WallStSmart

Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT)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).

CENT

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 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

CENTUndervalued (+40.6%)

Margin of Safety

+40.6%

Fair Value

$62.85

Current Price

$40.16

$22.69 discount

UndervaluedFair: $62.85Overvalued
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

CENT3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

CENT3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.014/10

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 : CENT

The strongest argument for CENT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, 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 : CENT

The primary concerns for CENT 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

CENT 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 66/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. CENT offers better value entry with a 40.6% 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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?