So, let's talk more about that and maybe retail earnings as well with our friend Jan Rogers Niffin, president and founder of Jay Rogers Niffin Worldwide. Jan, I don't know the new guy at all. You you probably do.Market doesn't seem to like him. Is that the right move. >> Well, I think they were expecting something different.I mean, think about it. Michael Fidel and my opinions know Doug McMillan. So, they would have liked to have seen someone that was going to transition target into something stronger than ...

Target’s incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke said the big-box retailer is facing adversity and called on employees to go the extra mile to end a lengthy sales slump https://t.co/W4fn4CLxLq ...

Core Viewpoint - Target's stock dropped 7% after the announcement of Michael Fiddelke, a longtime insider, as the new CEO, disappointing investors who expected an external retail expert to lead the struggling company [1][5][6] Company Leadership Transition - Michael Fiddelke, the 49-year-old chief operating officer, will take over as CEO on February 1, replacing Brian Cornell, who has led the company for a decade and will transition to the role of executive chairman [1][2] - Cornell expressed confidence in Fiddelke's ability to lead Target forward [2] Investor Sentiment - Investors were hoping for an external candidate to revitalize the company, which has faced declining sales and lost market share to competitors like Walmart [4][6] - The stock price reflects concerns that necessary changes will not occur under Fiddelke's leadership [6][7] Sales Performance - Target has reported a persistent slump in sales, with same-store sales declining by 1.9% compared to the previous year [13] - Customer transactions fell by 1.3%, and the average spending per transaction decreased by 0.6% [14] - Despite these challenges, Target's second-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street estimates, although sales and traffic continued to decline [13][16] Strategic Priorities - Fiddelke outlined three main priorities: enhancing stylish product offerings, improving customer experience consistency, and leveraging technology for efficiency [10] - The company aims to recover its position in the home goods category, which has suffered due to a focus on core items at the expense of fashion and design leadership [18][19]

Target TodayTGTTarget$98.18 -7.18 (-6.81%) 52-Week Range$87.35▼$167.40Dividend Yield4.63%P/E Ratio10.81Price Target$115.42Add to WatchlistWhile Target’s NYSE: TGT FQ2 2026 results show some improvements, the company continues to lag its peers, lose market share, and contract its business. Moreover, the choice of the new CEO did not boost market optimism. Yes, Cornell is out, and COO Michael Fiddelke is in, and the market did not like it.  The takeaway from the chatter is that Fiddelke has had ample opportu ...

CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February, and Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke is set to succeed him and prioritize digital investments and AI-driven operations.Digital sales rose 4.3% year over year, driven by gains in same-day delivery, although growth slowed compared to last year.There was a lot to digest on Target’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call Wednesday (Aug. 20), as the retail giant posted data that showed consumers pulling back.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing ...

Core Insights - Target Corporation reported a decline in revenues and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, with revenues surpassing estimates but earnings falling short [1][3][7] - The company experienced a decrease in comparable sales, reflecting ongoing challenges in consumer demand and operational pressures, although there were sequential improvements in store traffic and digital sales [2][5] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.05, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09 and down 20.2% from $2.57 in the prior year [3][7] - Total revenues reached $25,211 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $24,911 million but declining 0.9% year-over-year [4][7] - Merchandise sales fell 1.2% to $24,719 million, while non-merchandise sales increased by 14.2% [4] Sales Metrics - Comparable sales decreased by 1.9%, with a 3.2% decline in comparable store sales offset by a 4.3% increase in comparable digital sales [5][7] - Traffic, measured by the number of transactions, dipped 1.3%, and the average transaction amount decreased by 0.6% [5] Margins and Costs - Gross margin contracted by 100 basis points to 29%, influenced by higher markdowns and purchase order cancellation costs [5] - Operating margin shrank by 120 basis points to 5.2%, compared to 6.4% in the same period last year [5] Financial Health - At the end of the second quarter, Target had cash and cash equivalents of $4,341 million and long-term debt of $15,320 million [6] - The company paid out dividends totaling $509 million during the quarter [6] Future Outlook - Target reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting a low-single-digit decline in sales and adjusted earnings in the range of $7-$9 per share [9] - Shares of Target have increased by 13.3% over the past three months, contrasting with a 0.8% decline in the industry [9]

Target appoints new boss as it seeks to revive sales https://t.co/zFPg3xBuLM ...

Back in May, when I published my last article on Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT ), I rated the stock a Hold. Shares hadn’t gone anywhere since then, with a total return about 1.5% lower thanI’m passionate about finance and investing, focusing on business analysis, fundamental analysis, valuation, and long-term growth, especially in sectors like AI, fintech, finance and tech. I study finance and economy and have hands-on experience in equity research, financial modeling, and creating investment content. I act ...

Core Viewpoint - Target Corp. is entering a critical phase with Michael Fiddelke confirmed as the new CEO starting February 1 next year, succeeding Brian Cornell, who will become Executive Chair of the board [2][3] Company Challenges - Target has faced sluggish sales, a faltering brand identity, and a significant drop in investor confidence, exacerbated by the conclusion of its deal with Ulta Beauty [4] - Following the announcement of Fiddelke's appointment, shares fell by as much as 10%, reflecting skepticism about the new leadership [5] - Year-to-date, Target's shares are down over 29% and nearly 65% from their peak in 2021 [9] Financial Performance - Despite leadership changes, Target exceeded Wall Street expectations for sales and earnings in its fiscal second quarter and reiterated its full-year forecast, anticipating a low single-digit percentage decline in sales [8] Strategic Initiatives - Fiddelke aims to restore Target's "merchandising authority" and has introduced "Fun 101," an initiative to revamp categories like toys and electronics while simplifying product ranges [7][11] - The company plans to enhance in-store experiences by addressing issues like empty shelves and inconsistent service, alongside investing in staff training [12] Technology and Operations - Target intends to increase investments in AI, automation, and supply chain technology to improve efficiency and personalize shopping experiences [13] Reputational Issues - Fiddelke inherits a reputational crisis due to the rollback of diversity and inclusion initiatives, which led to a consumer boycott and a loss of approximately $12.4 billion in market value [14][15] - To regain consumer trust, Target must clarify its stance on social issues and re-engage with communities [15] Capital Allocation - The company has paused stock buybacks due to economic uncertainty and is considering focusing capital on modernization, store upgrades, and improved digital tools rather than financial engineering [16] Competitive Landscape - Target faces intense competition from Walmart and Amazon, as well as specialty retailers, highlighting the urgency for Fiddelke to revitalize the company's fundamentals [17]

Target faces challenges to reinvigorate business strategy and performance. Getty ImagesThe impulsive reaction to Target’s long-overdue CEO change is — what took so long?The bull’s-eye retailer’s well-publicized include plateaued sales since 2022 and shares down 60% from their 2021 peak. During outgoing CEO Brian Cornell’s eleven-year tenure, Target stock grew a pedestrian, cumulative 76%. That’s roughly 5% per year, just slightly over compounded inflation and risk-free rates. Conversely, rival Walmart and t ...