WallStSmart

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 31% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $80.27B). TGT leads profitability with a 3.5% profit margin vs 1.3%. ADM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. ADM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

ADM

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.85

TGT

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADMUndervalued (+23.7%)

Margin of Safety

+23.7%

Fair Value

$90.79

Current Price

$74.54

$16.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $90.79Overvalued
TGTUndervalued (+33.2%)

Margin of Safety

+33.2%

Fair Value

$171.60

Current Price

$129.75

$41.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $171.60Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADM3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

TGT4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$58.08B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.29B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ADM4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.7%3/10

ROE of 4.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

Operating margin of 1.8%

TGT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.414/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

Operating margin of 4.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.5%2/10

Revenue declined 1.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADM

The strongest argument for ADM centers on Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : TGT

The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : ADM

The primary concerns for ADM are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : TGT

The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.

TGT is growing revenue faster at -1.5% — sustainability is the question.

TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor FARM PRODUCTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ADM scores higher overall (51/100 vs 48/100). TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · FARM PRODUCTS · USA

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, commonly known as ADM, is an American multinational food processing and commodities trading corporation founded in 1902 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company operates more than 270 plants and 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide, where cereal grains and oilseeds are processed into products used in food, beverage, nutraceutical, industrial, and animal feed markets worldwide.

Target Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.

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