Target isn't growing much, but it's still a profitable business for long-term investors.Target (TGT -0.49%) reported earnings this week, and the company's growth was once again low single digits. But this is now a profitable company trading at a great value, so is the stock a buy now? Travis Hoium goes through the trends in this video.*Stock prices used were end-of-day prices of March 4, 2025. The video was published on March 5, 2025. ...

Core Insights - Target (TGT) reported favorable Q4 results but issued cautious guidance, leading to a 3% dip in stock price [1] - Despite the dip, Target shares are trading at a significant discount compared to competitors like Walmart (WMT) [1] Q4 Financial Performance - Q4 sales reached $30.91 billion, slightly above estimates of $30.76 billion but down from $31.91 billion year-over-year [2] - Comparable sales for existing stores grew by 1.5%, driven by strong traffic and digital performance [2] - Digital comparable sales increased by 8.7% during Q4, with same-day deliveries rising by 25% [2] - Q4 EPS was $2.41, exceeding expectations of $2.25 by 7%, compared to $2.94 per share in the same quarter last year [2][3] Full Year Results - For fiscal 2025, total sales decreased by approximately 1% to $106.57 billion, and annual earnings also fell by 1% to $8.86 per share [4] Guidance and Outlook - Target anticipates profit pressure in Q1 due to consumer uncertainty and tariff concerns [5] - Full-year EPS guidance for FY26 is projected at $8.80-$9.80, below the current Zacks Consensus of $9.34 per share [5] - Sales growth for FY26 is forecasted at 1%, below the current projection of $108.64 billion [7] - Zacks estimates suggest a 9% increase in EPS for FY27 and over 3% sales growth to $112.66 billion [5][7] Valuation and Market Position - Target's stock is currently around $116, with a forward P/E ratio of 12.5X, compared to Walmart's 36X [8] - Target's online sales growth is seen as promising, potentially leveling the competitive landscape with Walmart and capturing market share from Amazon (AMZN) [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported nearly $30 billion in revenue growth over the past five years, with expectations to drive more than $15 billion in revenue growth over the next five years [7][11]. - The sales decline in February was attributed to various factors, including cautious consumer spending in discretionary categories despite record-high sales around Valentine's Day [13][14]. - Q4 ending inventory at cost was up over 7% compared to last year due to several factors, including the introduction of new products and the addition of new food distribution centers [62]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Beauty segment saw nearly 7% sales growth and share gains, while Apparel also grew share over the last three quarters [11]. - The Food & Beverage category has grown by almost $9 billion over the last five years, making Target the fifth largest digital grocer in America [89]. - The All in Motion activewear line became a $1 billion brand, growing over 10% in 2024 [46][119]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Target's digital business reached $20 billion with nearly 9% growth in Q4 [41]. - The company gained 350 million more guest trips in 2024 compared to 2019, translating to a 20% uptick in traffic [52]. - The company operates in a $4.2 trillion market, with less than 3% market share, indicating significant growth potential [43]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $4 billion to $5 billion in stores, supply chain, and technology this year to enhance customer experience [8]. - Target aims to leverage its unique position in retail by focusing on product discovery and creating an inviting shopping experience [6][10]. - The strategy includes expanding the Target Plus marketplace, which has grown to a $1 billion business, and enhancing the in-store and digital shopping experience [22][24]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged persistent economic uncertainty affecting consumer spending, particularly in discretionary categories, but remains optimistic about long-term growth [14]. - The company is focused on improving inventory reliability and enhancing the overall guest experience to meet rising consumer expectations [56][80]. - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver on growth expectations through strategic investments and operational improvements [35][80]. Other Important Information - The company has opened 23 new stores in 2024 and plans to open another 20, focusing on full-size Targets to enhance the shopping experience [51]. - The reimagined loyalty program, Target Circle, added 13 million members in 2024, contributing to deeper customer engagement [30]. - The company is modernizing its inventory management systems with AI tools to improve forecasting and reduce costs [64]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What is Target's strategy for growth in the coming years? - Target aims to drive more than $15 billion in revenue growth over the next five years by enhancing product offerings and improving customer engagement [11][78]. Question: How is Target addressing inventory challenges? - The company is focused on improving inventory reliability and has implemented new metrics to better assess in-stock performance [60][62]. Question: What are the expectations for the digital business? - Target's digital business is expected to continue growing, with significant investments in enhancing the digital shopping experience [41][80].

Core Viewpoint - The escalation of trade tensions due to new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canada, Mexico, and China is expected to significantly impact various sectors, leading to increased costs for consumers and potential disruptions in the global economy [1][4]. Automobiles - The automobile sector will be heavily affected, with Canada and Mexico accounting for approximately 47% of U.S. auto imports and 54% of car part imports [6]. - U.S. carmakers could see a reduction of 10-25% in their annual EBITDA due to the new tariffs, with potential increases of up to $12,000 in the price of new cars [7]. - ETFs like First Trust S-Network Future Vehicles & Technology ETF (CARZ) are likely to face pressure [7]. Agriculture - The agricultural export sector, valued at $191 billion, is threatened by the tariffs, particularly affecting imports of grains, meats, and dairy products from Canada and Mexico [8]. - The tariffs are expected to increase grocery prices, especially since Mexico is a key supplier of various produce to the U.S. [9]. - The Invesco DB Agriculture Fund (DBA) is anticipated to experience rough trading conditions [9]. Homebuilding - Tariffs will raise the costs of building materials, leading to a projected increase of 4-6% in homebuilding costs over the next year, which will negatively impact profitability [10]. - Companies like D.R. Horton (DHI), Toll Brothers (TOL), and Lennar (LEN), along with ETFs such as iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), will be affected [10][11]. Aerospace - The aerospace industry will face increased production costs due to retaliatory tariffs from major buyers like China, Mexico, and Canada [12]. - Companies such as Boeing (BA) and Airbus, along with suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems and Hexcel, will see higher raw material costs [12]. - The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) is likely to be negatively impacted [12]. Retail - Major retailers, including Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY), and Costco (COST), are expected to face higher prices due to tariffs on consumer goods sourced from China and Mexico [13]. - Over 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China, making retailers vulnerable to increased costs [14]. - Walmart's grocery business could also see rising costs, as Mexico supplies a significant portion of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports [14]. Energy - The energy sector will experience increased costs due to a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports, which could raise prices for heating, electricity, and fuel for American consumers [15]. - ETFs like United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) are expected to be adversely affected [15].

Core Viewpoint - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Target Corporation due to alleged violations of federal securities laws, particularly related to misleading statements about its ESG/DEI initiatives and the impact on its stock price [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Investigation and Class Action - Faruqi & Faruqi is encouraging investors who suffered losses in Target between August 26, 2022, and November 19, 2024, to discuss their legal rights [1]. - There is an April 1, 2025, deadline for investors to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action against Target [2]. - The firm has a history of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995 [3]. Group 2: Allegations Against Target - The complaint alleges that Target and its executives made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose risks associated with its ESG/DEI initiatives, leading to an artificially inflated stock price [4]. - Target's stock price fell from $125.05 on August 15, 2023, to $105.01 by October 6, 2023, following the Q2 2023 earnings report that revealed negative impacts from a campaign [5]. - On November 20, 2024, Target reported GAAP-adjusted earnings per share of $1.85, down from $2.10 in the same quarter of 2023, marking an 11.9% decline, which caused the stock to drop 22% from $156 to $121.72 [6]. Group 3: Participation and Information Gathering - The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest who directs the litigation on behalf of the class, and any member can move to serve as lead plaintiff [7]. - Faruqi & Faruqi encourages anyone with information regarding Target's conduct, including whistleblowers and former employees, to contact the firm [8].

Shoppers are gearing up to slap Target with a 40-day boycott over its DEI policy reversal on Wednesday — even as black business owners have warned a boycott could hurt their own brands.It’s a triple whammy for the retailer as it emerges from a brutal year plagued by low spending and prepares for possible cost increases under President Trump’s tariffs.“We’re asking people to divest from Target because they have turned their back on our community,” Rev. Jamal Bryant, an Atlanta-area megachurch pastor who star ...

Core Insights - Best Buy and Target are facing challenges due to new tariffs impacting their sourcing from China and Mexico, which could affect their margins [1][2] Best Buy - Best Buy is significantly affected by tariff uncertainty, sourcing 60% of its goods from China and 20% from Mexico, despite reporting its first positive comparable sales since Q3 2021 [2] - Analyst Christopher Horvers has reduced Best Buy's stock price target from $115 to $110, while still believing in its long-term potential due to self-help measures like advertising growth and a new marketplace [3] - Year-to-date, Best Buy's stock has declined by 12.7%, trading below key moving averages, indicating further downside risk [6] Target - Target has reduced its reliance on China from 60% in 2017 to 30% currently, with plans to decrease it to 25% next year, aiming to mitigate tariff impacts [4] - Target is exploring alternative profit streams, such as its Roundel advertising business and marketplace expansion, to cushion the effects of tariffs, but the near-term outlook remains cautious with a price target reduction from $146 to $140 [5] - Year-to-date, Target's stock has declined by 14.6%, also trading below key moving averages, suggesting potential further downside [6]

Core Strategy - Target Corporation aims to generate over $15 billion in revenue growth by fiscal 2030 through investments in product selection, shopping experiences, supply-chain efficiency, and customer rewards programs [1] Product Expansion - Starting in fiscal 2025, Target will refresh key categories such as gaming, sports, and toys, enhancing product selections and in-store experiences [2] - The company plans to launch a new series of Good & Gather Collabs with renowned chefs and introduce over 600 new food and beverage products [3] - Target will expand its beauty category with more than 45 new brands and 2,000 new items, with 90% priced under $20 [4] Omnichannel Shopping Experience - Target is investing in digital and in-store experiences to enhance omnichannel shopping, aiming to increase third-party marketplace sales from $1 billion in fiscal 2024 to over $5 billion by fiscal 2030 [6] - The in-house media division, Roundel, generated over $2 billion in value last year and is set to double in size by fiscal 2030 [7] Store Growth and Supply Chain - Over the next 10 years, Target plans to open more than 300 new locations, focusing on large-format stores and renovating existing locations [8] - The company is modernizing inventory management with AI-driven solutions to optimize stock availability and delivery speed [9] Loyalty Programs and Delivery Services - Target plans to triple its Target Circle 360 membership over the next three years, introducing new benefits including travel-related perks [10] - Same-day delivery through Target Circle 360 is the fastest-growing shopping method, with plans to enhance awareness and accessibility of this service [11] Long-Term Commitment - Target is committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, investing in initiatives that strengthen its competitive edge and drive business growth [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Target reported nearly $30 billion in revenue growth over the past five years, with expectations to drive more than $15 billion in revenue growth over the next five years [3][5] - The digital business reached $20 billion with nearly 9% growth in Q4 [26] - Inventory cost at the end of Q4 was up a little over 7% compared to last year due to various factors including new distribution centers and timing volatility [40][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Beauty saw nearly 7% sales growth and share gains, while apparel also grew share over the last three quarters [6] - The food and beverage category has grown by almost $9 billion over the last five years, making Target the fifth largest digital grocer in the U.S. [61] - The All In Motion activewear line grew over 10% in 2024, becoming a $1 billion brand [30][82] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Target makes up less than 3% of a $4.2 trillion market, indicating significant market share opportunities [27] - Traffic growth was reported at over 20% since 2019, translating to 350 million more guest trips in 2024 compared to 2019 [33][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Target plans to invest $4 billion to $5 billion in stores, supply chain, and technology this year [3] - The company aims to enhance its digital experience while maintaining a strong brick-and-mortar presence, emphasizing the interplay between stores and digital [34][26] - Target is focused on delivering an elevated shopping experience that combines affordability, quality, and reliability [91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged persistent economic uncertainty affecting consumer spending, particularly in discretionary categories [9] - Despite near-term challenges, management remains confident in the long-term trajectory of the business and the investments being made [7][9] - The company is committed to improving inventory reliability and enhancing the overall guest experience [37][54] Other Important Information - Target Circle loyalty program added 13 million members in 2024, enhancing customer engagement [17][48] - The company is modernizing its supply chain with AI tools to improve inventory management and forecasting [42] - Target is expanding its third-party marketplace, Target Plus, to enhance product offerings [78] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What is Target's unique place in retail? - Target differentiates itself by being a destination for on-trend, affordable products that consumers cannot find elsewhere, leading to increased guest trips and revenue growth [2][3] Question: How is Target addressing consumer spending trends? - Management noted that while consumers are cautious in discretionary spending, they are willing to splurge on newness, as evidenced by record sales around events like Valentine's Day [8][9] Question: What are the key areas of focus for growth? - Target is focused on delighting consumers with on-trend assortments, enhancing the shopping experience, and improving inventory reliability to drive growth [28][36]

ToplineTarget just reported fourth quarter net sales declined 3% and warned that February topline performance was “soft,” after civil rights leaders called for a Target boycott in Black History Month for changing its position on DEI, followed by a sharp drop in traffic to Target stores and website during the Feb. 28 Economic Blackout.FILE - A community member holds a sign calling for a national boycott of Target stores during a news ... [+] conference outside Target Corporation's headquarters in Minneapolis ...