Target Corporation (TGT)

Over the past six months, Target's stock price has experienced a significant decline. The stock decreased by 21.79% over the last 12 months and fell by 27.7% in 2025. As of January 9, 2026, the share price was $105.52, a 23.96% decline from January 13, 2025. Key events impacting the stock include inventory misalignment and markdowns, a weak holiday season warning in November 2025, backlash over DEI programs in early 2025, and a leadership change with Michael Fiddelke set to succeed Brian Cornell as CEO on February 1, 2026.

Demand for Target's products and services exhibits clear seasonality, typical of the retail sector. The holiday season (October-December) is the most critical period, with sales during this time potentially accounting for 30-40% of annual revenue. Other significant seasonal periods include Back to School (late July-September), Spring (April-May), Summer (June-September), Mother's and Father's Day, and Halloween. While discretionary categories are highly seasonal, demand for consumer staples goods tends to be less cyclical due to their low price elasticity.

Target Corporation is a mass-market retail company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It operates nearly 2,000 stores across the United States and digital channels, offering a wide array of products at discounted prices. Target's product offerings include perishables, dry grocery, frozen products, household essentials, school and office supplies, jewelry, shoes, video games, consoles, toys, sporting goods, beauty and personal care items, baby gear, pet supplies, and apparel for all ages. The company also features exclusive design partnerships and shop-in-shop experiences with brands such as Apple, Disney, and Ulta Beauty, and boasts over 45 owned brands unique to Target. Target also owns Shipt, a same-day delivery service, and Roundel, a media company.

Target Corporation's geographic footprint is primarily concentrated within the United States, operating nearly 2,000 stores across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Over 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. In addition to its retail locations, Target also maintains 66 supply chain facilities and 29 office locations globally.

Target's brand reputation in the past year has been significantly impacted by several events. In early 2025, the company faced substantial criticism and an organized boycott following its decision to end most of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This came after previous backlash in the summer of 2023 regarding its Pride Month merchandise. These events led to a perception that Target was going against its previously inclusive reputation, resulting in negative consumer sentiment and a reported hit to sales. Historically, Target has also faced challenges to its reputation due to data breaches, though the company has made efforts to improve its brand by focusing on customer experience, product differentiation through exclusive collaborations, and emphasizing quality and value.

Target Corporation is largely controlled by institutional shareholders, who collectively own between 84% and 86% of the company's shares. The general public, primarily individual investors, holds approximately 14% to 15% ownership. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group, Inc., State Street Global Advisors, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc., Fmr Llc, Geode Capital Management, Llc, and Morgan Stanley.