WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 139% more annual revenue ($7.39B vs $3.08B). MKC-V leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 5.4%. CENTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.87. MKC-V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

CENTA

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.45

MKC-V

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CENTASignificantly Overvalued (-23.5%)

Margin of Safety

-23.5%

Fair Value

$27.12

Current Price

$34.73

$7.61 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.12Overvalued
MKC-VUndervalued (+75.9%)

Margin of Safety

+75.9%

Fair Value

$299.26

Current Price

$56.53

$242.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $299.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CENTA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

MKC-V5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
23.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.9%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

CENTA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-8.2%2/10

Revenue declined 8.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-4.6%2/10

Earnings declined 4.6%

MKC-V3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.584/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-14.2%2/10

Earnings declined 14.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CENTA

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

Bull Case : MKC-V

The strongest argument for MKC-V 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 : CENTA

The primary concerns for CENTA are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : MKC-V

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

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 0.63 — expect wider price swings.

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

MKC-V generates stronger free cash flow (347M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MKC-V scores higher overall (61/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "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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