Target 1Q EPS down 6.8%

MINNEAPOLIS Target reported net earnings of $522 million for the first quarter ended May 2, compared with $602 million in the first quarter ended May 3, 2008. Earnings per share in the first quarter decreased 6.8% to 69 cents from 74 cents in the same period a year ago. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted earnings per share.

“Our first quarter earnings per share reflect disciplined execution of our strategy in a difficult environment,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Retail sales increased 0.4% in the first quarter to $14.4 billion in 2009 from $14.3 billion in 2008, due to the contribution from new store expansion partially offset by a 3.7% decline in comparable-store sales.