WallStSmart

Central Garden & Pet Company A (CENTA)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC-V)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 125% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $3.16B). MKC-V leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 5.4%. MKC-V appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.87. MKC-V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CENTA

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.45

MKC-V

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CENTASignificantly Overvalued (-21.7%)

Margin of Safety

-21.7%

Fair Value

$27.51

Current Price

$35.31

$7.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.51Overvalued
MKC-VUndervalued (+73.6%)

Margin of Safety

+73.6%

Fair Value

$272.31

Current Price

$47.89

$224.42 discount

UndervaluedFair: $272.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CENTA3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.6% YoY

MKC-V6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
528.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 528.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
23.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
23.1%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

CENTA3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-60.09M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MKC-V2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.584/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CENTA

The strongest argument for CENTA centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : MKC-V

The strongest argument for MKC-V centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 14.3%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CENTA

The primary concerns for CENTA are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : MKC-V

The primary concerns for MKC-V are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CENTA profiles as a value stock while MKC-V is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MKC-V carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.

MKC-V is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

MKC-V generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MKC-V scores higher overall (74/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. 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 A

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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