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Retail Stock Earnings Reports To Watch For Next Week: Wal-Mart (WMT) VS Target (TGT)

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While the current earnings cycle is coming to an end, there still are a few companies left next week that are scheduled to release their most recent quarter’s financial results.

One industry that will see several of its members release their earnings reports is the retail industry. Two companies set to release their earnings will be especially watched, as they are both major players in the space.

Below are these two companies and some of the figures that analysts’ and investors are expecting to see from them next week.

Target Corporation (TGT - Free Report)

Target Corporation is set to release its second quarter 2016 financial results next week on Wednesday, August 17th, before the markets open. The company operates large-format general merchandise and food discount stores in the United States, which include Target and SuperTarget stores. They offer both everyday essentials and fashionable, differentiated merchandise at exceptional prices.

A Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), shares of Target are up just over 3% year-to-date. In terms of what analysts are expecting in the company’s earnings report, the Zacks Consensus Estimates for EPS and revenue stand at $1.13 and $16.21 billion, respectively. Both figures are expected to drop when compared to figures from the same period last year.

In its most recent earnings report from Q1, Target posted an earnings beat of $0.09, or 7.5%. Over its last 4 quarters Target has met and or beat on earnings estimates 3 times, and missed just once. The company’s average EPS surprise is a positive 4.03%.

TARGET CORP Price and EPS Surprise

TARGET CORP Price and EPS Surprise | TARGET CORP Quote

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT - Free Report)

Following Target’s earning release will be Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s, which is slated for Thursday, August 18th before the markets open. The largest retailer in the world, the company is engaged in the operation of mass merchandising stores, which serve their customers through the operation of three segments, which are the Wal-Mart Stores segment, the SAM’s Club segment, and the International segment.

Wal-Mart Stores is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), and shares of the company are up over 20.5% year-to-date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s Q2 EPS stands at $1.02, and stands at $120.09 billion for revenue. Revenues are expected decline slightly from last year’s Q2 figures, while EPS is expected to decline more than 5%.

In its most recent earnings release for Q1, Walmart was able to post an earnings beat of $0.10, or 11.36%. Over its last 4 quarter’s, the company has been able post an earnings beat 3 times, and has an average earnings surprise figure of 4.01% in that span.

WAL-MART STORES Price and EPS Surprise

WAL-MART STORES Price and EPS Surprise | WAL-MART STORES Quote

Bottom Line

The earnings reports from these two companies will be watched closely next week, as Wal-Mart Stores is the world’s largest retailer, and Target Corp. is a major player in the space as well. Consumer spending has been growing in past months, but it is yet to be seen whether or not retailers like these two will see the benefits. Be sure to check back with Zacks next week for full coverage of both these companies’ earnings releases!

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