Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$159.31
+5.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.72B
TGT
Target Corporation
$145.90
+1.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $63.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 9351% more annual revenue ($106.38B vs $1.13B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 3.2%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
LOPE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
TGT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$103.59
Current Price
$159.31
$55.72 premium
Margin of Safety
+4.0%
Fair Value
$119.36
Current Price
$145.90
$26.54 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
3.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 30.9%. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOPE profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
TGT is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (80M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.
Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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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