By Connor Hart

T.J. Maxx parent TJX Cos. posted a jump in profit and sales during the fourth quarter as it continued to scoop up market share, but the discount retailer guided for growth to slow slightly over the coming year.

The company, which also owns Marshalls and Homegoods, posted a profit of $1.77 billion, or $1.58 a share, compared with a profit of $1.4 billion, or $1.23 a share, in last year's comparable quarter.

Stripping out one-time items, including a litigation settlement over credit card interchange fees, earnings were $1.43 a share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected adjusted earnings of $1.39 a share.

Sales jumped 8.5% to $17.74 billion, topping the $17.36 billion that Wall Street had modeled.

Comparable sales, which account for store openings and closings, were up across every division and grew 5% overall, ahead of the 3.7% increase that analysts were looking for.

Chief Executive Ernie Herrman said TJX had an excellent fourth quarter, "with sales, profitability and earnings per share all well above our plan."

The company continues to win over new customers and gain market shares, thanks to its off-price and value-driven formula, and those trends are expected to largely continue over the coming year.

"As we begin 2026, the first quarter is off to a strong start," Herrman said.

Comparable sales are projected to climb 2% to 3% in the current quarter, though that is below the 3.8% increase that analysts are forecasting. The company projects first-quarter earnings of 97 to 99 cents a share, compared with Wall Street models for $1.02 a share.

For the year, TJX also forecasts same-store sales to be up 2% to 3%, missing the 3.6% that analysts are expecting. It is guiding for earnings of $4.93 to $5.02 a share, below Wall Street views for $5.18 a share.

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 25, 2026 07:57 ET (12:57 GMT)

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