10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jul 28, 2001

Filed September 11, 2001For Securities:TJX

Summary

TJX Companies, Inc. reported financial results for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 28, 2001. For the second quarter, net sales increased by 10% year-over-year to $2.49 billion, and for the year-to-date period, net sales grew 9% to $4.76 billion. While total sales showed growth, net income for the second quarter slightly decreased to $111.9 million from $114.0 million in the prior year, resulting in diluted EPS of $0.40 versus $0.39. For the first six months, net income was $235.6 million, down from $244.6 million, with diluted EPS at $0.84 compared to $0.83 in the prior year. The company highlighted that the sales increases were driven by both new store openings and a 2% increase in same-store sales for the second quarter. However, profitability was impacted by increased cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs, which rose as a percentage of sales due to factors like higher inventory levels at Winners and distribution cost increases. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also increased as a percentage of sales, mainly due to higher store payroll costs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the second quarter increased 10% to $2.49 billion, and for the year-to-date period, increased 9% to $4.76 billion.
  • 2Consolidated same-store sales grew 2% for the second quarter and 1% for the first six months.
  • 3Net income for the second quarter decreased slightly to $111.9 million ($0.40/share) from $114.0 million ($0.39/share) in the prior year.
  • 4Net income for the first six months decreased to $235.6 million ($0.84/share) from $244.6 million ($0.83/share) in the prior year.
  • 5Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased due to planned inventory adjustments and higher distribution costs.
  • 6Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased due to higher store payroll and lower-than-planned sales growth.
  • 7The company repurchased $259.8 million of common stock during the first six months of the fiscal year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth in the second quarter was driven by a combination of new store openings and a 2% increase in consolidated same-store sales. This indicates both physical expansion and improved performance at existing locations.

Net income saw a slight decrease due to an increase in the cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs, as a percentage of net sales. This was attributed to factors such as managing higher-than-planned inventories at Winners, increased distribution costs, and costs associated with optimizing HomeGoods inventory levels. Additionally, selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales also rose, primarily due to higher store payroll costs.

The company has been actively managing its inventory, with efforts to move HomeGoods to a more liquid inventory position and dealing with higher-than-planned inventories at Winners. In terms of financing, TJX issued $517.5 million in zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes in February 2001, raising $347.6 million, and continued its stock repurchase program, buying back $259.8 million in the first six months.

TJX remains contingently liable on certain leases related to its former Zayre Stores division (now with Ames, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy), its former warehouse club operations (BJ's Wholesale Club and HomeBase), and its former Hit or Miss division (which also filed for bankruptcy). However, the company believes these contingent liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, operating results, or cash flows.