Calculation
| Net profit margin | = | 100 | × | Net earnings (loss)1 | ÷ | Net sales1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 3.54% | = | 100 | × | 3,705) | ÷ | 104,780) |
| Feb 1, 2025 | 3.84% | = | 100 | × | 4,091) | ÷ | 106,566) |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 3.85% | = | 100 | × | 4,138) | ÷ | 107,412) |
| Jan 28, 2023 | 2.55% | = | 100 | × | 2,780) | ÷ | 109,120) |
| Jan 29, 2022 | 6.55% | = | 100 | × | 6,946) | ÷ | 106,005) |
| Jan 30, 2021 | 4.67% | = | 100 | × | 4,368) | ÷ | 93,561) |
| Feb 1, 2020 | 4.20% | = | 100 | × | 3,281) | ÷ | 78,112) |
| Feb 2, 2019 | 3.90% | = | 100 | × | 2,937) | ÷ | 75,356) |
| Feb 3, 2018 | 4.08% | = | 100 | × | 2,934) | ÷ | 71,879) |
| Jan 28, 2017 | 3.94% | = | 100 | × | 2,737) | ÷ | 69,495) |
| Jan 30, 2016 | 4.56% | = | 100 | × | 3,363) | ÷ | 73,785) |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -2.25% | = | 100 | × | (1,636) | ÷ | 72,618) |
| Feb 1, 2014 | 2.72% | = | 100 | × | 1,971) | ÷ | 72,596) |
| Feb 2, 2013 | 4.09% | = | 100 | × | 2,999) | ÷ | 73,301) |
| Jan 28, 2012 | 4.19% | = | 100 | × | 2,929) | ÷ | 69,865) |
| Jan 29, 2011 | 4.33% | = | 100 | × | 2,920) | ÷ | 67,390) |
| Jan 30, 2010 | 3.81% | = | 100 | × | 2,488) | ÷ | 65,357) |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 3.41% | = | 100 | × | 2,214) | ÷ | 64,948) |
| Feb 2, 2008 | 4.50% | = | 100 | × | 2,849) | ÷ | 63,367) |
| Feb 3, 2007 | 4.68% | = | 100 | × | 2,787) | ÷ | 59,490) |
| Jan 28, 2006 | 4.58% | = | 100 | × | 2,408) | ÷ | 52,620) |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 6.83% | = | 100 | × | 3,198) | ÷ | 46,839) |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-29).
1 US$ in millions
The net profit margin exhibited considerable fluctuation between 2005 and 2026. Initial values demonstrated a generally positive trend, followed by a period of instability, and then a resurgence before stabilizing in recent years. A detailed examination reveals distinct phases in the company’s profitability.
- Initial Period (2005-2008)
- The net profit margin began at 6.83% in 2005, declining to 4.58% in 2006, before showing a slight recovery to 4.68% in 2007. This was followed by a further decrease to 4.50% in 2008. This initial period suggests a moderate, but generally downward, trend in profitability despite increasing net sales.
- Period of Decline and Loss (2009-2014)
- From 2009 through 2014, the net profit margin experienced a significant downturn. It fell to 3.41% in 2009, increased slightly to 3.81% in 2010, and then rose to a peak of 4.33% in 2011, before decreasing again. A substantial decline occurred in 2014, resulting in a negative net profit margin of -2.25%, indicating a net loss for the year. This period reflects considerable challenges in maintaining profitability, potentially due to increased costs or competitive pressures.
- Recovery and Growth (2015-2020)
- The company demonstrated a strong recovery starting in 2015, with the net profit margin returning to positive territory at 4.56%. This upward trend continued, reaching 6.55% in 2020. This period suggests successful implementation of cost-control measures, improved operational efficiency, or increased sales volume. The margin consistently exceeded 4% throughout this phase.
- Recent Performance (2021-2026)
- Following the peak in 2020, the net profit margin decreased to 2.55% in 2021, before recovering to 3.85% in 2022 and remaining relatively stable at 3.84% and 3.54% in 2023 and 2024 respectively. This recent period indicates a potential stabilization of profitability, albeit at a lower level than the peak observed in 2020. The fluctuations suggest sensitivity to external economic factors or internal strategic shifts.
Overall, the net profit margin demonstrates a cyclical pattern, with periods of growth, decline, and recovery. While the company has shown resilience in rebounding from periods of loss, maintaining consistent profitability remains a key challenge. The recent stabilization suggests a need for continued focus on cost management and revenue enhancement to sustain long-term financial health.
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Comparison to Competitors
| Target Corp. | Costco Wholesale Corp. | Walmart Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 3.54% | — | 3.10% |
| Feb 1, 2025 | 3.84% | 3.00% | 2.88% |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 3.85% | 2.95% | 2.41% |
| Jan 28, 2023 | 2.55% | 2.65% | 1.93% |
| Jan 29, 2022 | 6.55% | 2.62% | 2.41% |
| Jan 30, 2021 | 4.67% | 2.61% | 2.43% |
| Feb 1, 2020 | 4.20% | 2.45% | 2.86% |
| Feb 2, 2019 | 3.90% | 2.45% | 1.31% |
| Feb 3, 2018 | 4.08% | 2.26% | 1.99% |
| Jan 28, 2017 | 3.94% | 2.12% | 2.83% |
| Jan 30, 2016 | 4.56% | 2.02% | 3.07% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -2.25% | 2.09% | 3.39% |
| Feb 1, 2014 | 2.72% | 1.87% | 3.39% |
| Feb 2, 2013 | 4.09% | 1.98% | 3.65% |
| Jan 28, 2012 | 4.19% | 1.76% | 3.54% |
| Jan 29, 2011 | 4.33% | 1.68% | 3.91% |
| Jan 30, 2010 | 3.81% | 1.71% | 3.54% |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 3.41% | 1.55% | 3.34% |
| Feb 2, 2008 | 4.50% | 1.81% | 3.40% |
| Feb 3, 2007 | 4.68% | 1.72% | 3.27% |
| Jan 28, 2006 | 4.58% | 1.87% | 3.59% |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 6.83% | 2.05% | 3.60% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-29).
Comparison to Sector (Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail)
Target Corp., net profit margin, long-term trends, comparison to sector (consumer staples distribution & retail)
| Target Corp. | Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 3.54% | — |
| Feb 1, 2025 | 3.84% | 3.01% |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 3.85% | 2.70% |
| Jan 28, 2023 | 2.55% | 2.18% |
| Jan 29, 2022 | 6.55% | 2.95% |
| Jan 30, 2021 | 4.67% | 2.72% |
| Feb 1, 2020 | 4.20% | 2.91% |
| Feb 2, 2019 | 3.90% | 1.80% |
| Feb 3, 2018 | 4.08% | 2.26% |
| Jan 28, 2017 | 3.94% | 2.82% |
| Jan 30, 2016 | 4.56% | 3.05% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -2.25% | 2.56% |
| Feb 1, 2014 | 2.72% | 3.06% |
| Feb 2, 2013 | 4.09% | 3.43% |
| Jan 28, 2012 | 4.19% | 3.33% |
| Jan 29, 2011 | 4.33% | 3.62% |
| Jan 30, 2010 | 3.81% | 3.32% |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 3.41% | 3.12% |
| Feb 2, 2008 | 4.50% | 3.31% |
| Feb 3, 2007 | 4.68% | 3.24% |
| Jan 28, 2006 | 4.58% | 3.48% |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 6.83% | 3.78% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-29).
Comparison to Industry (Consumer Staples)
| Target Corp. | Consumer Staples | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | 3.54% | — |
| Feb 1, 2025 | 3.84% | 6.10% |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 3.85% | 5.69% |
| Jan 28, 2023 | 2.55% | 5.47% |
| Jan 29, 2022 | 6.55% | 6.11% |
| Jan 30, 2021 | 4.67% | 6.21% |
| Feb 1, 2020 | 4.20% | 6.22% |
| Feb 2, 2019 | 3.90% | 4.62% |
| Feb 3, 2018 | 4.08% | 6.05% |
| Jan 28, 2017 | 3.94% | 5.52% |
| Jan 30, 2016 | 4.56% | 5.88% |
| Jan 31, 2015 | -2.25% | 5.62% |
| Feb 1, 2014 | 2.72% | 6.00% |
| Feb 2, 2013 | 4.09% | 6.75% |
| Jan 28, 2012 | 4.19% | 6.65% |
| Jan 29, 2011 | 4.33% | 6.99% |
| Jan 30, 2010 | 3.81% | 7.59% |
| Jan 31, 2009 | 3.41% | 6.93% |
| Feb 2, 2008 | 4.50% | 6.75% |
| Feb 3, 2007 | 4.68% | 6.11% |
| Jan 28, 2006 | 4.58% | 6.35% |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 6.83% | 6.29% |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-02-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-01-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-01-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-01-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-02-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-02-03), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-01-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-01-29).