How Does Target's New $5 Billion Buyback Plan Stack Up Against Other Retailers?

Target Corporation TGT shares were up a modest 0.6 percent in early Wednesday trading after the company’s board approved a massive new $5 billion buyback plan. The new plan will begin upon completion of the current $10 billion buyback plan by the end of fiscal 2016.

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Target certainly seems to be taking an aggressive approach to buying back shares, but how does its buyback strategy compare to other major retailers? Here’s a look.

• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. WMT: Last year, Walmart announced a plan to buy back $20 billion of its own shares over a two-year stretch.
• Kohl’s Corporation KSS: In February, Kohl's announced a new plan to buy back $600 million of its own stock this year.
• J C Penney Company Inc JCP: The struggling retailer is focusing its efforts elsewhere for the time being. “We need to get at least below a three-times-leverage before we consider doing any type of buyback,” Chief Executive Officer Ed Record said back in February.
• Big Lots, Inc. BIG: Back in March, Big Lots announced a new $250 million 2016 buyback program.
• Macy’s Inc M: In February, Macy’s announced it would be tacking on $1.5 billion to its current buyback program. As of the end of Q4 2015, the company had about $500 million remaining on its previous program.
• Dillard’s, Inc. DDS: In February, Dillard’s announced a new open-ended $500 million share repurchase program.
• Sears Holdings Corp SHLD: After buying back $5.8 billion in shares at prices as high as $170 between 2005 and 2010, Sears has now shut down its buyback program with its shares trading at around $11.50.

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