TJX(US:TJX) ZACKS·2025-12-29 16:25Core Insights - The TJX Companies, Inc. has provided cautious guidance for fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 comparable sales growth of 2% to 3%, indicating a slowdown from the 5% increase in the fiscal third quarter and below the 5% growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 [1][8] Group 1: Q3 Performance and Inventory - In the third quarter, TJX exceeded its performance expectations, driven by strong customer traffic and consistent demand for branded merchandise at attractive prices [2] - The company reported broad-based shopper engagement across various regions and income groups, supported by frequent store visits and a steady flow of fresh merchandise [2] - TJX entered the fourth quarter with well-positioned inventory, ensuring strong availability of branded merchandise for the holiday season [2] Group 2: Fourth Quarter Outlook - Despite favorable operating conditions, the fourth-quarter comparable store sales outlook reflects a conservative approach, considering the impact of last year's stronger performance and uncertainty around holiday sales patterns [3][4] - The guidance for fourth-quarter sales growth incorporates recent momentum while acknowledging tougher comparisons, resulting in cautious but balanced expectations [4] Group 3: Peer Comparison - Burlington Stores, Inc. reported a modest third-quarter performance with a 1% increase in comparable store sales and guided for fourth-quarter growth of 0% to 2% [5] - Dollar Tree, Inc. achieved a 4.2% increase in comparable store sales in the third quarter and guided for fourth-quarter growth of 4% to 6% [6] Group 4: Valuation and Estimates - TJX shares have increased by 4% over the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 0.9% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31.05X, higher than the industry average of 29.91X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TJX's fiscal 2026 and 2027 EPS has decreased by 1 cent each to $4.66 and $5.10, respectively, over the past 30 days [10]