10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

TARGET CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Apr 29, 2000

Filed June 9, 2000For Securities:TGT

Summary

Target Corporation's first quarter 2000 results, ending April 29, 2000, show a solid performance driven primarily by the Target segment. Total revenues grew 8.2% year-over-year to $7.75 billion, with comparable-store sales increasing by 3.0% company-wide. The company reported net earnings of $239 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, a significant increase from $194 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. This growth was bolstered by a strong performance in the Target division, which saw a 25.9% increase in pre-tax segment profit, while Mervyn's showed modest growth and Department Stores experienced a decline. Financially, Target maintains a strong position, funding growth through internal resources, debt, and securitized receivables. Capital expenditures were up, with a significant portion dedicated to the Target stores. The company also continued its share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its valuation and commitment to returning value to shareholders. The outlook for the remainder of fiscal year 2000 remains positive, with expectations of continued sales growth driven by both comparable store sales and new store openings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 8.2% to $7.75 billion for the quarter ended April 29, 2000, compared to $7.16 billion in the prior year.
  • 2Net earnings rose by 23.2% to $239 million, with diluted EPS growing from $0.41 to $0.52 year-over-year.
  • 3Comparable-store sales increased by 3.0% overall, with the Target segment showing particularly strong growth of 4.7%.
  • 4The Target segment was the primary driver of profit growth, with pre-tax segment profit up 25.9%.
  • 5Capital expenditures increased to $428 million from $362 million in the prior year, with 90% invested in Target stores.
  • 6The company actively engaged in its share repurchase program, buying back 2.1 million shares for $126 million in the quarter.
  • 7Long-term debt increased by $500 million with the issuance of new debt, alongside a general increase in total assets and liabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Target Corporation reported total revenues of $7,746 million for the quarter ended April 29, 2000, an increase of 8.2% compared to $7,158 million in the same period of the prior year. This growth was driven by a combination of comparable-store sales increases and new store expansion.

The Target segment showed strong performance with revenue up 11.5% and pre-tax segment profit up 25.9%. Mervyn's experienced a slight revenue decrease of 2.3% but saw a modest 3.1% increase in pre-tax profit. The Department Stores segment saw a revenue decline of 4.0% and a significant 39.3% drop in pre-tax profit.

Target expects strong growth for the rest of fiscal year 2000, anticipating mid-single-digit comparable store sales growth and continued new store expansion, primarily at Target. The company projects its gross margin rate and operating expense rate to remain stable or improve modestly, leading to a pre-tax profit margin rate similar to the previous year. Growth in credit contributions is also expected.

Target has an active share repurchase program. In the first quarter of 2000, the company repurchased 2.1 million shares for $126 million. This is in addition to previous authorizations, with a total of $1 billion authorized in March 2000 and another $1 billion in January 1999. The program also involves selling put options.