TJX raises annual profit forecast as off-price stores attract bargain hunters
10:43 am Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
By Neil J Kanatt
(Reuters) -TJX Cos raised its annual profit forecast on Wednesday, benefiting from lower costs and strong demand from cash-strapped customers flocking to its off-price stores for products such as apparel and footwear.
The TJ Maxx parent has hit the right spot as customers continue to hunt for value and better deals even as inflationary pressures ease, driving steady traffic and sales at its outlets.
Retailers including TJX, Walmart, and Amazon have rolled out holiday deals on everything from toys to household items earlier than usual as they woo penny-pinching shoppers.
The Marshalls chain parent expects annual earnings per share of $4.15 to $4.17, up from its prior forecast of $4.09 to $4.13.
It, however, maintained its target of 3% annual comparable store sales growth. TJX’s shares, which are up 28% this year, were down 1.3% at the open on Wednesday.
“TJX is historically conservative in their guidance while consistent in their results,” said BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel, adding, “the company continues to take share from brands as they have been pivoting away from traditional wholesale partners.”
The retailer’s raised profit expectation comes as mixed forecasts from Walmart and Target have fueled uncertainty around the holiday shopping season.
Walmart, which offers products at the lowest price possible, again raised its annual forecasts. But smaller rival Target, where non-essentials constitute a bigger share of revenue, signaled muted holiday sales.
TJX’s third-quarter net sales rose 6% to $14.1 billion, beating analysts’ estimates of $13.95 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
The company reported a profit of $1.14 per share, compared with the average estimate of $1.09.
TJX also said it planned to enter Spain through its TK Maxx banner in early 2026.
(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt and Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
