Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
HRL
Hormel Foods Corporation
$23.62
+1.42%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.62B
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$79.48
-2.05%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $338.86B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 303% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $12.22B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 3.8%. HRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.85. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
HRL
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+48.1%
Fair Value
$46.15
Current Price
$23.62
$22.53 discount
Margin of Safety
-29.0%
Fair Value
$61.61
Current Price
$79.48
$17.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
ROE of 5.9% — below average capital efficiency
3.8% margin — thin
Trading at 10.2x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HRL
The strongest argument for HRL centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HRL
The primary concerns for HRL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HRL profiles as a value stock while KO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
KO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. HRL offers better value entry with a 48.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Hormel Foods Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA
Hormel Foods Corporation is an American company founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, by George A. Hormel as George A. Hormel & Company. Originally focusing on the packaging and selling of ham, Spam, sausage and other pork, chicken, beef and lamb products to consumers; by the 1980s, Hormel began offering a wider range of packaged and refrigerated foods.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
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