Target stock rating reiterated at Outperform by RBC amid CEO transition

Published 20/08/2025, 13:58
Target stock rating reiterated at Outperform by RBC amid CEO transition

Investing.com - RBC Capital maintained its Outperform rating and $104.00 price target on Target (NYSE:TGT), a retail giant with over $105 billion in annual revenue, following the retailer’s second-quarter results.

Target reported comparable sales that declined 1.9% in the quarter, performing better than RBC’s estimate of -2.6% and consensus expectations of -3.1%. The company’s adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.05, aligning with expectations. According to InvestingPro analysis, Target currently trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 11.5x, suggesting potential value opportunity. The platform’s Fair Value model indicates the stock is currently undervalued.

The retailer reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, though RBC noted that achieving the higher end of the earnings per share range appears increasingly unlikely. The investment firm believes investors are positioning around $7.00-7.50 for the year. Notably, Target maintains a strong dividend track record, having raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years, with a current yield of 4.3%.

RBC highlighted that investors may approach Target with caution following the recently announced CEO succession plan, which creates potential for strategic changes. Current CFO Michael Fiddelke is set to take the helm as the company’s new chief executive.

The investment firm suggested that the focal point for Target’s investment story will now shift to potential strategy changes under Fiddelke’s leadership, though limited information is currently available about his specific plans.

In other recent news, Target Corporation’s second-quarter 2025 results have drawn varied analyst reactions. DA Davidson reiterated its Buy rating with a $125.00 price target, acknowledging that while the results were not impressive, they were slightly better than expected in terms of comparable sales and margins. Truist Securities maintained a Hold rating with a $107.00 price target, noting that sales were slightly better than anticipated and earnings met previous expectations. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) reiterated an Overweight rating and a $112.00 price target, highlighting that the results were mostly in line with expectations but pointed out potential uncertainty due to a leadership change.

Target has announced that Michael J. Fiddelke, currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will become the next Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2026. This leadership transition follows the decision of current CEO Brian C. Cornell to step down and transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board. Fiddelke, a long-time Target executive, has played significant roles in merchandising, finance, and operations, contributing to over $2 billion in efficiencies. This change in leadership is seen as a pivotal moment for the company as it navigates its future strategy.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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