10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 29, 2005

Filed December 2, 2005For Securities:TJX

Summary

The TJX Companies reported a decrease in net income for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2005 compared to the prior year. Net sales showed modest growth, primarily driven by new store openings, while same-store sales were flat for the quarter and up only slightly year-to-date. This performance was impacted by several factors, including unseasonable weather, weak demand in specific categories like women's sportswear and home fashions, and the negative effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Despite these headwinds, TJX continued to execute its stock repurchase program, announcing a new $1 billion authorization. The company also underwent leadership changes, including the resignation of its CEO. While the reported earnings were affected by one-time charges and a litigation settlement gain, underlying operational challenges related to same-store sales and category performance are key areas for investor focus going forward. The company is adjusting its strategies, including moderating new store growth for some divisions and refining merchandising approaches.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 6% to $4.04 billion for the third quarter and 7% to $11.34 billion for the nine-month period, largely due to new store openings.
  • 2Consolidated same-store sales were flat for the third quarter and increased only 1% year-to-date, negatively impacted by weather and weak category demand.
  • 3Net income decreased by 15% to $171.2 million in the third quarter and by 9% to $443.6 million for the nine-month period.
  • 4Diluted earnings per share (EPS) declined to $0.36 for the quarter and $0.91 for the nine months, down from $0.40 and $0.95 respectively in the prior year.
  • 5The company repurchased approximately $125 million worth of stock in the third quarter and announced a new $1 billion stock repurchase program.
  • 6Marmaxx (TJ Maxx and Marshalls) saw flat same-store sales for the quarter, while other segments like T.K. Maxx and HomeGoods experienced declines in local currency same-store sales.
  • 7The company is exiting its e-commerce business, incurring associated operating losses and exit costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily due to a combination of factors including flat same-store sales for the quarter, which negatively impacted expense leverage, and several one-time events. These events included charges related to executive resignation agreements, e-commerce operating losses and exit costs, and uninsured losses and estimated lost sales from hurricanes. These were partially offset by a gain from a VISA/MasterCard antitrust litigation settlement.

Consolidated same-store sales were flat for the third quarter and increased by only 1% year-to-date. Performance was negatively impacted by unseasonable weather in various regions, weak demand in key categories like women's sportswear and home fashions, and the disruptive effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in the third quarter. Some divisions, like T.K. Maxx, also saw declines in local currency same-store sales due to challenging economic environments.

TJX demonstrated a commitment to returning capital to shareholders through its share repurchase program. The company repurchased approximately $125 million of stock in the third quarter and has a significant portion of its $1 billion repurchase program initiated in May 2004 already completed. Furthermore, TJX announced a new $1 billion multi-year share repurchase program, indicating continued confidence in its financial position and a strategy to potentially reduce share count and enhance EPS.

TJX decided to exit its e-commerce operations due to disappointing results. This decision led to operating losses and exit costs for the quarter, impacting net income. While this business segment was not a significant contributor to overall sales, its closure streamlines the company's focus on its core brick-and-mortar retail operations and eliminates ongoing losses associated with this venture.