TJX Sees 4Q EPS Topping Forecast; Jan Same-Store Sales Beat Views

TJX Cos. (TJX) reported January same-store sales that topped analysts' views and said it expects fourth-quarter earnings to beat the forecast it raised last month. The parent of off-price chains T.J. Maxx and Marshalls has fared better than some retailers. Consumers, concerned with high unemployment and a sluggish economy, have continued to seek bargains. But discounters face the prospect of slowing growth as they bump up against comparisons with stronger year-earlier results. Thursday, TJX said it expects its fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share to be "slightly above" the 97 cents to $1.01 it had expected. It