A major US retailer, known affectionately as the “dividend king” among traders, has struck a noteworthy achievement in the stock market: a Golden Cross. This significant event speaks volumes about the bullish momentum brewing around the company. For over 50 years, this retailer has solidified its position by consistently delivering dividends, boasting an impressive 5-year average annualized dividend growth rate of 11.44% and a Year-over-Year (YoY) Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) dividend growth rate of 5.80%.
Yes, indeed, it’s none other than Target Corp, the Minnesota-based behemoth that stands as the seventh-largest retailer in the U.S. and a prominent constituent of the S&P 500 Index.
On January 18th, the stars aligned for Target as its simple moving averages formed a Golden Cross, an indicator that amplifies the prevailing bullish sentiments within the stock market.
Also Read: Grocery Wars – Walmart Maintains Dominance With Lowest Prices In December, Target Retains #2 Spot: Analyst
The fusion of a 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) crossing over the 200-day SMA signifies the ascension of bullish sentiment toward Target’s stock.
Target, a retail powerhouse renowned for its resilience, stands out for its wide array of affordable products and robust digital strategies. Despite facing industry headwinds, the company has cemented a loyal customer base while leveraging a strong portfolio of private labels and an omnichannel approach spanning over 1,900 stores.
While legitimate financial concerns persist, such as tight dividend coverage and cash flow pressures, Target’s rich dividend history spanning over half a century, coupled with a reasonable forward Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.9x and consistent share buybacks, underpin its potential for sustained growth. These catalysts are reinforced by the company’s strategic initiatives and investor-friendly policies.
Recent bullish signals from analysts further bolster the buoyant outlook for the stock:
- On January 16, Target received an upgrade from Morgan Stanley analyst, Simeon Gutman, who elevated the stock from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target to $165 per share.
- Shortly before that, on January 4, Wells Fargo’s George Kelly reiterated his Overweight rating on the stock while increasing the price target to $155 per share.
The confluence of the technical setup, fundamental strength, and unwavering analyst support positions Target’s stock favorably at present.
TGT Price Action: Target’s stock was valued at $138.21 at the time of publication on Friday.
Now Read: Retail Trends Unwrapped: Analyst Unveils Surprising Shifts In Consumer Spending As 2023 Looms
Photo: Shutterstock