Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Target Corporation (TGT) owns and operates general merchandise stores. Valued at $67.5 billion by market cap, the company focuses on merchandising operations, which include general merchandise and food discount stores and a fully integrated online business. TGT also offers credit to qualified applicants through its branded proprietary credit cards. The retail giant is expected to announce its fiscal third-quarter earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect Target to report a profit of $2.08 per share on a diluted basis, up 16.9% from $1.78 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street’s EPS estimates in its last four quarterly reports.
For the full year, analysts expect Target to report EPS of $8.89, up 17.4% from $7.57 in fiscal 2026. Its EPS is expected to rise 6.2% year over year to $9.44 in fiscal 2028.
TGT stock has outperformed the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 12.3% gains over the past 52 weeks, with shares up 51.9% during this period. Similarly, it outperformed the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLP) 10.6% gains over the same time frame.
Target has outperformed as its turnaround gains traction, driven by positive comp sales, improved earnings, and stronger customer traffic. CEO Michael Fiddelke credited fresh merchandising and a sharpened focus on core shoppers like busy families, while leadership pushes strategic product resets and store upgrades. Growth is being further accelerated by heavy investments in food, wellness, beauty, and baby, including the rollout of 3,000 new food items. Bolstered by a milestone physical footprint surpassing 2,000 stores, expanded digital distribution, and AI-driven initiatives, management remains optimistic while maintaining a prudent approach to future comps.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on TGT stock is reasonably bullish, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of 34 analysts covering the stock, 10 advise a “Strong Buy” rating, three suggest a “Moderate Buy,” 18 give a “Hold,” one advocates a “Moderate Sell,” and two recommend a “Strong Sell.” TGT’s average analyst price target is $164.88, indicating a potential upside of 11.4% from the current levels.
On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.