What happened Target (NYSE: TGT) shareholders beat a surging market in November as the stock rose 18% compared to the 11% increase in the S&P 500, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. That rally put the retailer in solidly positive territory for the year, up over 35% by early December. Image source: Getty Images. So what Target benefited from rising investor enthusiasm about the end of the COVID-19 threat thanks to positive vaccine development news last month. But the bigger factor behind its stock surge last month was a strong earnings report. CEO Brian Cornell and his team revealed a 21% sales spike for the fiscal third quarter that runs through late October. That boost combined with improving profitability to send net income over $1 billion, up 42% year over year. Now what Target is preparing for record digital sales volumes this holiday season that might stress its multi-channel selling platform. Executives plan to make heavy use of stores as fulfillment centers, though, so they are optimistic about handling the surge. That said, the retailer said in a conference call with investors that there's a wide range of demand trends that could develop over the next few weeks, and Target is prioritizing flexibility as it seeks to end its record 2020 year on a positive note. 10 stocks we like better than TargetWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Target wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of November 20, 2020 Demitri Kalogeropoulos has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source