WallStSmart

Hershey Co (HSY)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 796% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $11.69B). HSY leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs 3.5%. HSY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. HSY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

HSY

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9

TGT

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSYSignificantly Overvalued (-680.4%)

Margin of Safety

-680.4%

Fair Value

$29.58

Current Price

$215.20

$185.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $29.58Overvalued
TGTSignificantly Overvalued (-109.6%)

Margin of Safety

-109.6%

Fair Value

$54.67

Current Price

$115.92

$61.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $54.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSY0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

TGT4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$51.29B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.29B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HSY4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
9.4x4/10

Trading at 9.4x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
48.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

TGT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

Operating margin of 4.9%

PEG RatioValuation
3.252/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-150.0%2/10

Revenue declined 150.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSY

PEG of 1.20 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 : HSY

The primary concerns for HSY are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 48.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : TGT

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

HSY is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CONFECTIONERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HSY scores higher overall (51/100 vs 46/100). 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.

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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