Target's 1Q net income climbs almost 29 pct

NEW YORK (AP) - Target Corp. is reporting an almost 29 percent increase in net income for its first quarter, fueled by an improvement in its credit card business and higher sales of more profitable items such as clothing.

Chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel says the results came in a stronger-than-expected economic environment.

The discounter reported net income of $671 million, or 90 cents per share, for the period ended May 1. Analysts had expected 86 cents a share.

Target says its total revenue rose 5 percent to $15.59 billion - a shade ahead of Wall Street expectations.