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☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
February 3
, 2024
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____ to ____
Commission File Number
1-6049
TARGET CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1000 Nicollet Mall
,
Minneapolis
,
Minnesota
(Address of principal executive offices)
41-0215170
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
55403
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
612
)
304-6073
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.0833 per share
TGT
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
o
No
☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
o
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
☐
No
☒
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 28, 2023, wa
s
$
62,198,134,569
based on the closing price of $135.00 per share of common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
Total shares of common stock, par value $0.0833, outstanding as of March 6, 2024, were
461,690,206
.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Target's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 12, 2024, are incorporated into Part III.
Target Corporation (Target, the Corporation, or the Company) was incorporated in Minnesota in 1902. Our corporate purpose is to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. We offer to our customers, referred to as "guests," everyday essentials and fashionable, differentiated merchandise at discounted prices. We operate as a single segment designed to enable guests to purchase products seamlessly in stores or through our digital channels. Since 1946, we have given 5 percent of our profit to communities.
Strategy
Target delivers on our purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life through our curated, multi-category assortment, outstanding value, and a team that’s centered on care for each other, our guests, and communities. Our stores, digital experience, fulfillment services, and loyalty ecosystem also play a critical role in differentiating Target and bringing our purpose to life.
Our strategy aims to expand Target’s relevancy in consumers’ lives and drive traffic, sales
,
and market share growth. Core elements include:
•
Delighting with newness, style, and value by strengthening our owned brands portfolio, curating leading national brands, and expanding the breadth and depth of signature partnerships.
•
Delivering value by providing everyday low pricing and leveraging promotions and our loyalty ecosystem, Target Circle.
•
Opening new stores, updating existing stores
,
and enhancing our digital experience to reach more consumers and provide a reliably convenient, easy
,
and inspiring shopping experience.
•
Transforming our supply chain for increased efficiency, speed, capacity, and reliability across our network.
•
Being a favorite discovery destination by making it easy for consumers to discover Target’s products and experiences across different channels and touchpoints, including our stores, our mobile app and website, and social platforms.
•
Expanding our capabilities, such as our Roundel advertising business, to leverage our assets and enhance the guest experience.
Our strategy defines how we’ll continue to differentiate Target, and we’ll seek to enable growth through:
•
Our Team – A highly engaged, diverse, purpose-driven, and community-oriented team
.
•
Consumer-Centricity – A deep understanding of consumers
.
•
Technology – A connected ecosystem of data, insights, and technology, including artificial intelligence
.
•
Efficiency – Simplify work for our teams to make it easier to deliver a great guest experience.
•
Sustainability – Resiliency in our business model through our Target Forward strategy.
Our strategy continues to leverage stores as fulfillment hubs, with stores fulfilling more than 96 percent of total sales, which provides convenience for our guests at a reduced fulfillment cost.
A larger share of annual revenues traditionally occurs in the fourth quarter because it includes the November and December holiday sales period.
Merchandise
The majority of our stores offer a wide assortment of general merchandise and food. Most of our stores larger than 170,000 square feet offer a variety of general merchandise and a full line of food items comparable to traditional supermarkets. Our digital channels include a wide merchandise and food assortment, including many items found in our stores, along with a complementary assortment sold by Target and third parties. We manage our business across the five core merchandise categories shown below. Within categories, gross margins vary depending on the type of merchandise.
A significant portion of our sales is from national brand merchandise. Approximately one-third of our sales come from our owned and exclusive brands, including, but not limited to, the brands listed below.
Owned Brands
A New Day™
Future Collective™
Original Use™
All in Motion™
Gigglescape™
Pillowfort™
Art Class™
Good & Gather™
Project 62™
Auden™
Goodfellow & Co™
Room Essentials™
Ava & Viv™
Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Shade & Shore™
Boots & Barkley™
Heyday™
Smartly™
Brightroom™
Hyde & EEK! Boutique™
Smith & Hawken™
Bullseye's Playground™
JoyLab™
Sonia Kashuk™
Casaluna™
Kindfull™
Spritz™
Cat & Jack™
Knox Rose™
Stars Above™
Cloud Island™
Kona Sol™
Sun Squad™
Colsie™
Made By Design™
Threshold™
dealworthy™
Market Pantry™
Universal Thread™
Embark™
Mondo Llama™
up & up™
Everspring™
More Than Magic™
Wild Fable™
Favorite Day™
Opalhouse™
Wondershop™
Figmint™
Open Story™
Xhilaration™
Exclusive Adult Beverage Brands
California Roots™
Jingle & Mingle™
SunPop™
Casa Cantina™
Photograph™
The Collection™
Headliner™
Rosé Bae™
Wine Cube™
We also sell merchandise through periodic exclusive design and creative partnerships, and shop-in-shop experiences, with partners such as Apple, Disney, Levi's, and Ulta Beauty, and generate revenue from in-store amenities such as Starbucks, Target Café, and Target Optical. CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (CVS) operates pharmacies and clinics in our stores under a perpetual operating agreement from which we generate annual occupancy income.
Customer Loyalty Programs
Our guests receive a 5 percent discount on nearly all purchases and receive free shipping at Target.com when they use their Target Debit Card, Target Credit Card, Target MasterCard
®
, or RedCard Reloadable Account (collectively, RedCards™). We also seek to drive customer loyalty and trip frequency through our Target Circle™ program which offers guests instant discounts and Target Circle Rewards redeemable on future purchases. In March 2024, we announced changes to Target Circle, including the integration of Target Circle Card™ (formerly RedCard) and the addition of a Target Circle 360™ paid membership option. Among other benefits, Target Circle 360 members receive access to same-day delivery and our fastest available shipping option with no additional markup or fees.
Distribution
Most merchandise is distributed to our stores through our network of distribution centers. Common carriers ship merchandise to and from our distribution centers. Vendors or third-party distributors ship certain food items and other merchandise directly to our stores. Merchandise sold through our digital channels is distributed to our guests through guest pick-up at our stores, via common carriers (from stores, supply chain facilities, vendors, and third-party distributors), and same-day delivery via our wholly owned subsidiary, Shipt, Inc. (Shipt). Our stores fulfill the majority of the digitally originated sales, which allows improved product availability, faster fulfillment times, reduced shipping costs, and allows us to offer guests a suite of same-day fulfillment options such as Order Pickup, Drive Up, and Shipt.
In support of our purpose—to help all families discover the joy of everyday life—we invest in our team, our most important asset, by giving them opportunities to grow professionally, take care of themselves, each other, and their families, and to make a difference for our guests and our communities. We are among the largest private employers in the United States (U.S.), and our workforce has varying goals and expectations of their employment relationship, from team members looking to build a career to students, retirees, and others who are seeking to supplement their income in an enjoyable atmosphere. We seek to be an employer of choice to attract and retain top talent no matter their objectives in seeking employment. To that end, we strive to foster an engaged, diverse, inclusive, safe, purpose-driven culture where employees, referred to as "team members," have equitable opportunities for success.
As of February 3, 2024, we employed approximately 415,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal team members. Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, employment levels peak in the holiday season. We also engage independent contractors, most notably in our Shipt subsidiary.
Our Board of Directors, through the Compensation and Human Capital Management Committee, oversees human capital management matters.
Talent Development and Engagement
We offer a compelling work environment with meaningful experiences and abundant growth and career-development opportunities. This starts with the opportunity to do challenging work and learn on the job and is supplemented by programs and continuous learning that help our team build skills at all levels, including programs focused on specialized skill development, leadership opportunities, coaching, and mentoring. Our talent and succession planning process supports the development of a diverse talent pipeline for leadership and other critical roles. We monitor our team members’ perceptions of these commitments through a number of surveys and take steps to address areas needing improvement.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
We champion workplace inclusion, belonging and diversity with a focus on engaging, developing, advancing and attracting team members equitably in support of our business. We disclose the composition of our team in our annual Workforce Diversity Report and EEO-1 report. We set company-wide DE&I goals to drive our business, and learn and grow as an organization.
Compensation and Benefits
Our compensation and benefits are designed to support the financial, mental, and physical well-being of our team members and their families. We believe in paying team members equitably, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity, and we regularly review the pay data of U.S. team members to confirm that we are doing so. Our compensation packages include a starting wage range of $15 to $24 per hour for U.S. hourly team members in our stores and supply chain facilities (who comprise the vast majority of our team), a 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar matching contributions up to five percent of eligible earnings, paid vacation and holidays, family leave, sick pay, merchandise and other discounts, disability insurance, life insurance, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, tuition-free education assistance and tuition reimbursement, free mental health services, an annual short-term incentive program, long-term equity awards, and health insurance benefits, including free virtual health care visits. Eligibility for, and the level of, benefits vary depending on team members’ full-time or part-time status, work location, compensation level, and tenure.
Workplace Health and Safety
We strive to maintain a safe and secure work environment and have specific safety programs. This includes administering a comprehensive occupational injury- and illness-prevention program and training for team members.
Effective inventory management is key to our ongoing success, and we use various techniques including demand forecasting and planning and various forms of replenishment management. We achieve effective inventory management by staying in-stock in core product offerings, maintaining positive vendor relationships, and carefully planning inventory levels for seasonal and apparel items to minimize markdowns.
We compete with traditional and internet retailers, including department stores, off-price general merchandise retailers, wholesale clubs, category-specific retailers, drug stores, supermarkets, direct-to-consumer brands, and other forms of retail commerce. Our ability to positively differentiate ourselves from other retailers and provide compelling value to our guests largely determines our competitive position within the retail industry.
Intellectual Property
Our brand image is a critical element of our business strategy. Our principal trademarks, including Target, our "Expect More. Pay Less." brand promise, and our "Bullseye Design," ha
ve been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We also seek to obtain and preserve intellectual property protection for our brands.
Geographic Information
Nearly all of our revenues are generated within the U.S. The vast majority of our property and equipment is located within the U.S.
Available Information
Our internet website is corporate.target.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and amendments to those documents filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), are available free of charge on the Investors section of our website (corporate.target.com/investors) as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, the SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Investors should note that we currently announce material information to our investors and others using filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, or our corporate website (corporate.target.com). Information that we post on our corporate website could be deemed material to investors. We encourage investors, the media, and others interested in us to review the information we post on these channels. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part hereof or incorporated into this or any of our other filings with the SEC.
Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. There are no family relationships between any of the officers named and any other executive officer or member of the Board of Directors, or any arrangement or understanding pursuant to which any person was selected as an officer.
Name
Title and Recent Business Experience
Age
Brian C. Cornell
Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since August 2014.
65
Michael J. Fiddelke
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2024 and Chief Financial Officer since November 2019. Senior Vice President, Operations from August 2018 to October 2019. Senior Vice President, Merchandising Capabilities from March 2017 to August 2018.
47
A. Christina Hennington
Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer since February 2021. Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Hardlines, Essentials and Capabilities from January 2020 to February 2021. Senior Vice President, Group Merchandise Manager, Essentials, Beauty, Hardlines and Services from January 2019 to January 2020. Senior Vice President, Merchandising Essentials, Beauty and Wellness from April 2017 to January 2019.
49
Melissa K. Kremer
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since January 2019. Senior Vice President, Talent and Organizational Effectiveness from October 2017 to January 2019.
46
Don H. Liu
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since October 2023. Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary from October 2017 to October 2023.
62
Cara A. Sylvester
Executive Vice President and Chief Guest Experience Officer since May 2022. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Digital Officer from February 2021 to May 2022. Senior Vice President, Home from March 2019 to February 2021. Vice President, Beauty & Dermstore from June 2017 to March 2019.
46
Matthew L. Zabel
Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer since October 2023. Executive Vice President and General Counsel from May 2022 to October 2023. Senior Vice President, Risk and Employee & Labor Relations from August 2020 to May 2022. Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk from September 2017 to August 2020.
55
Note: As previously disclosed, Mr. Liu intends to retire as Target's Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary in 2024. Mr. Liu intends to remain in his current role until a successor is appointed, and is expected to serve as a strategic advisor for a transition period following such appointment. In addition, as previously disclosed, in connection with the appointment of Mr. Fiddelke to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Fiddelke will remain Chief Financial Officer until a successor is appointed to that role.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business is subject to many risks. Set forth below are the material risks we face. Risks are listed in the categories where they primarily apply, but other categories may also apply.
Competitive and Reputational Risks
If we are unable to positively differentiate ourselves from other retailers, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We attempt to differentiate our guest experience through a careful combination of price, merchandise assortment, store environment, convenience, guest service, loyalty programs, and marketing. Our ability to successfully differentiate ourselves depends on many competitive factors, including guest perceptions regarding the safety and cleanliness of our stores, the value and exclusivity of our offerings, our in-stock levels, the effectiveness of our digital channels and fulfillment options, our ability to responsibly source merchandise, and our ability to create a personalized guest experience. If we fail to differentiate our guest experience from our competitors, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The retail industry's continuing migration to digital channels and multiple fulfillment options for consumers has affected the ways we differentiate from other retailers. Since consumers can quickly comparison shop using digital tools, they may make decisions based solely on price or convenience, which could limit our ability to differentiate from our competitors. In addition, providing multiple fulfillment options and implementing new technology is complex, costly, and may not meet our guests’ expectations. If we are unable to offset the increased costs of new technology and expanded fulfillment options with improved performance or efficiencies, our results of operations could be adversely affected. To remain competitive, we must anticipate and adapt to developments and offerings by other retailers. Consumers may also use third-party channels, devices, technologies, and capabilities (including artificial intelligence) to initiate shopping searches and place orders, which could make us dependent on the capabilities and search algorithms of those third parties to reach those consumers. Any failures or difficulties in executing our differentiation efforts could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
If we do not anticipate and respond quickly to changing consumer preferences, our results of operations and financial condition could suffer.
A large part of our business is dependent on our ability to make trend-right decisions in a broad range of merchandise categories. If we do not predict and quickly respond to changing consumer preferences and spending patterns, we may experience lower sales, spoilage, and increased inventory markdowns, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Our ability to predict and adapt to changing consumer preferences depends on many factors, including obtaining accurate and relevant data on guest preferences, successfully implementing new technologies and capabilities emphasizing relevant merchandise categories, effectively managing our inventory levels, and implementing competitive and effective pricing and promotion strategies. We have not always been able to predict rapid changes in consumer preferences and spending patterns, including those that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has previously resulted in insufficient or excess inventory, increased costs, and adverse impacts on our results of operations. If we are unable to effectively adapt to future changes in consumer preferences and spending patterns, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our continued success is dependent on positive perceptions of Target which, if eroded, could adversely affect our business and our relationships with our guests and team members.
We believe that one of the reasons our shareholders, guests, team members, and vendors choose Target is the positive reputation we have built over many years for serving those constituencies and the communities in which we operate. To be successful in the future, we must continue to preserve Target's reputation. Our reputation is largely based on perceptions. It may be difficult to address negative publicity across media channels, regardless of its accuracy or the reputability of its source, including as a result of fictitious media content (such as content produced by generative artificial intelligence or bad actors). Negative incidents involving us, our workforce, or others with whom we do business could quickly erode trust and confidence and result in changes in consumer behavior (including consumer boycotts), workforce unrest or walkouts, government investigations, and litigation. Negative reputational incidents or negative perceptions of us could adversely affect our business and results of operations, including through lower sales, the termination of business relationships, loss of new store and development opportunities, and team member retention and recruiting difficulties. We have recently experienced negative perceptions of our business, which have adversely affected consumer behavior, and we could experience similar occurrences in the future.
In addition, stakeholder expectations regarding environmental, social, and governance matters continue to evolve and are not uniform. We have established, and may continue to establish, various goals and initiatives on these matters, including with respect to sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve these goals and initiatives. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve these goals and initiatives could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
Furthermore, our shareholders, guests, team members, and other stakeholders have evolving, varied, and sometimes conflicting expectations regarding many aspects of our business, including our operations, product and service offerings, and environmental, social, and governance matters. Recently, our inability to meet some of those expectations has adversely affected our reputation, and the inability to meet all of those expectations in the future could adversely affect our reputation with some or all of our stakeholders. Any adverse perception of Target could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition and result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us.
Reputational harm can also occur indirectly through companies and others with whom we do business. We have consumer-facing relationships with a variety of other companies, including Apple, CVS, Disney, Levi’s, Starbucks, and Ulta Beauty. In addition, we have relationships with third-party companies that sell and ship items directly to guests through our digital channels. We also have relationships with designers, celebrities, influencers, and other individuals, including for advertising campaigns and marketing programs. If our guests have negative experiences with, or view unfavorably, any of the companies or individuals with whom we have relationships, it could cause them to stop shopping with us and negatively impact our results of operations.
If we are unable to successfully develop, source, and market our owned and exclusive brand products, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our owned and exclusive brand products represent approximately one third of our overall sales and generally carry higher margins than equivalent national brand products. If we are unable to successfully develop, source, and market our owned and exclusive brands, or if we are unable to successfully protect our related intellectual property rights, our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, our reliance on owned and exclusive brand products may also amplify other risks discussed in this Item 1A, Risk Factors, because many of these products are imported and we are more involved in the development and sourcing of those products. For example, owned brand products involve greater responsible sourcing risk in the selection of vendors, which can exacerbate reputational risk. In addition, owned brand products generally need longer lead times between order placement and product delivery and require us to take ownership of those products earlier in the supply chain. This requires longer-term forecasting of consumer demand, including for categories where consumer preferences may change rapidly, and exposes us to enhanced risks of supply chain disruptions, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
If we are unable to protect against inventory shrink, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our business depends on our ability to effectively manage our inventory. We have historically experienced loss of inventory (also called shrink) due to damage, theft (including from organized retail crime), and other causes. We continue to experience elevated levels of inventory shrink relative to historical levels, which have adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our results of operations and financial condition. To protect against rising inventory shrink, we have taken, and may continue to take, certain operational and strategic actions that could adversely affect our reputation, guest experience, and results of operations. In addition, sustained high rates of inventory shrink at certain stores have contributed, and may continue to contribute, to the closure of certain stores and the impairment of long-term assets.
Investment and Infrastructure Risks
If our capital investments do not achieve appropriate returns or our efficiency efforts are not successful, our competitive position, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to remodel existing stores and build new stores in a manner that achieves appropriate returns on our capital investment. When building new stores, we compete with other retailers and businesses for suitable locations for our stores. Pursuing the wrong remodel or new store opportunities and any delays, cost increases, or other difficulties related to those projects could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, remodels and new store projects have previously been, and may in the future be, delayed or cancelled based on changes in macroeconomic conditions, changes in expected project benefits, and other factors, which could result in the inefficient deployment of our capital and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We have made, and expect to continue to make, significant investments in technology and supply chain infrastructure. The effectiveness of these investments can be less predictable than remodeling or building new stores, and might not provide the anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. For example, our stores-as-hubs strategy depends on adequate replenishment facilities to receive, store, and move inventory to stores on a timely basis. Underestimating our replenishment capacity needs could result in lower in-stock levels or increased costs for temporary storage. Conversely, overestimating replenishment capacity needs, changes in macroeconomic conditions, changes in expected project benefits, and other factors have resulted, and could in the future result, in delays or cancellations of supply chain infrastructure
projects and the inefficient deployment of our capital. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we have undertaken an enterprise-wide initiative to simplify and gain efficiencies across our business, with a focus on reducing complexities and lowering costs. We cannot guarantee that we will realize all of the potential cost savings from this initiative and we may experience difficulties and delays in identifying and achieving such cost savings, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
A significant disruption to our technology systems and our failure to adequately maintain and update those systems could adversely affect our operations and negatively affect our guests.
We rely extensively on technology systems throughout our business. We also rely on continued and unimpeded access to the Internet to use our technology systems. These systems are subject to possible damage or interruption from many events, including power outages, telecommunications failures, third-party failures, malicious attacks, security breaches, and implementation errors. Any damage or disruption to our technology systems could severely interrupt our business operations, including our ability to process guest transactions and manage inventories, which could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations, and financial condition. For example, in the past, we have experienced disruptions in our point-of-sale system that prevented our ability to process debit or credit transactions, which negatively impacted some guests’ experiences and generated negative publicity. We continually invest to maintain and update our technology systems, but implementing significant changes increases the risk of system disruption. Problems and interruptions associated with implementing technology initiatives could adversely affect our operational efficiency and negatively impact our guests and their confidence in us.
Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy Risks
If our efforts to maintain information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy are unsuccessful or if we are unable to meet increasingly demanding regulatory requirements, our reputation, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We regularly receive and store information about our guests, team members, vendors, and other third parties. We also rely extensively on information systems throughout our business. We have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy incidents. However, we may be unable to anticipate security incidents or implement adequate preventive measures as cyber threats continue to evolve and cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, including through the introduction of viruses and malware (such as ransomware) and the use of artificial intelligence by threat actors. In addition, hardware or software that we develop or obtain from third parties may contain defects that could compromise information security, cybersecurity, or data privacy. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our information systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, deception, social engineering, or other bad acts. Errors or malicious actions by our team members or contractors, faulty password management, and other vulnerabilities or irregularities could also overcome our security measures or those of third parties with whom we do business and result in a compromise or breach of our or their information systems. Furthermore, the training we conduct as part of our information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy efforts may not be effective in preventing or limiting successful attacks.
Our only significant information security, cybersecurity, or data privacy incident was a data breach that occurred in 2013, which adversely affected our reputation and results of operations. Both we and our vendors have experienced additional information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy incidents; however, to date, these other incidents have not been material to our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. Based on the prominence and notoriety of our prior significant data breach, additional information security, cybersecurity, or data privacy incidents could draw greater scrutiny. If we, our vendors, or other third parties with whom we do business experience additional significant information security, cybersecurity, or data privacy incidents or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant incidents, our business operations could be severely disrupted and we could be exposed to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation. In addition, our guests could lose confidence in our ability to protect their information, stop using our Target-branded payment cards or loyalty programs, or stop shopping with us altogether. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations, and financial condition.
The legal and regulatory environment regarding information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy is dynamic and has strict requirements, including for the use and treatment of personal data. Complying with current or contemplated information security, cybersecurity, data protection, and data processing laws and regulations (including reporting and disclosure regimes), or any failure to comply, could cause us to incur substantial costs, require changes to our business practices, and expose us to litigation and regulatory risks, each of which could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations, and financial condition.
Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks
Changes in our relationships with our vendors or other companies, changes in tax or trade policy, interruptions in our operations or supply chain, and increased commodity or supply chain costs could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
We are dependent on our vendors, independent contractors, and other third parties (including common carriers) to supply merchandise to our distribution centers, stores, and guests. If our replenishment and fulfillment network does not operate properly, if a vendor fails to deliver on its commitments, or if common carriers have difficulty providing capacity to meet demands for their services like they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, we could experience merchandise out-of-stocks, delays in shipping and receiving merchandise, and increased costs, which could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations. In addition, we have consumer-facing relationships with a variety of other companies, including Apple, CVS, Disney, Levi’s, Starbucks, and Ulta Beauty. Any termination of, or adverse change in, our relationship with any of these companies could decrease our sales, increase our costs, and negatively impact our reputation and results of operations.
A large portion of the merchandise that we offer is sourced, directly or indirectly, from outside the U.S., with China as our single largest source of merchandise we import. Any major changes in tax or trade policy between the U.S. and countries from which we source merchandise, such as the imposition of additional tariffs or duties on imported products, could require us to take certain actions, including raising prices on products we sell and seeking alternative sources of supply from vendors in other countries. Any of these actions could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
Political or financial instability, currency fluctuations, the outbreak of pandemics or other illnesses, labor shortages, labor unrest or strikes, transport capacity and costs, inflation, port security, weather conditions, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, or other events that could affect foreign trade are beyond our control and could disrupt our supply of merchandise, increase our costs, and adversely affect our results of operations. For example, there have been periodic closings and ship diversions, conflicts, labor disputes, and congestion disrupting railways, trucking, waterways, and ports around the world, including at California ports where we receive a significant portion of the products we source from outside the U.S. We have from time to time made alternative arrangements to continue the flow of inventory as a result of supply chain disruptions in the U.S. and other countries. If these types of events recur and impact any of the locations or modes of transportation that we depend on, it could increase our costs and adversely affect our supply of inventory. In addition, prices of fuel and other commodities on which our supply chain depends are historically volatile and subject to fluctuations based on a variety of international and domestic factors. Rapid and significant changes in commodity prices, as have occurred in recent years, could further increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
If services we obtain from third parties are unavailable or fail to meet our standards, our reputation and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We rely on third parties to support our business operations, including portions of our technology infrastructure, digital platforms, replenishment and fulfillment operations, store and supply chain infrastructure, delivery services (including by independent contractors via our Shipt subsidiary), guest contact centers, payment processing, and extensions of credit for our Target-branded payment card program. If we are unable to contract with third parties having the specialized skills needed to support our operations, if any third-party services are interrupted, or if they fail to meet our performance standards, then our reputation and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Legal, Regulatory, Global, and Other External Risks
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the effects of other similar public health crises, may amplify the risks and uncertainties facing our business.
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the effects of other similar public health crises, may amplify other risks discussed in this Item 1A, Risk Factors, including risks related to macroeconomic conditions and consumer confidence and spending, supply chain, information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy, and our workforce, any of which could have a material effect on us. For example, the continued utilization of remote working arrangements by our team members, vendors, and other third parties that began during the COVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of a data security compromise and has amplified our already extensive reliance on computing and information systems and unimpeded Internet access.
Our earnings depend on the state of macroeconomic conditions and consumer confidence and spending in the U.S.
Nearly all of our sales are in the U.S., making our results highly dependent on the health of the U.S. economy and U.S. consumer confidence and spending, which can be affected by a variety of factors, including inflation, interest rates, housing prices, unemployment rates, household debt and wage levels, and credit usage. In addition, the interconnected nature of the global economy means that international events such as geopolitical conflicts, terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, public health crises, energy availability, trade disputes, and market volatility can all affect macroeconomic conditions in the U.S. A deterioration in U.S. macroeconomic conditions or consumer confidence or spending could adversely affect our business in many ways, including reducing sales, reducing gross margins, and lowering our credit card profit-sharing revenue, each of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Uncharacteristic or significant weather conditions or natural disasters and the impacts of climate change could adversely affect our results of operations.
Uncharacteristic or significant weather conditions, including the physical impacts of climate change, can affect consumer shopping patterns, particularly in apparel and seasonal items, which could lead to lower sales or greater than expected markdowns and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we have significant operations in certain states where natural disasters are more prevalent. Natural disasters in those states or in other areas where we operate could result in significant physical damage to, or closure of, one or more of our stores, distribution centers, facilities, or key vendors. In addition, weather conditions, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events in areas where we or our vendors operate, or depend upon for continued operations, could adversely affect the availability and cost of certain products within our supply chain, affect consumer purchasing power, and reduce consumer demand. Any of these events could adversely affect our results of operations.
The long-term effects of global climate change are expected to be widespread and unpredictable. The potential impacts of climate change present a variety of risks. The physical effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions, drought, and rising sea levels, could adversely affect our results of operations, including by increasing our energy costs, disrupting our supply chain, negatively impacting our workforce, damaging our stores, distribution centers, and inventory, and threatening the habitability of the locations in which we operate. In addition to physical risks, the potential impacts of climate change also present transition risks, including regulatory and reputational risks. For example, we use commodities and energy inputs in our operations that may face increased regulation due to climate change or other environmental concerns, which could increase our costs. Furthermore, any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our sustainability goals or to otherwise meet evolving, varied, and sometimes conflicting stakeholder expectations regarding the environment, could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
We rely on a large, global, and changing workforce of team members, contractors, and temporary staffing. If we do not effectively manage our workforce, our labor costs and results of operations could be adversely affected.
With over 400,000 team members, our workforce costs represent our largest operating expense, and our business is dependent on our ability to attract, train, and retain the appropriate mix of qualified team members, contractors, and temporary staffing. Many team members are in entry-level or part-time positions with high turnover rates historically. Our ability to meet our changing labor needs while controlling our costs is subject to external factors such as labor laws and regulations, unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, benefit costs, changing demographics, and our reputation within the labor market. If we are unable to attract and retain a workforce meeting our needs, our operations, guest service levels, support functions, and competitiveness could suffer and our results of operations could be adversely affected. We are periodically subject to labor organizing efforts and activism, which could negatively impact how we are perceived by team members and our overall reputation. If we become subject to one or more collective bargaining agreements in the future, it could adversely affect our labor costs, how we operate our business, and our results of operations. In addition to our U.S. operations, we have support offices and sourcing operations in India, China, and other countries, and any extended disruption of our operations in our different locations, whether due to labor difficulties or otherwise, could adversely affect our results of operations.
Failure to address product safety and sourcing concerns could adversely affect our results of operations.
If any of our merchandise offerings do not meet applicable safety standards or Target’s or our guests’ expectations regarding safety, supply chain transparency, and responsible sourcing, we could be exposed to legal and reputational risks and our results of operations could be adversely affected. Our vendors must comply with applicable product safety laws, and we are dependent on them to ensure that the products we buy comply with all safety standards. Events that give rise to actual or perceived product safety concerns, including food or drug contamination and product defects, could expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation and result in costly product recalls and other liabilities. Our sourcing vendors, including any third parties selling through our digital channels, must also meet our expectations and comply with applicable laws and regulations across multiple areas of social compliance, including supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing. We have a social compliance audit process that performs audits regularly, but we cannot continuously monitor every vendor, so we are also dependent on our vendors to ensure that the products we buy comply with applicable standards. If we need to seek alternative sources of supply from vendors with whom we have less familiarity, the risk of these standards not being met may increase. Negative guest perceptions regarding the safety and sourcing of the products we sell could harm our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our failure to comply with applicable laws, or changes in these laws, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to a wide variety of complex laws and regulations.
Our expenses could increase and our operations could be adversely affected by changes in law or adverse judicial developments involving our workforce, including an employer’s obligation to recognize collective bargaining units, minimum wage requirements, advance scheduling notice requirements, health care or other mandates, the classification of exempt and non-exempt employees, and the classification of workers as either employees or independent contractors. The classification of workers as employees or independent contractors, in particular, is an area that is experiencing legal challenges and legislative changes. Our Shipt subsidiary has faced, and continues to face, legal challenges to its worker classification. If, as a result of judicial decisions or legislation, Shipt is required to treat its network of independent contractors as employees, we may experience higher digital fulfillment costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in the legal or regulatory environment affecting any other area related to our business, including information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy, product safety, payment methods, or climate and emissions disclosure could cause our expenses to increase and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, if we fail to comply with other applicable laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws, anti-money laundering laws, import restrictions, responsible sourcing laws, and sanctions programs, we could be subject to legal and reputational risks, including government enforcement actions and class action civil litigation, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Increases in our effective income tax rate could adversely affect our results of operations.
Several factors influence our effective income tax rate, including tax laws and regulations, the related interpretations, and our ability to sustain our reporting positions on examination. Changes in any of those factors could change our effective tax rate, which could adversely affect our net income. In addition, changes in our operations both in and outside of the U.S. may cause greater volatility in our effective tax rate.
If we are unable to access the capital markets or obtain bank credit, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.
We are dependent on a stable, liquid, and well-functioning financial system to fund our operations and capital investments. Our continued access to financial markets depends on multiple factors including the condition of debt capital markets, the condition of the banking sector, our operating performance, and our credit ratings. If rating agencies lower our credit ratings, it could adversely affect our ability to access the debt markets, our cost of funds, and other terms for new debt issuances and borrowings. Each of the credit rating agencies reviews its rating periodically, and there is no guarantee that our current credit ratings will remain the same. In addition, we use a variety of derivative products to manage our exposure to market risk, principally interest rate fluctuations. Disruptions or turmoil in the financial markets could reduce our ability to fund our operations and capital investments and lead to losses on derivative positions from counterparty failures, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
Set forth below is information regarding our cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance, along with a related description of our information security and data privacy practices.
Securing company systems, business information, and personal information of our guests, team members, vendors, and other third parties is important to us. We have systems in place to:
•
safely receive, protect, and store that information;
•
collect, use, and share that information appropriately; and
•
detect, contain, and respond to information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy incidents.
While everyone at Target plays a part in information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy, oversight responsibility is shared by our Board of Directors, its committees, and management.
Responsible party
Oversight of information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy
Board of Directors
Oversight of these topics within Target’s overall risks
Audit & Risk Committee
Primary oversight responsibility for information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy, including internal controls designed to identify, assess, and manage risks related to these topics
Management
Our Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and other senior members of our cybersecurity, risk, and compliance and ethics teams are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks related to these topics, and reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee and/or the full Board of Directors
Our program and practices regarding information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy include the following:
•
Audit & Risk Committee and Board of Directors updates.
To inform and educate the Audit & Risk Committee in its primary oversight responsibility for information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy, management provides updates on these topics. For example, the Chief Information Security Officer addresses information security risks and controls, cyber threats, and other program updates, and senior members of the risk team provide enterprise risk management program updates. In addition, the Board of Directors receives updates from management regarding Target’s overall risks, which include risks related to these topics.
•
Integration into enterprise risk management program.
By aligning the identification, assessment, and management of risks related to information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy with our overall approach to risk oversight by the Board of Directors, its committees, and management, we have integrated these practices into our enterprise risk management program.
•
Management expertise.
Our Chief Information Officer leads the strategic direction and management of Target’s enterprise technology systems. He is responsible for Target’s technology roadmap and oversees Target’s global product engineering, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data sciences, and architecture teams. He has held a variety of leadership roles across the company and has developed significant knowledge and skills regarding enterprise technology systems, including cybersecurity. Our Chief Information Security Officer has a strong background in technology, information security, cybersecurity, risk management, audit, and compliance and held executive roles in information security prior to joining Target. He continues to develop his expertise in these areas and contributes to the broader cybersecurity community by serving in several board and advisory roles and promoting collaboration, best practice sharing, and talent development. Our Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer have extensive experience, and have developed critical knowledge and skills, in the areas of risk oversight and compliance, including as such areas relate to cybersecurity.
•
Systems and processes.
We use a combination of industry-leading tools and in-house technologies to protect Target and our guests, operate a proactive threat intelligence program to identify and assess risks, including from threats associated with our use of third-party service providers, and we run a cyber fusion center to investigate and respond to threats. Our program is based on recognized industry security standards and control frameworks, which we seek to validate through internal and independent assessments. Our cybersecurity team regularly tests our controls through penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and attack simulation. In addition, we have an incident response program to address potential security and privacy incidents. As part of this incident response program, members of management are informed about and monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of potential security and privacy incidents. The program uses a coordinated escalation model to provide information to, and engage with, relevant members of management and the Board of Directors, as needed, throughout the incident response process.
•
Understanding evolving threats in the industry and with our suppliers.
Our cybersecurity and data privacy teams work to understand evolving threats, developing issues, and industry trends, and our vendor teams monitor and assess risks with our suppliers.
•
Collaboration with organizations across different industries.
We share threat intelligence and collaborate with organizations across different industries to share best practices, fight cybercrime, enhance privacy, discuss new technologies, better understand the evolving regulatory environment, and advance capabilities in these areas.
•
Investment, training, and development of our cybersecurity and data privacy teams.
We invest in building and developing cybersecurity talent and engineering expertise in-house rather than relying solely on third-party providers. We also offer in-house training and educational courses through our Cyber Plus Institute, which is a security training curriculum leveraging internal subject matter expertise along with curated resources. Our data privacy team has industry certifications, works to understand changing technologies that impact consumer privacy, and regularly participates in training and conferences.
•
Regular training and compliance activities for our team members.
Our team members receive annual training on information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy topics to understand the behaviors and technical requirements necessary to protect company and guest information, and appropriately collect, use, and share personal information. We also offer ongoing practice and education for team members to recognize and report suspicious activity.
•
Use of third parties.
Beyond our in-house capabilities we engage with leading security and technology vendors to assess our information security and cybersecurity program and test our technical capabilities.
•
Insurance coverage.
We maintain insurance coverage intended to limit our exposure to certain network security and privacy matters.
See “Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy Risks” in
Part I, Item 1A
, Risk Factors for additional information regarding risks from cybersecurity threats.
Stores and Supply Chain Facilities as of February 3, 2024
Stores
Supply Chain Facilities
(a)
Owned
1,532
38
Leased
264
20
Owned buildings on leased land
160
—
Total
1,956
58
(a)
Supply Chain Facilities includes distribution centers, sortation centers, and other facilities with a total of 61.5 million square feet.
We own our corporate headquarters buildings located in and around Minneapolis, Minnesota, and we lease and own additional office space elsewhere in Minneapolis and the U.S. We also lease office space in other countries. Our properties are in good condition, well maintained, and suitable to carry on our business.
For additional information on our properties, see the
Capital Expenditures
section in MD&A and
Notes 11
and
18
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As previously disclosed in Target's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2023, on March 29, 2023, Target Corporation and certain of its officers were named as defendants in a purported federal securities law class action filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on December 15, 2023, which alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 relating to certain prior disclosures of Target about its business model, strategy, and inventory. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Target common stock between November 17, 2021 and May 17, 2022. The plaintiff seeks damages and other relief, including attorneys’ fees, based on allegations that the defendants misled investors about Target’s business model, strategy, and inventory and that such conduct affected the value of Target common stock. Target intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TGT." We are authorized to issue up to 6,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0833, and up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01. As of March 6, 2024, there were 12,716 shareholders of record. Dividends declared per share for 2023, 2022, and 2021, are disclosed in our
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment
.
On August 11, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a $15 billion share repurchase program with no stated expiration. Under the program, we have repurchased 23.8 million shares of common stock at an average price of $223.52, for a total investment of $5.3 billion. As of February 3, 2024, the dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is $9.7 billion. There were no Target common stock purchases made during the three months ended February 3, 2024 by Target or any "affiliated purchaser" of Target, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act.
The graph above compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock for the last five fiscal years with (i) the cumulative total return on the S&P 500 Index and (ii) the previous peer group consisting of 19 online, general merchandise, department stores, food, and specialty retailers (Albertsons Companies, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Best Buy Co., Inc., Costco Wholesale Corporation, CVS Health Corporation, Dollar General Corporation, Dollar Tree, Inc., The Gap, Inc., The Home Depot, Inc., Kohl's Corporation, The Kroger Co., Lowe's Companies, Inc., Macy's, Inc., Nordstrom, Inc., Rite Aid Corporation, Ross Stores, Inc., The TJX Companies, Inc., Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., and Walmart Inc.) (Previous Peer Group), and (iii) the new peer group consisting of the companies in the Previous Peer Group, plus BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (Current Peer Group). The Current Peer Group is consistent with the retail peer group described in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 12, 2024, excluding Publix Super Markets, Inc., which is not quoted on a public stock exchange.
The peer group is weighted by the market capitalization of each component company. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in Target common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the Peer Group on February 2, 2019, and reinvestment of all dividends.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
We continue to make strategic investments to support our durable operating and financial model that further differentiates Target and is designed to drive sustainable sales and profit growth over the long term. During 2023, in support of our enterprise strategy described in
Item 1 on page 2
of this Form 10-K, we
•
Expanded our supply chain capacity and digital fulfillment capabilities, including adding three new supply chain facilities to support our growth and commitment to fast delivery times, while helping our teams work more efficiently and managing our shipping costs;
•
Fulfilled over 60 percent of our digital sales through our same-day fulfillment options: Order Pickup, Drive Up, and delivery via Shipt;
•
Rolled out Drive Up with Starbucks and Returns with Drive Up nationwide;
•
Continued to emphasize newness across our assortment and continued to introduce new owned and exclusive brands and designer collaborations, including our first kitchen owned brand Figmint, collections from Kendra Scott, a collaboration with Rowing Blazers, and Stanley drinkware in exclusive colors;
•
Completed 65 full store remodels and continued to invest in other stores, including projects to increase efficiency of our Same-Day Services, build-out and open Ulta Beauty shop-in-shops, and expand Apple and Disney experiences;
•
Opened 21 new stores in a variety of sizes with new design elements that reflect the local community;
•
Invested in team member wages and benefits; and
•
Offered compelling promotions, attractive every day price points on key items, and free and easy payment and fulfillment options.
Financial Summary
Fiscal 2023 (a 53-week year) included the following notable items:
•
GAAP and Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $8.94.
•
Total revenue decreased 1.6 percent, reflecting a total sales decline of 1.7 percent and a 5.1 percent increase in other revenue.
•
Comparable sales decreased 3.7 percent, driven by a 2.4 percent decrease in traffic and a 1.4 percent decrease in average transaction amount.
◦
Comparable store originated sales declined 3.5 percent.
•
Operating income of $5.7 billion was 48.3 percent higher than the comparable prior-year period. See
Business Environment
below for additional information.
Sales were $105.8 billion for 2023, a decrease of $1.8 billion, or 1.7 percent, from the prior year. Operating cash flow was $8.6 billion for 2023, an increase of $4.6 billion, or 114.6 percent, from $4.0 billion for 2022. The drivers of the operating cash flow increase are described on
page 30
.
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS), a non-GAAP metric, excludes the impact of certain items. Management believes that Adjusted EPS is useful in providing period-to-period comparisons of the results of our operations. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided on
page 28
.
(a)
2023 consisted of 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in 2022 and 2021.
We report after-tax return on invested capital (ROIC) because we believe ROIC provides a meaningful measure of our capital-allocation effectiveness over time. For the trailing twelve months ended February 3, 2024, after-tax ROIC was 16.1 percent, compared with 12.6 percent for the trailing twelve months ended January 28, 2023. The calculation of ROIC is provided on
page 29
.
Business Environment
In 2023, we experienced sales declines across our business, primarily in each of our Discretionary categories (Apparel & Accessories, Hardlines, and Home Furnishings & Decor) partially offset by growth in Frequency categories (Beauty & Household Essentials and Food & Beverage). This trend of decreased Discretionary category sales began in 2022. In response, during 2022, we took actions and employed strategies to align inventories with sales trends. These actions, as well as improvements in the supply chain, have resulted in decreased inventory in 2023 compared with 2022, as well as a reduction in costs related to managing elevated inventory levels.
In 2023, we experienced a significant decrease in freight costs due to a decline in freight rates compared to 2022. We have also experienced lower digital fulfillment costs due to a decrease in digital sales and an increased mix of digital sales fulfilled through lower-cost same-day services.
We continue to experience higher inventory shrink, as a percentage of sales, relative to historical levels — including significantly higher shrink rates at certain stores. We believe that this trend is pervasive across the retail industry. Increased shrink has had, and if current trends persist will continue to have, an adverse impact on our results of operations, including impairment of our long-lived assets.
Note
11
to the Financial Statements provides more information on impairment charges, including those related to store closures.
The Gross Margin Rate analysis on
page 26
and Inventory section on
page 30
provide additional information.
Sale of Dermstore
In February 2021, we sold Dermstore LLC (Dermstore) for $356 million in cash and recognized a $335 million pretax gain, which is included in Net Other (Income) / Expense. Dermstore represented less than 1 percent of our consolidated revenues, operating income and net assets.
Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of depreciation included in cost of sales)
2,415
2,385
2,344
1.3
1.8
Operating income
$
5,707
$
3,848
$
8,946
48.3
%
(57.0)
%
(a)
2023 consisted of 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in 2022 and 2021.
Rate Analysis
2023
2022
2021
Gross margin rate
26.5
%
23.6
%
28.3
%
SG&A expense rate
20.1
18.9
18.6
Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of depreciation included in cost of sales) expense rate
2.2
2.2
2.2
Operating income margin rate
5.3
3.5
8.4
Note: Gross margin rate is calculated as gross margin (sales less cost of sales) divided by sales. All other rates are calculated by dividing the applicable amount by total revenue.
A discussion regarding Analysis of Results of Operations and Analysis of Financial Condition for 2022, as compared to 2021, is included in
Part II, Item 7, MD&A
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2023.
Sales include all merchandise sales, net of expected returns, and our estimate of gift card breakage.
Note 3
to the Financial Statements defines gift card "breakage." We use comparable sales to evaluate the performance of our stores and digital channel sales by measuring the change in sales for a period over the comparable, prior-year period of equivalent length. Comparable sales include all sales, except sales from stores open less than 13 months, digital acquisitions we have owned less than 13 months, stores that have been closed, and digital acquisitions that we no longer operate. Comparable sales measures vary across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable sales calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Digitally originated sales include all sales initiated through mobile applications and our websites. Our stores fulfill the majority of digitally originated sales, including shipment from stores to guests, store Order Pickup or Drive Up, and delivery via Shipt. Digitally originated sales may also be fulfilled through our distribution centers, our vendors, or other third parties.
Sales growth – from both comparable sales and new stores – represents an important driver of our long-term profitability. We expect that comparable sales growth will drive the majority of our total sales growth. We believe that our ability to successfully differentiate our guests’ shopping experience through a careful combination of merchandise assortment, price, convenience, guest experience, and other factors will over the long-term drive both increasing shopping frequency (number of transactions, or "traffic") and the amount spent each visit (average transaction amount).
The extra week in 2023 contributed $1,715 million to total sales.
Comparable Sales
2023
2022
2021
Comparable sales change
(3.7)
%
2.2
%
12.7
%
Drivers of change in comparable sales
Number of transactions (traffic)
(2.4)
2.1
12.3
Average transaction amount
(1.4)
0.1
0.4
Comparable Sales by Channel
2023
2022
2021
Stores originated comparable sales change
(3.5)
%
2.4
%
11.0
%
Digitally originated comparable sales change
(4.8)
1.5
20.8
Sales by Channel
2023
2022
2021
Stores originated
81.7
%
81.4
%
81.1
%
Digitally originated
18.3
18.6
18.9
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
Sales by Fulfillment Channel
2023
2022
2021
Stores
97.4
%
96.7
%
96.4
%
Other
2.6
3.3
3.6
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
Note: Sales fulfilled by stores include in-store purchases and digitally originated sales fulfilled by shipping merchandise from stores to guests, Order Pickup, Drive Up, and Shipt.
Part I, Item 1, Business of this Form 10-K
and
Note 3
to the Financial Statements provides additional product category sales information. The collective interaction of a broad array of macroeconomic, competitive, and consumer behavioral factors, as well as sales mix, and transfer of sales to new stores makes further analysis of sales metrics infeasible.
TD Bank Group offers credit to qualified guests through Target-branded credit cards: the Target Credit Card and the Target MasterCard Credit Card (Target Credit Cards). Additionally, we offer a branded proprietary Target Debit Card and RedCard Reloadable Account. Collectively, we refer to these products as RedCards™. Guests receive a 5 percent discount on virtually all purchases when they use a RedCard at Target. We monitor the percentage of purchases that are paid for using RedCards (RedCard Penetration) because our internal analysis has indicated that a meaningful portion of incremental purchases on our RedCards are also incremental sales for Target. For the years ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, total RedCard Penetration was 18.6 percent, 19.8 percent, and 20.5 percent, respectively. See the Customer Loyalty Programs section within Item 1. Business on
page 5
for information about the rebranding of RedCards.
Gross Margin Rate
Our gross margin rate was 26.5 percent in 2023 and 23.6 percent in 2022. The increase reflected the net impact of
•
merchandising benefit, including
◦
lower freight costs; and
◦
lower clearance and promotional markdown rates and other costs compared with the prior-year, which included the impact of inventory impairments and other actions;
•
lower digital fulfillment and supply chain costs due to
◦
a decrease in digital volume;
◦
an increased mix of digital sales fulfilled through lower-cost same-day services; and
◦
lower inventory levels; and
•
higher inventory shrink.
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expense Rate
Our SG&A expense rate was 20.1 percent in 2023, compared with 18.9 percent in 2022, reflecting the net impact of cost increases across our business, including investments in team member pay and benefits, and the deleveraging impact of lower sales in 2023 compared to the prior year.
(a)
In thousands; reflects total square feet less office, distribution center, and vacant space.
Other Performance Factors
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense was $502 million for 2023, compared with $478 million for 2022. The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to higher average debt levels and the impact of higher floating interest rates on our interest rate swaps in 2023 compared with 2022, partially offset by an increase in interest income.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our 2023 effective income tax rate was 21.9 percent compared with 18.7 percent in 2022. The increase primarily reflects higher pretax earnings in the current year, as well as lower discrete tax benefits related to share-based compensation compared to the prior year.
Note 19
to the Financial Statements provides additional information.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP Measures
To provide additional transparency, we have disclosed non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS). This metric excludes certain items presented below. We believe this information is useful in providing period-to-period comparisons of the results of our operations. This measure is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP). The most comparable GAAP measure is diluted earnings per share. Adjusted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as a substitution for analysis of our results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate Adjusted EPS differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of the measure for comparisons with other companies.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EPS
2023
(a)
2022
2021
(millions, except per share data)
Pretax
Net of Tax
Per Share Amounts
Pretax
Net of Tax
Per Share Amounts
Pretax
Net of Tax
Per Share Amounts
GAAP diluted earnings per share
$
8.94
$
5.98
$
14.10
Adjustments
Gain on Dermstore Sale
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
(335)
$
(269)
$
(0.55)
Other
(b)
—
—
—
20
15
0.03
9
7
0.01
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
8.94
$
6.02
$
13.56
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
2023 consisted of 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in 2022 and 2021.
(b)
Other items unrelated to current period operations, none of which were individually significant.
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes (EBIT) and earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these measures provide meaningful information about our operational efficiency compared with our competitors by excluding the impact of differences in tax jurisdictions and structures, debt levels, and for EBITDA, capital investment. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP. The most comparable GAAP measure is net earnings. EBIT and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitution for analysis of our results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate EBIT and EBITDA differently, limiting the usefulness of the measures for comparisons with other companies.
EBIT and EBITDA
Percent Change
(dollars in millions)
2023
(a)
2022
2021
2023/2022
2022/2021
Net earnings
$
4,138
$
2,780
$
6,946
48.8
%
(60.0)
%
+ Provision for income taxes
1,159
638
1,961
81.7
(67.5)
+ Net interest expense
502
478
421
5.0
13.4
EBIT
$
5,799
$
3,896
$
9,328
48.8
%
(58.2)
%
+ Total depreciation and amortization
(b)
2,801
2,700
2,642
3.8
2.2
EBITDA
$
8,600
$
6,596
$
11,970
30.4
%
(44.9)
%
(a)
2023 consisted of 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in 2022 and 2021.
(b)
Represents total depreciation and amortization, including amounts classified within Depreciation and Amortization and within Cost of Sales.
We have also disclosed after-tax ROIC, which is a ratio based on GAAP information, with the exception of the add-back of operating lease interest to operating income. We believe this metric is useful in assessing the effectiveness of our capital allocation over time. Other companies may calculate ROIC differently, limiting the usefulness of the measure for comparisons with other companies.
After-Tax Return on Invested Capital
(dollars in millions)
Trailing Twelve Months
Numerator
February 3, 2024
(a)
January 28, 2023
Operating income
$
5,707
$
3,848
+ Net other income
92
48
EBIT
5,799
3,896
+ Operating lease interest
(b)
120
93
- Income taxes
(c)
1,295
744
Net operating profit after taxes
$
4,624
$
3,245
Denominator
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
January 29, 2022
Current portion of long-term debt and other borrowings
$
1,116
$
130
$
171
+ Noncurrent portion of long-term debt
14,922
16,009
13,549
+ Shareholders' investment
13,432
11,232
12,827
+ Operating lease liabilities
(d)
3,608
2,934
2,747
- Cash and cash equivalents
3,805
2,229
5,911
Invested capital
$
29,273
$
28,076
$
23,383
Average invested capital
(e)
$
28,674
$
25,729
After-tax return on invested capital
16.1
%
12.6
%
(a)
2023 consisted of 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in the prior-year period.
(b)
Represents the add-back to operating income driven by the hypothetical interest expense we would incur if the property under our operating leases were owned or accounted for as finance leases. Calculated using the discount rate for each lease and recorded as a component of rent expense within SG&A Expenses. Operating lease interest is added back to operating income in the ROIC calculation to control for differences in capital structure between us and our competitors.
(c)
Calculated using the effective tax rates, which were 21.9 percent and 18.7 percent for the trailing twelve months ended February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. For the trailing twelve months ended February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, includes tax effect of $1.3 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively, related to EBIT, and $26 million and $17 million, respectively, related to operating lease interest.
(d)
Total short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities included within Accrued and Other Current Liabilities and Noncurrent Operating Lease Liabilities, respectively.
(e)
Average based on the invested capital at the end of the current period and the invested capital at the end of the comparable prior period.
We follow a disciplined and balanced approach to capital allocation based on the following priorities, ranked in order of importance: first, we fully invest in opportunities to profitably grow our business, create sustainable long-term value, and maintain our current operations and assets; second, we maintain a competitive quarterly dividend and seek to grow it annually; and finally, we return any excess cash to shareholders by repurchasing shares within the limits of our credit rating goals.
Our year-end cash and cash equivalents balance increased to $3.8 billion from $2.2 billion in 2022. Our cash and cash equivalents balance includes short-term investments of $2.9 billion and $1.3 billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. Our investment policy is designed to preserve principal and liquidity of our short-term investments. This policy allows investments in large money market funds or in highly rated direct short-term instruments that mature in 60 days or less. We also place dollar limits on our investments in individual funds or instruments.
Operating Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $8.6 billion in 2023 compared with $4.0 billion in 2022. For 2023, operating cash flows increased as a result of higher net earnings and an improvement in working capital, including lower inventory levels, compared with 2022.
Inventory
Year-end inventory was $11.9 billion, compared with $13.5 billion in 2022. The decrease in inventory levels primarily reflects
•
improvements in the supply chain, including on-time arrivals and reduced in-transit inventory,
•
alignment of inventory levels with sales trends, and
•
cost decreases, primarily due to lower freight rates in 2023 compared to 2022.
The Business Environment section on
page 23
provides additional information.
Capital expenditures in 2023 reflect investments in our strategic initiatives, including investments in both stores and in our supply chain. We completed 65 full-store remodels during 2023 and opened approximately 140 Ulta Beauty shop-in-shops. We have completed over 1,100 full-store remodels since the launch of the current program in 2017.
In addition to these cash investments, we entered into leases related to new stores in 2023, 2022, and 2021 with total future minimum lease payments of $122 million, $319 million, and $401 million, respectively, and new leases related to our supply chain with total future minimum lease payments of $21 million, $1.6 billion, and $226 million, respectively.
We expect capital expenditures in 2024 of approximately $3.0 billion to $4.0 billion to support new stores, remodels and other existing store investments, and supply chain projects. We expect to open about 20 new stores and add additional Ulta Beauty shop-in-shops during 2024. We also expect to continue to invest in new store and supply chain leases.
Dividends
We paid dividends totaling $2.0 billion ($4.36 per share) in 2023 and $1.8 billion ($3.96 per share) in 2022, a per share increase of 10.1 percent. We declared dividends totaling $2.1 billion ($4.38 per share) in 2023 and $1.9 billion ($4.14 per share) in 2022, a per share increase of 5.8 percent. We have paid dividends every quarter since our 1967 initial public offering and it is our intent to continue to do so in the future.
Our financing strategy is to ensure liquidity and access to capital markets, to maintain a balanced spectrum of debt maturities, and to manage our net exposure to floating interest rate volatility. Within these parameters, we seek to minimize our borrowing costs. Our ability to access the long-term debt and commercial paper markets has provided us with ample sources of liquidity. Our continued access to these markets depends on multiple factors, including the condition of debt capital markets, our operating performance, and maintaining strong credit ratings. As of February 3, 2024, our credit ratings were as follows:
Credit Ratings
Moody's
Standard and Poor's
Fitch
Long-term debt
A2
A
A
Commercial paper
P-1
A-1
F1
If our credit ratings were lowered, our ability to access the debt markets, our cost of funds, and other terms for new debt issuances could be adversely impacted. Each of the credit rating agencies reviews its rating periodically and there is no guarantee our current credit ratings will remain the same as described above.
We have the ability to obtain short-term financing from time to time under our commercial paper program and credit facilities. In October 2023, we obtained a new committed $1.0 billion 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire in October 2024 and terminated our prior 364-day credit facility. We also exercised our option to extend our existing five-year unsecured revolving credit facility, which has a maximum committed capacity of $3.0 billion and now expires in October 2028. Both credit facilities backstop our commercial paper program. No balances were outstanding under either credit facility at any time during 2023 or 2022. We did not have any balances outstanding under our commercial paper program as of February 3, 2024 or January 28, 2023.
Most of our long-term debt obligations contain covenants related to secured debt levels. In addition to a secured debt level covenant, our credit facilities also contain a debt leverage covenant. We are, and expect to remain, in compliance with these covenants. Additionally, as of February 3, 2024, no notes or debentures contained provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a credit rating downgrade, except that certain outstanding notes allow the note holders to put the notes to us if within a matter of months of each other we experience both (i) a change in control and (ii) our long-term credit ratings are either reduced and the resulting rating is non-investment grade, or our long-term credit ratings are placed on watch for possible reduction and those ratings are subsequently reduced and the resulting rating is non-investment grade.
Note 16
to the Financial Statements provides additional information.
Future Cash Requirements
We enter into contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business that may require future cash payments. Such obligations include, but are not limited to, purchase commitments, debt service, leasing arrangements, and liabilities related to deferred compensation and pensions. The
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
provide additional information.
We believe our sources of liquidity, namely operating cash flows, credit facility capacity, and access to capital markets, will continue to be adequate to meet our contractual obligations, working capital and capital expenditure requirements, finance anticipated expansion and strategic initiatives, fund debt maturities, pay dividends, and execute purchases under our share repurchase program for the foreseeable future.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts. In the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
, we describe the significant accounting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Our management has discussed the
development, selection, and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit & Risk Committee of our Board
of Directors. The following items require significant estimation or judgment:
Inventory and cost of sales:
The vast majority of our inventory is accounted for under the retail inventory accounting method using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). Our inventory is valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. We reduce inventory for estimated losses related to shrink and markdowns. Our shrink estimate is based on historical losses and is adjusted to reflect results of actual physical inventory counts. We generally perform counts at each location annually, with counts taking place throughout the year. A 10% increase in our year-end inventory shrink reserve would increase cost of sales by approximately $150 million. Historically, our actual physical inventory count results have shown our estimates to be reasonably accurate. Market adjustments for markdowns are recorded when the salability of the merchandise has diminished. Salability can be impacted by consumer preferences and seasonality, among other factors. We believe the risk of inventory obsolescence is largely mitigated because our inventory typically turns in less than three months. Inventory was $11.9 billion and $13.5 billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively, and is further described in
Note 9
to the Financial Statements.
Vendor income:
We receive various forms of consideration from our vendors (vendor income), principally earned as a result of volume rebates, markdown allowances, promotions, and advertising allowances. Substantially all vendor income is recorded as a reduction of cost of sales. Vendor income earned can vary based on a number of factors, including purchase volumes, sales volumes, and our pricing and promotion strategies.
We establish a receivable for vendor income that is earned but not yet received. Based on historical trending and data, this receivable is computed by forecasting vendor income collections and estimating the amount earned. The majority of the year-end vendor income receivables are collected within the following fiscal quarter, and we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that the assumptions used in our estimate will change significantly. Historically, adjustments to our vendor income receivable have not been material. Vendor income receivable was $513 million and $526 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. Vendor income is described further in
Note 5
to the Financial Statements.
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed primarily at the store level. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation and/or eventual disposition of the asset or asset group is less than its carrying amount, and is measured as the excess of its carrying amount over fair value. We estimate fair value by obtaining market appraisals, obtaining valuations from third-party brokers, or using other valuation techniques. We recorded impairments of $102 million, $66 million, and $87 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, which are described further in
Note 11
to the Financial Statements.
Insurance/self-insurance:
We retain a substantial portion of the risk related to certain general liability, workers' compensation, property loss, and team member medical and dental claims. However, we maintain stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure related to certain risks. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both claims filed and losses incurred but not yet reported. We use actuarial methods which consider a number of factors to estimate our ultimate cost of losses. General liability and workers' compensation liabilities are recorded based on our estimate of their net present value; other liabilities referred to above are not discounted. Our workers' compensation and general liability accrual was $650 million and $560 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. We believe that the amounts accrued are appropriate; however, our liabilities could be significantly affected if future occurrences or loss developments differ from our assumptions. For example, a 5 percent increase or decrease in average claim costs would have impacted our self-insurance expense by $33 million in 2023. Historically, adjustments to our estimates have not been material. Refer to
Part II
,
Item 7A
,
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
, for further disclosure of the market risks associated with these exposures. We maintain insurance coverage to limit our exposure to certain events, including network security matters.
Income taxes:
We pay income taxes based on the tax statutes, regulations, and case law of the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items, and in evaluating the ultimate resolution of tax matters in dispute with tax authorities. The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in our financial statements only after determining it is likely the uncertain tax positions would withstand challenge by taxing authorities. We periodically reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the financial statements as appropriate. Gross uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, were $366 million and $241 million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. We believe the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our consolidated financial statements. Income taxes are described further in
Note 19
to the Financial Statements.
Pension accounting:
We maintain a funded qualified defined benefit pension plan, as well as nonqualified and international pension plans that are generally unfunded, for certain current and former team members. The costs for these plans are determined based on actuarial calculations using the assumptions described in the following paragraphs. Eligibility and the level of benefits vary depending on each team member's full-time or part-time status, date of hire, age, length of service, and/or compensation. The benefit obligation and related expense for these plans are determined based on actuarial calculations using assumptions about the expected long-term rate of return, the discount rate, compensation growth rates, mortality, and retirement age. These assumptions, with adjustments made for any significant plan or participant changes, are used to determine the period-end benefit obligation and establish expense for the next year.
Our 2023 expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 6.50 percent was determined by the portfolio composition, historical long-term investment performance, and current market conditions. A 1 percentage point decrease in our expected long-term rate of return would increase annual expense by $41 million.
The discount rate used to determine benefit obligations is adjusted annually based on the interest rate for long-term high-quality corporate bonds, using yields for maturities that are in line with the duration of our pension liabilities. Our benefit obligation and related expense will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A 1 percentage point decrease in the weighted average discount rate would increase annual expense by $36 million.
Based on our experience, we use a graduated compensation growth schedule that assumes higher compensation growth for younger, shorter-service pension-eligible team members than it does for older, longer-service pension-eligible team members.
Pension benefits are further described in
Note 24
to the Financial Statements.
Legal and other contingencies:
We believe the accruals recorded in our consolidated financial statements properly reflect loss exposures that are both probable and reasonably estimable. We do not believe any of the currently identified claims or litigation will materially affect our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, it may cause a material adverse impact on the results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition for the period in which the ruling occurs, or future periods. Refer to
Note 15
to the Financial Statements for further information on contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
We do not expect that any recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material effect on our financial statements.
This report contains forward-looking statements, which are based on our current assumptions and expectations. These statements are typically accompanied by the words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "expect," "may," "might," "seek," "will," "would," or similar words. The principal forward-looking statements in this report include statements regarding: our future financial and operational performance, our strategy for growth, the adequacy of and costs associated with our sources of liquidity, the funding of debt maturities, the execution of our share repurchase program, our expected capital expenditures and new lease commitments, the expected compliance with debt covenants, the expected impact of new accounting pronouncements, our intentions regarding future dividends, the expected contributions and payments related to our pension plan, the expected return on plan assets, the expected timing and recognition of compensation expenses, the adequacy of our reserves for general liability, workers' compensation, and property loss, the expected outcome of, and adequacy of our reserves for, claims, litigation, and the resolution of tax matters, our expectations regarding our contractual obligations, liabilities, and vendor income, the expected ability to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities and the timing of such recognition, our expectations regarding arrangements with our partners, and changes in our assumptions and expectations.
All such forward-looking statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, our actual results could be materially different. The most important factors which could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are set forth in our description of risk factors included in
Part I
,
Item 1A
,
Risk Factors
to this Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with the forward-looking statements in this report. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As of February 3, 2024, our exposure to market risk was primarily from interest rate changes on our debt obligations and short-term investments, some of which are at a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). Our interest rate exposure is primarily due to differences between our floating rate debt obligations compared to our floating rate short-term investments. As of February 3, 2024, our floating rate short-term investments exceeded our floating rate debt by approximately $450 million. Based on our balance sheet position as of February 3, 2024, the annualized effect of a 1 percentage point increase in floating interest rates on our floating rate short-term investments, net of our floating rate debt obligations, would increase our earnings before income taxes by $5 million. In general, we expect our floating rate debt to exceed our floating rate short-term investments over time, but that may vary in different interest rate and economic environments. See further description of our debt and derivative instruments in
Notes 16
and
17
to the Financial Statements.
We record our general liability and workers' compensation liabilities at net present value; therefore, these liabilities fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Based on our balance sheet position as of February 3, 2024, the annualized effect of a 0.5 percentage point increase/(decrease) in interest rates would increase/(decrease) earnings before income taxes by $7 million.
In addition, we are exposed to market return fluctuations on our qualified defined benefit pension plan. The value of our pension liabilities is inversely related to changes in interest rates. A 1 percentage point decrease in the weighted average discount rate would increase annual expense by $36 million. To protect against declines in interest rates, we hold high-quality, long-duration bonds and derivative instruments in our pension plan trust. As of February 3, 2024, we had hedged 70 percent of the interest rate exposure of our plan liabilities.
As more fully described in
Note 23
to the Financial Statements, we are exposed to market returns on accumulated team member balances in our nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plans. We control the risk of offering the nonqualified plans by making investments in life insurance contracts and prepaid forward contracts on our own common stock that substantially offset our economic exposure to the returns on these plans.
There have been no other material changes in our primary risk exposures or management of market risks since the prior year.
Report of Management on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the consistency, integrity, and presentation of the information in the Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements and other information presented in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include necessary judgments and estimates by management.
To fulfill our responsibility, we maintain comprehensive systems of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed in accordance with established procedures. The concept of reasonable assurance is based upon recognition that the cost of the controls should not exceed the benefit derived. We believe our systems of internal control provide this reasonable assurance.
The Board of Directors exercised its oversight role with respect to the Corporation's systems of internal control primarily through its Audit & Risk Committee, which is comprised of independent directors. The Committee oversees the Corporation's systems of internal control, accounting practices, financial reporting and audits to assess whether their quality, integrity, and objectivity are sufficient to protect shareholders' investments.
In addition, our consolidated financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report also appears on this page.
/s/ Brian C. Cornell
/s/ Michael J. Fiddelke
Brian C. Cornell
Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
March 13, 2024
Michael J. Fiddelke
Executive Vice President and
and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Target Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Target Corporation (the Corporation) as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 3, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation at February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 3, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
At February 3, 2024, the Corporation’s vendor income receivable totaled $513 million. As discussed in Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation receives consideration for a variety of vendor-sponsored programs, which are primarily recorded as a reduction of cost of sales when earned. The Corporation records a receivable for amounts earned but not yet received.
Auditing the Corporation's calculation of vendor income receivable was especially challenging due to the inputs required in the vendor receivable model, which include, among others, forecasted vendor income collections and the time period over which the collections have been earned. As a result of the high volume of transactions processed by the Corporation and used in estimating these inputs, auditing the vendor income receivable requires extensive audit effort to address the completeness and accuracy of the information used in the receivable model.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Corporation’s vendor income receivable process, including controls over management’s review of the inputs described above.
To test the estimated vendor income receivable, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of inputs used in the receivable model by verifying for a sample of the vendor-sponsored programs, the nature and source of the inputs used and the terms of the contractual agreements. We recalculated the amount of the vendor income earned based on the inputs and the terms of the contractual agreements. In addition, we recalculated the time period over which the vendor income collections had been earned to assess the accuracy of management’s inputs used in the model. We also performed sensitivity analyses of inputs to evaluate the significance of changes in the receivable that would result from changes to the inputs. Finally, we performed audit procedures over the vendor income collections subsequent to the balance sheet date to support the vendor income receivable at year end.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Corporation's auditor since 1931.
Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2024, based on the framework in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)
, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on our assessment, we conclude that the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2024, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who has also audited our consolidated financial statements, as stated in their report which appears on this page.
/s/ Brian C. Cornell
/s/ Michael J. Fiddelke
Brian C. Cornell
Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
March 13, 2024
Michael J. Fiddelke
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Target Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Target Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Target Corporation (the Corporation) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Corporation as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 3, 2024, and the related notes and our report dated March 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Current portion of long-term debt and other borrowings
1,116
130
Total current liabilities
19,304
19,500
Long-term debt and other borrowings
14,922
16,009
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
3,279
2,638
Deferred income taxes
2,480
2,196
Other noncurrent liabilities
1,939
1,760
Total noncurrent liabilities
22,620
22,603
Shareholders' investment
Common stock
38
38
Additional paid-in capital
6,761
6,608
Retained earnings
7,093
5,005
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(
460
)
(
419
)
Total shareholders' investment
13,432
11,232
Total liabilities and shareholders' investment
$
55,356
$
53,335
Common Stock
Authorized
6,000,000,000
shares, $
0.0833
par value;
461,675,441
shares issued and outstanding as of February 3, 2024;
460,346,947
shares issued and outstanding as of January 28, 2023.
Preferred Stock
Authorized
5,000,000
shares, $
0.01
par value;
no
shares were issued or outstanding during any period presented.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment
(millions)
Common
Stock
Shares
Stock
Par
Value
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
/
Income
Total
January 30, 2021
500.9
$
42
$
6,329
$
8,825
$
(
756
)
$
14,440
Net earnings
—
—
—
6,946
—
6,946
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
203
203
Dividends declared
—
—
—
(
1,655
)
—
(
1,655
)
Repurchase of stock
(
31.3
)
(
3
)
—
(
7,196
)
—
(
7,199
)
Stock options and awards
1.7
—
92
—
—
92
January 29, 2022
471.3
$
39
$
6,421
$
6,920
$
(
553
)
$
12,827
Net earnings
—
—
—
2,780
—
2,780
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
134
134
Dividends declared
—
—
—
(
1,931
)
—
(
1,931
)
Repurchase of stock
(
12.5
)
(
1
)
119
(
2,764
)
—
(
2,646
)
Stock options and awards
1.5
—
68
—
—
68
January 28, 2023
460.3
$
38
$
6,608
$
5,005
$
(
419
)
$
11,232
Net earnings
—
—
—
4,138
—
4,138
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
(
41
)
(
41
)
Dividends declared
—
—
—
(
2,050
)
—
(
2,050
)
Stock options and awards
1.4
—
153
—
—
153
February 3, 2024
461.7
$
38
$
6,761
$
7,093
$
(
460
)
$
13,432
We declared $
4.38
, $
4.14
, and $
3.38
dividends per share for the twelve months ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively.
Organization -
We are a general merchandise retailer selling products to our guests through our stores and digital channels.
We operate as a single segment that includes all of our operations, which are designed to enable guests to purchase products seamlessly in stores or through our digital channels. Nearly all of our revenues are generated in the United States (U.S.). The vast majority of our long-lived assets are located within the U.S.
Consolidation -
The consolidated financial statements include the balances of Target and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. All subsidiaries are wholly owned.
Use of estimates -
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates.
Fiscal year -
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years, rather than to calendar years. Fiscal 2023 ended February 3, 2024, and consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2022 and 2021 ended January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively, and consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2024 will end February 1, 2025, and will consist of 52 weeks.
Accounting policies -
Our accounting policies are disclosed in the applicable Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.
Dermstore Sale
In February 2021, we sold our wholly owned subsidiary Dermstore LLC (Dermstore) for $
356
million in cash and recognized a $
335
million pretax gain, which is included in Net Other Income. Dermstore represented less than 1 percent of our consolidated revenues, operating income and net assets.
Merchandise sales represent the vast majority of our revenues. We also earn revenues from a variety of other sources, most notably credit card profit-sharing income from our arrangement with TD Bank Group (TD).
Revenues
(millions)
2023
2022
2021
Apparel and accessories
(a)
$
16,485
$
17,646
$
17,931
Beauty and household essentials
(b)
31,284
29,575
27,268
Food and beverage
(c)
23,899
22,918
20,306
Hardlines
(d)
16,162
17,739
18,614
Home furnishings and décor
(e)
17,760
19,463
20,255
Other
213
247
237
Sales
105,803
107,588
104,611
Credit card profit sharing
667
734
710
Other
942
798
684
Other revenue
1,609
1,532
1,394
Total revenue
$
107,412
$
109,120
$
106,005
(a)
Includes apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes.
(b)
Includes beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.
(c)
Includes dry grocery, dairy, frozen food, beverages, candy, snacks, deli, bakery, meat, produce, and food service in our stores.
(d)
Includes electronics (including video game hardware and software), toys, entertainment, sporting goods, and luggage.
(e)
Includes furniture, lighting, storage, kitchenware, small appliances, home décor, bed and bath, home improvement, school/office supplies, greeting cards and party supplies, and other seasonal merchandise.
Merchandise sales
– We record almost all retail store revenues at the point of sale. Digitally originated sales may include shipping revenue and are recorded upon delivery to the guest or upon guest pickup at the store. Total revenues do not include sales tax because we are a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes. Generally, guests may return national brand merchandise within
90
days of purchase and owned and exclusive brands within
one year
of purchase. Sales are recognized net of expected returns, which we estimate using historical return patterns and our expectation of future returns. As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, the liability for estimated returns was $
170
million and $
174
million, respectively.
We routinely enter into arrangements with vendors whereby we do not purchase or pay for merchandise until the merchandise is ultimately sold to a guest. Under the vast majority of these arrangements, which represent less than
5
percent of consolidated sales, we record revenue and related costs gross. We concluded that we are the principal in these transactions for a number of reasons, most notably because we 1) control the overall economics of the transactions, including setting the sales price and realizing the majority of cash flows from the sale, 2) control the relationship with the customer, and 3) are responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide goods to the customer. Merchandise received under these arrangements is not included in Inventory because the purchase and sale of this inventory are virtually simultaneous.
Revenue from Target gift card sales is recognized upon gift card redemption, which is typically within one year of issuance. Our gift cards do not expire. Based on historical redemption rates, a small and relatively stable percentage of gift cards will never be redeemed, referred to as "breakage." Estimated breakage revenue is recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions.
(a)
Included in Accrued and Other Current Liabilities.
(b)
Net of estimated breakage.
Guests receive a
5
percent discount on nearly all purchases and receive free shipping at Target.com when they use their Target Debit Card, RedCard Reloadable Account, Target Credit Card, or Target MasterCard (collectively, RedCards).
Target Circle program members earn Target Circle Rewards on various transactions. As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, deferred revenue of $
117
million and $
112
million, respectively, related to our Target Circle program was included in Accrued and Other Current Liabilities.
Credit card profit sharing
– We receive payments under a credit card program agreement with TD. Under the agreement, we receive a percentage of the profits generated by the Target Credit Card and Target MasterCard receivables in exchange for performing account servicing and primary marketing functions. TD underwrites, funds, and owns Target Credit Card and Target MasterCard receivables, controls risk management policies, and oversees regulatory compliance.
Other
– Includes advertising revenue, Shipt membership and service revenues, commissions earned on third-party sales through Target.com, rental income, and other miscellaneous revenues.
4.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table illustrates the primary items classified in each major expense category:
Cost of Sales
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Total cost of products sold including
• Freight expenses associated with moving
merchandise from our vendors to and between our
distribution centers and our retail stores
• Vendor income that is not reimbursement of
specific, incremental, and identifiable costs
Inventory shrink
Markdowns
Outbound shipping and handling expenses
associated with sales to our guests
Payment term cash discounts
Distribution center costs, including compensation
and benefits costs and depreciation
Compensation and benefit costs associated with
shipment of merchandise from stores
Import costs
Compensation and benefit costs for stores and
headquarters, except ship from store costs classified
as cost of sales
Occupancy and operating costs of retail and
headquarters facilities
Advertising, offset by vendor income that is a
reimbursement of specific, incremental, and
identifiable costs
Pre-opening and exit costs of stores and other facilities
Credit cards servicing expenses
Costs associated with accepting third-party bank issued
payment cards
Litigation and defense costs and related insurance
recoveries
Other administrative costs
Note: The classification of these expenses varies across the retail industry.
We receive consideration for a variety of vendor-sponsored programs—such as volume rebates, markdown allowances, promotions, certain advertising activities, and for our compliance programs—referred to as "vendor income." Additionally, under our compliance programs, vendors are charged for merchandise shipments that do not meet our requirements (violations), such as late or incomplete shipments. Substantially all vendor income is recorded as a reduction of Cost of Sales.
We establish a receivable for vendor income that is earned but not yet received. Based on historical trending and data, this receivable is computed by forecasting vendor income collections and estimating the amount earned. The majority of the year-end vendor income receivables are collected within the following fiscal quarter, and we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that the assumptions used in our estimate will change significantly.
Note 10
provides additional information.
6.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs consist primarily of digital advertisements and media broadcast. Digital advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred when the consumer engages with the advertisement through clicks or views, while media broadcast costs are generally expensed at first showing or distribution of the advertisement. Reimbursements from vendors that are for specific, incremental, and identifiable advertising costs are recognized as offsets of these advertising costs within Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A Expenses).
Net advertising costs were $
1.4
billion in 2023 and $
1.5
billion in 2022 and 2021.
7.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurements are reported in one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used: Level 1 (unadjusted quoted prices in active markets); Level 2 (observable market inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1); and Level 3 (unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data).
Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis
Fair Value as of
(millions)
Classification
Measurement Level
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Assets
Short-term investments
(a)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Level 1
$
2,897
$
1,343
Prepaid forward contracts
(b)
Other Current Assets
Level 1
25
27
Interest rate swaps
(c)
Other Noncurrent Assets
Level 2
—
7
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps
(c)
Other Current Liabilities
Level 2
3
—
Interest rate swaps
(c)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Level 2
123
81
(a)
Carrying value approximates fair value because maturities are less than three months.
(b)
Initially valued at transaction price. Subsequently valued by reference to the market price of Target common stock.
(c)
Valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model (e.g., interest rates and credit spreads). See
Note 17
for additional information on interest rate swaps.
Significant Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
(a)
As of February 3, 2024
As of January 28, 2023
(millions)
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current portion
(b)
$
14,151
$
13,467
$
14,141
$
13,688
(a)
The carrying amounts of certain other current assets, commercial paper, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
(b)
The fair value of debt is generally measured using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market interest rates for the same or similar types of financial instruments and would be classified as Level 2. These amounts exclude commercial paper, unamortized swap valuation adjustments, and lease liabilities.
8.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the time of purchase. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions. These receivables typically settle in
five days
or less.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(millions)
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Cash
$
288
$
286
Receivables from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions
620
600
Short-term investments
2,897
1,343
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(a)
$
3,805
$
2,229
(a)
We have access to these funds without any significant restrictions, taxes or penalties.
As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, we reclassified book overdrafts of $
173
million and $
248
million, respectively, to Accounts Payable and $
10
million and $
14
million, respectively, to Accrued and Other Current Liabilities.
9.
Inventory
The vast majority of our inventory is accounted for under the retail inventory accounting method (RIM) using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Inventory is stated at the lower of LIFO cost or market. Inventory cost includes the amount we pay to our suppliers to acquire inventory, freight costs incurred to deliver product to our distribution centers and stores, and import costs, reduced by vendor income and cash discounts. Distribution center operating costs, including compensation and benefits, are expensed in the period incurred. Inventory is also reduced for estimated losses related to shrink and markdowns. The LIFO provision is calculated based on inventory levels, markup rates, and internally measured retail price indices, and was $
153
million and $
132
million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
Under RIM, inventory cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the inventory retail value. RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. The use of RIM will result in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market because permanent markdowns are taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory.
Property and equipment, including assets acquired under finance leases, is depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives or lease terms if shorter. We amortize leasehold improvements purchased after the beginning of the initial lease term over the shorter of the assets' useful lives or a term that includes the remaining initial lease term, plus any renewals that are reasonably certain at the date the leasehold improvements are acquired. Total depreciation expense, including depreciation expense included in Cost of Sales, was $
2.8
billion, $
2.7
billion, and $
2.6
billion for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. For income tax purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are generally used. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Facility pre-opening costs, including supplies and payroll, are expensed as incurred.
Estimated Useful Lives
Life (Years)
Buildings and improvements
8
-
39
Fixtures and equipment
2
-
15
Computer hardware and software
2
-
7
We review long-lived assets for impairment when performance expectations, events, or changes in circumstances—such as a decision to relocate or close a store, office, or distribution center, discontinue a project, or make significant software changes—indicate that the asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. We recognized impairment losses of $
102
million, $
66
million, and $
87
million during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. For asset groups classified as held for sale, measurement of an impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. We estimate fair value by obtaining market appraisals, obtaining valuations from third-party brokers, or using other valuation techniques. Impairments are recorded in SG&A Expenses.
12.
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other Noncurrent Assets
(millions)
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Goodwill and intangible assets
(a)
$
639
$
645
Company-owned life insurance investments, net of loans
(b)
483
440
Pension asset
57
75
Other
221
160
Other Noncurrent Assets
$
1,400
$
1,320
(a)
Goodwill totaled $
631
million as of both February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023.
No
impairments were recorded in 2023, 2022, or 2021 as a result of the annual goodwill impairment tests performed.
(b)
Note 23
provides more information on company-owned life insurance investments.
We have arrangements with several financial institutions to act as our paying agents to certain vendors. The arrangements also permit the financial institutions to provide vendors with an option, at our vendors' sole discretion, to sell their receivables from Target to the financial institutions. A vendor’s election to receive early payment at a discounted amount from the financial institutions does not change the amount that we must remit to the financial institutions or our payment date, which is up to
120
days from the invoice date.
We do not pay any fees or pledge any security to these financial institutions under these arrangements. The arrangements can be terminated by either party with notice ranging up to
120
days.
Our outstanding vendor obligations eligible for early payment under these arrangements totaled $
3.4
billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, and are included within
Accounts Payable
on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Our outstanding vendor obligations do not represent actual receivables sold by our vendors to the financial institutions, which may be lower.
14.
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
(millions)
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Wages and benefits
$
1,535
$
1,319
Gift card liability, net of estimated breakage
1,162
1,240
Real estate, sales, and other taxes payable
827
772
Dividends payable
508
497
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
329
296
Workers' compensation and general liability
(a)
192
173
Interest payable
122
94
Other
1,415
1,492
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
$
6,090
$
5,883
(a)
We retain a substantial portion of the risk related to general liability and workers' compensation claims. We estimate our ultimate cost based on analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. General liability and workers' compensation liabilities are recorded at our estimate of their net present value.
Note 20
provides the noncurrent balance of these liabilities.
15.
Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies
We are exposed to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and use various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe serves the best interest of our shareholders and other constituents. When a loss is probable, we record an accrual based on the reasonably estimable loss or range of loss. When no point of loss is more likely than another, we record the lowest amount in the estimated range of loss and, if material, disclose the estimated range of loss. We do not record liabilities for reasonably possible loss contingencies, but do disclose a range of reasonably possible losses if they are material and we are able to estimate such a range. If we cannot provide a range of reasonably possible losses, we explain the factors that prevent us from determining such a range. Historically, adjustments to our estimates have not been material. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. We do not believe that any of these identified claims or litigation will be material to our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
Purchase obligations, which include all legally binding contracts such as merchandise royalties, equipment purchases, marketing-related contracts, software acquisition/license commitments, firm minimum commitments for inventory purchases, and service contracts, were $
0.9
billion and $
1.0
billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. These purchase obligations are primarily due within
three years
and recorded as liabilities when goods are received or services are rendered. Real estate obligations, which include legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced, and commitments for the purchase, construction, or remodeling of real estate and facilities, were $
2.7
billion and $
5.3
billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively. Approximately half of these real estate obligations are due within
one year
, a portion of which are recorded as liabilities.
We issue inventory purchase orders in the ordinary course of business, which represent authorizations to purchase that are cancellable by their terms. We do not consider purchase orders to be firm inventory commitments. If we choose to cancel a purchase order, we may be obligated to reimburse the vendor for unrecoverable outlays incurred prior to cancellation.
We also issue letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of business.
Trade letters of credit totaled $
1.6
billion as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, a portion of which are reflected in Accounts Payable. Standby letters of credit and surety bonds, primarily related to insurance and regulatory requirements, totaled $
529
million and $
519
million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
16.
Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt
Debt Maturities
(dollars in millions)
Weighted-Average Interest Rate at February 3, 2024
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Due 2024-2028
2.7
4,668
4,664
Due 2029-2033
4.5
4,219
4,216
Due 2034-2038
6.8
937
937
Due 2039-2043
4.0
1,088
1,087
Due 2044-2048
3.8
1,119
1,118
Due 2049-2053
3.9
2,120
2,119
Total notes and debentures
14,151
14,141
Swap valuation adjustments
(
126
)
(
74
)
Finance lease liabilities
2,013
2,072
Less: Amounts due within one year
(
1,116
)
(
130
)
Long-term debt and other borrowings
$
14,922
$
16,009
Required Principal Payments
(millions)
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total required principal payments
$
1,000
$
1,500
$
2,000
$
97
$
81
$
9,574
In January 2023, we issued unsecured fixed rate debt of $
1.15
billion at
4.8
percent that matures in January 2053 and $
500
million at
4.4
percent that matures in January 2033. In connection with this issuance, we terminated our remaining forward-starting interest rate swaps.
Note 17
provides additional information.
In September 2022, we issued unsecured fixed rate debt of $
1.0
billion at
4.5
percent that matures in September 2032. In connection with this issuance, we terminated certain of our forward-starting interest rate swaps.
Note 17
provides additional information.
In January 2022, we issued unsecured fixed rate debt of $
1.0
billion at
1.95
percent that matures in January 2027 and $
1.0
billion at
2.95
percent that matures in January 2052. Furthermore, we repaid $
1.0
billion of
2.9
percent unsecured fixed rate debt at maturity.
We obtain short-term financing from time to time under our commercial paper program. For the years ended February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, the maximum amounts outstanding were $
90
million and $
2.3
billion, respectively, and the average daily amounts outstanding were $
1
million and $
709
million, respectively, at a weighted average annual interest rate of
4.8
percent and
2.4
percent, respectively. As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, there was
no
commercial paper outstanding.
In October 2023, we obtained a new committed $
1.0
billion
364
-day unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire in October 2024 and terminated our prior
364
-day credit facility. We also exercised our option to extend our existing
five-year
unsecured revolving credit facility, which has a maximum committed capacity of $
3.0
billion and now expires in October 2028.
No
balances were outstanding under either facility at any time during 2023 or 2022.
Substantially all of our outstanding borrowings are senior, unsecured obligations. Most of our long-term debt obligations contain covenants related to secured debt levels. In addition to a secured debt level covenant, our credit facilities also contain a debt leverage covenant. We are, and expect to remain, in compliance with these covenants, which have no practical effect on our ability to pay dividends.
17.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Our derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps used to mitigate interest rate risk. As a result, we have counterparty credit exposure to large global financial institutions, which we monitor on an ongoing basis.
Note 7
provides the fair value and classification of these instruments.
During 2023, we amended interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $
1.5
billion to replace the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) with the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as part of our planned reference rate reform activities. These amendments did not result in any change to our application of hedge accounting or any impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Under our swap agreements, we pay a floating rate equal to the daily SOFR compounded over six months and receive a weighted average fixed rate of
2.8
percent. The agreements have a weighted average remaining maturity of
4.9
years. As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $
2.45
billion were designated as fair value hedges, and all were considered to be perfectly effective under the shortcut method during 2023 and 2022.
During 2022, we terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges that hedged $
2.15
billion of the $
2.65
billion 2022 debt issuances described in
Note 16
. The resulting gains upon termination of these swap agreements totaling $
419
million were recorded in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss (AOCI) and are recognized as a reduction to Net Interest Expense over the respective term of the debt. The cash flows related to forward-starting interest rate swaps are included within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Effect of Hedges on Debt
(millions)
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Long-term debt and other borrowings
Carrying amount of hedged debt
$
2,316
$
2,366
Cumulative hedging adjustments, included in carrying amount
(
126
)
(
74
)
Effect of Hedges on Net Interest Expense
(millions)
2023
2022
2021
Gain (loss) on fair value hedges recognized in Net Interest Expense
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges
$
(
52
)
$
(
151
)
$
(
106
)
Hedged debt
52
151
106
Gain on cash flow hedges recognized in Net Interest Expense
We lease certain retail stores, supply chain facilities, office space, land, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We combine lease and nonlease components for new and reassessed leases.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from
one
to
50
years or more. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Certain of our lease agreements require reimbursement of real estate taxes, common area maintenance, and insurance, as well as rental payments based on a percentage of retail sales over contractual levels, and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
We rent or sublease certain real estate to third parties. Our lease and sublease portfolio consists mainly of operating leases with CVS Pharmacy Inc. (CVS) for space within our stores.
Leases
(millions)
Classification
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Assets
Operating
Operating Lease Assets
$
3,362
$
2,657
Finance
Property and Equipment, Net
(a)
1,470
1,673
Total leased assets
$
4,832
$
4,330
Liabilities
Current
Operating
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
$
329
$
296
Finance
Current Portion of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowings
119
129
Noncurrent
Operating
Noncurrent Operating Lease Liabilities
3,279
2,638
Finance
Long-term Debt and Other Borrowings
1,894
1,943
Total lease liabilities
$
5,621
$
5,006
(a)
Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $
743
million and $
623
million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
Lease Cost
(millions)
Classification
2023
2022
2021
Operating lease cost
(a)
SG&A Expenses
$
550
$
467
$
387
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets
Depreciation and Amortization
(b)
136
133
127
Interest on lease liabilities
Net Interest Expense
71
68
68
Sublease income
(c)
Other Revenue
(
20
)
(
19
)
(
18
)
Net lease cost
$
737
$
649
$
564
(a)
2023, 2022, and 2021 include $
115
million, $
101
million, and $
64
million, respectively, of short-term and variable lease costs.
(b)
Supply chain-related amounts are included in Cost of Sales.
(c)
Sublease income excludes rental income from owned properties of $
49
million for each of 2023 and 2022, and $
48
million in 2021, which is included in Other Revenue.
(a)
Operating lease payments include $
782
million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude $
879
million of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.
(b)
Finance lease payments include $
226
million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude $
449
million of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.
Lease Term and Discount Rate
February 3, 2024
January 28, 2023
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases
12.0
11.4
Finance leases
14.6
15.4
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases
4.22
%
3.52
%
Finance leases
3.69
%
3.56
%
Other Information
(millions)
2023
2022
2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Earnings before income taxes were $
5.3
billion, $
3.4
billion, and $
8.9
billion during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, including $
1.2
billion, $
1.3
billion, and $
896
million earned by our foreign entities subject to tax outside of the U.S.
Tax Rate Reconciliation
2023
2022
2021
Federal statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
State income taxes, net of the federal tax benefit
3.8
3.0
3.9
International
(
1.3
)
(
2.1
)
(
1.3
)
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payments
(a)
$
8
million and $
6
million of the balances as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively, is included in Other Noncurrent Assets.
We file a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has completed exams on the U.S. federal income tax returns for years 2020 and prior. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016.
Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits
(millions)
2023
2022
2021
Balance at beginning of period
$
233
$
125
$
181
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
128
115
32
Additions for tax positions of prior years
8
21
11
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
(
13
)
(
23
)
(
95
)
Settlements
(
4
)
(
5
)
(
4
)
Balance at end of period
$
352
$
233
$
125
If we were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, the amount that would benefit the effective tax rate was $
161
million, $
107
million, and $
67
million as of February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively. In addition, the reversal of accrued interest and penalties would also benefit the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recorded within income tax expense. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, we recorded an expense
/
(benefit) from accrued interest and penalties of $
6
million, $(
4
) million, and $
1
million, respectively. As of February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, total accrued interest and penalties were $
14
million, $
7
million, and $
13
million, respectively.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits with respect to our other unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next twelve months; however, an estimate of the amount or range of the change cannot be made at this time.
We periodically repurchase shares of our common stock under a board-authorized repurchase program through a combination of open market transactions, accelerated share repurchase arrangements, and other privately negotiated transactions with financial institutions. We did
no
t repurchase any of our shares during 2023.
Share Repurchase Activity
(millions, except per share data)
2023
2022
2021
Total number of shares purchased
—
12.5
31.3
Average price paid per share
$
—
$
211.57
$
230.07
Total investment
$
—
$
2,646
$
7,190
22.
Share-Based Compensation
We maintain a long-term incentive plan for key team members and non-employee members of our Board of Directors. This plan allows us to grant equity-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, or a combination of awards (collectively, share-based awards). The number of unissued common shares reserved for future grants under this plan was
29.4
million as of February 3, 2024.
Compensation expense associated with share-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the required service period and reflects estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation expense recognized in SG&A Expenses was $
255
million, $
224
million, and $
238
million, and the related income tax benefit was $
56
million, $
52
million, and $
45
million, in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
We issue restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units generally with
3
-year cliff or
4
-year graduated vesting from the grant date (collectively restricted stock units) to certain team members. The final number of shares issued under performance-based restricted stock units is based on our total shareholder return relative to a retail peer group over a
3-year
performance period. We also regularly issue restricted stock units to our Board of Directors, which vest quarterly over a
1-year
period and are settled in shares of Target common stock upon departure from the Board.
The fair value for restricted stock units is calculated based on our stock price on the date of grant, incorporating an analysis of the total shareholder return performance measure where applicable.
The weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock units was $
160.91
, $
208.80
, and $
186.98
in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Total Nonvested Units
Restricted
Stock
(a)
Grant Date
Fair Value
(b)
January 28, 2023
3,321
$
167.25
Granted
2,138
160.91
Forfeited
(
304
)
174.90
Vested
(
1,359
)
144.37
February 3, 2024
3,796
$
171.61
(a)
Represents the number of shares of restricted stock units, in thousands. For performance-based restricted stock units, assumes attainment of maximum payout rates as set forth in the performance criteria. Applying actual or expected payout rates, the number of outstanding restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units as of February 3, 2024 was
3.68
million.
(b)
Weighted average per unit
.
The expense recognized each period is partially dependent upon our estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately be issued.
As of February 3, 2024, there was $
362
million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
2.5
years. The fair value of restricted stock units vested and converted to shares of Target common stock was $
213
million, $
321
million, and $
323
million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Performance Share Units
We issue performance share units to certain team members that represent shares potentially issuable in the future. Issuance is based upon our performance, generally relative to a retail peer group, over a
3-year
or
4-year
performance period on certain measures primarily including sales growth, after-tax return on invested capital, and earnings per share growth. The fair value of performance share units is calculated based on our stock price on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value for performance share units was $
162.54
, $
216.63
, and $
179.58
in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Performance Share Unit Activity
Total Nonvested Units
Performance
Share Units
(a)
Grant Date
Fair Value
(b)
January 28, 2023
1,887
$
152.26
Granted
738
162.54
Forfeited
(
361
)
189.38
Vested
(
770
)
109.78
February 3, 2024
1,494
$
182.98
(a)
Represents the number of performance share units, in thousands. Assumes attainment of maximum payout rates as set forth in the performance criteria. Applying actual or expected payout rates, the number of outstanding performance share units as of February 3, 2024 was
0.75
million.
The expense recognized each period is partially dependent upon our estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately be issued. Future compensation expense for unvested awards could reach a maximum of $
155
million assuming payout of all unvested awards. The unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
1.4
years. The fair value of performance share units vested and converted to shares of Target common stock was $
127
million, $
178
million, and $
127
million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Stock Options
In the past, we granted stock options to certain team members. All outstanding stock options are vested and currently exercisable.
Stock Option Activity
Stock Options
Total Outstanding & Exercisable
Number of
Options
(a)
Exercise
Price
(b)
Intrinsic
Value
(c)
January 28, 2023
122
$
56.07
$
14
Exercised
(
67
)
56.47
February 3, 2024
55
$
55.60
$
5
(a)
In thousands.
(b)
Weighted average per share.
(c)
Represents stock price appreciation subsequent to the grant date, in millions.
Stock Option Exercises
(millions)
2023
2022
2021
Cash received for exercise price
$
—
$
4
$
8
Intrinsic value
5
11
45
Income tax benefit
1
2
11
As of February 3, 2024, there was
no
unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options. The weighted average remaining life of exercisable and outstanding options is
0.2
years.
23.
Defined Contribution Plans
Team members who meet eligibility requirements can participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan by investing up to
80
percent of their eligible earnings, as limited by statute or regulation. We match
100
percent of each team member's contribution up to
5
percent of eligible earnings. Company match contributions are made to funds designated by the participant, none of which are based on Target common stock.
In addition, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a broad management group whose participation in our 401(k) plan is limited by statute or regulation. These team members choose from a menu of crediting rate alternatives that are generally the same as the investment choices in our 401(k) plan, but also includes a fund based on Target common stock. We credit an additional
2
percent per year to the accounts of all active participants, excluding members of our executive leadership team, in part to recognize the risks inherent to their participation in this plan. We also maintain a frozen, unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan covering less than
50
participants. Our total liability under these plans was $
627
million and $
600
million as of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, respectively.
We mitigate our risk of offering the nonqualified plans through investing in company-owned life insurance and prepaid forward contracts that substantially offset our economic exposure to the returns of these plans. These investments are general corporate assets and are marked to market with the related gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period they occur.
We have a U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan covering team members who meet eligibility requirements. This plan is closed to new participants. Active participants accrue benefits under a final average pay feature or a cash balance feature. We also have unfunded, nonqualified pension plans for team members with qualified plan compensation restrictions, as well as international plans. Eligibility and the level of benefits under all plans vary depending on each team member's full-time or part-time status, date of hire, age, length of service, and/or compensation.
Funded Status
Qualified Plan
Nonqualified and International Plans
(millions)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Projected benefit obligations
$
3,436
$
3,616
$
60
$
64
Fair value of plan assets
3,493
3,691
21
17
Funded
/
(underfunded) status
$
57
$
75
$
(
39
)
$
(
47
)
Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Our obligations to plan participants can be met over time through a combination of company contributions to these plans and earnings on plan assets. In 2023, we made
no
contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plan, and in 2022 we made a discretionary contribution of $
150
million. We are not required to make any contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plan in 2024. However, depending on investment performance and plan funded status, we may elect to make a contribution.
Net Periodic Benefit Expense Weighted Average Assumptions
2023
2022
2021
Discount rate
4.83
%
3.30
%
2.84
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
6.50
5.60
5.80
Average assumed rate of compensation increase
3.00
3.00
3.00
Cash balance plan interest crediting rate
4.64
4.64
4.64
The weighted average assumptions used to measure net periodic benefit expense each year are the rates as of the beginning of the year (i.e., the prior measurement date). Our most recent compound annual rate of return on qualified plan assets was
4.6
percent,
4.8
percent,
6.4
percent, and
6.2
percent for the
5-year
,
10-year
,
15-year
, and
20-year
time periods, respectively.
The market-related value of plan assets is used in calculating the expected return on assets. Historical differences between expected and actual returns are deferred and recognized in the market-related value over a
5-year
period from the year in which they occur.
We review the expected long-term rate of return annually and revise it as appropriate. Additionally, we monitor the mix of investments in our portfolio to ensure alignment with our long-term strategy to manage pension cost and reduce volatility in our assets. Our 2023 expected annualized long-term rate of return assumptions were
7.5
percent for domestic equity securities,
8.0
percent for international equity securities,
5.5
percent for long-duration debt securities,
9.0
percent for diversified funds, and
8.0
percent for other investments. These estimates are a judgmental matter in which we consider the composition of our asset portfolio, our historical long-term investment performance, and current market conditions.
(a)
The actuarial gain was primarily driven by changes in the weighted average discount rate.
(b)
Accumulated benefit obligation—the present value of benefits earned to date assuming no future salary growth—is materially consistent with the projected benefit obligation in each period presented.
Plan Assets
Change in Plan Assets
Qualified Plan
Nonqualified and International Plans
(millions)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
$
3,691
$
4,433
$
17
$
16
Actual return on plan assets
119
(
600
)
1
(
3
)
Employer contributions
—
150
8
10
Participant contributions
4
2
—
—
Benefits paid
(
321
)
(
294
)
(
5
)
(
6
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
$
3,493
$
3,691
$
21
$
17
Our asset allocation policy is designed to reduce the long-term cost of funding our pension obligations. The plan invests with both passive and active investment managers depending on the investment. The plan also seeks to reduce the risk associated with adverse movements in interest rates by employing an interest rate hedging program, which includes the use of derivative instruments.
Asset Category
Current Targeted Allocation
Actual Allocation
2023
2022
Domestic equity securities
(a)
12
%
12
%
12
%
International equity securities
8
8
8
Debt securities
50
52
51
Diversified funds
25
24
23
Other
(b)
5
4
6
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
(a)
Equity securities include our common stock in amounts substantially less than
1
percent of total plan assets in both periods presented.
(b)
Other assets include private equity, mezzanine and high-yield debt, natural resources and timberland funds, derivative instruments, and real estate.
(a)
Investments in government securities and long-term government bonds.
(b)
Investments in corporate and municipal bonds.
(c)
Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
Position
Valuation Technique
Cash and cash equivalents
Carrying value approximates fair value.
Derivatives
Valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model (e.g., interest rates and credit spreads). Model inputs are changed only when corroborated by market data. A credit risk adjustment is made on each swap using observable market credit spreads.
Government securities
and fixed income
Valued using matrix pricing models and quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
Amounts Included in Shareholders' Investment
Actuarial gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and amortized using the corridor approach. As of February 3, 2024, and January 28, 2023, pretax net actuarial losses recorded in AOCI totaled $
969
million and $
937
million, respectively.
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax
—
(
1
)
(
26
)
(
27
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
(
17
)
(a)
—
3
(b)
(
14
)
February 3, 2024
$
283
$
(
24
)
$
(
719
)
$
(
460
)
Note: Amounts are net of tax.
(a)
Represents amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of $
6
million of taxes, which is recorded in Net Interest Expense.
(b)
Represents amortization of pension gains and losses, net of tax, which is recorded in Net Other Income. See
Note 24
for additional information.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the most recently completed fiscal quarter, there were no changes which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, we conducted an evaluation, under supervision and with the participation of management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
On
November 22, 2023
,
Christina Hennington
, Target’s
Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer
,
adopted
a written plan for the sale of Target common stock that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of
Rule 10b5-1(c)
under the Exchange Act. Ms. Hennington’s written plan covers
11,900
shares of Target common stock in the aggregate. It provides for the sale of
9,900
shares of Target common stock and also provides for a gift of
2,000
shares of Target common stock. This written plan is scheduled to expire on November 22, 2024.
Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from Target's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 12, 2024 (our Proxy Statement). Except for those portions specifically incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the Proxy Statement, no other portions of the Proxy Statement are deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The following sections of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference:
•
Item one—Election of directors
•
General information about corporate governance and the Board—
◦
Committees
◦
Business ethics and conduct
•
Questions and answers about the 2024 Annual Meeting—Access to information—Question 16
•
Questions and answers about the 2024 Annual Meeting—Communications—Question 19
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Filed herewith.
***
Furnished herewith.
+
Certain portions of this exhibit have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally an unredacted copy of the exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
‡
Certain schedules and attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of such schedules and attachments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
(1)
Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Company have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any such instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Target has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TARGET CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Michael J. Fiddelke
Date: March 13, 2024
Michael J. Fiddelke
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Target and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Brian C. Cornell
Date: March 13, 2024
Brian C. Cornell
Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Michael J. Fiddelke
Date: March 13, 2024
Michael J. Fiddelke
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Matthew A. Liegel
Date: March 13, 2024
Matthew A. Liegel
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Controller
DAVID P. ABNEY
DOUGLAS M. BAKER, JR.
GEORGE S. BARRETT
GAIL K. BOUDREAUX
ROBERT L. EDWARDS
DONALD R. KNAUSS
CHRISTINE A. LEAHY
MONICA C. LOZANO
GRACE PUMA
DERICA W. RICE
DMITRI L. STOCKTON
Constituting a majority of the Board of Directors
Michael J. Fiddelke, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by the Directors named, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of such Directors, all in the capacities and on the date stated.
(We are using algorithms to extract and display detailed data. This is a hard problem and we are working continuously to classify data in an accurate and useful manner.)