Target has been on fire this year. HSBC sees more upside ahead

Analyst Joe Thomas upgraded the merchandise retailer giant to buy from hold.

Target has been on fire this year. HSBC sees more upside ahead

TL;DR

  • HSBC analyst Joe Thomas upgraded Target to 'buy' from 'hold', raising the price target significantly.
  • Target's second-quarter comparable sales rose 3.8%, with notable recoveries in beauty, food, and household essentials.
  • Back-to-school apparel sales grew in the double digits, suggesting stores are not being cannibalized.
  • Potential tariff refunds and significant investment in the in-store guest experience are expected to boost Target's performance.
  • Despite a majority of analysts rating Target as 'hold', the stock is up 62% this year and poised for its best performance since 2019.