KR
The Kroger Co.
Grocery Stores
Market Cap$42.35B
5Y Perf.+102.4%
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Stock Comparison
KR vs WMT vs TGT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
WMT
Walmart Inc.
Specialty Retail
Market Cap$1.04T
5Y Perf.+214.6%
TGT
Target Corporation
Discount Stores
Market Cap$58.67B
5Y Perf.+6.4%
KR vs WMT vs TGT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | KR | WMT | TGT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Grocery Stores | Specialty Retail | Discount Stores |
| Market Cap | $42.35B | $1.04T | $58.67B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $147.64B | $703.06B | $106.25B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $1.02B | $22.91B | $4.04B |
| Gross Margin | 22.3% | 24.9% | 27.3% |
| Operating Margin | 1.3% | 4.1% | 5.3% |
| Forward P/E | 12.8x | 44.9x | 16.1x |
| Total Debt | $24.68B | $67.09B | $5.59B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $3.33B | $10.73B | $5.49B |
KR vs WMT vs TGT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
KR
WMT
TGT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kroger Co. (KR) | 100 | 202.4 | +102.4% |
| Walmart Inc. (WMT) | 100 | 314.6 | +214.6% |
| Target Corporation (TGT) | 100 | 106.4 | +6.4% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: KR vs WMT vs TGT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: WMT and TGT are tied at the top with 3 categories each — the right choice depends on your priorities. Target Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
KR
The Kroger Co.
The Value Play
KR is the clearest fit if your priority is value.
- Lower P/E (12.8x vs 16.1x)
Best for: value
WMT
Walmart Inc.
The Growth Play
WMT has the current edge in this matchup, primarily because of its strength in growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 4.7%, EPS growth 13.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 5.3%
- 5.2% 10Y total return vs KR's 115.6%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.12, Low D/E 67.2%, current ratio 0.79x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
TGT
Target Corporation
The Income Pick
TGT is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and defensive.
- Dividend streak 22 yrs, beta 0.95, yield 3.5%
- Beta 0.95, yield 3.5%, current ratio 0.94x
- 3.8% margin vs KR's 0.7%
Best for: income & stability and defensive
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | WMT | 4.7% revenue growth vs TGT's -1.7% |
| Value | KR | Lower P/E (12.8x vs 16.1x) |
| Quality / Margins | TGT | 3.8% margin vs KR's 0.7% |
| Stability / Safety | WMT | Beta 0.12 vs TGT's 0.95 |
| Dividends | TGT | 3.5% yield, 22-year raise streak, vs WMT's 0.7% |
| Momentum (1Y) | TGT | +41.8% vs KR's -6.3% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | WMT | 7.9% ROA vs KR's 2.0%, ROIC 14.7% vs 5.0% |
KR vs WMT vs TGT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2024
FY 2025
FY 2024
KR vs WMT vs TGT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 3 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLTGTLAGGINGKR
KRThe Kroger Co.
0leads
WMTWalmart Inc.
1leads
TGTTarget Corporation
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs WMTvs KRMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
TGT4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
TGT7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
WMT4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
TGT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WMT is the larger business by revenue, generating $703.1B annually — 6.6x TGT's $106.2B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 3.8% (TGT) to 0.7% (KR). On growth, WMT holds the edge at +5.8% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $147.6B | $703.1B | $106.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $5.5B | $42.8B | $8.7B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $1.0B | $22.9B | $4.0B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $3.5B | $15.3B | $2.9B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +22.3% | +24.9% | +27.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +1.3% | +4.1% | +5.3% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +0.7% | +3.3% | +3.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.4% | +2.2% | +2.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +1.2% | +5.8% | +3.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +50.0% | +35.1% | +23.7% |
TGT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — KR and TGT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 15.8x trailing earnings, TGT trades at a 67% valuation discount to WMT's 47.9x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, TGT's 7.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than WMT's 25.0x.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $42.4B | $1.04T | $58.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $63.7B | $1.10T | $58.8B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 43.45x | 47.91x | 15.84x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 12.78x | 44.91x | 16.10x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 4.35x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.96x | 24.96x | 7.42x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.29x | 1.46x | 0.56x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 7.38x | 10.50x | 3.63x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 12.64x | 25.08x | 20.69x |
Evenly matched — KR and TGT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
TGT leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
TGT delivers a 26.1% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $26 in annual profit, vs $13 for KR. TGT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.35x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to KR's 4.16x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), WMT scores 6/9 vs KR's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +13.0% | +22.3% | +26.1% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.0% | +7.9% | +6.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +5.0% | +14.7% | +16.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.5% | +17.5% | +13.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 4.16x | 0.67x | 0.35x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $21.3B | $56.4B | $104M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $3.3B | $10.7B | $5.5B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $24.7B | $67.1B | $5.6B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 2.59x | 11.85x | 12.40x |
TGT leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
WMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in WMT five years ago would be worth $28,774 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,047 for TGT. Over the past 12 months, TGT leads with a +41.8% total return vs KR's -6.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors WMT at 38.1% vs TGT's -3.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +6.8% | +16.2% | +29.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -6.3% | +32.6% | +41.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +43.6% | +163.3% | -9.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +98.7% | +187.7% | -29.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +115.6% | +517.6% | +107.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +12.8% | +38.1% | -3.1% |
WMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — KR and WMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
KR is the less volatile stock with a -0.64 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than TGT's 0.95 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. WMT currently trades 97.1% from its 52-week high vs KR's 87.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | -0.64x | 0.12x | 0.95x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $76.58 | $134.69 | $133.07 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $58.60 | $91.89 | $83.44 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +87.4% | +97.1% | +96.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 44.8 | 57.1 | 56.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 5.6M | 17.5M | 4.6M |
Evenly matched — KR and WMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — WMT and TGT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: KR as "Buy", WMT as "Buy", TGT as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 11.7% upside for KR (target: $75) vs -10.5% for TGT (target: $115). For income investors, TGT offers the higher dividend yield at 3.50% vs WMT's 0.72%.
| Metric | KRThe Kroger Co. | WMTWalmart Inc. | TGTTarget Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $74.75 | $137.04 | $115.31 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 44 | 64 | 59 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.0% | +0.7% | +3.5% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 21 | 37 | 22 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.35 | $0.94 | $4.51 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +6.4% | +0.8% | +0.7% |
Evenly matched — WMT and TGT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
TGT leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). WMT leads in 1 (Total Returns). 3 tied.
Best OverallTarget Corporation (TGT)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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KR vs WMT vs TGT: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is KR or WMT or TGT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Walmart Inc.
(WMT) is the stronger pick with 4. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -1. 7% for Target Corporation (TGT). Target Corporation (TGT) offers the better valuation at 15. 8x trailing P/E (16. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate The Kroger Co. (KR) a "Buy" — based on 44 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — KR or WMT or TGT?
On trailing P/E, Target Corporation (TGT) is the cheapest at 15.
8x versus Walmart Inc. at 47. 9x. On forward P/E, The Kroger Co. is actually cheaper at 12. 8x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — KR or WMT or TGT?
Over the past 5 years, Walmart Inc.
(WMT) delivered a total return of +187. 7%, compared to -29. 5% for Target Corporation (TGT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: WMT returned +517. 6% versus TGT's +107. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — KR or WMT or TGT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), The Kroger Co.
(KR) is the lower-risk stock at -0. 64β versus Target Corporation's 0. 95β — meaning TGT is approximately -249% more volatile than KR relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Target Corporation (TGT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 35% versus 4% for The Kroger Co. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — KR or WMT or TGT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Walmart Inc.
(WMT) is pulling ahead at 4. 7% versus -1. 7% for Target Corporation (TGT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Walmart Inc. grew EPS 13. 3% year-over-year, compared to -58. 0% for The Kroger Co.. Over a 3-year CAGR, WMT leads at 5. 3% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — KR or WMT or TGT?
Target Corporation (TGT) is the more profitable company, earning 3.
5% net margin versus 0. 7% for The Kroger Co. — meaning it keeps 3. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: TGT leads at 4. 9% versus 1. 3% for KR. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — TGT leads at 27. 9%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is KR or WMT or TGT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, The Kroger Co.
(KR) trades at 12. 8x forward P/E versus 44. 9x for Walmart Inc. — 32. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for KR: 11. 7% to $74. 75.
08Which pays a better dividend — KR or WMT or TGT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Target Corporation (TGT) offers the highest yield at 3. 5%, versus 0. 7% for Walmart Inc. (WMT).
09Is KR or WMT or TGT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, The Kroger Co.
(KR) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0. 64), 2. 0% yield, +115. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (KR: +115. 6%, TGT: +107. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between KR and WMT and TGT?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Defensive sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: KR is a mid-cap quality compounder stock; WMT is a mega-cap quality compounder stock; TGT is a mid-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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