CLAIM #56054 · Target Corporation (TGT) · 2026Q1 earnings call · May 20, 2026 · due Dec 31, 2026
“In addition, we continue to expect more challenging cost headwinds in the first half of the year that are expected to moderate in the second half.”
James Lee · CFO
How to check this claim
Look at: Gross margin (or operating margin) year-over-year change, first half vs second half of fiscal year
It came true if: Year-over-year margin contraction (from cost headwinds) in H1 is larger in magnitude than in H2, i.e., H2 margin decline is smaller than H1 margin decline
Where: Company income statement / gross margin disclosures in Q2 and Q3/Q4 earnings releases (10-Q/10-K)
In context
“updated our expectations. For the full year, we are now planning for a net sales increase in a range centered around 4%. This outlook is 2 percentage points stronger than our prior range and reflects some moderation from our first quarter pace based on the reasons I outlined above. Turning to the bottom line. We previously provided an EPS range of $750 million to $850 million. Given the profit upside we saw in the first quarter, we are now expecting to end the year near the high end of that range. That said, we still have most of the year ahead of us and continue to believe we're best served by maintaining a cautious outlook. Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on providing full year guidance. But as I mentioned earlier, we'll be facing more challenging prior year comparisons in Q2. In addition, we continue to expect more challenging cost headwinds in the first half of the year that are expected to moderate in the second half. So to close, I'll simply reinforce that we're making investments to win and drive long-term sustainable growth. And while it is early in our journey, we're pleased with our Q1 performance and encouraged that our strategic focus and priorities are showing clear progress. With that, I'll turn it back over to Michael to close this out. Michael Fiddelke: Thanks, Jim. Before we open the call for questions, I want to emphasize some of the key themes I hope you've heard from us today. First, we're encouraged by the progress we saw in Q1. The quarter demonstrated that when we operate with clarity, focus and discipline, our strategy resonates with guests. We saw strength across our categories, growth in both stores and digital, improving guest experience metrics and early proof points that our mer”
Verify independently
SEC filings for TGT ↗ · Claim quote is verbatim from the 2026Q1 earnings call.