Core Insights - TJX Cos. reported better-than-expected earnings per share of $1.23 for the quarter, a 10% increase year-over-year, despite a slight decline in sales to $16.35 billion, which was down about $60 million from the previous year [1] - Comparable-store sales increased by 5% year-over-year, surpassing analysts' forecast of 3% growth, with positive performance across all segments and regions [2] - The company's forecasts for the first quarter and fiscal 2026 were below expectations, projecting a 2% to 3% increase in comparable sales and earnings per share between $0.87 to $0.89 for the first quarter and $4.34 to $4.43 for fiscal 2026 [3] - TJX announced a planned 13% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.425 per share, pending board approval, and a new share buyback program of $2 billion to $2.5 billion, in addition to the remaining $1.1 billion from the previous plan [4]

Core Viewpoint - TJX Companies reported better-than-expected results for the holiday quarter, driven by increased customer transactions, indicating continued market share gains from department stores and other discounters as consumers seek deals [1] Financial Performance - For fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, TJX's net income was $1.40 billion, or $1.23 per share, compared to $1.40 billion, or $1.22 per share, a year earlier [4] - Sales remained relatively unchanged at $16.35 billion, slightly down from $16.41 billion a year prior, with the previous year benefiting from an extra selling week [5] - Earnings per share exceeded expectations at $1.23 compared to the anticipated $1.16, while revenue also surpassed estimates at $16.35 billion versus $16.20 billion [10] Future Guidance - For fiscal 2026, TJX anticipates comparable sales growth of 2% to 3%, below Wall Street's expectation of 3.4% [2][3] - The earnings guidance for fiscal 2026 is projected between $4.34 and $4.43 per share, which is lower than the estimated $4.59 per share [2] Market Dynamics - The company is benefiting from a "trade-down" effect as consumers shift from department stores to TJX for lower-priced clothing and household goods [6][7] - The strong U.S. dollar and unfavorable exchange rates are expected to negatively impact earnings growth by 3% in fiscal 2026 [3] Strategic Expansion - As growth in the U.S. slows, TJX is expanding internationally, including a stake in Brands for Less in Dubai and plans to enter the Spanish market [9]