Workflow
Off-price retail
icon
Search documents
Costco vs. TJX Companies: Which Discount Retail Stock Is a Buy?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:40
Core Insights - Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) and The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) are leading players in the Retail–Discount Stores industry, with Costco having a market capitalization of approximately $421.8 billion and TJX at around $155.6 billion [1][2] - The key question is which of these retail giants presents a better investment opportunity amid changing consumer habits and economic volatility [3] Costco Overview - Costco's membership-based model is a key growth driver, with high renewal rates indicating strong customer loyalty and a recurring revenue stream [4] - The company is enhancing its digital capabilities and fulfillment network, investing in e-commerce, delivery services, and flexible payment options to create a seamless omnichannel experience [5] - Costco maintains competitive pricing and healthy margins through rigorous cost control and operational efficiency, leveraging bulk purchasing power and an efficient supply chain [6] - The success of Kirkland Signature, Costco's private-label brand, supports margin expansion and enhances competitive differentiation [7] TJX Companies Overview - TJX Companies has demonstrated consistent operational strength with a resilient business model that resonates with consumers seeking value and quality [8] - The company's exceptional merchandising and sourcing capabilities allow it to offer high-quality products at attractive prices, contributing to steady traffic growth across its banners [9] - In Q2 fiscal 2026, TJX reported earnings of $1.10 per share, a 15% year-over-year increase, driven by a 7% rise in consolidated net sales [10][11] - TJX plans to open over 1,800 additional stores and sees growth opportunities through its joint venture in Mexico and investments in the Middle East [12][13] Financial Performance and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco's current fiscal-year sales and EPS suggests year-over-year growth of 8.2% and 11.7%, respectively [14] - For TJX, the current fiscal-year sales and EPS estimates indicate a year-over-year increase of 5.4% and 7.5%, respectively [16] - Costco's stock has advanced 5.5% over the past year, while TJX shares have surged 19%, both outperforming the industry's modest rise of 3.1% [19] Valuation Comparison - Costco is trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 48.59, lower than its one-year median of 50.61, while TJX's forward P/E ratio stands at 28.76, above its median of 27.03 [20] Investment Outlook - Both Costco and TJX possess unique strengths, but TJX appears to have an edge due to broader growth opportunities, store expansion potential, and effective navigation of economic cycles [22]
Walmart vs. The TJX Companies: Which Retailer Has the Edge in 2025?
ZACKS· 2025-06-19 14:51
Core Insights - Consumers are prioritizing value in a cost-conscious retail environment, with Walmart Inc. (WMT) and The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) emerging as key players for investors [1] - Walmart focuses on a low-price strategy and massive scale, while TJX excels in the off-price retail segment, offering well-known brands at discounts [1] Group 1: Walmart's Performance - Walmart is experiencing steady growth in 2025, driven by its extensive retail footprint and investments in digital innovation [3] - The company’s omnichannel strategy, combining physical stores with e-commerce, is attracting consistent traffic [3] - High-margin growth drivers like Walmart Connect and Walmart+ are contributing to profitability, with advertising revenues up 50% and membership income rising 14.8% in Q1 fiscal 2026 [4] - Global e-commerce sales grew 22% in the fiscal first quarter, supported by a robust last-mile delivery network aiming for same-day delivery to 95% of U.S. households [5] - Despite potential headwinds from tariffs and economic uncertainty, Walmart's expanding e-commerce presence and high-margin areas provide a buffer against volatility [6] Group 2: TJX's Performance - TJX demonstrates strong execution in challenging environments, leveraging flexible sourcing and quick inventory turns [7] - Comparable store sales rose 3% in Q1 fiscal 2026, driven by increased customer traffic in apparel and home categories [8] - The company expanded its store base to 5,121, adding 36 new locations, and is enhancing its e-commerce presence [10] - TJX's total inventory increased by 15% year-over-year, supporting its treasure-hunt shopping appeal [11] Group 3: Financial Metrics and Valuation - Walmart's fiscal 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimate is $2.59, indicating a year-over-year growth of 3.2%, while TJX's EPS estimate is $4.46, reflecting a growth of 4.7% [12] - Over the past 12 months, Walmart's stock has surged 39.8%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 9.5% rise, while TJX's stock grew by 11% [12] - Walmart trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 35.10x, compared to TJX's more modest 26.42x [15] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Both companies are well-positioned in a value-driven retail environment, but Walmart's broader revenue streams and higher-margin growth provide stronger earnings visibility [17] - Walmart's consistent EPS outlook and ongoing digital transformation investments make it a more attractive retail stock heading into the second half of 2025 [17]
TJX vs. ROST: Which Off-Price Retailer is the Better Buy Now?
ZACKS· 2025-05-15 14:41
Core Viewpoint - Off-price retail is gaining traction as consumers remain price-conscious in a challenging economy, with The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) and Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) being the two major players in this space [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The TJX Companies has shown strong and steady performance across its diverse retail banners, reporting solid comparable store sales growth supported by increased foot traffic and higher average basket sizes [4] - Ross Stores has returned to positive same-store sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, driven by better inventory flow and fewer promotions, indicating a recovery in its core budget-conscious apparel business [7] Group 2: Geographic and Product Diversification - TJX benefits from a global footprint with operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, allowing for geographic diversification that helps mitigate regional economic challenges [5] - Ross Stores has a narrower focus, primarily operating in the U.S. and lacking exposure to the home goods category, which limits its growth potential in the long term [8] Group 3: Profitability and Financial Estimates - TJX has improved profitability with expanded gross and operating margins, driven by leaner inventory levels and disciplined expense management, while also returning value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects TJX's earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal 2026 at $4.43, suggesting year-over-year growth of 4%, while Ross Stores' EPS estimate is $6.42 with projected earnings growth of 1.6% for fiscal 2025 [10] Group 4: Valuation and Stock Performance - TJX trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 28.83x, below the industry average of 32.64x, indicating a reasonable valuation given its strong fundamentals, while Ross Stores trades at a lower multiple of 22.95x [11] - Over the past year, TJX has delivered a 32.7% gain, significantly outperforming Ross Stores' 12.2% increase and the industry's 14% growth, highlighting TJX's superior stock performance [11] Group 5: Investment Outlook - The TJX Companies is viewed as the better investment option due to its stronger earnings momentum, diversified global presence, and superior stock performance, making it well-positioned for long-term success in the value-driven retail environment [13][14]