ATLANTA -- Home remodeling supply giant The Home Depot reported sales of $19.1 billion for the first quarter, up 7.4 percent from first quarter 2012.

Net earnings for the first quarter were $1.2 billion, up 18% compared with same period of fiscal 2012. 

"In the first quarter, we saw less favorable weather compared to last year, but we continue to see benefit from a recovering housing market that drove a stronger-than-expected start to the year for our business," said Frank Blake, CEO.