Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$169.07
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.46B
TGT
Target Corporation
$129.75
+1.47%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $58.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 9373% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $1.11B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 3.5%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
LOPE
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-45.6%
Fair Value
$110.08
Current Price
$169.07
$58.99 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 35.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 35.1%. PEG of 1.09 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 : LOPE
The primary concerns for LOPE are 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
LOPE profiles as a mature 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.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (66/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. 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.
Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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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