ATLANTA, GA — Home Depot says Q2 sales rose 1.8% to $19.4 billion, and net earnings were $1.9 billion for the quarter, up 6.8% over the year-ago quarter. Home Depot posted a 1.9% gain in customer transactions in the three months ended Aug. 1 and average ticket prices rose five cents to $52.30. Despite profit increases, sales from professionals such as remodelers, custm woodworkers and construction firms in the second quarter were flat.>>