Ferguson vs Target

This page compares Ferguson and Target Corp, analysing their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how two prominent retailers operate in different sectors and markets, with neutral, accessible explanations throughout. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Ferguson and Target Corp, analysing their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how two prominent retailers operate in different sect...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

FERG

Metric

TGT

$49.85B

Market Cap

$49.60B

-9.19%

Potential Profit

-12.70%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

Target Ushers in New Era with CEO Shift, Aggressive Store Expansion, and Wellness Push

New CEO Michael Fiddelke, former COO, takes helm to tackle ongoing challenges after years of lagging performance, with revenue and net income peaking in 2022.
Announced 30 new stores and $1 billion extra investment in 2026, boosting total capex to $5 billion to fuel physical footprint growth.
Wellness category surges 30% with thousands of under-$10 items, over 1,000 new apparel pieces, plus record spring beauty assortment of nearly 3,000 products to capture everyday demand.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Target Ushers in New Era with CEO Shift, Aggressive Store Expansion, and Wellness Push

New CEO Michael Fiddelke, former COO, takes helm to tackle ongoing challenges after years of lagging performance, with revenue and net income peaking in 2022.
Announced 30 new stores and $1 billion extra investment in 2026, boosting total capex to $5 billion to fuel physical footprint growth.
Wellness category surges 30% with thousands of under-$10 items, over 1,000 new apparel pieces, plus record spring beauty assortment of nearly 3,000 products to capture everyday demand.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

Ferguson

FERG

Pros

Ferguson PLC reported a strong Q4 2025 EPS beat with $3.48 versus expected $3.29, demonstrating solid profitability.
The company’s net sales grew 6.9% year-over-year in Q4 2025, driven by demand in HVAC and waterworks sectors.
Ferguson maintains healthy liquidity with a current ratio of 1.64 and a robust return on equity of 29%.

Considerations

Revenue in Q4 2025 of $8.5 billion missed expectations, indicating some top-line growth challenges.
High long-term debt of $3.75 billion at fiscal year-end 2024 poses financial risk, with interest expenses rising 6.1%.
Operating expenses increased in fiscal 2025, with cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses both rising.

Target

TGT

Pros

Target Corp benefits from a diversified retail portfolio with strong brand recognition across the U.S.
The company has shown consistent same-store sales growth and improved digital sales momentum recently.
Target maintains strong cash flow generation and solid balance sheet metrics, supporting investments and shareholder returns.

Considerations

Target faces margin pressure from rising input costs and competitive discounting in the retail sector.
Macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation impacts have weighed on consumer spending patterns affecting sales growth.
The retail environment remains highly competitive with increasing costs for supply chain and labour expenses.

Related Market Insights

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Related Market Insights

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About The Companies

Ferguson (FERG)

Ferguson PLC is a leading value-added distributor that serves the North American residential and non-residential construction markets. Operating primarily in the United States and Canada, the company supplies a vast range of products and services to specialised professionals. Its inventory includes everything from plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to pipes, valves, and fittings (PVF). Ferguson connects with its customers through a multi-channel network of distribution centres, branches, and e-commerce platforms. By catering to various sectors like plumbing, facilities supply, and waterworks, Ferguson has established itself as a key supplier within the construction industry's supply chain. It's important for potential investors to remember that the company's performance can be closely linked to the health of the broader construction market, and like any investment, its value can go down as well as up.

Target (TGT)

Target Corporation (TGT) is a large US general merchandise retailer known for its combination of physical stores and a growing online presence. With a market capitalisation of about $42.90B, Target operates a broad assortment of own-brand and national products across apparel, home goods, grocery and electronics. Investors commonly note its omnichannel strategy, store remodels and private-label initiatives as drivers of sales and margin improvement, while supply-chain efficiency and inventory management remain key operational levers. As a consumer-discretionary business, Target’s performance is sensitive to economic cycles, consumer confidence and commodity or transportation costs. The company has a history of returning capital via dividends and buybacks, but past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This summary is for educational purposes only and not personalised investment advice; potential investors should assess suitability, consider risk tolerance, and do further research or consult a qualified adviser.

Target (TGT) Next Earnings Date

Target Corporation's next earnings release is estimated for March 3, 2026, based on the company's historical reporting pattern. This announcement will cover the company's fiscal Q4 2025 results. The earnings report is expected to be released before market open, allowing investors to react during the trading session. Analyst consensus estimates suggest an EPS figure around $1.00 for this period.

Target (TGT) Next Earnings Date

Target Corporation's next earnings release is estimated for March 3, 2026, based on the company's historical reporting pattern. This announcement will cover the company's fiscal Q4 2025 results. The earnings report is expected to be released before market open, allowing investors to react during the trading session. Analyst consensus estimates suggest an EPS figure around $1.00 for this period.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Ferguson vs Target

Comparison Snapshot

Why It's Moving

Target Ushers in New Era with CEO Shift, Aggressive Store Expansion, and Wellness Push

Target Ushers in New Era with CEO Shift, Aggressive Store Expansion, and Wellness Push