Diamonds and Dogs

3/5/19

Target (TGT) is on target. Target is up 4% to a four month high on in-line earnings and sales. The company did provide upside guidance for the year. One analyst at Telsey Advisory Group said Target's strategic transformation initiatives—price investment in everyday items, differentiating merchandising with new private brands, remodeling stores, and investing in digital and delivery, including Shipt—are resonating with consumers. The analyst upgraded the stock with a $86 price target.

Barnes & Noble Education (BNED) needs to go back to school. The education retailer is down 25% not far from a 52 week low following disappointing earnings as sales fell 8.8% to $550.3 million. The company also lowered guidance for the full year. Management said the acceleration from physical textbooks to digital offerings contributed to, somewhat higher than expected declines in revenue.