Target Warns Of Lower Sales In 2025—Blaming Tariffs And DEI Rollback Backlash

Core Insights - Target reported first-quarter sales of $23.85 billion, a decline of over 2.8% year-over-year, falling short of analyst expectations of $24.23 billion [2] - The company anticipates a low-single-digit decline in full-year sales and adjusted earnings per share between $7 and $9, revising previous expectations of a 1% increase and a range of $8.80 to $9.80 [3] - Executives attributed the sales decline to backlash against the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and reduced consumer spending due to tariff uncertainties [4] Sales Performance - First-quarter sales decreased to $23.85 billion, down from the previous year, indicating a significant drop in consumer spending [2] - The company's stock fell nearly 7% to just over $91, marking a 33% decline year-to-date [4] Future Projections - Target's revised outlook includes expectations of declining sales and earnings, contrasting with earlier projections of growth [3] - The company plans to raise prices only as a last resort in response to tariffs, indicating a strategy to mitigate impacts through other means [5] Background Context - Target's diversity initiatives faced backlash after the company scaled back its long-term goals, which were initially ramped up following the 2020 police killing of George Floyd [7] - The decision to roll back these initiatives was influenced by external pressures and a desire to align with the evolving landscape [7]