Core Viewpoint - Target's CEO Brian Cornell attributed the company's poor quarterly performance to a consumer backlash against the retailer's rollback of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts [1][5][10] Group 1: DEI Policies and Consumer Reaction - DEI is a management philosophy that emphasizes a tailored workforce over pure merit-based hiring, influencing various corporate functions [2] - Under Cornell's leadership, Target heavily invested in DEI initiatives, particularly in marketing to the LGBTQ+ community, which some consumers found off-putting [3][6] - A significant customer revolt occurred in 2023, leading to a decline in sales and a reevaluation of DEI policies, including the removal of flamboyant Pride displays [6][7] Group 2: Financial Performance - Target's latest quarterly earnings were reported at $1.30 per share, with revenue dropping to $23.8 billion, both figures missing market estimates significantly [9] - This marks the third time in five quarters that Target has failed to meet Wall Street's projections for adjusted profitability and total revenue generation [13] - Over the past 13 quarters, Target has missed earnings expectations six times, indicating ongoing financial struggles [13] Group 3: Management's Justification - Cornell's explanation for the poor performance was that the end of DEI initiatives represented a "headwind," which investors found unconvincing given the company's ongoing issues [10] - Analysts have pointed out that management ineptitude and the need for store upgrades may be more significant factors in the company's struggles than the rollback of DEI policies [13]