TGT 10-K Analysis: Why Target's Dividend Math No Longer Works
Target Corporation reported its 57th consecutive year of dividend increases and called its SG&A rate 'flat.' But the FY2025 10-K reveals a $593 million interchange fee settlement masked a 30 basis point deterioration in the underlying cost base, adjusted operating income declined 14.2% — nearly twice the GAAP decline — and management's own $5 billion capex guide pushes projected free cash flow $538 million below the annual dividend. For the first time, Target must borrow to sustain the streak that defines it as an income stock.