Home Depot raised its annual same-store sales forecast on Tuesday, betting on resilient demand from professional contractors to offset weak spending on bigger projects such as kitchen renovations.

Strom damage across the Southeast accounted for higher sales to contractors, and the chain also forecast stronger results as mortgage rates drop.

Home Depot said comparable sales declined 1.3% for the quarter through October, better than analysts’ expectations, after adverse weather propped up demand for home-improvement materials. Drew Reading of Bloomberg Intelligence has more on Bloomberg Television.

Home Depot forecast a smaller drop in annual same-store sales on Tuesday, benefiting from resilient demand from professional contractors, as well as a lift from hurricane-related spending. Shares of the top U.

The home-improvement retailer raised its guidance following strong third-quarter sales as demand rose for grills and paint. Hurricane preparations in the Southeast also provided a bump.