Committed to Investors

In order for a company to succeed they must have a good relationship with the public. Target has built a strong and trusted relationship with their public's. Each year they produce an annual report. The report includes features such as the years financial highlights, a letter to their shareholders, what was new for the year, strategy updates, the years sales per capita, a financial summary, shareholder information, and a list of the directors and management. Target's annual report is more of an economic piece with a bit of marketing included.

Target included their Securities and Exchange Commission 10-K filing which can be found online or in the actual paperback annual report. In the 2009 annual report Target made it clear to their investors what the value of Target's stocks and bonds were for the year and what they are looking forward to in 2010. They provided accurate and timely information for their shareholders. Even with the rough economic year Target delivered stronger than expected financial results according to their CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

Inside Target's annual report their shareholders can see what the 2009 year brought and what investors can expect for the upcoming year. Its an opportunity for Target to express their gratitude toward there customers and shareholders. Even with the economic difficulties in 2009 Target was still able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Inside the letter to our shareholders Target expresses their unwavering commitment to innovation and discipline ensured continued relevance with our guests. Target is committed to their customers and they will continue to do everything they can to meet the expectations of their customers and shareholders. Improvement of their expenses, investment in capital productivity, enhance their profits, and gross margin are all factors mentioned. Examples of how this will and is being done is addressed within the letter. The 2009 performance is looked at and explained in a reader-friendly way and then the 2010 goals are mentioned. Overall it is a credible and believable letter highlighting Target's commitment to their public's! As an investor reading the letter overall appreciation would be felt toward Target. Target's Here For Good motto shines through.

The latest press release, released on October 7th, 2010 reported September sales. It is reader friendly and a September, Quarter-to-Date, and Year-to-Date sales results are charted to allow for maximum reader understanding. A date for the next sales recording is even given.

Gregg Steinhafel, Targets CEO expresses that their September sales were not where they thought they would be; but there was a good result in other areas of their stores, including the back-to-school and back-to-college. The quote from Steinhafel is well-written and sincere. Although they had low sales results the upcoming months are going to bring about new programs (REDcard Rewards) along with the holiday seasons. At the end of October they will have no stores under construction and the new PFresh layout will be in 462 Target stores.

At the end of the news release a little segment is given about Target which enforces the feel good attitude they want their customers and shareholders to feel about their stores. Including a sentence on the $3 million they give away weekly to their communities. Any bad news was addressed, good news was given, and what shareholders have to look forward to in the upcoming months. 

Target manages their relationships with their various public's and it shows in the 2009 annual report, letter to the shareholder, and the latest press October press release.