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TJX Companies (TJX) Seeks Growth in 2017: Should You Hold?

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Discount retailer The TJX Companies Inc. (TJX - Free Report) is one of the few retailers who have managed to stay afloat amid troubled waters of the retail sector. Most of the retailers are losing their market share to the online giant Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) as more and more buyers are opting for the convenience of buying through the internet. In fact, the shares of TJX Companies have managed to gain 1% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks categorized Retail Wholesale sector which has witnessed a decline of 3% in the same time frame.

The company has shown an uptrend even in terms of earnings. It has posted a positive surprise in all the trailing four quarters with an average earnings surprise of 5.9%. The stock carries a VGM score of ‘A’ and earnings are anticipated to grow by 11% in the next five years.

Initiatives to Boost Sales

The TJX Companies has reported positive comparable store sales (comps) growth in the past 30 quarters. Further, the company’s several initiatives to boost sales along with an aggressive store opening strategy in the pipeline holds it in good stead. TJX plans to grow more than 50% to 5,600 stores over the next few years which includes addition of over 1,400 stores in North America, doubling Marmaxx to 3,000 stores in the U.S. and also plans to expand HomeGoods chain to at least 1,000 stores, almost twice its existing base. Moreover, the company plans to build about 500 stores over the long term in Canada, and nearly double its current base in Europe by expanding to 975 outlets.

Further, TJX Companies has undertaken several initiatives to augment online sales by recruiting an experienced internet management team. Additionally, the company intends to add more categories to the online shopping site, tjxmaxx.com and invest categorically in it to differentiate it from its brick-and-mortar stores.

The TJX Companies is also taking steps to rejuvenate its loyalty program for 2017. The program has been a huge success with approximately 8 million members enrolled already. Moreover, the company has added special rewards for key segments of the program. Notably, the loyalty program is unique among off-price retailers.

However, TJX Companies has been struggling with lower margins in the past few quarters, mainly due to wages increments announced in 2016. Furthermore, the off-price nature of the company prevents it from raising prices in order to maintain margins.

TJX COS INC NEW Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

 

TJX COS INC NEW Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | TJX COS INC NEW Quote

Although it is facing headwinds, these difficulties are transitory and TJX Companies might offset lower margins in 2017, if the above mentioned initiatives are effective. Taking the pros and cons into regard, we feel it will be a prudent decision to hold onto the stock for 2017.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked retail wholesale stocks from the broader sector, which investors can consider include Boot Barns Holdings Inc. (BOOT - Free Report) , Kohl’s Corporation (KSS - Free Report) and Nordstrom Inc. (JWN - Free Report) , all carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Boot Barns has expected long-term growth rate of 14.5%, Kohl’s Corporation has a long-term growth rate of 7% and Nordstrom has an expected earnings growth rate of 8%.

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