La vendita allo scoperto per Target dà agli investitori un'idea del grado in cui gli investitori stanno scommettendo sul declino delle azioni di Target. I dati relativi alle vendite allo scoperto vengono aggiornati ogni due settimane.

Target (NYSE:TGT) Azioni, Report sulle vendite allo scoperto

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.

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Jim Cramer elogia Target per il suo rendimento del 3% e risultati finanziari eccellenti: ecco perché è un&#39;opportunità imperdibile!

Jim Cramer elogia questo titolo: &#34;Il rendimento del 3% è fantastico!&#34;

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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.

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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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SOUN

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.

Options

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

Most of the important news in the financial markets goes over investors&#39; heads, only to wake up to new market price action and realize they should have not only paid attention but also acted upon the news that was released in the recent past. Today&#39;s most important news&mdash;and implications&mdash;can be taken from the recent port strikes that started this week.
When the dominoes are laid out, investors may arrive at a few pain points of inflection. They all end up with worse inflation and a significant hit to the United States GDP, which affects the stock market. But, not all stocks in the S&amp;P 500 are equal; while most in the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors stand to be negatively impacted by strikes, those in the transportation sector could now see added demand.
Major importers like Walmart Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wmt#NYSE">WMT</a>) and Target Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tgt#NYSE">TGT</a>) are now facing a potential threat of supply chain disruptions, with no signs of demand slowing down. This mix could create a major issue in terms of pricing and item availability but, conversely, make air freight a more attractive alternative, which is where FedEx Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fdx#NYSE">FDX</a>) comes into play.
<h2>Walmart&#39;s Value Proposition at Risk: What Investors Need to Know</h2>
There has to be a reason why Walmart&#39;s CEO recently sold some of the company&#39;s stock, up to $2.3 million. The timing of the transaction seems to answer it all. It was September 26th, just days before the port strikes were announced to begin.
Insiders are getting ahead because this could severely impact Walmart&#39;s ability to offer low-priced items to its consumer base. At the same time, bears are coming in to raid the stock. Walmart&#39;s short interest rose by as much as 3.8% over the past month, showing signs of trouble ahead.
If supply chains are disrupted, then Walmart&#39;s $3 billion worth of imports could see higher shipping and sourcing costs, leaving the consumer to pay for the passed-on expenses down the line. The warning signs didn&#39;t stop at company management and bearish traders; however, some institutional players had the same view in mind.
Anchor Investment Management also decided to trim its Walmart holdings by 6.5% as of September. This decision may have been made after considering Walmart stock&#39;s risk-to-reward profile, as it now trades at a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 42.3x, above the rest of the peer group.
The downside is now seemingly larger than the upside, and these new port strikes might be the catalyst for the rest of the market to see that as well.
<h2>Target&#39;s Smaller Scale Puts It at Risk</h2>
While Walmart has enough international reach to cushion some of the potential impacts, Target does not. Because of these increased risks to a brand already affected by inflationary pressures, some insiders also decided to trim some of their Target stock before the actual impact of these strikes is known.
Richard H. Gomez, a Target insider, sold as many as 6,348 shares as of September 27th. Getting rid of roughly $1 million worth of stock just days before the strikes began amplifies the concern that this event poses on the industry. Still, the bearish evidence didn&#39;t stop there.
Over the past quarter, Target stock&#39;s short interest has risen from roughly $1 billion to $2.2 billion today, which could corner some of the bulls who may attempt to get out during the potential volatility these strikes could create. As Walmart experienced, Target is also reporting some institutional names selling some of their holdings in the company.
First Financial Bank Trust decided to trim its holdings in Target stock by 3.3% during the past quarter, but it wasn&#39;t alone in this decision. Park National also reduced its investments in Target stock by 7.5% as of October 2024.
<h2>FedEx Stock Could Rebound as Port Strikes Threaten Supply Chains</h2>
Now that regular freight schedules and supply chains are becoming disrupted through strikes, air transportation could become the next best alternative. With this potential tailwind behind it, FedEx stock may stand to close down the gap left behind after its recent earnings selloff.
Now that the stock trades at 85% of its 52-week high, the company has a double-digit opportunity to make a comeback. This is why analysts at J.P. Morgan Chase see a potential for FedEx stock to head higher toward their price target of $350, which calls for a net upside of 29.8% from where the stock trades today.
Knowing this could be the case, bearish traders decided to step off the gas when it came to selling short. FedEx stock&#39;s short interest declined by over 8.5% in the past month, showing investors signs of this bearish capitulation. Replacing some of the beaten bears were a few institutional buyers as well.
Leading the most recent buys, Jacobs &amp; Co. increased their holdings by 0.4% as of October 2024. This may not seem like much of a boost on a percentage basis. Still, it did bring the group&#39;s net investment to $12.6 million today as a sign of institutional confidence for FedEx&#39;s future.
This is, of course, a small drop compared to the $8.3 billion in institutional capital that has entered FedEx stock over the past 12 months.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/how-recent-port-strikes-could-impact-these-key-3-stocks/">How Recent Port Strikes Could Impact These 3 Key Stocks</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

Management

Insider Trades

How Recent Port Strikes Could Impact These 3 Key Stocks

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)&nbsp;is targeting 250,000 transportation and warehouse workers in the U.S. to capitalize on the 2024 holiday rush, Reuters reports.
The hiring numbers remain the same as in 2023. The hiring ahead of the holiday season underscores the importance of the extra hands in the retail industry.
Discount retailer Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) planned to employ 100,000&nbsp;to help tide through the holiday season.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41162084/amazon-prime-video-ramps-up-ads-taking-on-netflix-and-disney-in-streaming-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Prime Video Ramps Up Ads, Taking on Netflix and Disney+ in Streaming Battle</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04080038/newplot-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580495" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04080038/newplot-5.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04080038/newplot-5-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
In September, Amazon raised the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40927136/amazon-boosts-worker-pay-to-over-29hour-invests-2-2b-as-holiday-kicks-in" rel="noreferrer noopener"> average hourly total compensation</a> for fulfillment and transportation employees in the U.S. to over $29.
Walmart Inc's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) Sam's Club also targeted higher hourly pay for frontline associates to over $19 with thousands of dollars annually in bonuses.
It is worth noting that on Wednesday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charged Amazon, a joint employer of its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers, for failing to acknowledge and bargain with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nlrb-doubles-down-amazon-is-a-joint-employer-302266076.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teamsters Union</a>.
As per the NLRB, Amazon <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41171072/amazon-accused-of-union-busting-after-drivers-unionize-nlrb-files-complaint" rel="noreferrer noopener">employed multiple unfair labor practices</a> to prevent union activities at a facility in Palmdale, California.
The charges against Amazon included its refusal to recognize the workers' right to unionize, its refusal to bargain with the Teamsters over employment conditions, and the termination of its DSP contract.
In 2023, Amazon's U.S. sales were $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday, up by 9.6%, quashing the estimate of $12 billion. Amazon's total online sales for Cyber Week were $38 billion, topping the $37.2 billion estimate.
U.S. retailers could add 520,000 jobs during the holiday season, down from 2023's 564,200, per Reuters.
Reuters cites Mastercard's projection that online holiday shopping could reach $240.8 billion, up 4.9%.
Price Action: AMZN stock is up 2.11% to $185.80 premarket at the last check Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41169322/amazons-profitable-essential-merchandise-efficiency-gains-set-to-drive-growth-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon's Profitable Essential Merchandise, Efficiency Gains Set To Drive Growth: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Tech

AMZN

NVDA

Amazon To Boost Workforce by 250K for 2024 Holidays, Joining Retail Hiring Surge

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 22 uncommon options trades for Target.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 40% bullish and 31%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $476,058, and 15 are calls, for a total amount of $700,143.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $120.0 to $170.0 for Target over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Target options trades today is 993.93 with a total volume of 4,430.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Target's big money trades within a strike price range of $120.0 to $170.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Target Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727974071_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>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$152.4K</td>
<td>404</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$24.5</td>
<td>$24.05</td>
<td>$24.5</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$122.5K</td>
<td>69</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$102.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.75</td>
<td>$7.55</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$75.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$6.85</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$68.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</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>Where Is Target Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,941,101, with TGT's price down by -1.02%, positioned at $148.87.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 48 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Target</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with 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; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Melius Research lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Target, which currently sits at a price target of $195. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Target options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

What the Options Market Tells Us About Target

Target Announced The Release Of Its 2024 Bullseye's Top Toys List, Which Includes More Than 60 Toys, Nearly Half Of Which Are Exclusive To Target

The labor contract between the International Longshoremen's Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41111978/dockworkers-strike-will-it-impact-your-holiday-shopping">expired overnight on Tuesday</a>. The ILA — whose members comprise dockworkers on the East Coast —&nbsp;is now officially on strike.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/supply-chain">Supply chain disruptions</a> stemming from a prolonged strike may affect several companies and the U.S. economy as a whole.
What Happened: The dispute stems from two fundamental disagreements between the stevedores and port employers.
In their collective bargaining agreement, the ILA proposed a 77% pay raise over the next six years. The USMX <a href="https://www.usmx.com/assets/content/public-resources/9-30-24_USMX_UPDATE_Status_of_USMX-ILA_Negotiations.pdf">countered</a> with 50%.
&#8220;Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50 percent, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans, strengthen our health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation,&#8221; the association said in a statement.
ILA President Harold Daggett <a href="https://ilaunion.org/letter-of-opposition-to-usmxs-misleading-statement/">urged</a> the USMX to agree to a larger wage increase to address inflation.
&#8220;USMX claims to offer industry-leading wages. However, their interpretation of &#8216;leading wages&#8217; is polar opposite to ours. Inflation has completely eaten into any raises and wages,&#8221; Daggett said.
Another fundamental disagreement comes from efforts to automate several port functions.
&#8220;USMX is trying to fool you with promises of workforce protections for semi-automation,&#8221; Daggett said. &#8220;Let me be clear: we don't want any form of semi-automation or full automation. We want our jobs—the jobs we have historically done for over 132 years.&#8221;
President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/09/30/remarks-by-president-biden-before-air-force-one-departure-dover-de/">told</a> reporters on Monday that he would not intervene in the matter, reiterating support for collective bargaining.
The closure will <a href="https://ilaunion.org/map/">affect</a> several U.S. ports, including Baltimore, Boston, New York and Philadelphia.
Economic Impact: RSM economist Joseph Brusuelas said the strike implies a modest impact on the U.S. economy.
&#8220;Labor action by port workers along the East and Gulf coast of the United States will provide a modest hit to GDP of a little greater than 0.1 percentage points per week or roughly $4.3 billion in lost exports and imports. If sustained that would result in roughly 0.5% percentage points shaved from overall GDP in the final quarter of 2024,&#8221; Brusuelas said.
&#8220;Given that the American economy is on a 3% growth path at this time, we do not expect the strike to derail the trajectory of the domestic economy or present a risk to an early and unnecessary end to the current economic expansion.&#8221;
The economist said the continued operation of ports in the western U.S. would likely lessen much of the strike&#8217;s economic impact.
When will the Strike End?: In a note published Monday, Morgan Stanley logistics analyst Ravi Shanker expressed a belief that the strike will end sooner rather than later.
&#8220;&#8230;in the event of a work stoppage, we believe it is highly unlikely to be prolonged,&#8221; Shanker said.
Affected Companies: ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZIM#NYSE">ZIM</a>), A P Moller Maersk (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMKBY#OTC">AMKBY</a>), XPO Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPO#NYSE">XPO</a>) are publicly traded logistics companies likely to be affected by a sustained supply chain disruption.
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>), two of the largest U.S. retailers, could face increased supply chain costs and inventory shortages if the dockworker strike persists.
Additionally, an agreement between the ILA and USMX on automation protection would likely affect companies manufacturing the equipment.
ABB Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBNY#OTC">ABBNY</a>) and Cargotec Corp (HEL: CGCBV) are among the largest distributors of dock automation technology.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41108345/apples-satellite-messaging-feature-emerges-as-lifeline-after-hurricane-helene-leaves-thousands-witho">Apple&#8217;s Satellite Messaging Feature Emerges As Lifeline After Hurricane Helene Leaves Thousands Without Cell Phone Service: Here&#8217;s How You Can Use It</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Equities

Macro Economic Events

Econ #s

Economics

ABBNY

AMKBY

East Coast Dockworkers Strike: How Labor Dispute Impacts Economy, Logistics Companies

Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to turn <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40259269/storm-debby-headed-for-nyc-highly-populated-areas-as-catastrophic-flooding-persists">into a hurricane</a> as it makes landfall over Florida on Thursday.
The storm was located about 60 miles northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, Wednesday morning, moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it passes over the Gulf of Mexico&#8217;s eastern coast later Wednesday and into Thursday and reaches the Big Bend of Florida late Thursday.
The NWS has already issued a tropical storm warning for all of the Florida Keys, the state&#8217;s west coast from Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, and the Florida east coast from Flamingo northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40982087/shell-braces-for-tropical-storm-35-prepares-major-gulf-of-mexico-oil-fields-for-shut-down">Shell Braces For Tropical Storm 35: Prepares Major Gulf Of Mexico Oil Fields For Shut Down</a>
Helene is forecasted to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 15 inches over the southeastern U.S. This will likely result in considerable urban and flash flooding and significant river flooding. It may also cause landslides in steep terrain areas in the southern Appalachians.
Helene is also expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain to Cuba, the Cayman Islands and the northern Yucatan Peninsula before reaching the U.S.
Price Action: The approaching storm has impacted stocks of generator producers, retailers, and utility companies with a presence or a subsidiary in Florida.
Generators
<ul>
<li>Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNRC#NYSE">GNRC</a>) slipped 0.45% to $150.16</li>
<li>Cummins Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMI#NYSE">CMI</a>) declined 0.55% to $321.78</li>
<li>Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>) rose 0.27% to $32.83</li>
</ul>
Retailers
<ul>
<li>Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) gained 0.56% to $81.12</li>
<li>Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) slipped 0.4% to $155.56</li>
<li>The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) fell 0.67% to $397.99</li>
</ul>
Utilities 
<ul>
<li>Emera Incorporated (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMA#TSX">EMA</a>) gained 0.55% to $52.83</li>
<li>Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>) slipped 0.12% to $115.85</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39581491/whats-going-on-with-cruise-stocks-as-category-4-hurricane-beryl-churns-in-the-caribbean">What&#8217;s Going On With Cruise Stocks As Category 4 Hurricane Beryl Churns In the Caribbean?</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

GNRC

TSX:EMA

Tropical Storm Helene Set To Become Hurricane: Generac, Duke Energy Stocks React As Florida Braces

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish 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 11 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 54% of traders were bullish, while 27% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 4 were puts, with a value of $192,940, and 7 were calls, valued at $359,711.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $110.0 and $185.0 for Target, spanning the last three months.
<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 $110.0 to $185.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Target 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727196348_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>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.79</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$90.1K</td>
<td>977</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$84.4K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$55.7K</td>
<td>235</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$46.7K</td>
<td>6.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$1.61</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$46.5K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">672</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>Current Position of Target</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,210,121, the price of TGT is up 0.49% at $156.06. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 57 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Target</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $180.66666666666666.
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 JP Morgan persists with their Neutral rating on Target, maintaining a target price of $167. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Melius Research lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Outperform rating on Target, maintaining a target price of $195. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Target options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Target

Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) has been analyzed by 23 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments 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;">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>1M 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>2M 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>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</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>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $174.48, a high estimate of $200.00, and a low estimate of $147.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 0.97% increase from the previous average price target of $172.81.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727118068_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Target by financial experts. 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>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>
<tr>
<td>Peter Keith</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$156.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Target. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide 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: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Target's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
For valuable insights into Target's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using 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>Unveiling the Story Behind 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>Key Indicators: Target's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Target's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 July, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 2.74%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
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): Target's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 8.43% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Target's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.15%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 1.3.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</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.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Unveiling 23 Analyst Insights On Target

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Target.
Looking at options history for Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 80% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 10% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $245,006 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $584,354.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $145.0 to $165.0 for Target over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Target's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Target's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $145.0 to $165.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Target Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727117154_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</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>$5.15</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$356.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">769</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.45</td>
<td>$7.45</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$83.4K</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">113</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.65</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.55</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$77.7K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$2.43</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$2.43</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$67.3K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">595</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$16.65</td>
<td>$16.35</td>
<td>$16.35</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$52.3K</td>
<td>84</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">37</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.
In light of the recent options history for Target, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Target</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,255,058, the price of TGT is up 0.47% at $155.47. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 58 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Target</h3>
Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $180.66666666666666.
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&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Neutral rating for Target, targeting a price of $167. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Outperform rating on Target, maintaining a target price of $195. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Melius Research lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $180.
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.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In TGT Options

Melius Research analyst Karen Short initiates coverage on Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $180.

Initiation

Melius Research Initiates Coverage On Target with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $180

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/09/19/final-trades-target-home-depot-and-the-ijr.html">Halftime Report Final Trades</a>,&#8221; Stephanie Link of Hightower named Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) as her final trade.
On Thursday, 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, effective Sept. 22. Lee brings over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy and more at PepsiCo. 
Lee will take over from COO Michael Fiddelke. Lee has served on multiple boards during his PepsiCo career, including Tropicana Brands Group and Celsius Holdings.
Kevin Simpson of Capital Wealth Planning said The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) would be a tremendous beneficiary of lower interest rates. The company has a dividend yield of 2.3%, he added.
Home Depot recently agreed to a settlement of almost $2 million to resolve allegations that it overcharged customers at checkout. The lawsuit, filed by prosecutors from six California counties, accused the retailer of "scanner violations," where the prices at checkout were higher than the advertised prices. The case was brought to the San Diego County Superior Court, reported NBC News.
Don't forget to check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners picked iShares Core S&amp;P Small-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IJR#NYSE">IJR</a>) as his final trade.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Target gained 1.9% to close at $156.49 during Thursday's session.</li>
<li>Home Depot shares gained 1.7% to settle at $390.34 on Thursday.</li>
<li>iShares Core S&amp;P Small-Cap ETF gained 2% during Thursday's session.</li>
</ul>
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Image: Shutterstock

Target, Home Depot And More On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman maintains Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $195 price target.

Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform on Target, Maintains $195 Price Target

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Target, The Home Depot, iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

Discount retailer Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) tapped PepsiCo, Inc&#8216;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, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/n40934763/target-names-jim-lee-chief-financial-officer" rel="noreferrer noopener">effective&nbsp;September 22</a>.
Lee brings over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy and more at PepsiCo. Lee will take over from COO Michael Fiddelke. Lee has served on multiple boards during his PepsiCo career, including Tropicana Brands Group and Celsius Holdings.
In connection with his appointment, Lee will receive an annual base salary of $850,000, will be eligible for a pro-rated annual cash incentive under Target's Short-Term Incentive Plan.
Specifically, Lee will receive a cash <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/27419/000002741924000160/tgt-20240919.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign-on bonus</a> of $2.2 million, which is subject to repayment in the event of voluntary termination or termination for cause within the first 36 months of employment, and will be granted a sign-on award of restricted stock units under 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan with a target payout value of $6.95 million.
Target Chair and CEO Brian Cornell: &#8220;From his consumer centric leadership, to his strategy, business development and corporate governance experience, Jim will be a great addition to our leadership team as we focus on driving Target&#8217;s roadmap for growth.&#8221;&nbsp;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40738760/dollar-stores-struggle-when-walmart-performs-well-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dollar Stores Struggle When Walmart Performs Well: Report</a>
The CFO transition coincides with the upcoming holiday season. The Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) rival wants to hire 100,000 seasonal workers despite a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40878577/target-set-to-recruit-100k-seasonal-employees-despite-anticipated-slow-holiday-sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slower holiday season</a> expectation as the inflation bites. However, the recent upward revision of the 2024 adjusted EPS outlook to $9.00-$9.70, up from $8.60-$9.60 following an upbeat second-quarter print, backs the hiring decision.
Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) boosted the fulfillment and transportation employee and delivery driver pay for uninterrupted service <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40927136/amazon-boosts-worker-pay-to-over-29hour-invests-2-2b-as-holiday-kicks-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">ahead of the busy season</a>. Walmart also raised compensation for 100,000 frontline associates.
The U.S. Federal Reserve&#8217;s plans to reduce the benchmark interest rate by 50 bps will likely pose a <a target="_blank" href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40932103/it-stocks-on-the-rise-after-u-s-fed-cuts-interest-rate" rel="noreferrer noopener">tailwind for the retailers</a>.
Price Action: TGT stock is up 1.50% to $155.90 premarket at last check Thursday.
Photo via Shutterstock
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Target Hires PepsiCo Veteran Jim Lee As Finance Chief

He Succeeds Michael Fiddelke, Target&#39;s Chief Operating Officer. &nbsp;

Target Names Jim Lee As CFO And A Member Of Its Leadership Team Effective Sept. 22

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The consumer discretionary sector is poised for significant growth, driven by changing consumer behaviors, rising incomes, and increasing demands for entertainment, apparel, and leisure, particularly during the holiday season. Therefore, investors could consider watching consumer discretionary stocks: Amazon.com (AMZN), The Home Depot (HD), and Target (TGT) for potential holiday gains. Keep reading... The consumer discretionary sector is thriving, driven by growth in retail nonessentials, home improvement, and leisure items, fueled by e-commerce. This signals a bright future for the sector. Therefore, investors may want to watch leading stocks like Amazon.com, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">AMZN</a>), The Home Depot, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/HD/">HD</a>), and Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>) for potential holiday gains.
U.S. inflation is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-slip-markets-await-fed-minutes-alphabet-drops-2024-10-09/">stabilizing</a>, with the Fed expected to continue rate cuts, signaling optimism for economic recovery. Consumer spending remains strong, backed by rising incomes and strategic retail discounts, especially during the holiday season. Given the positive outlook, it appears to be a favorable time to invest in consumer discretionary stocks, especially for holiday gains.
This holiday season, companies are driving online and offline sales through discounts and increased email marketing. The National Retail Federation forecasts a 2.5% to <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-forecasts-retail-sales-reach-least-523-trillion-2024">3.5% rise in 2024</a> retail sales, reaching up to $5.28 trillion. Holiday retail sales are projected to hit <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1189993/holiday-season-retail-sales-value-us/">$960 billion in 2024</a>, signaling strong opportunities for growth in the consumer discretionary sector.
Additionally, investors are drawn to consumer discretionary stocks due to their potential for higher returns fueled by increased nonessential spending during economic growth. As we enter this holiday season, let's explore the fundamentals of the three top-performing consumer discretionary stocks.
Amazon.com, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">AMZN</a>)
AMZN sells consumer products and subscriptions through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The company's products offered through its stores include merchandise and content purchased for resale and products provided by third-party sellers.
On October 8, 2024, AMZN's Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a partnership with Smartsheet to launch a new connector that integrates Smartsheet data with Amazon Q Business. This collaboration enables users to access project insights and enhance decision-making through AWS's generative AI-powered assistant, streamlining workflows across multiple business applications.
On September 26, 2024, AWS announced a partnership with Digital Domain to migrate its Autonomous Virtual Human (AVH) technology to the cloud. This collaboration will enhance AVH's scalability and real-time capabilities, allowing more businesses in various industries to utilize advanced virtual human technology.
In terms of the trailing-12-month net income margin, AMZN's 7.35% is 59.6% higher than the 4.60% industry average. Likewise, its 9.86% trailing-12-month Capex / Sales is 232.8% higher than the 2.96% industry average. Moreover, the stock's 1.17x trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/assetturnover.asp">asset turnover ratio</a> is 17.9% higher than the 0.99x industry average.
AMZN's total net sales during the fiscal second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, increased 10.1% year-over-year to $147.98 billion. The company's operating income grew 91% from the year-ago value to $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% over the prior-year quarter, respectively.
Street expects AMZN's EPS and revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, to increase 20.8% and 9.9% year-over-year to $1.14 and $157.24 billion, respectively. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 44.1% to close the last trading session at $184.44.
AMZN's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its robust outlook. It 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 an A grade for Sentiment and a B for Momentum and Quality. It is ranked #14 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/">here</a>.
The Home Depot, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/HD/">HD</a>)
HD operates as a home improvement retailer internationally. It sells various building materials, home improvement products, lawn and garden products, and décor items, as well as facilities maintenance, repair, and operations products.
In terms of the trailing-12-month EBIT margin, HD's 13.91% is 74% higher than the 8% industry average. Likewise, its 9.71% trailing-12-month net income margin is 111% higher than the industry average of 4.60%. Also, the stock's 1.76x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 76.8% higher than the industry average of 0.99x.
For the fiscal second quarter ended July 28, 2024, HD reported net sales of $43.18 billion, up marginally year-over-year. Its gross profit grew 1.8% year-over-year to $14.42 billion. Additionally, the company's net earnings were reported at $4.56 billion, or $4.61 per share.
Analysts expect HD's revenue for the quarter ending October 31, 2024, to increase 3.6% year-over-year to $39.08 billion. Its EPS for the quarter ending January 31, 2025, is expected to rise 7% year-over-year to $3.02. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 41.8% to close the last trading session at $415.28.
HD's POWR Ratings reflect solid prospects. It is ranked #32 out of 57 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/home-improvement-goods/">Home Improvement &amp; Goods</a> industry. It has a B grade for Stability and Quality. To see HD's Growth, Value, Momentum, and Sentiment ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/HD/">click here</a>.
Target Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">TGT</a>)
TGT operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. It offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, infants, and newborns, as well as jewellery, accessories, and shoes; beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.
In terms of the trailing-12-month Return on Common Equity, TGT's 33.97% is 226.2% higher than the 10.41% industry average. Its 12.18% trailing-12-month Return on Total Capital is 78.1% higher than the 6.84% industry average. Similarly, its 1.97x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 136.4% higher than the industry average of 0.83x.
During the second quarter, which ended on August 3, 2024, TGT's total revenue rose 2.7% year-over-year to $25.45 billion, and its operating income was $1.63 billion, up 36.6% over the prior-year quarter. The company's net earnings and adjusted EPS stood at $1.19 billion and $2.57, respectively, representing increases of 42.7% and 42.4% year-over-year.
For the quarter ending October 31, 2024, TGT's EPS and revenue are expected to grow 9.4% and 2.2% year-over-year to $2.30 and $25.96 billion, respectively. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 46.2% to close the last trading session at $153.54.
TGT's POWR Ratings reflect its strong fundamentals. It has an overall rating of A, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It 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, it is ranked #8 out of 37 stocks. To access additional grades for TGT's Growth, Stability, and Sentiment, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TGT/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Discover 10 widely held stocks that our proprietary model shows have tremendous downside potential. Please make sure none of these "death trap" stocks are lurking in your portfolio:
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<hr />
AMZN shares were trading at $185.72 per share on Wednesday afternoon, up $3.00 (+1.64%). Year-to-date, AMZN has gained 22.23%, versus a 22.60% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Abhishek Bhuyan</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ABhuyan.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Abhishek embarked on his professional journey as a financial journalist due to his keen interest in discerning the fundamental factors that influence the future performance of financial instruments.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=abhishek-bhuyan">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/amzn-hd-tgt-3-consumer-discretionary-stocks-to-watch-for-holiday-gains/>3 Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Watch for Holiday Gains</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

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