WallStSmart

Applovin Corp (APP)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 1600% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $6.16B). APP leads profitability with a 64.3% profit margin vs 3.5%. APP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. APP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

APP

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.74

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

APPSignificantly Overvalued (-56.9%)

Margin of Safety

-56.9%

Fair Value

$242.94

Current Price

$468.55

$225.61 premium

UndervaluedFair: $242.94Overvalued
TGTUndervalued (+33.2%)

Margin of Safety

+33.2%

Fair Value

$171.51

Current Price

$125.25

$46.26 discount

UndervaluedFair: $171.51Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APP6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
266.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 266 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
64.3%10/10

Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
78.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 78.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
59.0%10/10

Revenue surging 59.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
113.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 113.0% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

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

APP3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
43.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
74.3x2/10

Trading at 74.3x book value

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 : APP

The strongest argument for APP centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 64.3% and operating margin at 78.1%. Revenue growth of 59.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : TGT

The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : APP

The primary concerns for APP are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 43.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

APP profiles as a growth stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

APP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.37 — expect wider price swings.

APP is growing revenue faster at 59.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

APP scores higher overall (77/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 64.3% margins and 59.0% revenue growth. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% 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.

Applovin Corp

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

AppLovin Corporation is committed to creating a software-based platform for mobile application developers to improve the marketing and monetization of their applications globally. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

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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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