Target (NYSE:TGT) Price Target Raised to $178.00

Target (NYSE:TGT) had its price target lifted by Royal Bank Of Canada from $166.00 to $178.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the retailer’s stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on TGT. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Target from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Target from $115.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Mizuho set a $150.00 price target on Target in a research note on Thursday. TD Cowen reissued a “hold” rating on shares of Target in a report on Monday, August 10th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Target from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, July 13th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $159.52.

Target Stock Up 4.5%

TGT stock opened at $165.35 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $140.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $128.01. The company has a market capitalization of $75.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.17, a PEG ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.97. Target has a twelve month low of $83.44 and a twelve month high of $165.48.

Target (NYSE:TGT) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 19th. The retailer reported $4.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $1.76. Target had a net margin of 4.08% and a return on equity of 23.23%. The firm had revenue of $26.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $26.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.05 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. Target has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.900-10.900 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Target will post 8.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Target Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 12th will be issued a dividend of $1.16 per share. This represents a $4.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.8%. This is a positive change from Target’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.14. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 12th. Target’s dividend payout ratio is currently 48.18%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Cara A. Sylvester sold 10,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.89, for a total value of $1,258,900.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 45,930 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,782,127.70. This trade represents a 17.88% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Target

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Winning Points Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Target during the fourth quarter worth about $611,000. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in Target by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 6,194,448 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $605,507,000 after purchasing an additional 142,937 shares during the last quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC increased its stake in shares of Target by 41.8% in the first quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 111,001 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $13,453,000 after purchasing an additional 32,746 shares during the period. Munich Reinsurance Co Stock Corp in Munich bought a new stake in shares of Target during the first quarter valued at approximately $6,686,000. Finally, United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund acquired a new position in shares of Target during the fourth quarter worth approximately $27,470,000. Institutional investors own 79.73% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about Target

Here are the key news stories impacting Target this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Improved outlook: Target raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance to $9.90–$10.90 per share, citing stronger sales, digital growth, category performance and momentum that may extend beyond tariff-related benefits. Target Raises View as Growth Momentum Extends Beyond Tariff Tailwinds
• Positive Sentiment: Strong quarterly performance: Target reported $4.11 in quarterly EPS versus the $2.35 consensus estimate, while revenue of $26.54 billion exceeded expectations and increased 5.3% year over year. Traffic rose 3.6%, supported by merchandising improvements and better execution. Target Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Higher Sales Outlook and Traffic
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: RBC raised its price target to $178 and maintained an outperform rating. Other analysts also lifted targets following the earnings report, reinforcing the bullish reaction. Target Stock Climbs After Analysts Boost Price Targets
• Neutral Sentiment: Citigroup and TD Cowen raised their price targets but retained neutral/hold ratings, suggesting the stock’s valuation may already reflect much of the improved outlook.
• Negative Sentiment: A $994 million tariff refund significantly boosted second-quarter profitability, raising questions about how sustainable the earnings jump will be. Elevated valuation and execution risks could limit additional upside. Target Raises 2026 Guidance as Tariff Refunds Boost Q2 Profitability
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research downgraded Target from “strong buy” to “hold,” providing a counterweight to the broader analyst optimism.

Target Company Profile

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

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