WallStSmart

Albertsons Companies (ACI)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 28% more annual revenue ($106.38B vs $83.17B). TGT leads profitability with a 3.2% profit margin vs 0.3%. ACI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. TGT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

ACI

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.26

TGT

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.47
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ACIFair Value (-5.0%)

Margin of Safety

-5.0%

Fair Value

$16.89

Current Price

$16.36

$0.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $16.89Overvalued
TGTUndervalued (+4.0%)

Margin of Safety

+4.0%

Fair Value

$119.45

Current Price

$122.57

$3.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $119.45Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACI1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

TGT4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$55.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
16.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

ACI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Profit MarginProfitability
0.3%3/10

0.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.7%3/10

Operating margin of 1.7%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

TGT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.304/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

3.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACI

The strongest argument for ACI centers on Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : TGT

The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : ACI

The primary concerns for ACI are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 8.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : TGT

The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ACI is growing revenue faster at 7.7% — sustainability is the question.

ACI generates stronger free cash flow (291M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor GROCERY STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TGT scores higher overall (52/100 vs 48/100). 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.

Albertsons Companies

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · GROCERY STORES · USA

Albertsons Companies, Inc. participates in the pharmacy and food operation in the United States.

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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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