Target (NYSE:TGT) Downgraded by Freedom Capital to “Hold”

Target (NYSE:TGT) was downgraded by equities researchers at Freedom Capital from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Target from $120.00 to $129.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, May 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Target from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 4th. KeyCorp restated a “sector weight” rating on shares of Target in a research note on Wednesday, March 4th. Telsey Advisory Group raised their price target on shares of Target from $145.00 to $148.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, May 15th. Finally, Mizuho set a $120.00 price target on shares of Target in a research note on Thursday, March 5th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Target currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $120.18.

Target Price Performance

TGT stock opened at $122.91 on Wednesday. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $122.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $109.26. Target has a 12 month low of $83.44 and a 12 month high of $133.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. The firm has a market cap of $55.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.78 and a beta of 1.01.

Target (NYSE:TGT) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 20th. The retailer reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.24. Target had a net margin of 3.54% and a return on equity of 22.25%. The company had revenue of $25.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.66 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.30 EPS. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Target has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.500-8.500 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Target will post 8.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 2,053 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total value of $240,591.07. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 12,143 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,423,038.17. The trade was a 14.46% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.16% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in shares of Target in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Jessup Wealth Management Inc acquired a new position in shares of Target in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Target in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its position in shares of Target by 245.6% in the 1st quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 273 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 194 shares during the period. Finally, Global Wealth Strategies & Associates lifted its position in shares of Target by 192.0% in the 4th quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 292 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.73% of the company’s stock.

Target News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Target this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Target reported first-quarter EPS of $1.71, beating estimates, while revenue rose 6.7% to $25.44 billion and comparable sales strengthened, suggesting its turnaround is gaining traction. Target Corporation Reports First Quarter Earnings
• Positive Sentiment: Management raised full-year guidance, signaling confidence in continued sales momentum and margin improvement, which supports the case for a recovery in 2026. Target Beats Q1 Earnings Estimates on Strong Sales, Raises View
• Neutral Sentiment: Target also named a new supply-chain chief, Jeff England, to help improve logistics and the shopping experience, a longer-term operational step rather than an immediate earnings catalyst. Target Names Jeff England EVP, Chief Global Supply Chain and Logistics Officer
• Negative Sentiment: Even after the beat, some analysts downgraded the stock or argued that the rally has made valuation less attractive, implying limited upside if costs stay elevated. Target: Take Some Chips Off The Table (Rating Downgrade)
• Negative Sentiment: Market commentary says shares fell because investors are wary that cost headwinds and consumer uncertainty could offset the improved sales trend in the near term. Target tops forecasts but shares fall as retailer flags cost headwinds

About Target

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is a U.S.-based general merchandise retailer headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company operates a network of full-line and small-format stores across the United States alongside a national e-commerce platform and mobile app. Target’s retail assortment spans apparel, home goods, electronics, groceries and household essentials, plus beauty, baby and pet categories. The firm complements national brands with a portfolio of owned and exclusive labels and partnerships that help differentiate its merchandise assortment.

Target traces its roots to the Dayton Company, founded by George Dayton in 1902; the Target discount chain was launched in 1962 and the parent company later adopted the Target Corporation name.