American retail giant Target (TGT:NYE) is taking decisive action to combat the growing menace of theft and organized crime. This decision will result in the closure of nine stores across four states in the United States. The affected locations include one store in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood, two in Seattle, three in the San Francisco-Oakland area, and three more in Portland, Oregon. These stores will cease operations effective October 21, 2023. This article will highlight the impact of this settlement on Target stock forecast.
Theft Challenges in 2,000 Stores:
With a nationwide presence of approximately 2,000 stores, Target has been grappling with a surge in organized criminal activities within its establishments. Despite implementing various security measures, including product locking, third-party security services, staff training for handling potentially dangerous situations, and investments in cybersecurity, the company continued to suffer losses due to theft.
Target’s Focus on Safe Store Environments:
In a statement, Target acknowledged the importance of its stores within their respective communities but emphasized the need for a safe working and shopping environment. Target stated, “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.
The Widespread Impact of Organized Crime:
Since the outset of the pandemic, retailers across the United States have faced the significant challenges of organized crime, retail theft, and concerns related to the safety of employees and customers. These issues have led to a surge in shrink rates, resulting in losses equivalent to an average of 1.6% of retailers’ sales in 2022, a level reminiscent of pandemic-era figures according to data from the National Retail Federation. For Target, this increase in shrink is anticipated to reduce full-year profits by more than $500 million compared to the previous fiscal year.
To address this pervasive issue, American retailers are collectively advocating for the introduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This proposed legislation seeks to impose harsher penalties for theft-related crimes, encourage retailers to share crucial information and bolster law enforcement efforts against organized crime rings.
Target’s Broader Challenges:
In addition to the challenges posed by theft and organized crime, Target is grappling with other headwinds affecting its business. The retailer is contending with excess inventory, faced setbacks during Pride Month merchandise promotions, and has encountered shifting consumer preferences, particularly in the realm of discretionary products.
Notably, Target is not alone in facing these challenges. Other major retailers, including Walmart (WMT:NYE), Nordstrom (JWN:NYE), and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA:NSD), have also shuttered stores this year, citing macroeconomic factors and the ongoing issue of organized crime.
Analysts Perspective:
Recently, Stifel Nicolaus analyst Mark Astrachan revised Target’s price target to $130, reflecting an 18.7% potential upside, down from the previous target of $145. Despite the adjustment, Astrachan maintained a Hold rating. This move followed a comprehensive survey of retailers, which indicated a slowdown in spending in mid-September and muted expectations for the holiday season, particularly concerning discretionary items.
Target Stock Forecast:
According to the Target stock forecast by 25 analysts, the average target price for the next 12 months stands at $154.41. Analysts are generally bullish on Target Corporation, with an average rating of ‘Buy.’ However, Stock Target Advisor’s analysts are neutral,’ considering 7 positive signals and 7 negative signals.
Recent Performance:
At the most recent closing, the stock price was $109.48. Recent trends indicate an 8.90% decrease over the past week, a 10.11% decline over the past month, and a substantial 26.38% decrease over the last year.
Conclusion
Target’s decision to close nine stores due to rising theft concerns underscores the challenges faced by retailers in an environment plagued by organized crime. Despite these setbacks, analysts maintain a degree of optimism for Target’s future, albeit with a more cautious outlook. As the company navigates these obstacles, investor sentiment and continued efforts to combat theft will play pivotal roles in shaping Target’s path forward.
