Target Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Sales Decline Amid Soft Traffic

Core Insights - Target Corporation reported a decline in revenues and earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate while earnings exceeded expectations [1][10] - Comparable sales decreased by 2.7%, reflecting ongoing pressure in consumer discretionary categories, although digital sales showed resilience with a 2.4% increase [5][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $1.78 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.76 but down from $1.85 in the previous year [3] - Total revenues amounted to $25,270 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $25,360 million and representing a 1.5% year-over-year decline [4] - Merchandise sales declined by 1.9% to $24,752 million, while non-merchandise sales grew by 17.7%, driven by Roundel advertising and Target Circle 360 memberships [4] Sales and Traffic Metrics - Comparable store sales dropped by 3.8%, while comparable digital sales increased by 2.4%, with same-day delivery via Target Circle 360 growing over 35% [5] - Traffic decreased by 2.2%, and the average transaction amount fell by 0.5%, slightly worse than the expected decline of 0.4% [6] Margin and Operational Efficiency - Gross margin was reported at 28.2%, a slight decrease from 28.3% the previous year, with operational efficiencies in supply chain and digital fulfillment helping to offset increased markdowns [7] - Adjusted operating margin rate was 4.4%, down 20 basis points from the previous year, aligning with estimates [7] Financial Health - Target ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $3,822 million and long-term debt of $15,366 million [8] - The company paid out $518 million in dividends and repurchased $152 million worth of shares, with approximately $8.3 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization [8] Future Outlook - Target reaffirmed its fourth-quarter sales outlook, expecting a low-single-digit decline in sales, with adjusted earnings projected between $7.00 and $8.00 per share [11] - The company aims to enhance guest experience and traffic recovery through new exclusive items and improved shipping options as macro pressures ease [12]