The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) vs Target Corporation (TGT)

A side-by-side comparison of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnEL vs TGT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
EL +29.5% (+2.6%/yr)TGT +218.7% (+12.3%/yr)TGT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$130$319
EL TGT

EL vs TGT: by the numbers

  • TGT is the larger company ($74.44B vs $36.28B market cap).
  • TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.95 vs 202.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • TGT converts more revenue to profit (4.08% vs 1.21% net margin).
  • TGT grew revenue faster over the past five years (-0.29% vs -1.48% CAGR).
  • TGT pays the higher dividend yield (2.80% vs 1.38%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricELTGT
P/E ratio202.3016.95
Forward P/EN/A22.37
P/S ratio2.450.69
P/B ratio9.704.18
EV / EBITDA26.999.56
FCF yield3.57%6.10%

Profitability

MetricELTGT
Gross margin75.50%29.30%
Operating margin5.18%5.59%
Net margin1.21%4.08%
ROE4.78%24.61%
ROIC2.97%11.35%

Dividends

MetricELTGT
Dividend yield1.38%2.80%
Payout ratio280.00%56.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricELTGT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-1.48%-0.29%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-42.44%-1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-15.16%-6.17%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-20.51%-4.92%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, EL or TGT?
TGT has the lower trailing P/E: EL trades at 202.30 and TGT at 16.95. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, EL or TGT?
Over the past five years, TGT grew revenue faster — EL at a -1.48% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
Does EL or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
EL yields 1.38% and TGT yields 2.80% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EL or TGT more profitable?
TGT runs the higher net margin — EL at 1.21% versus TGT at 4.08%.
How have EL and TGT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, EL delivered 2.52% and TGT delivered 12.05% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 3, 2026.