Hershey Co (HSY)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
HSY
Hershey Co
$168.45
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $34.12B
TGT
Target Corporation
$156.26
-1.74%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $70.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 785% more annual revenue ($107.70B vs $12.16B). HSY leads profitability with a 12.2% profit margin vs 4.1%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
HSY
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
TGT
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-19.4%
Fair Value
$193.39
Current Price
$168.45
$24.94 premium
Margin of Safety
+5.3%
Fair Value
$121.04
Current Price
$156.26
$35.22 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Earnings expanding 631.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%
Earnings expanding 100.5% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.1% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HSY
The strongest argument for HSY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.85 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : HSY
The primary concerns for HSY are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
HSY is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CONFECTIONERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HSY scores higher overall (72/100 vs 66/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Hershey Co
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · CONFECTIONERS · USA
The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, such as cookies and cakes, and sells beverages like milkshakes, and many more that are produced globally. Its headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
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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