The TJX Companies, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer worldwide. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company provides family apparel comprising footwear; accessories, such as beauty and jewelry; home fashion products, including home basics, decorative accessories and giftware, as well as furniture, rugs, lighting, soft home, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware; pet and gourmet food; and other merchandise. It also offers home decor, furniture, and seasonal home merchandise. The company sells its products through stores and e-commerce sites. The TJX Companies, Inc. was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.
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TJX Raises Full-Year Profit Outlook After Q2 Beat
Welcome to The TJX Company's Second Quarter Fiscal 27 Financial Results Conference Call. The company reported adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.22, up 11% year over year, and raised its full-year adjusted pretax profit margin and EPS guidance. Overall comparable sales increased 4%, above plan, driven by strong results at HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International, which each delivered comps of 6% to 7%, while the Marmaxx division underperformed with a 1% comp increase due to self-inflicted execution issues. Management said it is seeing improvement at Marmaxx in early Q3 and expects greater improvement by the holiday season. For the full year, TJX now expects adjusted EPS of $5.15 to $5.20, up 9% to 10%, and raised its long-term store potential by 500 stores to 7,500 stores.
Kohl's Falls 6% Despite Raised Guidance and $150M Tariff Refund
Kohl's shares fell 6% to $16.65 in early Wednesday trading despite reporting adjusted diluted EPS of $1.28, well above the $0.57 consensus, on revenue of $3.52 billion, as investors focused on the $150 million tariff refund that drove the beat and a 0.9% decline in comparable sales. The company raised its full-year 2026 guidance, now expecting net sales and comparable sales down 1.5% to flat, adjusted operating margin of 3.5% to 4%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.80 to $2.40, while restarting share repurchases of up to $100 million under an existing $3 billion authorization and declaring a $0.125 quarterly dividend. In contrast, peers Ross Stores and TJX Companies posted organic comparable sales growth of 10% and 4%, respectively, with Ross also benefiting from $253 million in tariff refunds but still expanding operating margin by 205 basis points excluding that benefit, and TJX raising its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $5.15 to $5.20. Kohl's cash and equivalents climbed to $821 million from $174 million a year earlier, but the stock's decline suggests investors are skeptical of the demand picture without one-time tailwinds.
Jim Cramer Discusses Ross Stores and TJX Performance Divergence
Jim Cramer discussed the diverging stock performance of Ross Stores and TJX Companies on August 17th, attributing Ross Stores' 30% year-to-date gain to CEO Jim Conroy while lamenting TJX's 8.9% decline despite strong company performance. TJX shares fell 4.2% on August 19th after fiscal Q2 earnings showed 4% comparable same-store sales growth and raised full-year profit margin guidance to 11.2% and EPS to $4.09 to $4.13, but Q3 margin guidance of 11.8% to 11.9% and missed Q3 EPS and same-store sales estimates sparked concerns about shipping costs and wages. Ross Stores shares rose 4.4% on August 21st after beating revenue and earnings by a wide margin, growing operating profit excluding tariff refunds, posting 10% comparable store sales growth, and raising full-year earnings guidance. Both stocks trade at high forward P/E multiples—27 for TJX and 29.76 for Ross—leaving little room for error, and Ross has a higher short interest at 3.53% of float versus TJX's 1.76%.
Ross Stores Comparable Sales Jump 10% While TJX Slows
Ross Stores reported a 10% jump in comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter, while TJX posted 4% growth, and only Ross shares rose. Ross total sales climbed 13% to $6.3 billion, net income rose to $851 million from $508 million, and earnings per share of $2.66 beat its own guidance of $1.85 to $1.93, helped by about $0.60 in tariff refunds. The company raised its third-quarter comparable sales outlook to 6% to 7% and fourth-quarter to 4% to 5%. TJX revenue rose 5% to $15.2 billion and earnings per share of $1.36 beat plan, but its Marmaxx division grew comparable sales just 1%, and the company guided to only 2% to 3% third-quarter comparable sales growth. TJX shares fell 4% on its report and remained near a 52-week low, while Ross shares jumped more than 4%.
Corporate earnings this week featured a high-stakes lineup of reports from 12 notable companies across the consumer discretionary, consumer staples, information technology, industrials, and financials sectors. All 12 reporting companies beat consensus earnings estimates, with 11 delivering year-over-year profit expansion. Revenue performance remained strong, as 11 companies topped Wall Street expectations and all 12 achieved year-over-year top-line growth, leaving one firm missing consensus estimates. Among the highlights, Home Depot posted revenue of $47.9 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.92, Lowe's beat on EPS but trimmed its full-year revenue outlook to about $92.0 billion, Walmart shares dropped 9.15% after soft guidance, Target raised its full-year adjusted EPS estimate to $9.90 to $10.90, Analog Devices issued upbeat fiscal Q4 guidance, and TJX raised its full-year EPS guidance to $5.31 to $5.36.
TJX Raises Profit Outlook and Store Target After Marmaxx Fix
TJX Companies raised its full-year profit outlook and long-term store target while addressing weaker-than-expected performance at its Marmaxx division. Adjusted earnings of $1.22 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18, and revenues of $15.18 billion topped the consensus estimate of $15.14 billion. CFO John Klinger said fiscal 2027 adjusted pre-tax margin is expected at 12-12.1%, and adjusted earnings guidance was raised to $5.15-$5.20, implying 9-10% year-over-year growth, while full-year comparable sales are still expected to rise 3-4%. CEO Ernie Herrman called Marmaxx's 1% comps increase self-inflicted due to merchandise mix issues, but said the division improved in August and should improve further by the holiday quarter. TJX also plans to increase annual store-opening growth to 4% beginning in fiscal 2028 and raised its long-term store target by 500 locations to 7,500, with HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International all posting stronger comps.
Treasury Buyback Doubling Sends Bond Yields Sharply Lower
The U.S. Treasury announced plans to double liquidity support buyback operations on longer-end securities, sending bond yields notably lower and lifting market indexes ahead of the open. The current buyback position of $2 billion per operation will now become $4 billion, with the 30-year bond dropping below 5.3%, the 10-year beneath 4.7%, and the 2-year under 4.2%. Moderna shares surged 95% after its intismeran vaccine met primary goals in Phase 3 testing for preventing cancer in melanoma patients, while partner Merck rose 7%. Target reported beats on both top and bottom lines with earnings of $2.46 per share on revenues of $26.54 billion, but shares fell 1% despite raised guidance. Lowe's posted mixed results with earnings of $4.40 per share beating estimates while revenues of $25.96 billion missed, and TJX Companies outperformed with earnings of $1.22 per share but fell 3.3% on a weaker outlook. Estee Lauder shares jumped 12% after fiscal Q4 earnings of $0.39 per share beat the $0.32 anticipated on revenues of $3.63 billion.
Moderna Surges on Cancer Vaccine Data, Treasury Boosts Buybacks
Moderna shares jumped 95% in pre-market trading after its intismeran vaccine met primary goals in Phase 3 testing for preventing cancer in melanoma patients whose tumors had been surgically removed, while partner Merck rose 7%. The U.S. Treasury said it will double liquidity support buyback operations on longer-end securities from $2 billion to $4 billion per operation, sending bond yields lower and market indexes higher. Target reported beats on both top and bottom lines with earnings of $2.46 per share on revenues of $26.54 billion, but shares fell 1% despite raised guidance. Lowe's posted mixed results with earnings of $4.40 per share beating estimates by 4.27% while revenues of $25.96 billion missed consensus by 0.68%. TJX Companies beat estimates with earnings of $1.22 per share on revenues of $15.18 billion but shares dropped 3.3% on a weaker outlook, and Estee Lauder surged 12% after fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $0.39 per share on revenues of $3.63 billion beat expectations.
TJX Companies Poised for Q2 Earnings Beat, Zacks Model Shows
The TJX Companies is likely to report top- and bottom-line growth when it releases second-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings on Aug. 19, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues pegged at $15.1 billion, up 5.1% year over year. The consensus earnings estimate has risen by a penny over the past 30 days to $1.18 per share, implying 7.3% growth from the prior-year period, and TJX has a trailing four-quarter surprise of 8.8% on average. Zacks' proven model predicts an earnings beat for TJX this time, as the company carries a Zacks Rank of 3 and an Earnings ESP of +1.31%. The quarter likely benefited from continued consumer traction for its value proposition, strong availability of quality branded merchandise, and marketing initiatives, though elevated fuel costs and incremental store wage expenses were expected to pressure margins and SG&A. Other stocks with favorable combinations for an earnings beat include Target Corporation, Dollar General Corporation, and Ross Stores.
Fed Chair Warsh Says No Tolerance for Inflation, Dow Drops 840 Points
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh stated the central bank has "no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation," triggering an 840-point drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Warsh, presiding over his second meeting, kept interest rates steady but signaled that the Fed could raise rates if high inflation persists. The Dow's sharp decline reflected broader market concerns that tighter monetary policy could constrain economic activity and pressure stocks. The index has since recovered on rate stability, but investors are advised to hold defensive stocks like Costco Wholesale and TJX Companies in case of future hikes.
Zacks Highlights TJX, Ross Stores, Target and Dollar Tree as Top Discount Retail Picks
Zacks Equity Research identifies The TJX Companies, Ross Stores, Target and Dollar Tree as standout stocks in the Retail-Discount Stores industry, which holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 33, placing it in the top 13% of over 250 industries. The industry has risen 17.6% over the past year, outperforming the broader Retail-Wholesale sector's 2.6% gain but trailing the S&P 500's 19.9% advance. TJX Companies is expected to grow sales by 5.9% and EPS by 9.3% in the current fiscal year, while Ross Stores is projected to increase sales by 10.2% and EPS by 17.1%. Target's consensus estimates call for sales growth of 3.7% and EPS growth of 9.9%, and Dollar Tree is forecast to lift sales by 6.5% and EPS by 21.7%.
Discount retailers lift consumer staples in July as alcohol, tobacco lag
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund rose 2.6% in July, as gains in discount retailers offset declines in alcoholic beverage and tobacco stocks. Target and Dollar General each rose about 10%, while Coca-Cola gained 7%, Molson Coors added 6.7%, and Philip Morris advanced 5.7%. Constellation Brands fell 6.3% to become the sector's worst performer, followed by Altria down 5.6%, Keurig Dr Pepper down 4%, and Procter & Gamble and Walmart each down 2%. Analyst Justin Purohit said Target's rally was driven by company-specific execution, while Dollar General's strength reflected consumers trading down amid inflation pressures, and he flagged discount retailers including Dollar Tree, TJX Companies, Ross Stores, and Burlington Stores as best positioned if inflation remains sticky.
Bernstein analyst says higher-income Americans are driving apparel and footwear sales
Higher-income Americans are becoming increasingly important to apparel and footwear sales as widening economic inequality produces sharp differences in shopping frequency, price sensitivity, and technology adoption, according to Bernstein analyst Aneesha Sherman. Consumers in the highest income quintile spend 3.4 times more on apparel than those in the lowest quintile, while the top 40% of earners generate roughly 60% of total spending in the category. The findings were based on a November 2025 survey of 3,750 U.S. consumers and demographic data covering thousands of retail locations. Affluent shoppers purchase clothing more frequently and across a broader range of companies, with consumers earning over $100,000 buying from an average of 22 of the 54 brands and retailers surveyed during 2025, compared with 15 among those earning less than $50,000. Nearly 90% of respondents earning above $100,000 said they would pay full price for an item they wanted, versus about 70% of consumers earning below $50,000. Inflation has reinforced the divide, as affluent households were more likely to spend additional money as prices increased, while lower-income consumers cut purchase volumes and allocated more of their budgets to food, housing, and other necessities. Technology could widen the gap further, with nearly three in four higher-income consumers using artificial intelligence services, compared with about half of lower-income shoppers. Bernstein rated On Holding Outperform with a $70 price target, Tapestry Outperform with a $180 target, and TJX Companies Outperform with a $175 target, citing their exposure to affluent customers.
TJX Companies trades near $154 as bullish narrative sees 13% upside to $177.63 fair value
TJX Companies stock recently closed higher even as broader markets declined, trading at about $154.46, while the most followed narrative puts its fair value at $177.63, implying a 13% upside. Management highlighted robust merchandise availability from excess market inventory, allowing global buying teams to secure quality branded goods at favorable prices, which is expected to support higher gross margins and stronger future earnings. However, the current price-to-earnings ratio of 29.5 times sits above the US Specialty Retail industry average of 20.9 times, a peer average of 26.3 times, and a fair ratio of 21.5 times, suggesting limited room for error if sentiment cools. Risks to the bullish view include a faster consumer shift to e-commerce or brands tightening inventory and reducing off-price sourcing opportunities.
Zacks Picks Five Retail Stocks as US Sales Rise in June
U.S. retail sales rose 0.2% in June, matching expectations and marking a 6.7% year-over-year gain, as lower gasoline prices and a surge in online spending supported the sector. Receipts at gas stations fell 5.3%, while online retail sales climbed 1.9%, helped by Amazon Prime Day. Against this backdrop, Zacks Investment Research highlights five retail stocks with strong online presence and favorable earnings outlooks: Amazon.com, Five Below, Dollar Tree, Target, and The TJX Companies. Five Below carries a Zacks Rank #1 with expected earnings growth of 35.1% for the current year, while Amazon.com, Dollar Tree, Target, and TJX hold a Zacks Rank #2, with earnings growth estimates ranging from 9.3% to 23.6%.
Money Rotates from Megacap Tech into Financials and Energy, Lifting JPMorgan, Devon Energy, and Others
A market rotation out of megacap technology stocks and into financials and energy is accelerating, with the Nasdaq-100 shedding 3.28% over the past month while the Russell 2000 gained 1.2%. JPMorgan Chase reported second-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $7.70, beating estimates by 32.76%, and authorized a new $50 billion buyback. Devon Energy raised its quarterly dividend 31% to $0.315 per share after closing its all-stock merger with Coterra Energy, targeting $1.0 billion in annual pre-tax synergies by year-end 2027. Powell Industries saw new orders surge 97% year over year to $490 million, driven by data center and AI infrastructure demand. TJX Companies posted a 19% earnings beat on a 6% rise in comparable sales, while Robinhood reported net deposits of $17.7 billion and a 320% jump in event contracts revenue.
Jim Cramer recommends buying 5 stocks after rotation sell-off
Jim Cramer says a weak June jobs report triggered a rotation that pushed down shares of Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Constellation Brands, and TJX Companies, creating a buying opportunity. On CNBC's Mad Money, he called the five stocks collateral damage from indiscriminate selling by large funds moving into AI winners. Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo report earnings on July 15 and July 9, respectively, which Cramer sees as near-term tests. Starbucks is an accumulation play during its turnaround, Constellation's beer business is stabilizing, and TJX benefits as consumers trade down. Cramer stressed that the sell-off was driven by sector rotation, not company fundamentals.
Jim Cramer says TJX is a key stock in the Charitable Trust
Jim Cramer highlighted TJX Companies as a key stock in the Charitable Trust during his Mad Money segment, citing trade-down potential and excess inventory benefits. He noted the stock fell below $150 before rebounding to close near $151, down roughly three dollars, and called the 20-point drop from its high a rare buying opportunity. Cramer pointed to two earnings drivers: consumers trading down to off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and the company's ability to acquire surplus inventory from struggling retailers at steep discounts. Management recently indicated a significant amount of spare inventory is available, which Cramer views as favorable.
Zacks Highlights TJX, Costco, Walmart as Blue-Chip Retailers for Volatile Markets
Zacks Equity Research featured TJX Companies, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart as blue-chip retail stocks well-positioned to navigate market volatility driven by tariff concerns, Middle East tensions, and shifting consumer spending. TJX, with a market capitalization of $170.2 billion, pays a quarterly dividend of 48 cents per share and has a five-year dividend growth rate of 12.5%, while consensus estimates project current-year sales and earnings per share growth of 5.9% and 9.3%, respectively. Costco, valued at $420.2 billion, offers a quarterly dividend of $1.47 per share and a five-year dividend growth rate of 13.4%, with consensus estimates indicating current-year sales and earnings per share growth of 9.5% and 13.3%. Walmart, the largest of the three at $887.6 billion in market capitalization, pays a quarterly dividend of about 24.75 cents per share and has a five-year dividend growth rate of 6.7%, while consensus estimates call for current-year sales and earnings per share growth of 5.2% and 9.5%. The analysis emphasizes each company's durable business models, omnichannel scale, and disciplined capital allocation as key strengths in the current environment.
TJX Companies reported robust first-quarter fiscal 2027 results and raised its full-year guidance, driven by increased comparable store sales and market share gains. Management highlighted solid performance despite broader retail disruptions, as the off-price retailer behind T.J. Maxx and Marshalls continues to attract value-focused shoppers with its branded discount model. The company's upgraded outlook and market share commentary provide fresh data points on its competitive position in discretionary spending. The stock trades at US$154.26, about 15% below the consensus analyst target of US$177.63, though a Simply Wall St valuation model estimates shares are roughly 49.9% above fair value.
TJX Companies Earns Strong Growth Score from Zacks
Zacks Investment Research has assigned TJX Companies a Growth Style Score of B, highlighting its appeal for growth-oriented investors. The off-price retailer, which operates around 4,900 stores across nine countries, holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B. For the current fiscal year, analysts forecast year-over-year earnings growth of 8.8%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising $0.05 to $4.09 per share after seven upward revisions in the last 60 days. TJX also boasts an average earnings surprise of 6.2%.
A bullish thesis on The TJX Companies, Inc. was published on Finimize Analyst Desk's Substack by Reda Farran, CFA. The off-price retailer, which operates over 5,000 stores globally under banners such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, delivered a 6% comparable sales increase in its latest quarterly update, with net sales rising 9.2% to $14.3 billion and pretax margins expanding to 12.0%. Earnings per share surged 29% year over year, and the company returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends while increasing its repurchase authorization to $3 billion. TJX raised its full-year EPS guidance to $5.08–$5.15 and expects 3% to 4% comparable sales growth with continued margin strength. The thesis positions TJX as a defensive hedge with a low-tech operating model that has historically outperformed during downturns, and notes that if the company delivers at the midpoint of guidance while maintaining its multiple, investors could see approximately 6% to 7% total returns excluding potential upside from further earnings outperformance.
Ross Stores Leads Discount Retailers with Strong Q1 Earnings Beat
Ross Stores posted the strongest first-quarter results among discount retailers, with revenue of $6.01 billion, up 20.6% year over year and beating analyst estimates by 6.6%. The company also exceeded expectations for next-quarter EPS guidance and EBITDA. Five Below reported revenue of $1.29 billion, up 32.5% year over year, surpassing estimates by 5.7% and raising its full-year guidance, though its stock fell 15.2%. Ollie's Bargain Outlet had the weakest performance, with revenue of $658.9 million missing estimates by 0.7% and the softest full-year guidance update. TJX posted revenue of $14.32 billion, up 9.2% year over year and beating estimates by 2.4%, while Burlington Stores reported revenue of $2.86 billion, up 14.1% year over year and exceeding estimates by 2.7%. Overall, the five discount retailers tracked beat consensus revenue estimates by 3.3% and provided next-quarter revenue guidance 2.2% above expectations, though their average share price has declined 4.5% since reporting.
HomeGoods Emerges as a Key Profit Driver for TJX Companies
HomeGoods is emerging as a meaningful earnings contributor for The TJX Companies, with first-quarter fiscal 2027 comparable sales up 9% and net sales rising 11% to $2,506 million. Segment margin expanded 270 basis points to 12.9%, outpacing the company's larger banners and reflecting broad-based demand across regions and income groups. The banner's off-price model, offering eclectic home fashions and furnishings at compelling values, is attracting a wide customer base and translating strong sales momentum into higher profitability. The results suggest HomeGoods is strengthening its role as an increasingly important profit engine within TJX's portfolio.
ITS Logistics warns shippers budgeting flat face capacity reckoning
ITS Logistics warns that shippers who have budgeted for flat transportation spend are heading for a capacity-driven reckoning. President of distribution and fulfillment Ryan Martin said pain is already building from driver exits, carrier closures, regulatory scrutiny, and surging fuel costs, and any sudden demand spike will not draw the same carrier response as in prior years. The post-pandemic inventory overhang is finally clearing, but brands are aggressively cutting SKUs—one ITS client is eliminating 50% of its product catalog—while consumer anxiety tied to fuel prices is dampening e-commerce purchases, especially for higher-end items. ITS is doubling its drop-trailer fleet to about 13,000 units by year-end and leveraging technology like internal cameras and redundant tracking to help shippers improve efficiency. With load tender volumes at 2019 levels but capacity still leaving the market, both Martin and trailer operations lead Adam Angle see a coiled spring that could snap if demand picks up, potentially triggering cascading rate-guide failures for shippers who assumed flat budgets.
TJX Opens First Store in Spain, Plans Over 1,700 More International Locations
TJX Companies has opened its first store in Spain as part of a broader international expansion that includes plans to add more than 1,700 international store locations. The off-price retailer is also pursuing growth in the Middle East and Mexico through joint ventures and investments. Management sees room to apply its existing playbook in new markets, though international profitability currently trails the domestic business. The company recently reported 6% same-store sales growth and strong contribution from banners like HomeGoods.
TJX Outpaces Kohl's on Growth Prospects, Zacks Says
Zacks Investment Research sees The TJX Companies better positioned for growth than Kohl's, citing TJX's off-price model, 6% comparable sales increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, and expansion to 5,262 stores worldwide. Kohl's faces cautious consumer spending and margin headwinds despite proprietary brand growth of 6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. TJX trades at a forward P/E of 30.6x versus Kohl's 13x, and TJX stock gained 5.3% over six months while Kohl's fell 17.8%. Zacks rates TJX a Buy and Kohl's a Hold.
TJX Companies Raises Dividend 13% as Same-Store Sales Jump 6%
TJX Companies raised its quarterly dividend by nearly 13% to $0.48 per share after reporting a 6% jump in fiscal first-quarter 2027 same-store sales. The off-price retailer, which operates TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, saw diluted earnings per share rise 29% in the period ended May 2 and expects full-year comparable sales growth of 3% to 4%. The company has increased its dividend for 29 of the last 30 years, with the only interruption coming during the early COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its payout ratio stands at 34%. TJX ended the quarter with 5,262 stores after adding 48 new locations, and its dividend yield of 1.2% now exceeds the S&P 500's 1.1%.
TJX Companies Offers Strong Dividend Growth and Sales Momentum Amid Fed Rate Hold
The Federal Reserve held short-term interest rates steady at its recent meeting, citing solid economic activity but also uncertainty from the Iran war. TJX Companies, the off-price retailer behind TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, reported a 6% jump in fiscal first-quarter 2027 same-store sales and a 29% increase in diluted earnings per share. The company raised its quarterly dividend by nearly 13% to $0.48 per share, marking its 29th dividend increase in the last 30 years. With a payout ratio of just 34% and a dividend yield of 1.2%, TJX offers investors a combination of rising income and capital appreciation potential.
MarketBeat Highlights Three Inflation-Resistant Stocks for Higher Oil Prices
MarketBeat identifies TJX Companies, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, and Casey's General Stores as inflation-resistant stocks with pricing power amid elevated oil prices. TJX, the largest off-price retailer, posted fiscal Q2 comps above 6% and targets up to $3 billion in share buybacks for 2026. Ollie's Bargain Outlet operates a debt-free, closeout model and is converting vacant Big Lots locations to drive growth. Casey's General Stores benefits from a rural moat, high-margin prepared foods, and resumed share buybacks after a pause for acquisitions.
TJX same-store sales rise 6% but premium valuation may limit upside
TJX Companies reported a 6% increase in first-quarter same-store sales, driven by higher customer traffic and spending across its TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods banners, with HomeGoods posting a 9% comp. Gross margin expanded nearly 2 percentage points to 31.3%, and management sees room for over 1,800 new stores, led by expansion in the U.S. home furnishings market, where it recently raised its long-term HomeGoods target from 1,000 to 1,800 locations. However, shares have risen 34% over the past year and now trade at roughly 32 times this year's earnings estimates, prompting caution that the premium valuation may limit further returns despite the company's strong operational performance.
TJX, Williams-Sonoma, and Tractor Supply Use Buybacks and Dividends to Deliver Capital-Efficient Returns
TJX Companies, Williams-Sonoma, and Tractor Supply are combining aggressive share buybacks with dividend growth to deliver capital-efficient returns to shareholders. Williams-Sonoma leads in buyback intensity, reducing its share count by nearly 4% over the trailing 12 months while maintaining an operating margin above 16%. Tractor Supply has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years, yielding approximately 3.2%, with further increases expected as cash flow remains healthy. TJX Companies is growing at an industry-leading pace, with management increasing its buyback target to approximately 1.6% of the share count and a dividend yield of about 1.2% that is expected to rise at a double-digit compound annual growth rate.
TJX Shares Rise 4% Since Earnings Beat and Raised Fiscal 2027 Guidance
TJX shares have gained about 4% since its last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500. The TJX Companies posted first-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings per share of $1.19, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01, while net sales rose 9% to $14,323 million, also above estimates. Consolidated comparable store sales increased 6%, with growth across all divisions including Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company raised its full-year fiscal 2027 guidance, now expecting comparable store sales growth of 3% to 4%, a pretax profit margin of 11.9% to 12%, and earnings per share between $5.08 and $5.15. For the second quarter, management projects comparable store sales growth of 2% to 3% and earnings per share of $1.15 to $1.17. Despite the strong results, analyst estimates have trended downward over the past month, and the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold.
Zacks Picks Five Retail Stocks as Sales Surge on Robust Demand
Zacks Investment Research highlights five retail stocks with strong online presence as retail sales continue to surge on robust demand. Retail sales rose 0.9% sequentially in May, the fourth straight monthly increase, driven by aggressive household spending on motor vehicles. The selected stocks are Casey's General Stores, Five Below, Starbucks, Tapestry, and The TJX Companies, all of which have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and carry a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). Casey's General Stores has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.1% for the current year, while Five Below's expected growth rate is 30.4%. Starbucks' expected earnings growth rate for next year is 12.7%, Tapestry's expected growth rate for the current year is 36.3%, and The TJX Companies' expected growth rate for the current year is 9.3%.
TJX and Costco Are Inflation-Proof Stocks That Could Keep Winning
TJX Companies and Costco Wholesale are positioned to continue outperforming in the second half of the year as consumers seek value amid persistent inflation. TJX, the parent of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, reported a 9% year-over-year sales increase in its fiscal 2027 first quarter, with comparable sales up 6% and earnings per share rising 29% to $1.29. Costco saw sales jump 11.6% in its fiscal 2026 third quarter, comps climb 9.8%, and earnings per share reach $4.93, up from $4.28 a year earlier, while its low gas prices and e-commerce growth of 21.5% further boosted traffic. Both companies pay growing dividends and have demonstrated resilience in past downturns, with TJX benefiting from abundant branded merchandise availability and Costco pursuing a long-term expansion plan of 30 new stores annually.