Target's 0.39% Rally on $540M Volume (175th) as Analysts Split and New CEO Faces Retail Challenges

On September 4, 2025, Target (TGT) closed with a 0.39% increase, despite a 30.53% drop in trading volume to $0.54 billion, ranking 175th in terms of market activity. The stock's modest gain came amid a mix of analyst activity and leadership changes at the retail giant.

Analysts have been active in setting new price targets for Target. DA Davidson maintained a bullish outlook for fiscal 2026 earnings, while Guggenheim upgraded the stock to a "Buy" rating. However, other firms like Evercore ISI and UBS Group revised their price targets downward, with Evercore cutting its target to $106.00 and UBS lowering it to $130.00. These divergent assessments reflect ongoing uncertainty about the retailer's strategic direction and market positioning.

The appointment of Michael Fiddelke as the new CEO, replacing Brian Cornell after a decade-long tenure, has drawn mixed reactions. While some analysts view the internal promotion as a stabilizing move, others question whether Fiddelke can address the company's challenges, including declining sales and intensifying competition. The transition has led to speculation about the new leadership's ability to revitalize the brand and regain investor confidence.

Backtesting data from historical price movements indicates that TGT has historically recovered from short-term declines, with previous sell-offs often followed by rebounds as earnings and strategic shifts reassured investors. The current environment remains subject to these patterns, though near-term volatility is likely as the market digests evolving analyst sentiment and leadership dynamics.