Atlanta - The Home Depot reported higher net earnings and sales in its fiscal third quarter

Net earnings were $934 million, compared with net earnings of $834 million in the same period of fiscal 2010. Sales for the third quarter totaled $17.3 billion, a 4.4 percent increase from the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Comp-store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were positive 4.2 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 3.8 percent.

"Our third quarter was driven by strength in our core categories and storm-related sales as well as strong operating performance," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO.