Target on Thursday reported comparable sales rose a smaller than expected 0.9 percent in the third quarter, blaming what it called "constrained" consumer spending, and it lowered its full-year profit forecast.
Target, which competes against Wal-Mart Stores and other discount retailers, earned $341 million, or 54 cents per share, in the fiscal third quarter ended Nov. 2, down from $637 million, or 96 cents per share, a year earlier. On an adjusted basis, the discounter earned 84 cents per share.
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Analysts were expecting comparable sales to rise 1.3 percent.
The retailer now expects to earn an adjusted profit per share of $4.59 to $4.69, compared with an earlier range of $4.70 to $4.90.
After the earnings announcement, the retail giant's shares fell in pre-market trading. (Click here for the latest quote.)
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—By Reuters