Target Corporation has encountered cash problem recently and is seeking different venues to fulfill its cash requirements. There are two propositions regarding this issue which are discussed in this memo focusing on the information that would help fund providers to make a suitable decision regarding their investment or lending decisions.
Company Profile
Target Corporation is a retailing company based in Minnesota which was established in 1908 under the name of Dayton Dry Goods Company. The first target store was opened in 1962 and the company changed its name from Dayton Dry Goods Company to Target in 2000.
Investors Perspective
Company #1 is interested in investing in the company seeking part ownership in the company. This is possible if Target issues new shares at a price agreed between the two companies. In order to assess the company’s financial position Company #1 would be interested in the following information:
Table 1: Key Performance Indicators (Shareholders Perspective). Source: Target Corporation, 2008
Table 1 highlights the financial position of the company and performance of its stock listed on NYSE. The P/E has showed slight decline over the year however a higher multiplier suggests that the company future earnings are expected to remain high. Also EPS remain healthy despite of difficult period in the later part of 2008 for retailing business. The stock price indicates that the company is trading below its book value and a good indication for buying opportunity. The net cash flows from operations have increased by 7.39% mainly due to increase in bad debt provision which suggests company’s expectation of more debtors defaulting on their repayments. The profit has declined because of the present economic climate. However the company has a dividend pay ratio of 21.6% indicating increase of 35.48%The shareholders equity has reduced but additional paid in capital has increased as the company invested in its improvement plans. The retained earnings remains at the higher side with a fall of 10.33% compared to the last year. Overall the company discounted price of its stock suggests a good buying opportunities for investors to put their funds in.
Lenders Perspective
Company #2 is interested to lend funds to Target Corporation by setting up a loan facility and in return earn interest income. In order to assess the company’s financial position Company #2 would be interested in the following information:
Table 2: Key Performance Indicators (Shareholders Perspective). Source: Target Corporation, 2008
Table 2 highlights important key figures which creditors would be interested in. The company’s current ratio remains above 1 which suggests company’s ability to pay off its current liabilities if they fall due. The inventory days have declined because of the strategic inventory management that the company has implemented which allows company to manage its stock levels and payments in a better way. Also the company has managed to shrink its supply chain. Debt to total assets has increased but the company’s cash flow suggests a decline of 114% in long term debt. Free cash flow remains positive despite of the increase in capital expenditure. The company’s ability to pay its interest payments remains high however showed a decline over the period of one year. The negative cash flow from financing activities suggests repayment of loans by the company and lesser fresh borrowing compared to last year. Thus, the company has solid financial position in respect of its borrowing and repayments of principal amount and interest charge.
References
Target Corporation. (2008). Target Corporation Annual Report 2008. Minnesota: Target Corporation.