Chewy vs. Target: Which Retailer Stock Is a Better Buy for 2027?

Investors must weigh the rapid growth of Chewy Inc., a digital-first pet specialty retailer, against the established stability of Target Corp., a multi-category brick-and-mortar powerhouse, when deciding which stock to buy for 2027.

Chewy operates exclusively in the pet category, leveraging its subscription-heavy model to build customer loyalty. In FY 2025, it sold pet products, supplies, and prescriptions through its websites and mobile applications, relying on its Autoship subscription service for recurring revenue. The company operates the largest pet pharmacy in America and expands into veterinary clinics. Its latest annual report showed a growth of 6.2% year-over-year, with revenue reaching $12.6 billion and a net margin of 1.8%.

Target, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of general merchandise, groceries, and popular brands like Apple, Starbucks, and Ulta. It utilizes physical stores as fulfillment hubs and operates a successful loyalty program. In FY 2025, Target's revenue decreased slightly by 1.7% to $104.8 billion, but its net income remained robust at $3.7 billion, resulting in a net margin of 3.5%. Its debt-to-equity ratio is 1.3x, and its current ratio is 0.9x, indicating short-term liabilities slightly exceed short-term assets.

Both companies face competition from online retailers like Amazon and other mass merchandisers. Chewy's reliance on third-party shipping and cloud infrastructure puts it at risk of service disruptions, while Target must navigate pricing, fulfillment, and technological integration challenges. Target has a more affordable valuation based on Forward P/E and P/S ratios, while Chewy shows steady growth in its Autoship program and potential untapped market in veterinarian services.

The decision between the two stocks depends on investors' risk tolerance and investment goals. Chewy offers growth potential in the pet space, while Target provides stability and diversification across multiple categories.