WallStSmart

Perdoceo Education Corp (PRDO)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 12157% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $854.84M). PRDO leads profitability with a 19.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. PRDO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. PRDO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

PRDO

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 7.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.52

TGT

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PRDO.

TGTUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$171.45

Current Price

$118.44

$53.01 discount

UndervaluedFair: $171.45Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PRDO6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.5210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.788/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

TGT4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$56.89B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.29B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

PRDO2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

TGT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.444/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

Operating margin of 4.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.5%2/10

Revenue declined 1.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PRDO

The strongest argument for PRDO centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.9% and operating margin at 28.5%. PEG of 0.78 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 : PRDO

The primary concerns for PRDO are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

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

TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

PRDO is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PRDO scores higher overall (73/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 19.9% margins. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Perdoceo Education Corp

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Perdoceo Education Corporation provides postsecondary education to students through online, campus-based, and blended learning programs in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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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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