Comparable sales rose 3.8% in Target’s second quarter, the three months ended Aug. 1, 2026, with digital comps up 8.7% on heavier same‑day delivery activity (AP). Net sales increased 5.3% to $26.54 billion for the period (AP).
Data Snapshot
| Metric | Current | Previous | Change | Period | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparable sales (total) | 3.8% | — | — | second quarter | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
| Comparable store sales | 2.7% | — | — | second quarter | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
| Digital comparable sales | 8.7% | — | — | second quarter | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
| Net sales | $26.54 billion | — | rose 5.3% | second quarter | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
| Net income / EPS (reported) | $1.87 billion, or $4.11 per share | $935 million, or $2.05 per share (year‑ago) | — | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
| Tariff refund benefit | $994 million | — | — | second quarter | three months ended Aug. 1, 2026 | Associated Press (AP) |
Same‑day delivery drives digital outperformance
Digital comparable sales grew 8.7%, driven by increased same‑day delivery activity (AP). Comparable store sales increased 2.7% for the quarter, a slower clip than the online channel (AP). Digital outpaced the aisles by a wide margin. Same‑day drove it. Both channels feed into the company’s total comparable sales measure, which rose 3.8% in the period. Comparable sales read demand; they do not, on their own, explain margin or profit.
Earnings lifted by $994 million tariff refund
The bottom line’s swing factor wasn’t comps — it was a $994 million tariff refund that Target said contributed $1.65 to earnings per share (AP).
Reported net income was $1.87 billion, or $4.11 per share, for the three months ended Aug. 1, outpacing last year’s $935 million, or $2.05 per share (AP). The quarter included the tariff refunds of $994 million, which Target said contributed $1.65 in earnings per share (AP). That is a discrete boost — helpful for EPS optics, separate from operating momentum. Reading the EPS jump as proof of a broad profitability surge would conflate demand recovery with a refund. No adjusted EPS here; just the disclosed $1.65 lift.
Full‑year targets move up
Target raised its full‑year net sales growth outlook to about 5% and set a full‑year earnings‑per‑share range of $9.90 to $10.90 (AP). Full‑year EPS range: $9.90 to $10.90.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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