Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)
CENT
Central Garden & Pet Company
$43.28
-1.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $2.73B
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$50.96
-1.98%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 134% more annual revenue ($7.39B vs $3.16B). MKC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 5.4%. CENT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.01. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CENT
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MKC
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.9%
Fair Value
$66.50
Current Price
$43.28
$23.22 discount
Margin of Safety
+27.2%
Fair Value
$96.91
Current Price
$50.96
$45.95 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 30.6% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.4% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Earnings declined 14.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CENT
The strongest argument for CENT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : MKC
The strongest argument for MKC centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 17.4%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CENT
The primary concerns for CENT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : MKC
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CENT profiles as a value stock while MKC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MKC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.
MKC is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MKC generates stronger free cash flow (337M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKC scores higher overall (69/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. CENT offers better value entry with a 43.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Central Garden & Pet Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
Central Garden & Pet Company produces and distributes various products for the lawn and garden, and pet supply markets in the United States. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.
McCormick & Company Incorporated
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
McCormick & Company is an American multinational food company that manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavoring products to retail outlets, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses.
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