ACQUISITION OF TARGET CORPORATIONINTRODUCTIONThe current economic downturn has taken a toll on businesses. Those who survive maintain their financial means, are innovative in retaining and attracting customers, and use technology to distinguish themselves from the competition. Target Corporation is a company that has all these characteristics. While some companies have cut wages or ceased to exist, Target Corporation has survived the economic downturn and is positioned to gain additional market share as economic conditions continue to improve. The purpose of this report is to analyze the financial statements of Target Corporation and determine the company's future growth potential and make a recommendation for or against acquiring the company. GROWTH POTENTIAL While many competing companies expect insignificant earnings growth in the next few years, TargetCorporation expects earnings growth in the near future. Target expects 2012 annual sales to increase 4-5% (Target Corporation, 2011). When combined with continued emphasis on technology, rewards and customer relationships, Target Corporation's future looks bright. Using Technology Target Corporation recognizes the importance of technology in reaching its customers. In 2011 the company launched a completely redesigned website that focuses on ease of use. Target also has an industry-leading mobile application that allows the company to reach its customers no matter where they are. In fact, Mobile Commerce Daily named Target “2010 Mobile Retailer of the Year” (Target Corporation, 2011). It is in this sector that Target's growth potential is the highest...... middle of document ......see March 11, 2012, from http://sites.target.com/site/en/ company /page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031794Microsoft Network. (2012, March 8). Target Corp. Retrieved from MSN.Money: http://investing.money.msn.com/investments/Moore, P. (nd) Target will add PFresh grocery concept in 350 stores. Economic news – Economic newspapers. Retrieved March 13, 2012, from http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/11/16/daily32.htmlTarget Acquisition. (2011, January 13). Target press room. Retrieved March 13, 2012, from http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-corporation-to-acquire-real-estate.aspxTarget Corporation. (2011, March 11). Target 2010 Annual Report. Retrieved March 9, 2012, from http://investors.target.comTarget Corporation. (2012, February 23). Target Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Earnings. Retrieved March 5, 2012, from http://investors.target.com