Lincoln Educational Services (LINC)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$40.35
+1.74%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.27B
TGT
Target Corporation
$129.75
+1.47%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $58.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 20118% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $518.24M). LINC leads profitability with a 3.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.41. LINC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (C-).
LINC
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-6.3%
Fair Value
$25.34
Current Price
$40.35
$15.01 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.60
Current Price
$129.75
$41.85 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 87.1% YoY
19.7% revenue growth
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 62.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% 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
LINC profiles as a growth stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 19.7% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LINC scores higher overall (50/100 vs 48/100) and 19.7% revenue growth. 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.
Lincoln Educational Services
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation offers various career-oriented postsecondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.
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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