最新ニュース Target (NYSE:TGT) 株価情報

Target

Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.

Target Corp

TARGETED MICRO SOL ORD by Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc.

Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc

TG Therapeutics Inc

TARGET ORD

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in TGT often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Target. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 44% bullish and 55% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $35,701, and 8 calls, totaling $3,049,409.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $143.0 to $185.0 for Target during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Target's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Target's whale activity within a strike price range from $143.0 to $185.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Target Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730737931_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$1.0M</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$808.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$707.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$14.75</td>
<td>$14.05</td>
<td>$14.05</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$351.2K</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$1.47</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$51.8K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>479</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Target</h3>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Target</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 691,535, the price of TGT is up by 0.82%, reaching $152.07.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 16 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Target</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $166.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Bernstein downgraded its action to Market Perform with a price target of $168. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group has decided to maintain their In-Line rating on Target, which currently sits at a price target of $165. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Target, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

Target Unusual Options Activity For November 04

News

Target Announced Today New Holiday Deals Dropping Each Day And Every Week Of The Season To Make Consumers' Holiday Shopping Even More Magical And Affordable

A week before the U.S. presidential election, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated her arguments for the strength of the U.S. economy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/10/41589659/trump-vs-harris-state-by-state-2024-election-betting-odds-which-candidate-is-favored-to-wi">under the Biden administration.</a> 
&#8220;When President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, thousands of Americans were dying each day from COVID-19. The unemployment rate was 50 percent higher than it is now,&#8221; Yellen said at the American Bankers Association event.  
&#8220;Today, by contrast, the U.S. economy is strong,&#8221; she added. &#8220;We've seen robust economic growth, bolstered by solid consumer spending and business investment, even while inflation has come down significantly from its peak.&#8221;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41489239/bank-of-america-ceo-cautions-fed-not-to-go-too-fast-or-too-slow-on-interest-rate-cuts">Bank Of America CEO Cautions Fed Not To &#8216;Go Too Fast Or Too Slow&#8217; On Interest Rate Cuts</a>
Higher Cost of Living: While the cost of living has increased, wages are rising faster than the cost of goods, Yellen explained.
"The typical American <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/03/37899126/consumers-in-great-shape-despite-or-because-of-higher-interest-rates-those-with-cash-are-rewarded">can afford more goods</a> and services than before the pandemic. And Americans are starting new businesses at a record rate, reflecting optimism about the economy,&#8221; she said.
American voters in so-called battleground states <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40301432/kamala-harris-surges-ahead-of-trump-in-key-states-young-americans-bank-on-harris-for-economic-reviva">do not appear as optimistic</a> and lean toward Republican Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41312782/trumps-economic-policies-expected-to-drive-inflation-and-deficits-higher-than-harris-economists-say">despite economists&#8217; warnings</a>. 
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 61% of voters in battleground states say the economy is on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/09/40861372/trump-says-no-federal-rates-cuts-before-2024-election-republican-congress-members-say-the-time-i">wrong track</a>. About 68% say the same about the cost of living. 
As the cost of living rises, American consumers have become increasingly focused on value and affordability. Mega-retailers, Walmart, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) and Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), are aggressively lowering prices on groceries and household necessities and drawing more mid- and high-income customers than ever before. 
Dollar stores, including Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) and Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>), are reeling from the increased competition in the discount and affordable goods space. Both companies have reported a drop in foot-traffic and sales as the larger stores' focus on value has eroded their customer bases. 
Election Day Approaches: As the close of voting approaches, Yellen&#8217;s statements serve to reinforce the Biden administration&#8217;s economic narrative of recovery, growth and the importance of maintaining current policies for continued economic stability.
The Treasury Secretary warned that &#8220;deviating from our current course could jeopardize our economic trajectory."&nbsp;
Voters will express their views on the state of the economy and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41593510/economist-justin-wolfers-challenges-jd-vances-inflation-promise-couldnt-find-a-single-economist-who"> other issues</a> when ballots are counted in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. 
Read Also:&nbsp;
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</ul>
Photo by Dustin Blitchok

General

DLTR

Janet Yellen Touts 'Robust' Economic Growth As Election Nears, Polls Show Voters Disagree

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban warned that proposed tariffs proposed by former President Donald Trump could significantly increase the cost of Christmas holiday shopping for American families, according to comments made Friday on MSNBC&#8217;s &#8220;The Beat,&#8221; which he later shared on X, formerly Twitter.
What Happened: &#8220;I would ask them what they bought their kids for Christmas last year,&#8221; Cuban said during the interview. &#8220;Then I go through the list and show them how many were made in China because most of them are. Then I tell them with Trump&#8217;s tariffs, all those are probably going to go up 60%, and you&#8217;re going to have to make choices.&#8221;
Cuban emphasized the potential impact on local businesses. &#8220;What about the local retailer, the gift shop, the dress store, the sporting goods store, they&#8217;re going to be out of luck too because you&#8217;re buying less, they&#8217;re getting less, so you&#8217;re going to put them out of business.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mark Cuban: Trump Tariffs Will Kill Christmas <a href="https://t.co/yIHDCRsjD6">https://t.co/yIHDCRsjD6</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BreitbartNews</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1850315750390534654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41565622/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-gain-after-israel-skips-targeting-irans-oil-infrastructure-analy">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Gain After Israel Skips Targeting Iran&#8217;s Oil Infrastructure: Analyst Expects King Crypto To Trade in $90K-$100K Zone Around New Year&#8217;s Eve</a>
Separately from Cuban&#8217;s comments, financial markets often experience what traders call a &#8220;Santa Claus Rally&#8221; &#8211; a historical market phenomenon that typically occurs in the last week of December through the first two trading days of January.
During the holiday season, retail and e-commerce companies often see increased consumer activity. Major retailers that typically experience <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/christmas-stocks">higher trading volumes during this period include</a>:
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) reported a 12% increase in net sales, reaching $574.8 billion in 2023, up from $514.0 billion in 2022. Excluding the minor $0.1 billion impact from foreign exchange fluctuations, net sales still reflected a 12% year-over-year growth.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) posted revenue of approximately $120 billion for the October-to-December quarter, marking a 2.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Net income rose 13% to $34 billion, with both figures surpassing analyst expectations as <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/apple-aapl-q1-earnings-report-2024-049de87c">reported</a> by The Wall Street Journal.
The retail sector&#8217;s performance during this period can be influenced by holiday shopping patterns, with both brick-and-mortar and online retailers seeing increased consumer spending. Transportation and shipping companies may also see increased activity due to higher delivery demands during the holiday season.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41565423/trump-says-robert-kennedy-jr-can-run-wild-on-health-and-food-im-going-to-let-him-go-wild-on-the-medi">Trump Says Robert Kennedy Jr. Can Run Wild On Health And Food: &#8216;I&#8217;m Going To Let Him Go Wild On The Medicines&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Equities

Global

AAPL

AMZN

EBAY

ETSY

Mark Cuban Highlights Trump's Potential To Ruin Christmas But He Might Also End Up Spoiling The Party For Apple, Amazon Investors

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Target. Our analysis of options history for Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) revealed 21 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 23% of traders were bullish, while 52% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 14 were puts, with a value of $834,810, and 7 were calls, valued at $247,635.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $145.0 to $160.0 for Target during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Target's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Target's whale trades within a strike price range from $145.0 to $160.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Target Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729881979_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$12.3</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$12.3</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$88.5K</td>
<td>267</td>
<td>171</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$14.5</td>
<td>$14.35</td>
<td>$14.43</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$72.1K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$14.6</td>
<td>$14.35</td>
<td>$14.39</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$71.9K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$1.53</td>
<td>$1.46</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$69.6K</td>
<td>333</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.25</td>
<td>$14.32</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$67.3K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>278</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Target</h3>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
<h3>Where Is Target Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,565,007, the TGT's price is up by 1.3%, now at $152.12. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 26 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Target</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $166.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their In-Line rating on Target, maintaining a target price of $165. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Bernstein downgraded its action to Market Perform with a price target of $168. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Target with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Target Unusual Options Activity For October 25

Analysts rerated Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>) after mixed quarterly print. On Thursday, the company reported a third-quarter sales decline of 15% to $1.281 billion, marginally missing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41515616/monopoly-maker-hasbro-inventory-falls-39-in-q3-cfo-vows-to-finish-2024-with-improved-profitability" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst estimate of $1.295 billion</a>.
JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers maintained an Overweight rating on Hasbro and lowered the price target to $79 from $82.
BofA Securities analyst Alexander Perry reiterated a Buy rating on Hasbro with a price target of $95. The stock is trading higher on Friday.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41545709/usa-scores-big-win-taiwan-semiconductor-arizona-plant-sees-good-production-yields" rel="noreferrer noopener">USA Scores Big Win Taiwan Semiconductor Arizona Plant, Sees Good Production Yields</a>
JPMorgan: Hasbro revised guidance, with the Consumer Products outlook lowered due to a weaker third quarter, especially in Star Wars and NERF, while raising the Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) outlook due to solid performance from MTG and Monopoly Go!
Despite this, Hasbro maintained its full-year EBITDA guidance, which the market views as conservative.
Revenue for Consumer Products fell by 10%, partly due to a 4% headwind from fewer closeout sales. While impacting the top line, this supported a 150 bp gross margin improvement. Management expects year-on-year declines to ease in the fourth quarter with accelerating point-of-sale trends bolstered by increased advertising and product innovation.
WOTC revenue surpassed expectations by 14% due to successful MTG releases and resilience in titles like Baldur&#8217;s Gate III. Although Monopoly Go! met guidance, its conservative outlook implies a 24% decline in WOTC revenue for the fourth quarter, partially impacted by shipment timing.
Hasbro&#8217;s gross margin reached 70.4%, driven by supply chain savings and closeout sales discipline. Management aims to continue realizing supply chain efficiencies while reducing closeouts to prioritize profitability.
Horvers&#8217; estimates for Hasbro remain ahead of consensus. He noted that market expectations for cost efficiency and digital gaming growth are too low. According to the analyst, both areas will likely gain momentum in the second half of 2024 and early 2025.
Horvers noted that the industry is primed for growth this year despite a shorter holiday season. Retailers like Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) increasingly focus on event-driven traffic, with toys as a significant draw. The analyst said Hasbro is well-positioned for the second half of 2024, especially with the Transformers shift to the third quarter and merchandising improvements under new management.
Horvers said Hasbro&#8217;s $750 million cost reduction plan is expected to be fully implemented by late 2025. The Consumer Products segment should also benefit from planned innovation and the acceleration of MTG&#8217;s Universes Beyond strategy (including Final Fantasy and Marvel tie-ins), as per the analyst.
Horvers&#8217; December 2025 price target is $79, based on an ~11.5 times EV/EBITDA on 2026 estimates. Per Horvers, this target reflects potential margin expansion driven by Hasbro&#8217;s 2024 cost and product mix strategies, which could warrant a higher valuation if the momentum continues.
BofA Securities: The rating reflects Hasbro&#8217;s benefits from the shift to gaming and digital gaming alongside a turnaround in its Consumer Products segment.
Hasbro&#8217;s third-quarter adjusted EPS reached $1.73, surpassing the projected $1.27 due to stronger-than-expected operating margins in Consumer Products (15.1% vs. 10.0% expected) and Wizards of the Coast (44.9% vs. 42.0% expected). Wizards revenue aligned with forecasts with Monopoly Go! contributing $30 million, and Magic: The Gathering outperforming by 3% on unexpected boosts from Bloomburrow and Duskmourn releases.
Although Consumer Products revenue dropped 10% (compared to the anticipated 5%), operating profit exceeded estimates, benefiting from cost structure improvements that offset volume decreases.
Hasbro anticipates a 19% decline in Wizards of the Coast for the fourth quarter due to a projected $70 million drop in Magic: The Gathering, primarily impacted by a $40 million headwind from the prior year&#8217;s Lord of the Rings holiday release and a $30 million timing shift for a January 2025 Remastered set. Digital revenue should remain flat, with contributions from Monopoly Go! expected to balance out Baldur&#8217;s Gate 3. Wizards&#8217; operating margin is projected at 22%, reflecting volume-related headwinds. The adjusted EPS estimate for fiscal 2024 increases to $4.00, up from $3.88, due to the strong third-quarter performance.
Hasbro forecasts a 3% decline in Consumer Products revenue for the fourth quarter, revising its guidance by $100 million. Factors include a $50 million reduction from fewer low-margin closeouts, a $35 million drop from lower entertainment-backed brands, especially Star Wars, and a $15 million impact from execution challenges in leaner inventory management. A sequential decline to a 7% CP operating margin is expected in the fourth quarter, reflecting higher royalties, such as from Beyblade, and increased managed expenses.
The outlook for 2025 appears strong, with projected growth from Magic: The Gathering driven by three new Universes Beyond sets, including a $30 million benefit from timing shifts in the first quarter, a robust theatrical lineup, highlighted by Captain America (February 14) and Fantastic Four (July 25), anticipated first-quarter gains from a full quarter of Monopoly Go! beyond minimum guarantees, with a $10 million monthly run rate and potential double-digit EBIT margin growth in Consumer Products if volume increases continue.
Price Action: HAS stock is up 1.24% at $66.92 at the last check Friday.
Photo via Shutterstock
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Analysts See Hasbro's Mixed Q3 As Pathway To Growth: Cost Cuts, Gaming, And Product Innovation In Focus

U.S. consumers plan to shell out $2,100 on holiday shopping this year, a 7% increase over 2023, according to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/bank-of-america">new survey from Bank of America</a>.
The 2024 holiday season promises to be dynamic, with more consumers shopping earlier and spending more, despite lingering economic concerns. 
Online shopping continues to grow, and reward points are increasingly becoming a go-to tool for managing holiday expenses. Gift cards, meanwhile, are solidifying their place as a favored gift option across generations.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/10/41528747/oil-prices-fall-as-us-top-israeli-negotiators-plan-meeting-in-doha-for-gaza-cease-fire-h"> Oil Prices Fall As US, Top Israeli Negotiators Plan Meeting In Doha For Gaza Cease-Fire, Hostage Talks</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Early Holiday Shopping Trends: A Shift Toward Black Friday</h3>
According to the survey, 54% of consumers expect to shop on Black Friday, making it the most popular day for holiday deals. 
Moreover, 49% of respondents intend to begin their holiday shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even earlier, showing that the demand for early-season discounts continues to dominate.
In terms of spending, Americans are expected to shell out an average of $2,100 during the holiday season, marking a 7% increase compared to 2023. Generational differences are evident, with Baby Boomers budgeting about $800, while Gen X will spend around $1,200. 
On the higher end, Millennials plan to spend $4,000, and Gen Z forecasts around $3,300.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Economic Strain And Shopping Preferences</h3>
The survey reveals that 62% of Americans anticipate financial strain due to holiday expenses—though this is a slight improvement from last year&#8217;s 67%. 
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are the most likely to feel this pressure, with 68% in each group expecting financial strain. In contrast, 63% of Gen X and 54% of Baby Boomers share the same concern.
Nearly 60% of respondents plan to shop more at discount retailers compared to last year, with a preference for wholesalers/big-box stores (54%), e-commerce sites (41%) and dollar stores (39%). 
Online shopping remains a crucial part of the holiday retail landscape. 48% of survey respondents said they will increase their online shopping this year, while 13% plan to shop online less. 
This surge aligns with the latest Bank of America&#8217;s credit and debit card data, which shows that online spending at retailers increases by about 35% during November and December compared to non-holiday months.
Millennials lead the charge in online shopping, with 43% of their retail transactions made online, while Gen Z trails with 33%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gift Cards: The Preferred Holiday Choice</h3>
Gift cards continue to be a popular choice for both givers and receivers during the holidays. The Bank of America survey found that nearly 99% of people who receive gift cards appreciate them. 
More than six out of 10 consumers received gift cards during last year's holiday season, with 35% of respondents saying they prefer gift cards over physical gifts. Additionally, 61% of consumers are equally satisfied with both gift cards and traditional presents.
Regarding gift card usage, 47% of consumers used all of their holiday gift cards last year, while 19% used most of them and 9% used only half.
According to the survey, 75% of consumers plan to start buying gift cards no earlier than October, with 13% making purchases in October, 35% in November, and 27% waiting until December. 
Gen Z leads the pack in receiving gift cards with 79% having received them during the holidays, followed by 75% of Millennials, 69% of Gen X, and 52% of Baby Boomers.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Implications: The Best Time To Buy Retail Stocks Is After The Holiday Season</h3>
A seasonality analysis of the SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>), a popular retail-focused exchange traded fund which includes heavyweights like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>), uncovers a surprising trend: despite the holiday season being a retail bonanza for consumers, it&#8217;s actually a historically weak period for retail stocks. 
Over the last 17 years, the holiday months have shown on average negative performances for the retail sector, while the strongest gains are concentrated in the first four months of the year.
For retail stocks, December represents the second-worst month of the year after June, with an average drop of 1.46%. In contrast, February and January are the best months, with average gains of 2.16% and 1.1%, as per TradingView data. 
The rationale behind this counterintuitive trend may lie in the timing of earnings reports. Investors tend to wait for post-holiday earnings results, which often reflect the success of the season. 
As those results come in after the holidays, there's a rush of buying on positive news, causing stock prices to rally early in the following year, rather than during the holiday period itself.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="500" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245-1024x500.png" alt="" class="wp-image-612942" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245-1024x500.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245-300x147.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245-768x375.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245-1536x750.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24152706/image-245.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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US Shoppers Plan To Spend $2,100 This Holiday Season, 7% Higher Than 2023: When Should Traders Start Buying Retail Stocks?

Evercore ISI Group analyst Greg Melich maintains Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) with a In-Line and lowers the price target from $170 to $165.

Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line on Target, Lowers Price Target to $165

In the preceding three months, 23 analysts have released ratings for Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated Target and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $175.0, accompanied by a high estimate of $200.00 and a low estimate of $147.00. Observing a 1.27% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $172.81. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729602073_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
The perception of Target by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dean Rosenblum</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$168.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Horvers</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$167.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Lejuez</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$188.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Shemesh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$177.00</td>
<td>$174.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Lasser</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Chen</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Tarlowe</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
<td>$156.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>In-Line</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$158.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$147.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Kirk</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Ohmes</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simeon Gutman</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$147.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Horvers</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$156.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Target. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Target compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Target's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TGT/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Target analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Target Better</h2>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
<h3>Target's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Target showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 2.74% as of 31 July, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Staples sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Target's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 4.68%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 8.43%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Target's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 2.15%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Target's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 1.3, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Navigating 23 Analyst Ratings For Target

23 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $175.0, a high estimate of $200.00, and a low estimate of $147.00. This current average reflects an increase of 1.27% from the previous average price target of $172.81. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729602056_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Target. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dean Rosenblum</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$168.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Horvers</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$167.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Lejuez</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$188.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Shemesh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$177.00</td>
<td>$174.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Lasser</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Chen</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Tarlowe</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
<td>$156.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>In-Line</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$158.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$147.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Kirk</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Ohmes</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simeon Gutman</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$147.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Horvers</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$156.00</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Target. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Target compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Target's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Target's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TGT/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Target analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Target</h2>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
<h3>Breaking Down Target's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Target's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 31 July, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 2.74%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Target's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 4.68%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Target's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 8.43%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.15%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Target's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 1.3.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover
Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/turning-point-trader-checkout-2/?t=Tu1tu3arja3be22tu36&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for urgent details</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Unveiling 23 Analyst Insights On Target

Bernstein analyst Dean Rosenblum initiates coverage on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) with a Market Perform rating and announces Price Target of $168.

Initiation

Bernstein Initiates Coverage On Target with Market Perform Rating, Announces Price Target of $168

Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) announced today it will reduce regular prices on more than 2,000 items across owned and national brands this holiday season, including food and beverages, everyday essentials, holiday gifts and items to prep the home for the holidays.1 The move will help consumers save on items for holiday preparations and gifting, like toys, board games, beauty products, bath towels, snacks, beverages, frozen vegetables, cookies, ice cream, toilet paper, cough and cold medicine and more.
Target routinely adjusts its prices to remain competitive in markets across the country.&nbsp;These new price reductions are on top of the retailer's everyday low prices. In May, Target <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4283493-1&amp;h=1607696811&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fcorporate.target.com%2Fpress%2Frelease%2F2024%2F05%2Ftarget-will-help-consumers-save-big-by-lowering-prices-on-5%2C000-frequently-shopped-items&amp;a=announced">announced</a>&nbsp;it would cut prices on about 5,000 items, saving Target guests millions of dollars this summer. The retailer surpassed its 5,000-item price cuts promise, lowering prices on over 8,000 total items year to date. By the end of the holiday season, Target will have lowered prices on over 10,000 items during the year. &nbsp;

Target To Slash Prices on Over 2,000 Items for Holiday Savings, Expanding Discounts on Gifts and Essentials

Target's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) short percent of float has risen 8.04% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 15.44 million shares sold short, which is 3.36% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.3 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Target Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729183522_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Target has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Target's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Target's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.70%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into Target's Recent Short Interest

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with TGT, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 12 uncommon options trades for Target.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 58% bullish and 33%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $216,029, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $382,750.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $100.0 to $170.0 for Target over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Target's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Target's whale activity within a strike price range from $100.0 to $170.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Target Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729109759_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$62.65</td>
<td>$60.0</td>
<td>$61.25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$153.1K</td>
<td>298</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$43.55</td>
<td>$43.0</td>
<td>$43.0</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$86.0K</td>
<td>96</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$8.85</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$56.0K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">228</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$9.85</td>
<td>$9.8</td>
<td>$9.8</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$49.0K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">209</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$16.4</td>
<td>$16.3</td>
<td>$16.3</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$40.7K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Target</h3>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s-a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion-and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer. Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Target, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Target</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,729,443, the TGT's price is down by -1.13%, now at $158.87. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Target</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $187.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Melius Research has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $180. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group keeps a Outperform rating on Target with a target price of $195. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Target with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Target Unusual Options Activity For October 16

Global superstar Taylor Swift is set to begin the final leg of her record-breaking "The Eras Tour" soon, and retailer Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) could be the latest company to benefit from the singer's<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/12/36221025/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-shatters-guinness-record-for-highest-grossing-music-tour-how-much-d"> massive following and fan base.</a>
What Happened: Swift announced Tuesday morning that she is launching two new products exclusively in Target stores. The items will be released on Nov. 29, which happens to be Black Friday this year.
"This tour has been the most wondrous experience and I knew I wanted to commemorate the memories we made together in a special way. Well, two ways actually," Swift <a href="https://x.com/taylorswift13/status/1846164297442832831">tweeted</a>.
The singer is releasing &#8220;The Official Eras Tour Book&#8221; and &#8220;The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology&#8221; on CD and vinyl on Nov. 29, exclusively at Target.
"Only at Target," Swift said in a video shared with her more than 95 million followers on Twitter. The post was also shared on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/?hl=en">Instagram </a>where Swift has more than 280 million followers.
Swift said the new album will contain 35 tracks, and the image showed four CDs containing the long list of songs. The record will sell for $59.99, and the CD will sell for $17.99, as <a href="https://variety.com/2024/music/news/taylor-swift-anthology-vinyl-eras-tour-book-tortured-poets-department-1236178117/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported </a>by Variety. The anthology album was previously available as a 31-song digital release, with four acoustic bonus tracks added, and the physical disc form was available for the first time.
The singer said the tour book contains over 500 pictures from the tour, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes images. According to the report, the book will sell for $39.99.
Swift has eighteen dates left on &#8220;The Eras Tour,&#8221; beginning with a stop in Miami this weekend for nine shows in the U.S. before heading to Canada for nine shows, with the tour ending on Dec. 8.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40482203/target-q2-earnings-revenue-and-profit-beat-digital-sales-boost-annual-profit-outlook-hiked">Target Q2 Earnings: Revenue And Profit Beat, Digital Sales Boost, Annual Profit Outlook Hiked</a>
Why It's Important: The book, CD, and vinyl will exclusively be sold in North American Target stores on Black Friday and will be available for online sale on Nov. 30. Swift said international details will follow.
Target is one of many retailers offering discounted merchandise on Black Friday to appeal to holiday shopping consumers. With the new Swift merchandise, the retailer could see an extra boost in demand on this typically busy day.
Target had Circle Week from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12, offering seven days of deals with discounts of up to 50%.
The multiple sale days and weeks and the Swift exclusives could create a strong fourth quarter for Target. During its second-quarter earnings report, the company raised its full-year earnings per share guidance and showed optimism for the second half of the year.
Swift has been known to boost the share prices of some public companies and has been mentioned in earnings reports and earnings calls. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/02/37273654/live-nation-entertainment-q4-earnings-highlights-taylor-swift-effect-continues-with-record-attendan">Live Nation</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38651748/disney-q2-earnings-preview-could-taylor-swift-and-bluey-help-media-giant-beat-estim">The Walt Disney Company</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/02/37378048/amc-entertainment-q4-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-stunning-results-from-taylor-swift-b">AMC Entertainment</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/02/37378048/amc-entertainment-q4-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-stunning-results-from-taylor-swift-b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">,</a> and airlines are among the companies that have noticed a boost from Swift.
The new album release could also serve as a proving point for the singer after endorsing Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election. Donald Trump brushed off Swift's endorsement of Harris in the election and predicted it would hurt the singer's<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40815602/trump-shakes-off-taylor-swifts-harris-endorsement-in-2024-election-shell-probably-pay-a-pri"> future album sales.</a>
First released on April 19, 2024, "The Tortured Poets" has been one of Swift's record-breaking albums, spending 15 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. This marked a career-high for Swift, placing the album among the few to achieve this milestone.
The "Anthology" version of the 2024 album could help the record top the charts again. Republic Records, which is owned by Universal Music Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMGNF#OTC">UMGNF</a>), could also benefit from the release of the new anthology album.
TGT Price Action: Target stock is up 1.9% to $161.04 on Tuesday, versus a 52-week trading range of $105.23 to $181.86. Target stock is up 10.4% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41263320/taylor-swift-donates-5m-toward-hurricane-recovery-contribution-will-help-communities-rebuild">Taylor Swift Donates $5M Toward Hurricane Recovery: &#8216;Contribution Will Help Communities Rebuild&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Entertainment

UMGNF

Taylor Swift Teams Up With Target For Exclusive Black Friday Merch: Will Swifties Boost Q4 Sales, Prove Donald Trump Wrong?

Costco (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cost#NASDAQ">COST</a>) has been a big winner so far this year. Consumer staples stocks have generally had a good year, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (ARCA:XLP) providing a total return of 15%. However, that still lags the over 20% return of the S&amp;P 500.
Costco has particularly impressed. Its 33% total return this year surpasses its sector and the industry by a wide margin. So, what has been driving Costco&#39;s recent success, and is there still room for this stock to run?
<h2>Breaking Down Costco&#39;s Revenue Streams</h2>
Most everyone knows about Costco&#39;s business model. The company buys and sells items in massive bulk quantities, allowing it to give customers volume discounts. Particularly for large families, this makes Costco an attractive place to buy groceries.
On top of selling goods, the company also charges annual fees that allow its members to shop at the store. However, these fees make up a small amount of the company&#39;s revenue, at around 2% of the total. Food makes up the majority of the company&#39;s revenue at 53% in 2023, followed by non-food goods like appliances and electronics at 25%.
The last 20% comes from its &quot;warehouse ancillary and other business&quot; segment. This includes things like gasoline, pharmacy, and food court sales. It derives revenue primarily from the United States, which made up 73% of total revenue by geography in 2023.
<h2>Costco is Beating the Competition in Core Sales Growth</h2>
One of the biggest reasons for Costco&#39;s strong returns this year has to be the company&#39;s comparable store sales growth. This measurement excludes sales from newer stores, as opening a new store is an easy way to boost sales. Looking at this figure shows a more sustainable measurement of the company&#39;s ability to increase revenue.
In comparison to its rivals, Costco is winning on this front in 2024. Target (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tgt#NYSE">TGT</a>) has overall seen a sizable decline in same-store sales this year, and Kroger (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kr#NYSE">KR</a>) has managed to achieve just slightly positive growth. Walmart (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wmt#NYSE">WMT</a>) is doing well, with low double-digit growth. However, Costco&#39;s mid-teens growth is the strongest of these firms, and growth has especially picked up in the last two quarters. However, Costco&#39;s stock price has only risen slightly since mid-Aug., while Walmart&#39;s is up another 20%.
Walmart&#39;s 52% price appreciation this year leads the group. Part of this divergence may be the fact that Walmart has increased its margins in a much stronger way amid its sales growth. The firm improved operating margin and gross margin by 45 basis points and 30 basis points last quarter, respectively. Those increases for Costco were just 7 and 13 basis points.
<h2>Analysts are Mixed On Costco, but Aren&#39;t Signaling Near-Term Concern</h2>
Looking at analyst ratings and price targets on Costco, the views are mixed. Its 23 buy ratings outpace its 13 hold and one sell rating, but the average price target isn&#39;t all that inspiring. The figure indicates just around 6% implied upside in the stock, a number that suggests the company is within the fairly valued range at this point.
However, it&#39;s interesting to note that at least 10 Wall Street analysts raised their price targets after the company&#39;s Sept. 27 earnings report, and none appear to have lowered their target. Yet, shares are down 3% since the release as the company missed on sales growth estimates. This comes despite knowledge that the dockworkers&#39; strike was imminent and has now begun. These signals analysts aren&#39;t too worried about the strike having a negative impact on the company.
Overall, Costco remains a company with strong fundamentals that has shown it can thrive while some of its competitors face slow or declining growth. Its membership-based business model keeps customers coming back, and the firm should be able to realize benefits from its increased membership prices in late 2025.
Another plus for Costco is that it can significantly grow its e-commerce business. E-commerce makes up a smaller portion of the company&#39;s business compared to Walmart. The e-commerce part of the business is growing at a solid rate of around 20% over the last two quarters.
What will happen in the short term for the company is hard to predict but estimates of earnings growth over the mid-term are strong. Over the next five years, analysts expect the company to grow adjusted earnings per share by over 10% annually.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/has-costco-stock-run-its-course-for-now/">Has Costco Stock Run Its Course for Now?</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

Earnings

COST

Has Costco Stock Run Its Course for Now?

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer said he likes Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) right here. &#8220;I'm going to buy some Target at this price and then wait another five points and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40936354/target-hires-pepsico-veteran-jim-lee-as-finance-chief">buy more,&#8221; he noted.</a>
On Sept. 19, Target tapped PepsiCo, Inc‘s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) Jim Lee as its CFO and a member of its leadership team, which became effective Sept. 22. Lee brings over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy and more at PepsiCo. He takes over from COO Michael Fiddelke. Lee has served on multiple boards during his PepsiCo career, including Tropicana Brands Group and Celsius Holdings.
Cramer said to give him a call when Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) starts making a lot of money.
On Sept. 17, Macquarie analyst Tim Nollen maintained Unity Software with an Underperform rating and raised the price target from $12 to $15.
&#8220;I think at these levels you want to buy the stock of Merck (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>),&#8221; the &#8220;Mad Money&#8221; host said.
On Tuesday, Merck announced that the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 trial of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), as a perioperative treatment for patients newly diagnosed with stage III or IVA, resected, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma met its primary endpoint of event-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/10/41230591/merck-touts-phase-3-success-for-20b-cancer-drug-keytruda-in-untreated-head-and-neck-cancer-pa">free survival (EFS)</a>.
When asked about Alumis Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALMS#NASDAQ">ALMS</a>), he said, &#8220;That is a really, incredibly speculative situation. As long as you know it's speculative, and you could lose everything on that one, go ahead. It's not my cup of tea.&#8221;
On Sept. 27, the company presented the 28-week open-label extension period data from its Phase 2 STRIDE trial of ESK-001.
SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>) is a &#8220;meme stock, it loses money,&#8221; Cramer said.
On Sept. 30, DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria maintained SoundHound AI with a Buy and a $9.50 price target.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Unity Software shares fell 0.1% to settle at $21.19 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Alumis shares declined 0.3% to close at $10.32.</li>
<li>Target shares gained 1.6% to close at $151.32 during the session.</li>
<li>SoundHound shares slipped 1.3% to close at $4.68 during Tuesday's session.</li>
<li>Merck shares fell 0.1% to close at $108.52 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/10/41238686/jim-cramer-ast-spacemobile-is-just-too-hot-recommends-buying-this-tech-stock"> </a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/10/41238686/jim-cramer-ast-spacemobile-is-just-too-hot-recommends-buying-this-tech-stock">Jim Cramer: AST SpaceMobile Is &#8216;Just Too Hot,&#8217; Recommends Buying This Tech Stock</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

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Jim Cramer Says He's Buying 'Some Target,' But Dismisses SoundHound AI As 'Meme Stock'

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with TGT, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 20 uncommon options trades for Target.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 35% bullish and 55%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $475,084, and 15 are calls, for a total amount of $924,832.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $135.0 and $160.0 for Target, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Target's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Target's significant trades, within a strike price range of $135.0 to $160.0, over the past month.
<h3>Target Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728419470_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$5.45</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$5.34</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$331.0K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">172</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$15.15</td>
<td>$15.05</td>
<td>$15.15</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$212.1K</td>
<td>404</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">156</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$9.05</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$124.2K</td>
<td>5.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">218</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$2.67</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$91.4K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">642</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$70.6K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">260</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Target</h3>
Target serves as the nation's seventh-largest retailer, with its strategy predicated on delivering a gratifying in-store shopping experience and a wide product assortment of trendy apparel, home goods, and household essentials at competitive prices. Target's upscale and stylish image began to carry national merit in the 1990s—a decade in which the brand saw its top line grow threefold to almost $30 billion—and has since cemented itself as a leading US retailer.Today, Target operates over 1,950 stores in the United States, generates over $100 billion in sales, and fulfills over 2 billion customer orders annually. The firm's vast physical footprint is typically concentrated in urban and suburban markets as the firm seeks to attract a more affluent consumer base.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Target, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Target Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 3,221,268, the price of TGT is up 1.56% at $151.32. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 43 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Target</h3>
Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $187.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Outperform rating on Target, maintaining a target price of $195. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Melius Research has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $180. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Target with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Target Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Target Spokesperson Says Co Is Closely Monitoring Hurricane Milton And Have Temporarily Closed Or Adjusted Hours Of Locations In The Storm's Path

The world&#39;s largest retailer, company, and employer, Walmart Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wmt#NYSE">WMT</a>), continues to defy gravity as its stock keeps floating higher, rising 54% year-to-date (YTD). Even after the 3 for 1 stock split on Feb. 26, 2024, shares climbed an additional 52%. The company demonstrates the power of scale as the nation&#39;s largest importer of goods. Walmart is also making headway in China as it gains market share against its incumbent retail leaders. While firing on all cylinders, Walmart continues to grow, indicating more upside.
Walmart operates in the retail/wholesale sector, competing with retailers like Target Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tgt#NYSE">TGT</a>), Costco Wholesale Co. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cost#NASDAQ">COST</a>) and Amazon.com Inc.
<h2>Defying Gravity As the U.S. Dollar Spikes </h2>
In a high interest rate environment, the U.S. dollar tends to stay strong, which hurts companies selling goods and services overseas, as reflected in their earnings reports as FX or currency headwinds. Falling interest rates tend to weaken the dollar, enabling other currencies to have more purchasing power for U.S. goods and services. However, since the&nbsp;Fed&#39;s 50 bps&nbsp;interest rate cut, the U.S. dollar index has recovered from a low of $99.866 to surge up to $102.223.
As the nation&#39;s largest importer of goods, Walmart is one of the major companies that has benefited from a strong U.S. dollar. For Walmart, a rising dollar counts as a currency tailwind. Its buying power grows, enabling it to buy more goods overseas for less money (in U.S. dollars). The jump in the U.S. dollar index has pushed Walmart shares back up near its all-time high. The spike in the U.S. dollar is a net positive for Walmart&#39;s gross margins.
<h2>Challenging the Incumbents in China </h2>
Walmart grew sales in China by 17.7% YoY in its second quarter of 2024. Its Sam&#39;s Club warehouse business saw membership income rise by 26% YoY. Nearly 50% of Walmart&#39;s sales in China come from its e-commerce and digital sales channels. While Walmart is an American company, it&#39;s been successful in locally sourced goods. Its success has been so solid that it&#39;s doubling down focus on its China operations as indicated by dumping its investment in JD.com Inc., selling its 144.5 million share stake for around $3.7 billion on Aug. 21, 2024, which it&#39;s held since 2016. It sold shares for an average of $24.95, a little over a month before JD.com shares nearly doubled in anticipation of China&#39;s stimulus package.
<h2>Taking a Page From Amazon Prime Membership Services </h2>
Taking a page out of Amazon Prime membership services, Walmart has been growing its Walmart+ membership program. For $12.95 per month or $98 per year, Walmart+ members get free shipping with no minimum orders (like Prime), which includes free grocery delivery. Members get free Paramount Global (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/para#NASDAQ">PARA</a>) Paramount+ streaming services with ads and up to 10 cents per gallon discount on gas at Walmart, Sam&#39;s Club, Murphy&#39;s, and Exxon Mobil Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xom#NYSE">XOM</a>).
Walmart+ members get early access to promotions like Black Friday deals, travel benefits, cash-back rewards, and member price discounts on groceries and prescriptions. Members can now get dining benefits at Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qsr#NYSE">QSR</a>), like 25% off digital orders and a free Whopper every quarter with any purchase. It also has additional discounts and promotions with companies from Peloton Interactive Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pton#NASDAQ">PTON</a>) to NOOM and a 30% discount on home projects at Angi Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/angi#NASDAQ">ANGI</a>).
<h2>Walmart Grew Comp Sales 4.2% in Its Second-Quarter of 2024</h2>
In its Q2 2024 earnings report, Walmart reported earnings of 67 cents per share, beating consensus analyst estimates by 2 cents. Revenues rose 4.7% YoY to $169.3 billion versus $168.56 billion consensus estimates. Walmart&#39;s U.S. comp sales rose an impressive 4.2% YoY. Global advertising grew 26% YoY, including 30% growth for Walmart Connect. Consolidated gross margins rose 43 bps. Walmart+ membership income grew 23% YoY, and Walmart+ memberships rose by double-digits.
Its e-commerce sales rose 22% YoY, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery. Global inventories fell 2% YoY and 2.9% for U.S. Walmart inventory with health in-stock levels. Market shares grew in general merchandise, while transaction counts and unit volume rose across all markets. Grocery sales are strong, and there is no evidence of consumer weakness.
<h2>Walmart Raises Full-Year Guidance&nbsp; </h2>
The company expects Q3 2024 EPS between 51 and 52 cents versus 55 cents consensus estimates. Revenues are expected between $166.03 billion and $167.05 billion versus $167.05 billion. Full-year 2024 EPS was raised to $2.35 to $2.43, up from $2.23 to $2.37, versus $2.44 consensus estimates. Full-year 2024 revenue is expected to be between $672.43 billion and $678.91 billion versus the consensus estimates of $676.53 billion.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillan commented, &quot;Our e-commerce progress creates more optionality for our customers and fuels the growth of our newer businesses. Globally, membership income grew 23%. Walmart Plus memberships were up double-digits. And Sam&#39;s Club U.S. achieved a record-high member count. Globally, advertising grew 26%, including 30% growth for Walmart Connect in the U.S. Advertising sales driven by marketplace sellers were up nearly 50%.&quot;
<h2>WMT Stock Forms an Ascending Triangle Pattern </h2>
An ascending triangle pattern is comprised of a flat-top upper trendline resistance conversing with an ascending lower trendline meeting at the apex point. A breakout forms when the stock rises through the upper trendline, and a breakdown forms if the stock collapses through the lower trendline.
<img alt="Walmart WMT stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20241006193318_charta-wmt.jpg" style="height:750px; width:915px" />
WMT gapped to $72.78 on its strong earning report and rose to a flat top resistance at $81.53. The ascending lower trendline formed at $77.89 and has continued to increase due to higher lows on pullbacks. The daily anchored VWAP support is at $78.06.The daily RSI has been choppy sideways at the 63-band. Fibonacci (Fib) pullback support levels are at $79.12, $74.75, $71.29, and $68.57.
Walmart&#39;s average consensus price target is $81.62, and its highest analyst price target sits at $98.00. It has 29 analysts&#39; Buy ratings and one Hold rating. The stock trades at 33.17x forward earnings.
Actionable Options Strategies: Bullish investors can consider using cash-secured puts to buy WMT at the fib pullback support levels for entry and write covered calls to execute a wheel strategy for income in addition to the 1.03% annual dividend yield.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/originals/walmart-retail-juggernaut-has-more-room-to-grow-for-investors/">Walmart: Retail Juggernaut Has More Room to Grow for Investors </a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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Walmart: Retail Juggernaut Has More Room to Grow for Investors

Consumer staples offer stability during economic downturns as demand for essential goods remains steady, regardless of economic conditions. These stocks are less volatile, making them a defensive investment. Therefore, investors could consider investing in fundamentally solid consumer staples stocks Target (TGT), Kroger (KR), and Tyson Foods (TSN), which are trading at a discount. Keep reading... The October 2024 <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/GFSR/Issues/2024/10/22/global-financial-stability-report-october-2024#:~:text">Global Financial Stability Report</a> by the IMF highlights that while near-term financial stability risks are contained, rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty heightens the likelihood of adverse shocks. This growing disconnect between low financial volatility and elevated uncertainty could amplify future risks and expose underlying vulnerabilities.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider investing in sound consumer staples stocks Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>), The Kroger Co. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/KR/">KR</a>), and Tyson Foods, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TSN/">TSN</a>), which are currently trading at a discount.
Consumer sentiments seem to be dampening this month after two months of small gains, as seen in the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index <a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-sentiment-economy-election-084de7cedc2a1a51df1e96898a80da0c">slipping to 68.9 in October</a> from 70.1 in September.
Consumer staples provide stability during economic uncertainties and downturns because they consist of essential goods that people need regardless of their financial situation. These include products that maintain consistent demand even when consumers cut back on discretionary spending.
Companies in this sector often see steady sales and cash flows during economic downturns, making consumer staples stocks less volatile and a safe investment during periods of economic stress. Additionally, many of these companies offer dividends, providing reliable income for investors.
Given these market trends, let's look at the fundamentals of the top consumer staples stocks such as TGT, KR, and TSN.
Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>)
TGT operates as a general merchandise retailer. It provides apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, infants, and newborns, jewelry, accessories, shoes, beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.
In terms of forward Price/Sales, TGT is trading at 0.64x, 50.9% lower than the industry average of 1.31x. Likewise, the stock's forward Price/Book multiple of 4.55 is 56.3% lower than the industry average of 2.91. Also, its forward Price/Cash Flow of 9.53x is 28.6% lower than the industry average of 13.34x.
On June 24, TGT partnered with Shopify Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SHOP/">SHOP</a>), a global e-commerce platform, to offer a selection of its popular merchants and their products on Target Plus, the retailer's third-party, highly curated digital marketplace.
The strategic partnership with Shopify expanded TGT through a hand-selected assortment of new and on-trend products and brands like True Classic, Caden Lane, and more, giving consumers even more options to explore at affordable prices and with exceptional quality.
For the second quarter that ended on August 3, 2024, TGT's total <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/revenue.asp">revenue</a> increased 2.7% from the prior year period to $25.45 billion, and its operating income came in at $1.64 billion, indicating growth of 36.6% year-over-year. Also, the company's net earnings and EPS totaled $1.19 billion and $2.57, up 42.7% and 42.8% from the prior year's quarter, respectively.
Furthermore, the company's cash and cash equivalents stood at $3.50 billion as of August 3, 2024, compared to $1.62 billion as of July 29, 2023.
According to the guidance for the third quarter, TGT expects adjusted EPS between $2.10 and $2.40. Also, for the full year, the company expects adjusted EPS of $9 to $9.70.
Street expects TGT's revenue and EPS for the third quarter (ending October 2024) to increase 2.2% and 9.4% year-over-year to $25.96 billion and $2.30, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus EPS and revenue estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
TGT's stock has increased 37.8% over the past year to close the last trading session at $148.05.
TGT's bright prospects are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
The stock has a B grade for Value, Momentum, and Quality. Within the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/grocery-big-box-retailers/">Grocery/Big Box Retailers</a> industry, TGT is ranked #10 out of 37 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">Click here</a> to access additional TGT ratings for Sentiment, Growth, and Stability.
The Kroger Co. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/KR/">KR</a>)
KR operates as a food and drug retailer. The company operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouses. Its combination of food and drug stores offers natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers, fresh seafood, and organic produce.
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, KR is trading at 12.70x, 29.6% lower than the industry average of 18.04x. Likewise, the stock's forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 7.43 is 33.5% lower than the industry average of 11.17. Also, its forward Price/Sales of 0.27x is 79.1% lower than the 1.31x industry average.
On October 8, KR announced that Boost by Kroger Plus will include Disney streaming options as part of its annual memberships. The company's members can choose from Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or an ESPN+ subscription as part of an inclusion benefit.
Also, on October 4, KR closed the transaction to sell its specialty pharmacy business to Elevance Health. KR entered into a definitive agreement with Elevance Health for the sale on March 18, 2024. The specialty pharmacy, earlier owned by KR, serves patients with chronic illnesses that require complex care.
On July 31, KR expanded its "Our Brands" portfolio with the addition of Field &amp; Vine&#x2122;, a fresh produce line grown by U.S. farmers in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. The brand presently provides blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.
The new brand offers an enhanced fresh experience and high-quality berries during peak U.S. growing seasons.
During the second quarter that ended August 17, 2024, KR's sales rose marginally year-over-year to $33.91 billion. Its operating profit was $815 million for the quarter. Net earnings attributable to KR amounted to $466 million and $0.64 per common share for the quarter, respectively.
In addition, the company's total assets came in at $51.44 billion as of August 17, 2024, compared to $50.20 billion as of August 12, 2023.
The company updated its guidance for the full year 2024, reaffirming adjusted FIFO operating profit of $4.60 billion – $4.80 billion and adjusted net earnings per share of $4.30 – $4.50. Also, the company continues to expect adjusted free cash flow between $2.50 and $2.70 billion.
Street expects KR's EPS for the third quarter (ending October 2024) to increase 2.8% year-over-year to $0.98. For the same quarter, the company's revenue is expected to grow 0.8% year-over-year to $34.22 billion. Also, the company surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters.
KR's shares have gained 4.3% over the past month and 33% over the past year to close the last trading session at $57.62.
KR's POWR Ratings reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
KR has a B grade for Sentiment, Quality, and Value. It is ranked #20 out of 37 stocks in the A-rated Grocery/Big Box Retailers industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings we've stated above, we also have other ratings of KR for Growth, Stability, and Momentum. Get all KR ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/KR/">here</a>.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TSN/">TSN</a>)
TSN operates as a food company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Beef; Pork; Chicken; and Prepared Foods. It processes live-fed cattle and hogs and fabricates dressed beef and pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts, case-ready beef and pork, and fully cooked meats.
TSN's forward Price/Sales of 0.39x is 69.9% lower than the industry average of 1.31x. Also, the stock's forward EV/Sales multiple of 0.55 is 67.6% lower than the industry average of 1.71. Similarly, its forward Price/Book of 1.15x is lower than the industry average of 2.91x.
On August 8, TSN's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share on its Class A common stock and $0.441 per share on Class B common stock, payable on December 13, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 29, 2024.
TSN pays an annual dividend of $1.96, which translates to a yield of 3.33% at the current share price. Its four-year average dividend yield is 2.85%. Moreover, the company's dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 3.3% over the past three years. Tyson has raised its dividends for 12 consecutive years.
On July 9, TSN entered into an agreement to sell its Vienna, Georgia, poultry complex to House of Raeford Farms. The company's decision to sell the complex was part of its continued efforts to optimize its plant network, and it will continue to service customer orders from other production locations.
During the third quarter, which ended June 29, 2024, TSN's sales increased 1.6% year-over-year to $13.35 billion. Its non-GAAP operating income increased 174.3% from the year-ago value to $491 million. Further, adjusted non-GAAP net income attributable to Tyson grew 483% and 480% year-over-year to $309 million and $0.87, respectively.
Street expects TSN's revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter (ended September 2024) to increase 0.6% and 86.1% year-over-year to $13.43 billion and $0.69, respectively. Also, the company has topped the consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing quarters.
Shares of TSN have surged 30.4% over the past year to close the last trading session at $58.88.
TSN's POWR Ratings reflect its sound fundamentals. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
TSN has a B grade for Sentiment, Growth, and Value. It is ranked #21 out of 74 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/food-makers/">Food Makers</a> industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings we've stated above, we also have TSN ratings for Quality, Momentum, and Stability. Get all TSN ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TSN/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
TGT shares rose $0.06 (+0.04%) in after-hours trading Thursday. Year-to-date, TGT has gained 8.67%, versus a 23.01% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/tgt-kr-tsn-shop-3-consumer-staples-stocks-trading-at-a-discount/>3 Consumer Staples Stocks Trading at a Discount</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Consumer Staples Stocks Trading at a Discount

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Target (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tgt-stock-quote/">TGT</a>) just reported results for the second quarter of 2024.<ul><li>Target reported earnings per share of $2.57. This was above the analyst estimate for EPS of $2.19.</li><li>The company reported revenue of $25.45 billion.</li><li>This was 0.92% better than the analyst estimate for revenue of $25.22 billion.</li></ul><div>InvestorPlace Earnings is a project that leverages data from <a href="https://www.tradesmith.com">TradeSmith</a> to automate coverage of quarterly earnings reports. InvestorPlace Earnings distills key takeaways including earnings per share and revenue, as well as how a company stacks up to analyst estimates. These articles are published without human intervention, allowing us to inform our readers of the latest figures as quickly as possible. To report any concerns or inaccuracies, please contact us at <a href="mailto:editor@investorplace.com">editor@investorplace.com</a>.</div>	The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/earning-results/2024/08/tgt-stock-earnings-target-for-q2-of-2024/">TGT Stock Earnings: Target Beats EPS, Beats Revenue for Q2 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

TGT Stock Earnings: Target Beats EPS, Beats Revenue for Q2 2024

If you are willing to look, you can always find stocks that have attractive valuations no matter how overvalued the stock market is. 

Discovering Hidden Gems: Value Investing In Consumer Staples

The retail industry's long-term growth is fueled by resilient sales and rapid technological expansion. Amid this, it could be ideal to buy fundamentally solid consumer discretionary stocks: Lowe's Companies (LOW), TJX Companies (TJX), and Target Corporation (TGT) with holiday sales surge. Keep reading... Amidst evolving customer behavior, robust economic growth, and rising personal expenditure, the consumer discretionary industry is experiencing robust growth. It will further diversify and expand with the upcoming holiday sales surge.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider investing in sound consumer discretionary stocks: Lowe's Companies, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LOW/">LOW</a>), The TJX Companies, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TJX/">TJX</a>), and Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>) as the holiday season nears.
During the holiday season, market demand for personal commodities, items of daily use, and luxury goods surges strongly, and 2024 is expected to be no different. As per the <a href="https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/11925-nrf-reports-predictions-for-2024-holiday-spending#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Retail,decorations%20and%20other%20seasonal%20items.">National Retail Federation's latest consumer survey</a>, this holiday season, consumer spending is projected to set a new record of $902 per person on average across gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items.
The amount is nearly $25 per person higher compared to last year's figure and $16 higher than the previous record set in 2019. NRF vice president of industry and consumer insights Katherine Cullen said, "The winter holidays are a treasured time for Americans, and they are prioritizing spending on family this holiday season."
Also, the recent <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/fed-cuts-rates-september-2024-.html">Federal Reserve rate cut</a> will encourage higher short-term borrowing with lower mortgage, auto loan, and credit card costs. The central bank's Federal Open Market Committee lowered its key overnight borrowing rate by a half percentage point, or 50 basis points, amid an improving job market and inflation easing inflation.
Therefore, amid rising disposable income and a surge in personal expenditure, investors could consider adding sound consumer discretionary stocks to their portfolios. Consumer discretionary includes goods that are not of an essential nature but are desirable for a consumer.
Given these favorable market trends, let's look at the fundamentals of the top retail stocks such as LOW, TJX, and TGT.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LOW/">LOW</a>)
LOW operates as a home improvement retailer. The company provides a line of products for construction, maintenance, repair, remodeling, and decorating. It also offers home improvement products, such as appliances, seasonal and outdoor living, lawn and garden, lumber, kitchens, and baths.
On June 3, LOW became the first home improvement retailer to offer customers an in-store, Apple Vision Pro-powered experience. With the technology, customers can try Lowe's Style Studio&#x2122; for Apple Vision Pro firsthand, enabling them to envision and design their dream kitchens using spatial computing and the help of a Lowe's associate.
This breakthrough launch bodes well with LOW's operations that immerse users in a high-fidelity 3D kitchen environment and enable them to explore, imagine, and bring their unique project to life in minutes.
For the second quarter that ended August 2, 2024, LOW reported net sales of $23.59 billion, and its operating income came in at $3.45 billion. The company's net earnings and <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp">EPS</a> totaled $2.38 billion and $4.17 for the quarter, respectively.
In addition, the company's cash and cash equivalents were $4.36 billion as of August 2, 2024, compared to $3.49 billion as of August 4, 2023.
Street expects LOW's revenue and EPS for the first quarter (ending April 2025) to increase marginally and 2.8% year-over-year to $21.38 billion and $3.15, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is impressive.
LOW's stock has increased 37.4% over the past year to close the last trading session at $261.83.
LOW's bright prospects are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
The stock has a B grade for Sentiment and Quality. Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/home-improvement-goods/">Home Improvement &amp; Goods</a> industry, LOW is ranked #14 out of 57 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LOW/">Click here</a> to access additional ratings of LOW for Momentum, Growth, Value, and Stability.
The TJX Companies, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TJX/">TJX</a>)
TJX operates as an off-price apparel and home fashion retailer internationally. The company operates through four segments: Marmaxx; HomeGoods; TJX Canada; and TJX International.
On June 7, TJX entered into a definitive agreement for a joint venture with Grupo Axo, S.A.P.I. de C.V., an operator of global brands in Mexico and South America. Under the agreement, TJX owns 49% of the joint venture. The agreement would comprise Axo's off-price physical store business in Mexico, which includes over 200 stores.
The strategic collaboration with Axo expanded TJX's operations in Mexico and gave the opportunity to grow and enhance that country's leading off-price retailer.
During the second quarter that ended August 3, 2024, TJX's net sales rose 5.6% year-over-year to $13.47 billion. Its income before income taxes grew 10.6% from the year-ago value to $1.47 billion. The company's net income and EPS came in at $1.10 billion and $0.96, up 11.1% and 12.9% year-over-year, respectively.
According to the company's guidance for fiscal year 2025, the company's EPS is projected to be between $4.09 and $4.13.
Street expects TJX's EPS for the third quarter (ended October 2024) to increase 6.6% year-over-year to $1.10. For the same quarter, the company's revenue is expected to grow 5.3% year-over-year to $13.97 billion. Also, the company surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters.
TJX's shares have gained 28.3% over the past year to close the last trading session at $113.03.
TJX's POWR Ratings reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
TJX has a B grade for Sentiment and Quality. It is ranked #15 out of 60 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/fashion-luxury/">Fashion &amp; Luxury</a> industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings we've stated above, we also have other ratings of TJX for Growth, Value, Momentum, and Stability. Get all TJX ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TJX/">here</a>.
Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>)
TGT operates as a general merchandise retailer. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, and jewelry, accessories, and shoes, and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.
On September 18, TGT's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per common share.  The dividend will be paid on December 10, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business November 20, 2024.
TGT pays an annual dividend of $4.48, which translates to a yield of 2.99% at the current share price. Its four-year average dividend yield is 2.28%. Moreover, the company's dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 14.6% over the past three years. Target has raised its dividends for 55 consecutive years.
During the second quarter 2024, which ended August 3, TGT's total revenue increased 2.7% year-over-year to $25.45 billion. Its operating income rose 36.6% from the year-ago value to $1.64 billion. The company's net earnings and EPS of $1.19 billion and $2.57 indicate growth of 42.7% and 42.8% from the prior year's quarter, respectively.
Street expects TGT's revenue and EPS for the third quarter (ended October 2024) to increase 2.2% and 9.4% year-over-year to $25.96 billion and $2.30, respectively. Also, the company has topped the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in three of the trailing quarters.
Shares of TGT have surged 38.6% over the past year to close the last trading session at $151.77.
TGT's POWR Ratings reflect its sound fundamentals. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
TGT has a B grade for Quality and Value. It is ranked #10 out of 37 stocks in the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/grocery-big-box-retailers/">Grocery/Big Box Retailers</a> industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings we've stated above, we also have TGT ratings for Momentum, Sentiment, Growth, and Stability. Get all TGT ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">here</a>.
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<hr />
LOW shares were unchanged in after-hours trading Friday. Year-to-date, LOW has gained 19.94%, versus a 21.27% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/low-tjx-tgt-3-consumer-discretionary-stocks-to-buy-as-holiday-sales-soar/>3 Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Buy as Holiday Sales Soar</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Buy as Holiday Sales Soar

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Election-proof Walmart is tipped to see gains amid market uncertainty

With a recent notable increase in U.S. retail sales and a positive outlook fueled by rising personal income and easing inflation, fundamentally strong retail stocks such as Amazon.com (AMZN), Costco (COST), and Target (TGT) are well-positioned for success this holiday season. Read on... With consumer spending strong, inflation easing, and personal incomes on the rise, the U.S. retail sector is primed for a robust holiday season. With promising growth potential, investors might consider top retail stocks like Amazon.com, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">AMZN</a>), Costco Wholesale Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/COST/">COST</a>), and Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>) for their reliable dividends and consistent returns.
U.S. retail sales <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-retail-sales-increase-solidly-september-2024-10-17/">rose 0.4%</a> in September, exceeding economists' expectations of 0.3%, likely due to lower gasoline prices, which left consumers with more disposable income to spend at restaurants, bars, clothing stores, and online. This solid growth supports the view of a strong economic performance in the third quarter.
Besides, <a href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-august-2024">personal income rose by $50.5 billion (0.2%)</a> in August, , while disposable income increased by $34.2 billion (0.2%), and personal consumption expenditures grew by $47.2 billion (0.2%), per the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Further, the cherry on top for consumers is the easing inflation in August, with the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/27/economy/us-pce-inflation-august/index.html">Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE)</a> price index rising 2.2% year-over-year, down from 2.5% in July. This marks the lowest inflation rate since February 2021, moving closer to the Fed's 2% target.
In this favorable landscape, here are three retail stocks ready to shine this holiday season.
Amazon.com, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">AMZN</a>)
AMZN operates globally through its retail, advertising, and subscription services. It also manufactures and sells electronic devices and develops and produces media content. The segments in which the company operates are North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
On October 24, AMZN's AWS and Box, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/BOX/">BOX</a>) expanded their partnership to enhance productivity with generative AI. Box customers can now access Amazon Bedrock's foundation models, starting with Anthropic's Claude and Amazon Titan, within Box AI. This integration enables companies to build secure generative AI applications using their data on Box's platform.
Additionally, on October 16, 2024, AMZN unveiled a new lineup of Kindle devices, including the first-ever color Kindle, a revamped Kindle Scribe, the fastest Kindle Paperwhite, and a new entry-level Kindle in a fresh Matcha color.
During the financial second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, AMZN's total net sales increased 10.1% year-over-year to $147.98 billion. Its operating income grew to 91% from the year-ago value of $14.67 billion. In addition, the company's net income and EPS came in at $13.49 billion and $1.26, up 99.8% and 93.8% from the second quarter of 2023, respectively.
Analysts expect AMZN's EPS and revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, to increase 20.9% and 9.9% year-over-year to $01.14 and $157.27 billion, respectively. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 45% to close the last trading session at $186.38. It soared 22.7% year-to-date.
AMZN's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
AMZN has a B grade in Sentiment, Momentum, and Quality. It is ranked #15 out of 53 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry.
Beyond what we have stated above, we also have given AMZN grades for Growth, Value, and Stability. Get all the AMZN's ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/ratings/">here</a>.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/COST/">COST</a>)
COST operates membership warehouses worldwide, offering a wide range of branded and private-label products, including groceries, electronics, appliances, and more.
On October 16, COST announced a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $1.16 per share, payable on November 15, 2024. The stock pays an annual dividend of $4.64, yielding 0.52% at current prices. Its four-year average yield stands at 1.69%. Over the past three and five years, COST's dividend payments have grown at a CAGR of 23% and 17.9%, respectively. COST boasts 19 years of consecutive dividend growth,
In the third quarter of 2024, which ended on May 12, COST's total revenue increased 9.1% year-over-year to $58.52 billion, while its operating income stood at $2.20 billion, up 30.9% year-over-year. Its net income for the quarter amounted to $1.68 billion or $3.78 per share, representing an increase of 29% from the same period last year. Also, the company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cash-flow-from-operating-activities.asp">cash flow from operating activities</a> grew 14.1% from the year-ago value to $8.38 billion.
Street expects COST's revenue and EPS for the quarter ending November 2024 to increase 7.7% and 5.2% year-over-year to $62.25 billion and $3.77, respectively. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in the each of the four quarters.
The stock climbed 35.4% year-to-date and 61.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $893.42.
COST's POWR Ratings reflect strong prospects. It has a B for Momentum. It is ranked #32 out of 37 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/grocery-big-box-retailers/">Grocery/Big Box Retailers</a> industry.
To access COST's Growth, Value, Stability, Quality, and Sentiment ratings, click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/COST/">here</a>.
Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>)
TGT operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company provides a wide range of products, including apparel for all ages, jewelry, beauty, personal care items, and groceries.
On October 22, TGT announced its intention to lower regular prices on more than 2,000 items across owned and national brands this holiday season, which should boost its sales.
In addition, on September 18, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per common share, which is payable on December 10. This will be the company's 229th consecutive dividend paid since October 1967, when the company became public. Its annual dividend of $4.48 yields 2.98% on the prevailing price level, higher than the four-year average of 2.28%.
In the second quarter of 2024, which ended August 3, TGT's total revenue increased 2.7% year-over-year to $25.45 billion. Its operating income rose 36.6% to $1.64 billion, driven by higher sales and an improved gross margin rate. The company reported an EPS of $2.57, up 42.8% from the prior year quarter.
Street expects TGT's revenue and EPS for the quarter ending October 2024 to increase 2.2% and 9.4% year-over-year to $25.96 billion and $2.30, respectively.
The stock climbed 5.5% year-to-date and has returned 38.19% over the past year, closing the last trading session at $150.18.
TGT's bright prospects are apparent in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B grade for Value, Momentum, and Quality. Within the Grocery/Big Box Retailers industry, it is ranked #14.
Click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/ratings/">here</a> to see TGT's ratings for Growth, Value, and Stability.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
AMZN shares were trading at $189.82 per share on Friday afternoon, up $3.44 (+1.85%). Year-to-date, AMZN has gained 24.93%, versus a 23.67% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Kritika Sarmah</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kritika-Sarmah_Image-3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Her interest in risky instruments and passion for writing made Kritika an analyst and financial journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in commerce and is currently pursuing the CFA program. With her fundamental approach, she aims to help investors identify untapped investment opportunities.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=kritika-sarmah">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/amzn-cost-tgt-3-retail-stocks-ready-to-shine-in-the-holiday-season/>3 Retail Stocks Ready to Shine in the Holiday Season</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Retail Stocks Ready to Shine in the Holiday Season

As consumer behavior shifts, especially during the holiday season, retail stocks offer notable growth potential. Hence, fundamentally solid retail stocks PriceSmart (PSMT), Target (TGT), and Walmart (WMT) might be ideal buys this holiday season. Read on... As holiday sales pick up, retail stocks are set to benefit from the seasonal boost in consumer spending. Driven by rising disposable income and demand for both online and in-store shopping, these companies are strategically positioned to capture more market share.
Investors seeking opportunities within the retail landscape might invest in quality stocks like PriceSmart, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PSMT/">PSMT</a>), Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>), and Walmart Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WMT/">WMT</a>), as these retail giants respond to seasonal surges and embrace transformative changes across digital and physical platforms.
U.S. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-retail-sales-increase-solidly-september-2024-10-17/">retail sales increased by 0.4%</a> in September, surpassing economists' forecast of 0.3%. Lower gasoline prices likely contributed, giving consumers more disposable income to spend at restaurants, bars, clothing stores, and online.
Additionally, the rise of online shopping, coupled with trends toward sustainability, omnichannel engagement, and values-driven purchasing, underscores how major retailers are adapting to meet shifting consumer expectations. By prioritizing personalized shopping experiences, these companies are reshaping their retail strategies to attract and retain a larger, more loyal customer base.
As a result, the global food and grocery retail market, valued at $11.9 trillion in 2023, is projected to grow at a <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/food-grocery-retail-market">3.2% CAGR</a> from 2024 to 2030.
Further, <a href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-august-2024">personal income rose by $50.5 billion (0.2%)</a> in August, while disposable income increased by $34.2 billion (0.2%), and personal consumption expenditures grew by $47.2 billion (0.2%), per the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, indicating that consumers have more money to spend, boosting the retail sector.
Considering these conducive trends, let's examine the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/grocery-big-box-retailers/">Grocery/Big Box Retailers</a> stocks in detail, starting with the third one:
Stock #3: PriceSmart, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PSMT/">PSMT</a>)
PSMT operates U.S.-style membership warehouse clubs across the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia. The company offers a variety of products, including groceries, electronics, home furnishings, and private label items under the Member's Selection brand, and provides additional services like e-commerce, curbside pickup, and health services.
PSMT's total revenues rose 9.6% year over year to $1.23 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter ended August 31, 2024. Its export sales grew 15.9% from the year-ago quarter to $9.33 million. Operating income saw a rise of 53.1% from the previous-year quarter to $49.20 million, and adjusted net income per share improved 44.6% year over year to $0.94.
Street expects PSMT's revenue for the fiscal first quarter (ending November 2024) to increase 8% year-over-year to $1.26 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp">EPS</a> for the same quarter is expected to grow 15.3% from the prior year to $1.43. In addition, it surpassed the consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is promising.
Shares of PSMT have gained 33.4% over the past year and 12.8% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $85.45.
PSMT's bright prospects are apparent in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
It has an A for Growth and a B grade for Value and Stability. Within the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/grocery-big-box-retailers/">Grocery/Big Box Retailers</a> industry, it is ranked #16 among 37 stocks.
Click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PSMT/ratings/">here</a> to see PSMT's ratings for Momentum, Quality, and Sentiment.
Stock #2: Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>)
TGT operates as a major U.S. general merchandise retailer that offers a wide range of products including apparel, beauty, groceries, electronics, and home goods. It sells its merchandise through physical stores, Target.com, and digital channels as well enhancing customer experience with design partnerships and in-store amenities.
On October 22, TGT announced its intention to lower regular prices on more than 2,000 items across owned and national brands this holiday season, which should boost its sales.
Moreover, on September 18, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per common share, which is payable on December 10. This will be the company's 229th consecutive dividend paid since October 1967, when the company became public. Its annual dividend of $4.48 yields 2.97% on the prevailing price level, higher than the four-year average of 2.29%.
In the second quarter of 2024, which ended August 3, TGT's total revenue increased 2.7% year-over-year to $25.45 billion. Its operating income rose 36.6% to $1.64 billion, driven by higher sales and an improved gross margin rate. The company reported an EPS of $2.57, up 42.8% from the prior year quarter.
Street expects TGT's revenue and EPS for the third quarter ending October 2024 to increase 2.2% and 9.5% year-over-year to $25.95 billion and $2.30, respectively. It surpassed the consensus EPS and revenue estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
The stock climbed 5.9% year-to-date and has returned 37.7% over the past year, to close the last trading session at $150.84.
TGT's POWR Ratings reflect strong prospects. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B for Value and Quality. It is ranked #10 in the same industry.
To access TGT's Growth, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/ratings/">here</a>.
Stock #1: Walmart Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WMT/">WMT</a>)
WMT operates a global network of retail, wholesale, and eCommerce businesses through its Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club segments. Its offerings include supercenters, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and eCommerce sites, providing groceries, health products, home goods, apparel, and more.
On October 22, 2024, WMT announced an expansion of its delivery services to include both prescription medications and general merchandise in a single order. This new service, already available in six states (Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin), is set to reach 49 states by January 2025.
Walmart's vast network of nearly 4,600 stores enables delivery to over 86% of U.S. households, providing a significant convenience for busy families, seniors, and those with chronic conditions. The service responds to strong customer demand, with 55% requesting combined delivery of prescriptions and groceries.
On October 16, WMT announced a new partnership with Clover, a business management platform from Fiserv. This initiative supports Walmart Business's mission to help organizations save time and resources by offering essential tools to enhance operational efficiency.
During the fiscal second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, WMT's total revenues increased 4.8% year-over-year to $169.34 billion. Its operating income grew 8.5% from the year-ago value to $7.94 billion. In addition, its non-GAAP EPS reached $0.67, up 9.8% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts expect WMT's EPS and revenue for the quarter ended October 31, 2024, to increase 3.5% to 4.3% year-over-year to $0.53 and $166.23 billion, respectively. It surpassed the Street EPS and Revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 49.6% to close the last trading session at $82.19. It soared 56.4% year-to-date.
WMT's POWR Ratings reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of A, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
WMT has an A grade in Stability and a B in Sentiment and Growth. It is ranked #7 in the same industry.
Beyond what we have stated above, we have also given WMT grades for Value, Momentum, and Quality. Get all the WMT's ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WMT/ratings/">here</a>.
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WMT shares rose $0.04 (+0.05%) in after-hours trading Monday. Year-to-date, WMT has gained 58.42%, versus a 21.01% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Kritika Sarmah</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kritika-Sarmah_Image-3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Her interest in risky instruments and passion for writing made Kritika an analyst and financial journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in commerce and is currently pursuing the CFA program. With her fundamental approach, she aims to help investors identify untapped investment opportunities.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=kritika-sarmah">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/wmt-tgt-psmt-3-retail-stocks-to-watch-as-holiday-sales-spike/>3 Retail Stocks to Watch as Holiday Sales Spike</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

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