Target's 34.5% Annual Slide Drags It to 180th Trading Rank as New CEO Overhauls Fulfillment and 4.69% Dividend Lure Investors

On August 29, 2025, Target (TGT) closed at $96.15, down 0.86% with a trading volume of $0.51 billion, ranking 180th among stocks. Analysts highlight a 34.5% annual stock decline and a 3.2% drop in comparable store sales, yet a $157.43 fair price estimate suggests potential upside. Recent strategic shifts, including a new CEO’s fulfillment reset and scaling back in-store operations, signal operational adjustments. Meanwhile, the stock’s 4.69% dividend yield remains a draw, supported by a sustainable payout ratio of 48.93% for 2026.

Short interest in TGT has decreased by 10.05% over the past month, reflecting improved investor sentiment. Institutional ownership at 79.73% underscores market confidence, though insider selling of $4.33 million in the last three months raises caution. The company’s P/E ratio of 11.31 lags the retail sector average of 27.77, indicating relative affordability. Analysts remain cautious, with 10 buy, 23 hold, and 3 sell ratings, emphasizing the need for operational clarity.

Backtesting reveals TGT has underperformed the S&P 500 over three years, with a -33.29% return versus the index’s +60.28%. Historical data suggests a potential rebound if core operations stabilize and the dividend yield stays above 4%. However, risks persist from declining sales and strategic overhauls, requiring close monitoring of Q3 earnings and fulfillment efficiency.