Given Target's household-name status and sprawling footprint, it's no surprise that many investors want to learn how to buy Target stock and tap into the company's brand power.
According to historical data, investors who bought shares in early 2020 and held them through 2025 would see a modest return of around 12% — excluding dividends. That said, the stock surged by as much as 170% during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it hasn't exactly been stuck in neutral, either.1
Investors who are interested in buying Target stock should review the history of Target stock, consider the pros and cons, and learn about the company before adding this retail giant to their portfolio.
Target stock price today
How to buy Target stock (TGT)
As one of America’s most recognizable retailers and a member of the S&P 500, Target’s stock ticker (TGT) is widely available on most major brokerage platforms. As long as your trading platform supports U.S. equities, you shouldn't have trouble taking aim at this retail giant.
- 1 Choose a brokerage account: Start by researching reputable online brokerages that offer access to U.S. stocks. Most well-known platforms will list Target, but it’s still worth double-checking. Once you’ve shortlisted a few options, compare their fees, account minimums, tools, and bonus features — such as educational resources or mobile trading apps — to find one that suits your investing style.
- 2 Funnd your account: After setting up your account, you’ll need to deposit money to start trading. Most brokerages allow you to link your bank and fund your account via Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, which are typically free. Some platforms also support instant deposits through debit cards or fintech services like PayPal or Venmo, though these methods may come with additional fees.
- 3 Search for Target stock: Once your account is funded, use your platform’s search function to look up Target by entering its ticker symbol: TGT. From there, you’ll be able to view the current share price, historical performance, and key stats. Most platforms will also display a prominent “Buy” button
- 4 Decide how many shares to buy: When you’re ready to invest, enter the number of shares you want to purchase. If your platform offers fractional shares, you can invest with just a few dollars. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy whole shares of Target. Consider how much you want to invest based on the stock price, your budget and portfolio goals.
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Choose your order type: Next, select the type of order you want to place. The most common options are:
- Market order: Buys the stock immediately at the current market price.
- Limit order: Lets you set a specific price you’re willing to pay. The trade only executes if the stock hits that price.
Market orders are fast and simple but may result in price slippage, especially during periods of volatility. Limit orders offer more control, but there’s a chance your order won’t be filled right away, or at all. - 6 Review and place your order: Before you finalize your purchase, review all the details — including any fees or transaction costs. Many brokers now offer commission-free trading, but there may still be regulatory or third-party fees. Once everything looks good, select “buy” to complete your Target stock purchase.
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About Target
Target was founded in Minnesota in 1962 as the discount retail division of the Dayton Company.2 Although it began as a sibling brand, Target soon outpaced its parent company to become a leading national retailer.
Today, Target is known for it curated product lines, trend-forward private labels, and partnerships with high-profile designers and brands. With nearly 2,000 locations across the country, the company has built a loyal customer base by combining value with a more stylish, streamlined shopping experience.3
To compete in the age of e-commerce, Target has expanded its digital footprint and invested in same-day services like in-store pickup, Drive Up, and home delivery through Shipt. It also rewards repeat customers through its Target Circle loyalty program.4
Is Target a good stock to buy?
Target checks many of the boxes typically associated with a "blue-chip" stock. It has a long track record of consistent revenue, a strong national presence, and shareholder-friendly practices like regular dividend payments and share buybacks.
From a stock performance perspective, Target shares in 2025 are trading only slightly higher than in 2020, despite significant fluctuations during that time. Target may appeal to investors looking for exposure to the U.S. retail sector, particularly those interested in established companies with a history of paying dividends or well known consumer brands. Its performance may not align with more aggressive growth strategies, and like any equity investment, it carries risk tied to market volatility and business fundamentals.
As with any stocks, investors should review Target's financials, market position and broader economic trends when evaluating whether to include it in their portfolio.
Pros and cons of buying Target stock
Pros
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Established brand with strong customer loyalty. Target has built significant brand recognition over decades, helping it maintain a competitive position in the U.S. retail market. Its long operating history may provide some stability compared to newer or unproven brands.
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Regular dividend payments. Target pays a consistent quarterly dividend, currently $1.12 per share.5 The company has a history of raising its dividend, which may appeal to income-focused investors.
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Attractive omnichannel strategy. To meet evolving consumer preferences, Target has integrated in-store and online experiences with services like same-day delivery, curbside pickup, and a streamlined mobile app.
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Private label strength. Target's exclusive brands, such as Good & Gather, helps drive repeat visits and customer loyalty. These private labels also often carry higher profit margins than national brands.
Cons
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Competition: Target faces strong competition from major retailers like Walmart and Costco, as well as online giants like Amazon. These alternatives may influence pricing, margins, and market share.
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Limited international footprint. Target's operations are focused almost entirely in the U.S. Its lack of global diversification means performance is closely tied to the health of the U.S. economy.6
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Margin pressures. Rising operational costs — including wages, shipping and promotional spending — continue to challenge profitability. Retail shrinkage (losses from theft and error) has also been a growing concern.7
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Weak five-year track record. While Target's stock experienced a significant rise during the pandemic, its five-year performance as of 2025 has remained relatively flat. This may be a consideration for investors focused on long-term growth trends.
Eric Esposito is a freelance contributor on MoneyWise with an interest in financial markets, investing, and trading. In addition to MoneyWise, Eric’s work can be found on financial publications such as WallStreetZen and CoinDesk. When not researching the latest stock market trends, Eric enjoys biking, walking his dog, and spending time with family in Central Florida. Eric holds a BA in English from Quinnipiac University.
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