Target Corporation (TGT”>TGT) recently posted lower-than-expected sales results for the five-week period ended December 31, 2011. However, this compared favorably with the prior-year quarter. The lower-than-expected sales results were driven by softness in electronics and Music, Movies & Books. But higher sales in grocery and beauty products were the tailwinds.
Target registered an increase of 1.6% in comparable store sales for December 2011 compared with a rise of 0.9% in the prior-year period. Year-to-date, comparable store sales inched up 2.9% compared with 2.1% jump in the prior-year period.
In terms of performance, Target also lagged behind its peer Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), which marked an increase of 7% in its comparable store sales during the period under review.
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Target Corporation announced that net retail sales for December increased 2.6% to $10,138 million from $9,882 million reported in the prior-year period. Year-to-date, sales climbed 4% to $63,858 million.
Guidance Trimmed
Followed by the disappointing December sales, Target lowered its fourth-quarter 2011 earnings guidance. The company now expects earnings of $1.35 to $1.43 per share, compared with its earlier guidance of $1.43 to $1.53.
Margin Remains a Question
Target provided its cardholders, who are already getting a discount of 5% for their purchases, the benefit of free shipping for any kind of e-shopping in order to attract buyers. Further, the company went one step ahead with the announcement of upto 50% discount on clothing and home decors after Christmas.
Going forward, we expect margins to remain soft as these offers are coming at the cost of margins.
Road Ahead
Target’s efficient marketing, multi-channel strategy, product innovation and new merchandise assortments should help to drive comparable-store sales and operating margin in the long term. We expect the company to gain market share and believe that more focus on consumable items should boost sales and earnings in a sluggish consumer environment.
Target now tends to focus more on store renovations, enhancing store sales productivity while introducing smaller store formats. It is also eyeing opportunities to open stores in international markets.
Consequently, we have a long-term ‘Neutral’ rating on the stock. However, Target holds a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy recommendation.
COSTCO WHOLE CP (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report
TARGET CORP (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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