TJX Companies (TJX +0.17%) published its latest set of quarterly earnings on Wednesday, which were sufficient to push the retailer's stock higher. Although the company beat the consensus analyst estimates for both sales and profitability, its guidance left something to be desired.
Across-the-board growth
In its third quarter of fiscal 2026, TJX's net sales totaled $15.1 billion, representing a 7% year-over-year increase. That was on the back of a 5% rise in comparable sales over the period. Net income according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) grew by 11% to over $1.4 billion, or $1.28 per share.
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On average, analysts tracking TJX stock estimated that the company would book slightly more than $14.8 billion in sales, resulting in earnings per share (EPS) of $1.23.
The company, best known for operating the TJ Maxx and Marshall's discount retail chains, saw growth in all four of its divisions.
It quoted CEO Ernie Herrman as saying that "We believe this is a testament to our value proposition and treasure-hunt shopping experience, which continue to draw consumers to our retail banners worldwide."
NYSE: TJX
Key Data Points
A slight miss
TJX also provided guidance for both its current (fourth) quarter and the entire fiscal year 2026. For the former period, it's modeling growth in "comps" of 2% to 3% over the same quarter of 2025, with EPS expected to land between $1.33 and $1.36. That doesn't quite hit the consensus pundit estimate of $1.37.
The retailer's growth numbers were impressive, particularly considering that all of its reporting divisions saw increases. Consumers are relatively cautious with their money these days, due to economic worries, and TJX is clearly effective in capturing their business. Its stock probably deserved a more significant rise on earnings day.
