Target (NYSE:TGT) Stock Rises 0.4%: Is It Still a Good Investment?

On Wednesday, Target Co. (NYSE:TGT) saw its stock price increase by 0.4%. The stock peaked at $132.67 during the trading session and ended at $132.40. Approximately 1,647,679 shares changed hands, which is significantly lower than its average daily trading volume of 4,559,011 shares. The previous close was $131.92.

Analysts Offer Insights

Several analysts have recently provided their perspectives on TGT shares. On November 21st, TD Cowen reduced its price target for Target from $165.00 to $145.00, maintaining a "hold" rating. Similarly, Daiwa America changed their rating from "strong-buy" to "hold" on November 26th. Wells Fargo & Company adjusted their price target from $180.00 to $150.00, while also giving an "overweight" rating.

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft also revised its outlook for Target, lowering its rating from "buy" to "hold" and slashing the price target from $184.00 to $108.00, as announced on November 20th. Lastly, BMO Capital Markets set a new target price of $120.00 and a "market perform" rating. Overall, one analyst has issued a sell rating, seventeen have suggested holding, and fifteen recommend buying the stock. According to MarketBeat, the average rating remains "Hold" with a mean price target of $160.57.

Target's Current Performance Metrics

With a market capitalization of approximately $60.67 billion, Target features a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.04 and a price/earnings to growth (P/E/G) ratio of 2.23. The company's beta stands at 1.17, indicating some volatility compared to the broader market. Additionally, its fifty-day and 200-day simple moving averages are $141.35 and $146.31, respectively.

Target's latest earnings report, released on November 20th, indicated that the company earned $1.85 per share, which fell short of analysts' average expectation of $2.30 per share by a margin of $0.45. The company reported quarterly revenue of $25.23 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $25.87 billion. Target's net margin was recorded at 4.06% with a return on equity of 31.11%. Compared to the same quarter last year, quarterly revenues increased by 0.9%. Analysts forecast an average earnings per share of 8.6 for the current year.

Insider Trading Activity

In related news, insider Richard H. Gomez sold 6,348 shares of Target on September 27th at an average price of $157.17, totaling nearly $997,715.16. Post-transaction, he owns 123,551 shares, worth approximately $19.42 million. This sale marked a 4.89% reduction in his stake. Disclosure of this transaction can be found in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Currently, insiders hold about 0.15% of the company's shares.

Institutional Investment Movements

Recently, several institutional investors have modified their holdings in Target. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC and Slocum Gordon & Co LLP each acquired new stakes valued at around $28,000 during the third and second quarters, respectively. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC significantly increased its stake by 156.5% in the third quarter and now holds 218 shares valued at approximately $34,000. FSA Wealth Management LLC and Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC also invested new capital in Target, valued at $36,000 and $38,000, respectively. Currently, institutional investors manage around 79.73% of the stock.

About Target Corporation

Target Corporation is a general merchandise retailer operating across the United States. The company offers a wide range of products, including apparel for various age groups, beauty and personal care items, baby gear, cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet supplies.

Investment Considerations

Investors considering Target stock may want to evaluate the recent trends in analyst recommendations and performance metrics. While currently rated as a "Hold" by many analysts, certain stocks have attracted more favorable attention. The landscape of investment options is diverse, and shareholders should conduct thorough research before making financial decisions.

Target, Stock, Investment