Why Is Target Surging Ahead When Other Retailers Are Faltering?

As several retailers continue to struggle to keep their doors open, Target (TGT) seems to have the recipe for increased sales performance. The company released its third-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, seeing its share price soar nearly 10% at pre-market open.

Target saw growth in all categories, reporting a comparable sales increase of 4.5%, up 5.1% compared to last year, with comparable traffic increasing by 3.1%. GAAP EPS was up 18.2 percent compared to Q3 2018.

Both in-store and digital comparable sales were also up for the retailer as it reported a 2.8% growth in stores and 1.7% contribution from digital sales. Target’s comparable digital channels sales were also up 31% with its same-day fulfillment services, accounting for 80% of its digital comparable sales growth.

The company’s overall operating income grew 22.3% compared to last year, with total revenue topping $18.7 billion, up 4.7% from $17.8 billion last year. Operating income was just over $1 billion in Q3 2019, up 22.3% from $819 million in Q3 2018.

“The Target team did an excellent job serving our guests and executing our strategy throughout the third quarter,” Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO at Target said. “Our third quarter results are further proof of the durability of our strategy, as we’re seeing industry-leading strength across multiple metrics, from the top line to the bottom line.

“Looking ahead, we have ushered in the holiday season with an unwavering commitment to guest service that complements our highly differentiated, value-driven assortment, our exceptional in-store shopping experience as well as an unmatched suite of easy and convenient fulfillment options,” he added.

Target’s guidance for Q4 and full-year 2019 includes a comparable sales growth of 3 to 4% with GAAP EPS from continuing operations to come in at $1.55 to $1.75. Adjusted EPS is expected to range from $1.54 to $1.74.

Full-year GAAP ESP from continuing operations is anticipated to range from $6.27 to $6.47, with adjusted EPS ranging from $6.25 to $6.45 compared to its previous guidance of $5.90 to $6.20.

Target also said it plans to release a post-holiday financial update on Jan. 15, 2020.

Shares of Target stock were up 9.86% at pre-market open on Wednesday.