Altria Group (MO)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
MO
Altria Group
$74.82
+0.13%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $121.89B
TGT
Target Corporation
$145.90
+1.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $63.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 422% more annual revenue ($106.38B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 3.2%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
TGT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-63.6%
Fair Value
$45.73
Current Price
$74.82
$29.09 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
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
3.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
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
MO 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.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. Both earn "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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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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