AutoZone vs Target (AZO vs TGT)

AutoZone (AZO) vs Target (TGT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

AutoZone (AZO) and Target (TGT) compete in retail. Here are AutoZone and Target side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy AutoZone or Target.

AutoZone vs Target: the figures

AutoZone and Target figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that AutoZone or Target figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between AutoZone and Target

1. Dividend: Target pays a dividend yielding 3.01% and AutoZone pays none.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, AutoZone keeps 12.7 as net profit and Target keeps 4.1.
3. Valuation: AutoZone trades at 21.8x its annual earnings and Target at 16.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of AutoZone profit, usually because it expects more growth.

AutoZone or Target: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: AutoZone is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Target pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Target has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Target trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither AutoZone nor Target wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How AutoZone and Target make money

AutoZone (AZO)

AutoZone sells replacement parts, batteries, oil and accessories at its stores in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Its core customer is the driver who works on their own car, though its commercial business supplying repair shops is growing. It also sells online and offers ALLDATA, diagnostic and repair software for mechanics. Full AutoZone analysis.

Target (TGT)

Target runs discount general merchandise stores across the United States and sells online. It offers household essentials, food, apparel, home goods, beauty and toys, many under owned brands like Good & Gather and Cat & Jack, and also earns advertising and Target Circle revenue. It reports a single segment. Full Target analysis.

Frequently asked questions: AutoZone vs Target

Is AutoZone or Target the better stock?

Choosing between AutoZone and Target depends on what you are looking for. AutoZone is growing faster right now, and Target trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy AutoZone or Target: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, AutoZone or Target?

As of November 4, 2026, Target yields 3.01% and AutoZone pays none. Also check how much of their profit AutoZone and Target pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, AutoZone or Target?

On P/E, AutoZone (21.8x) is more expensive than Target (16.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both AutoZone and Target?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as AutoZone and Target, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying AutoZone or Target.

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More companies like AutoZone and Target: retail stocks. Educational content about AutoZone and Target, not investment advice.