Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two notable exceptions in dividend raises during a typically quiet period for income investors, focusing on Target and Darden Restaurants as key examples of companies increasing their dividends despite broader market trends [2]. Group 1: Target - Target has raised its quarterly dividend by nearly 2% to $1.14 per share, extending its streak of annual increases to 54 years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [4]. - The company has faced challenges, including a 3% year-over-year decline in first-quarter net sales to just under $24 billion and a significant 36% drop in non-GAAP adjusted net earnings to $1.30 per share [6]. - To address these issues, Target has established an "enterprise acceleration office" aimed at improving operational efficiency and positioning the company for growth [7]. - Online comparable sales have shown resilience, growing nearly 5% in the first quarter, indicating potential for recovery [8]. - The stock is currently undervalued with a PEG ratio slightly over 1, suggesting it may be a strong recovery opportunity [9]. - The new dividend will be paid on September 1 to investors of record as of August 13, offering a yield of 4.7% at the current share price [10]. Group 2: Darden Restaurants - Darden has increased its quarterly dividend by 7% to $1.50 per share, marking a return to regular dividend raises since cutting payouts during the pandemic [11][12]. - The company has shown strong recovery, with total sales rising by 11% year-over-year, aided by the acquisition of Chuy's Tex Mex chain, while same-restaurant sales increased by nearly 5% [14]. - Darden's non-GAAP adjusted net income grew by 9% to over $400 million, exceeding analyst estimates [14]. - For fiscal 2026, Darden anticipates total sales growth of 7% to 8% and same-restaurant sales improvement of 2% to 3.5%, with net income projected between $10.50 and $10.70 per share [15]. - The company has authorized a new stock buyback initiative of up to $1 billion, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [13]. - The raised dividend will be distributed on August 1 to stockholders of record as of July 10, yielding almost 2.8% at the most recent closing price [16].

Though the tariff situation remains uncertain, some bright spots have appeared. Initial trade agreements with the U.K. and China suggest levels may not be as high as initially expected. And Target's own efforts -- such as negotiating with vendors and adjusting product assortment -- could limit impact, too. Meanwhile, Target, recognizing its growth problem, took a big step to address it recently by creating an "enterprise acceleration office." This team's goal is to speed up progress along the path to growth ...

Target (TGT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 21, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants John Hulbert - Director - Investor CommunicationsBrian Cornell - Chair & CEORick Gomez - EVP & CCOMichael Fiddelke - Executive VP & COOJim Lee - EVP & CFOKate McShane - Managing DirectorNone - ExecutiveEdward Kelly - Managing Director - Equity Research Conference Call Participants Christopher Horvers - Senior AnalystRupesh Parikh - Managing Director and Senior AnalystMichael Lasser - Equity Research Analyst - Hardlines, Broadli ...

Target (TGT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 21, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0 Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Target Corporation First Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call. During the presentation, all participants will be in a listen only mode. Afterwards, we will invite you to participate in a question and answer session. At the close of prepared remarks, we will open the queue for Q and A session. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded, Wednesday, 05/21/2025. I would ...

MINNEAPOLIS, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced today it has established a multi-year Enterprise Acceleration Office to drive even greater speed and agility across the company, positioning Target to deliver faster progress on its roadmap for growth. Michael Fiddelke, chief operating officer, will oversee this effort to improve how functions work together to advance key priorities, ranging from simplifying cross-company processes to using technology and data in new ways to ...