Stifel maintained its Hold rating on Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) with a price target of $147.00. The firm's analyst highlighted Target's comparable sales (comp) increase of 2%, which surpassed the consensus estimate of 1.1%. Operating income also exceeded expectations, reaching $1.635 billion compared to the $1.385 billion consensus.
Target has kept its fiscal year 2024 comparable sales guidance steady at 0%-2%, but now expects the full-year growth to lean towards the lower end of this range. The company has also increased its earnings per share (EPS) forecast to $9.00-$9.70, up from the previous range of $8.60-$9.60.
For the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, Target projects a comparable sales growth of 0%-2%, which aligns with the consensus prediction of a 1.5% increase. The company anticipates an EPS of $2.10-$2.40 for the quarter, with the consensus at $2.22. These projections suggest that the fourth quarter's comparable sales will be close to the consensus of 1.3%, with an expected EPS of approximately $2.50 at the midpoint, against a consensus of $2.81.
The Q2 saw a 2.0% growth in comparable sales, with a 0.7% increase in store growth and an 8.7% rise in digital sales. Same-day services grew by a low-double-digit percentage. The operating income for the quarter was boosted by a higher-than-anticipated gross margin of 28.9%, compared to the 28.2% consensus.
Target Corporation has raised its annual profit outlook following a successful second quarter marked by increased sales due to aggressive price reductions. The company now anticipates a profit range of $9.00 to $9.70 per share for the year 2024.
In the recent financial quarter, Target reported earnings of $2.57 per share, surpassing the analyst consensus of $2.18 per share. This performance exceeded analysts' expectations, highlighting the company's resilience in the face of high inflation.
Analysts from BofA Securities and Telsey Advisory Group have maintained a positive stance on Target, reiterating their Buy and Outperform ratings respectively, while Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) has maintained its Overweight rating on the company.
Target's recent strategic initiatives include the expansion of private brands, store renovations, supply chain enhancements, digital and Drive Up services, an upgraded loyalty program, and the Target + marketplace. These initiatives, along with partnerships with well-known brands, are expected to contribute to Target's growth.
InvestingPro Insights
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) has demonstrated a robust track record of financial performance and shareholder returns. With a market capitalization of $66.77 billion, the company is a significant player in the retail industry. Notably, Target is trading at a P/E ratio of 16.1, which is attractive considering the company's near-term earnings growth. This is further emphasized by a PEG ratio of 0.31 over the last twelve months as of Q1 2025, highlighting the potential for growth relative to earnings.
InvestingPro Tips for Target reveal that the company has not only raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years but also maintained these payments for 54 years, underlining a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders. Moreover, analysts predict that Target will remain profitable this year, with profitability sustained over the last twelve months. These factors contribute to Target's appeal to investors seeking steady income and long-term growth within the Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail industry.
For readers interested in deeper analysis and additional insights, there are more InvestingPro Tips available for Target on the InvestingPro platform. These tips provide valuable information for making informed investment decisions.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.