MINNEAPOLIS– Target Corp. on Thursday reported a third-quarter net income that handily beat Wall Street expectations, and the big-box retailer issued a rosy outlook heading into the critical holiday shopping season.

The company, based in Minneapolis, is optimistic about the period, which can make up 40 percent of a retailer's annual revenue. The cheap-chic chain cited its new price matching program and a holiday collection partnership with luxury department store Neiman Marcus.

For the fourth quarter, the company said it anticipates adjusted earnings of $1.64 to $1.74 per share. Analysts predict $1.50 per share.