Target (TGT) Raises Dividend To Boost Shareholder Value

Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT) recently declared a 3.3% hike in its quarterly dividend. This Minneapolis, MN-based company raised quarterly dividend to 62 cents a share (or $2.48 annually) from the prior payout of 60 cents (or $2.40 annually). The increased dividend will be paid on Sep 10 to stockholders on record as of Aug 16, 2017.

The dividend yield, based on the new payout and the last closing market price, is approximately 4.3%. In Jun 2016, Target increased quarterly dividend by 7.1% to 60 cents (or $2.40 annually) from 56 cents a share (or $2.24 annually).

Target is an attractive option for both growth and income seeking investors. An income generating and dividend paying stock is always a preferred investment option. People looking for regular income from stocks are most likely to be inclined toward companies that have a track record of consistent and incremental dividend payments.

Dividend hikes not only enhance shareholder returns, but also raise the market value of the stock. In fact, companies often tend to attract new investors and retain the old ones through this strategy.

Target has been actively managing capital and returning much of its free cash through share repurchases and dividends. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Target repurchased shares worth $305 million and paid dividends of $332 million. The company invested about $500 million of capital in the quarter under review. Management plans to invest between $2–$2.5 billion of capital in fiscal 2017 and more than $7 billion in the next three years.

The shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has increased 6.1% in the past one month driven by better-than-expected performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and strategic initiatives. On the other hand, the Zacks categorized Retail-Discount & Variety industry has increased 2.8%.

Target has undertaken several strategic initiatives to boost performance. The company intends to deploy resources to significantly develop its online platform as well as store facilities to make shopping more convenient for customers. With customers shifting rapidly to online, it was becoming increasingly important for the company to develop sturdy omni-channel facilities to remain in the business. Target also launched an international version of its website, reaching over 200 countries and territories so far.

Other Stocks to Consider

Other top-ranked stocks which also warrant a look in the retail space include Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE:AAN) , Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) and The Children's Place, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCE) . All these three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Aaron's has reported better-than-expected earnings in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 10.6%.

Best Buy has an impressive long-term earnings growth rate of 11.8% and has also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the preceding four quarters, with an average earnings beat of 33.8%.

The Children's Place has reported earnings beat in the last four quarters, with an average of 36.6%.

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