Central Garden & Pet Company A (CENTA)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)
CENTA
Central Garden & Pet Company A
$35.31
+1.41%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $2.14B
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$47.24
+1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McCormick & Company Incorporated generates 125% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $3.16B). MKC leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 5.4%. CENTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.87. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
CENTA
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MKC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-21.7%
Fair Value
$27.51
Current Price
$35.31
$7.80 premium
Margin of Safety
+25.2%
Fair Value
$94.33
Current Price
$47.24
$47.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 30.6% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 528.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Keeps 23 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
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CENTA
The strongest argument for CENTA centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : MKC
The strongest argument for MKC 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
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CENTA profiles as a value stock while MKC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MKC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.
MKC is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MKC generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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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