Investing Ideas November 2014

Yum Brands,parent of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut,has been upgraded from hold to buy at Janney Capital Markets,mainly on undervaluation.The firm got a new price target of 88.00 a share.*
Don't expect Apple Computer to go higher,according to Pacific Crest Securities.There is a potential lack of growth beyond the iPhone 6,and the iWatch and other products won't be able to make up for it.*
Lumber Liquidators was raised from equal weight to overweight at Morgan Stanley,with an 85.00 a share price target.The company has about 10% square footage growth and powerful store remodel/relocate benefits in its favour.Rising home prices and lower fuel costs should also help Lumber Liquidators.*
The low gas prices should also help big box retailers such as Target and Best Buy,says Stifel Nicolaus.Another plus is the strength of their online businesses alongside their brick and mortar stores.Wal-Mart has already seen share price appreciation from these factors.*
Yum Brands(YUM),Best Buy(BBY),Wal-Mart(WMT),Target(TGT),Apple Computer(AAPL)

Target Takes Drastic Steps After Breach

Target is still wrestling with the aftermath of last year's massive electronic security breach,exposing the personal information of more than 110 million customers to cyber criminals.Now its CEO Gregg Steinhafel has resigned after his 35 years of service with the company.
That this looks like it was preventable is pretty distressing,said Jeff Sonnenfeld of the Yale School of Management.They definitely need the expertise of new Chief Information Officer Bob DeRodes,former tech advisor to the Department of Homeland Security,who also has experience at Home Depot and other great retailers.The forays into Canada with the opening of 24 stores were also disappointing,along with the El Nino winter weather or whatever it was.
As to the Target board of directors,John Stumpf,CEO of Wells Fargo,is a banker's banker,very much on top of his game.Ann Mulcahy,former Xerox CEO,is not the kind of person who would act abruptly unless it was necessary.*
Target's customer credit and debit card data was hacked into during the holiday season 2013 cyber attack.The nation's second largest retailer has suffered from a slump in sales and stock price in the wake of the cyber disaster.Besides hiring a new CIO and searching for a new CEO,the Minneapolis-based company plans to switch to state of the art chip-and-PIN card security.*
Target Stores,Inc(TGT)

Target Jobs and Culture

Target is NOW HIRING in Northern Virginia and elsewhere.Target's culture is energetic and inclusive.It is community-focused and one of the world's most powerful brands.Expect a lot from a Target career.At Target,you need a cheerful and helpful guest service attitude,friendly and upbeat.
To apply,visit Target.com/careers and select the appropriate location and other parameters.You may also apply in person at the Employment Kiosks near the front of every Target store.Target also has a presence in India.
Target offers full benefits to salaried employees and Target merchandise discount and flexible scheduling to seasonal team members.
In Northern Virginia,there are hourly position openings in Burke,Reston,Fairlakes,Chantilly,Gainesville,Leesburg,Sterling and Sterling West in areas such as Overnight Logistics,Sales Floor,Front End,Supervisory and Food.
Target:Expect the Best.
Target Corporation(TGT)

Target Needs Department Managers

Target is hiring team leaders for its Falls Church and Alexandria stores in Northern Virginia.They want cheerful and helpful individuals with a friendly and upbeat attitude,as well as retail or leadership experience,to help keep the Target brand experience consistent,which is positive and welcoming for guests.They will hire,supervise and train team members to achieve sales,service and presentation goals.
To apply,visit Target.com/careers,select Hourly Stores Positions and search for Alexandria or Falls Church.