WallStSmart

Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 1231% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $7.87B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 3.5%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.04. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MCO

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

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 MCO.

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

MCO4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
71.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 71 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.7%

Market CapQuality
$79.84B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

MCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.044/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
26.3x2/10

Trading at 26.3x 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 : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 45.7%.

Bull Case : TGT

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

Bear Case : MCO

The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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

MCO profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

MCO is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MCO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. 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.

Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

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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