Target shares rose by 8.5% in premarket trading on Tuesday after the retail giant released its earnings report for 2023. The company’s net sales were $31.9 billion, thereby exceeding analysts’ estimates of $31.38 billion. Gross profit came in at 25.6%, eclipsing the 22.7% in 2023 and estimates of 25%. Earnings per share came in at $2.98, beating estimates of $2.40 per share.
Company CEO Brian Cornell has expressed confidence that the department store chain will embark on a positive growth trajectory “from a comparable sales standpoint, from a traffic standpoint, and from a [market] share standpoint.” He explained that Target will focus on opening new stores, introducing private-label brands, revamping existing stores, and unveiling a new membership program providing perks including faster delivery times.
Stifel analyst Mark Astrachan explained in a note to clients that the firm is optimistic about Target’s growth prospects. “We think F4Q results and guidance were better-than-feared. Guidance anticipates a sequential improvement through F2024. This is largely consistent with our expectations that discretionary spending intentions are improving, including amongst lower income households,” the note read.