRANSACTION IDENTITY OF PARTY INVOLVED DESCRIPTION OF ASSET PRICE PRICE OF ASSET DATE - ----------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- *The Home Depot, Inc. Common stock $ 43,111,133 -- 43,111,133 43,111,133 *The Home Depot, Inc. Common stock -- 16,225,791 3,667,344 16,225,741 *Wachovia Bank Short-term investment fund 192,991,955 -- 192,991,955 192,991,955 *Wachovia Bank Short-term investment fund -- 180,611,791 180,611,791 180,611,791 ============ =========== =========== =========== NET GAIN IDENTITY OF PARTY INVOLVED OR (LOSS) - ----------------------------------------- ---------- *The Home Depot, Inc. -- *The Home Depot, Inc. 12,558,447 *Wachovia Bank -- *Wachovia Bank -- ========== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan 15 19 SCHEDULE 2 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27(d) - Schedule of Reportable Transactions Year ended December 31, 1997 A reportable transaction is defined as any individual transaction or a series of similar transactions greater than 5% of the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning of the plan year. The following represents reportable transactions for the year ended December 31, 1997: EXPENSES CURRENT VALUE SELLING INCURRED IN COST ON TRANSACTION IDENTITY OF PARTY INVOLVED DESCRIPTION OF ASSET PRICE TRANSACTION OF ASSET DATE NET GAIN - ----------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------- *The Home Depot, Inc. Common stock $ 32,790,348 -- 1,980,238 32,790,348 30,810,110 ================= =========== ========= ============= ========== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan. 16 20 SCHEDULE 2 THE HOME DEPOT FUTUREBUILDER 401(K) AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN Item 27(d) - Schedule of Reportable Transactions Year ended December 31, 1996 A reportable transaction is defined as any individual transaction or a series of similar transactions greater than 5% of the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning of the plan year. The following represents reportable transactions for the year ended December 31, 1996: EXPENSES CURRENT VALUE SELLING INCURRED IN COST ON TRANSACTION IDENTITY OF PARTY INVOLVED DESCRIPTION OF ASSET PRICE TRANSACTION OF ASSET DATE - ------------------------------ -------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------- ---------- *The Home Depot, Inc. Common stock $ 35,485,412 -- 2,787,658 35,485,412 ================= =========== ========= ========== IDENTITY OF PARTY INVOLVED NET GAIN - ------------------------------ ---------- *The Home Depot, Inc. 32,697,754 ========== *Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan 17 21 SIGNATURES The Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustees (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) have duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. The Home Depot FutureBuilder Date: June 23, 1999 /s/ Lawrence A. Smith ---------------------------- By: Lawrence A. Smith Member, Administrative Committee