After lagging the market for years as the company struggled, Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) stock is finally showing signs of life. The latest leg in the rally came after Target announced its second-quarter earnings. The retail giant beat analyst expectations on both the top and bottom lines. Revenue came in at $17.8 billion, versus the $17.3 billion consensus estimate, while adjusted earnings per share of $1.47 beat the analyst consensus of $1.40.Image source: Getty Images.In response, shares rose as much as 7% on Wednesday, before ending the day with a more modest 3% gain.