The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$75.25
+0.78%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $321.39B
TGT
Target Corporation
$116.37
+0.39%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $52.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 119% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $47.94B). KO leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 3.5%. KO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.33. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
KO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
TGT
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-97.1%
Fair Value
$38.18
Current Price
$75.25
$37.07 premium
Margin of Safety
-107.3%
Fair Value
$55.28
Current Price
$116.37
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.1x book value
2.4% revenue growth
3.6% earnings growth
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
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.
KO is growing revenue faster at 2.4% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
Visit Website →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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