Laureate Education Inc (LAUR)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
LAUR
Laureate Education Inc
$31.59
+0.67%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.51B
TGT
Target Corporation
$129.75
+1.47%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $58.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 6057% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $1.70B). LAUR leads profitability with a 16.6% profit margin vs 3.5%. LAUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. LAUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
LAUR
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-82.6%
Fair Value
$18.83
Current Price
$31.59
$12.76 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.60
Current Price
$129.75
$41.85 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%
Earnings expanding 88.4% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 27.9% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LAUR
The strongest argument for LAUR centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 33.2%. Revenue growth of 27.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : LAUR
No major red flags identified for LAUR, but monitor valuation.
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
LAUR profiles as a growth stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
LAUR is growing revenue faster at 27.9% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LAUR scores higher overall (79/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 16.6% margins and 27.9% 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.
Laureate Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Laureate Education, Inc. offers higher education programs and services to students through a network of universities and institutions of higher education. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
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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