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 September 11, 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
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
TGT
Target Corporation
$155.83Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMA +520.3% (+20.0%/yr)TGT +203.8% (+11.8%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
MA TGT
MA vs TGT: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $70.78B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.16 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 4.08% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (2.91% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.31 | 16.16 |
| Forward P/E | 28.52 | 15.46 |
| P/S ratio | 14.23 | 0.66 |
| P/B ratio | 88.97 | 3.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 9.14 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 6.43% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 29.30% |
| Operating margin | 59.84% | 5.59% |
| Net margin | 46.34% | 4.08% |
| ROE | 289.73% | 24.61% |
| ROIC | N/A | 11.35% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.60% | 2.91% |
| Payout ratio | 18.54% | 47.51% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.09% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -6.17% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.88% | -5.58% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 and TGT at 16.16. 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 16.09% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does MA or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.60% and TGT yields 2.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or TGT more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus TGT at 4.08%.
- How have MA and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and TGT delivered 11.93% 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 growthTarget 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 September 11, 2026.