The Kroger Co. (KR) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
TGT leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of The Kroger Co. and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
KR
The Kroger Co.
$64.71Consumer Defensive
TGT
Target Corporation
$135.23Consumer Defensive
Total return — KR vs TGT
growth of $100 · last 30yKR +1237.0%TGT +1389.3%TGT compounded faster
KR TGT
KR vs TGT: by the numbers
- •TGT is the larger company ($61.42B vs $39.90B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower earnings multiple (17.86 vs 42.02 P/E).
- •TGT converts more revenue to profit (3.24% vs 0.69% net margin).
- •KR grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.19% vs 1.62% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.37% vs 2.16%).
Which is better, KR or TGT?
Metric tally: KR 6 · TGT 10It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthKR(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityTGT(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | KR | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 42.02 | 17.86● |
| Forward P/E | 11.53● | 15.09 |
| P/S ratio | 0.28● | 0.58 |
| P/B ratio | 6.89 | 3.76● |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.80 | 7.81● |
| FCF yield | 8.64%● | 6.75% |
Profitability
| Metric | KR | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 23.30% | 28.14%● |
| Operating margin | 1.28% | 4.49%● |
| Net margin | 0.69% | 3.24%● |
| ROE | 17.14% | 21.04%● |
| ROIC | 4.70% | 9.76%● |
Dividends
| Metric | KR | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.16% | 3.37%● |
| Payout ratio | 89.74% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KR | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.19%● | 1.62% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -13.96% | -1.34%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.23%● | -12.12% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 13.20%● | -7.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, KR or TGT?
- It depends on your goal. value: TGT (lower P/E); growth: KR (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: TGT (higher dividend yield); quality: TGT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, TGT leads 10 to 6.
- Is KR or TGT cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, TGT is cheaper: KR trades at a 42.02 P/E and TGT at 17.86.
- Which has grown faster, KR or TGT?
- Over the past five years, KR grew revenue faster — KR at a 2.19% CAGR versus TGT at 1.62%.
- Does KR or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- KR yields 2.16% and TGT yields 3.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KR or TGT more profitable?
- TGT runs the higher net margin — KR at 0.69% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- Which has been the better investment, KR or TGT?
- Over the past 10-year, TGT delivered the higher annualized total return — KR at 8.00% versus TGT at 10.33%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kroger P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioKroger dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldKroger ROETarget ROEKroger operating marginTarget operating marginKroger revenue growthTarget revenue growthKroger free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Kroger & Target appear in these rankings
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 June 13, 2026.