Target has released its sales projections for the holiday season. Here's what to know. https://t.co/WT3AaBKDGV https://t.co/ST6ieLhnBd ...

Core Viewpoint - U.S. equity markets are rebounding as investors await Nvidia's quarterly earnings, with technology and communication services sectors leading the recovery [1][3]. Major Index Performance - The S&P 500 Index is up 0.2% to 0.4%, aiming to end a four-session losing streak [2] - The Nasdaq Composite is showing gains between 0.3% and 0.8%, recovering from two consecutive days of declines [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average is slightly lower by 0.1% to 0.2%, also looking to break a four-day losing streak [2] - The S&P 500 has faced recent shakiness due to concerns over elevated stock valuations and uncertainty regarding future Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [2]. Afternoon Trading Activity and Sector Performance - Afternoon trading reflects cautious optimism, driven by Nvidia's upcoming earnings report, seen as a crucial test for the AI sector [3] - Technology and communication services sectors are leading, while consumer defensives, energy, and utilities sectors are lagging [3] - The real estate market showed recovery in Q3 2025, with multifamily and office sectors leading growth [3]. Key Company News and Stock Movements - Nvidia (NVDA) stock is up approximately 1.7% to 3.2% ahead of its earnings report, which is expected to assess the AI industry's health [4] - Alphabet (GOOGL) shares jumped over 3% to an all-time high following the announcement of its AI model, Gemini 3 [4] - Lowe's (LOW) shares surged nearly 5% to 6% after a strong Q3 profit report and raised sales projections [4] - Target (TGT) stock dipped 0.5% to 1.5% despite a stronger profit due to weaker-than-expected revenue [4] - Constellation Energy (CEG) rallied 5.2% to 6.1% after a $1 billion loan announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy [4] - Amazon (AMZN) stock slipped 0.8% after a previous drop of 4.4% due to a rating cut [4] - Adobe (ADBE) announced an acquisition of Semrush Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.9 billion [4] - Medtronic plc (MDT) shares jumped 4.7% after reporting better-than-expected earnings [4] - Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) shares surged 8.5% after surpassing earnings estimates [4]. Upcoming Market Events - The September jobs report is scheduled for release on November 20, following a delay due to a government shutdown [6] - Federal Reserve minutes are expected to provide insights into inflation and labor market conditions [6] - Walmart (WMT) is set to report earnings on November 20, which will offer insights into consumer spending [6].

Market Catalysts Host Julie Hyman sits down with leading experts on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to discuss the trending headlines on Wall Street. Bitwise's head of research, Ryan Rasmussen, talks about bitcoin's recent sell-off as Goldman Sachs senior equity analyst Jim Schneider shares his expectations for Nvidia earnings. After Target released earnings, Neuberger Berman senior research analyst John San Marco discusses the retailer's strategy compared to others, like TJ Maxx parent company TJX and Walmart. To watc ...

Core Insights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) reported a strong performance in Q2 of fiscal 2026, with a 14.4% increase in e-commerce same-store sales and high-teens growth on bootbarn.com [1][10] E-commerce and AI Integration - The growth in e-commerce sales was driven by early-stage integration of artificial intelligence, enhancing website search functionality and product recommendations [2][3] - AI is also being utilized to improve product copy, assist store associates through an AI assistant named Cassidy, and develop multimedia training modules [3] Brand Expansion and Traffic Growth - Boot Barn launched new exclusive brand websites for Hawx and Cody James, which successfully increased website traffic and attracted new customers, with plans for a Cheyenne brand website post-holidays [4] Omnichannel Strategy and Profitability - The company's physical presence complements its digital capabilities, providing a seamless shopping experience, with merchandise margin increasing by 80 basis points year-over-year, supported by exclusive brands which now represent 41% of sales [5][10] Future Outlook - Management anticipates that the digital channel will continue to be a key growth contributor, with AI expected to enhance efficiency and sustain profitability as investments in digital infrastructure grow [6] Financial Performance - BOOT's shares have increased by 12.7% year-to-date, contrasting with a 16.3% decline in the industry, and the company holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings growth of 20.5% for fiscal 2026 and 13.8% for fiscal 2027, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.4% on average [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated comp sales growth of 5%, exceeding expectations, driven by strong performance across all divisions [5][8] - Pre-tax profit margin for the third quarter was 12.7%, up 40 basis points year-over-year, while gross margin increased by 100 basis points due to lower freight costs and expense efficiencies [9][10] - Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter were $1.28, a 12% increase compared to the previous year, and above expectations [9][24] Performance by Business Segment - At Marmaxx, comp sales grew by 6%, with segment profit margin at 14.9%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [10][11] - HomeGoods saw comp sales increase by 5%, with segment profit margin improving to 13.5%, up 120 basis points [11] - TJX Canada reported an 8% increase in comp sales, with a segment profit margin of 14.9% on a constant currency basis, down 20 basis points due to unfavorable foreign exchange [12] - TJX International experienced a 3% growth in comp sales, with segment profit margin increasing to 9.2%, up 190 basis points [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong availability of quality branded merchandise, with inventory up 12% and inventory per store up 8% year-over-year [12][13] - The company is confident in gaining market share across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, with plans to enter Spain in spring 2026 [12][19] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on maintaining its value proposition and flexibility in operations, which is seen as a competitive advantage [6][18] - Plans for the holiday season include a strong marketing campaign and fresh merchandise flow to attract value-conscious shoppers [15][17] - The company aims to continue expanding its store footprint, targeting a long-term goal of 7,000 stores in current markets and new entries [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current retail environment, emphasizing the importance of value and customer experience [18][21] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities and market share capture in the coming years, despite potential challenges from tariffs [24][19] Other Important Information - The company returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends in the third quarter [13] - The 2025 Global Corporate Responsibility Report was published, covering key areas such as workplace, communities, environmental sustainability, and responsible sourcing [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence in continuing comp momentum during the holiday season? - Management noted consistent momentum in comp sales, driven by a strong shopping experience and value proposition, with both transactions and basket size contributing to growth [27][28] Question: How does pricing growth impact comp sales? - Pricing increases were selectively implemented, with a focus on maintaining value perception, which remains strong among consumers [36][41] Question: Are there any categories where raising prices has been less successful? - Management indicated a high success rate in pricing strategy, with only one category experiencing pushback, which was quickly adjusted [82][83] Question: How does the company view the impact of tariffs on inventory availability? - Management expressed surprise at the high availability of inventory despite tariffs, suggesting that the market dynamics have allowed for continued access to quality merchandise [124][125]

A tale of 2 marketsTarget drops quarterly sales & yearly profit guidance on lower sales and a drop in shopping into the holidays<meanwhile>A fully functioning 18-karat gold toilet 'America' sells for $12.1M at Sotheby's https://t.co/OQahDwbfGz ...

Despite earnings season winding down, a few notable (non-semiconductor) names have entered the confessional this week. Fresh off off the docket but moving in contrasting directions are retail rivals Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) and TJX Companies Inc (NYSE:TJX).Struggling retail stock TGT is moving 1.2% lower to trade at $87.50 this morning. While adjusted third-quarter earnings of $1.78 per share topped estimates, a revenue miss and a lowered fiscal year profit outlook are weighing. TGT has been on a downward tra ...

Welcome to Young Financ's flagship show, Morning Brief. I'm Julie Hyman. Let's get to the three things you need to know today.First up, US stock futures a little changed. That's after the major averages closed in the red yet again. This S&P 500 recording its fourth consecutive day of losses.That's the longest losing streak since August. The benchmark index has now fallen 3% this month. That's on track for its worst November since 2008.But the big focus for investors will be after the closing bell. Nvidia ea ...

Money markets indicated there was an 87pc chance of a reduction in borrowing costs in December, compared to 79pc before the CPI data was published.However, there was some comfort for mortgage holders as traders raised bets on the Bank of England cutting interest rates next month following the drop in inflation.Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said inflation “has nearly doubled” since Labour came to power. She pointed to the ONS figures showing food inflation rose from 4.5pc in September to 4.9pc in October, which ...

Core Insights - Walgreens is enhancing the holiday shopping experience by offering significant savings from Black Friday through Christmas Day, featuring the lowest prices of the season on various products [1] Group 1: Promotions and Offers - Shoppers can access exciting savings on trending toys, family-favorite games, beauty products, home necessities, and sweet treats [1] - The retailer aims to make holiday celebrations more affordable, allowing customers to enjoy the season without overspending [1]