Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: MA is classified in Financial Services; TGT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$562.75Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20yMA +12644.3%TGT +374.4%MA compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
MA TGT
MA vs TGT: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($497.23B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 31.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 0.59%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.93 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 28.09 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 14.52 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 73.29 | 3.90 |
| PEG ratio | 1.83 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 82.96% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 59.40% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 45.88% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 231.63% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 48.63% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.59% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 19.70% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 17.05% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.55% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.93 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MA or TGT?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 17.05% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does MA or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.59% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or TGT more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 45.88% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have MA and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 20.01% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldMastercard ROETarget ROEMastercard operating marginTarget operating marginMastercard revenue growthTarget revenue growthMastercard free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Mastercard & 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 July 28, 2026.