WallStSmart

Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL)vsMcCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC-V)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hormel Foods Corporation generates 58% more annual revenue ($12.15B vs $7.69B). MKC-V leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 2.8%. HRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. MKC-V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

HRL

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.92

MKC-V

Buy

59

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

HRLUndervalued (+46.1%)

Margin of Safety

+46.1%

Fair Value

$44.44

Current Price

$21.28

$23.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $44.44Overvalued
MKC-VUndervalued (+77.9%)

Margin of Safety

+77.9%

Fair Value

$325.30

Current Price

$47.52

$277.78 discount

UndervaluedFair: $325.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HRL1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MKC-V4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.4%8/10

17.4% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

HRL4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.4%3/10

ROE of 4.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.4%2/10

Revenue declined 2.4%

MKC-V3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.044/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.584/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.1%2/10

Earnings declined 57.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HRL

The strongest argument for HRL centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MKC-V

The strongest argument for MKC-V centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 17.8%. Revenue growth of 17.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HRL

The primary concerns for HRL are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MKC-V

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HRL 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 17.4% — sustainability is the question.

HRL generates stronger free cash flow (172M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MKC-V scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins and 17.4% revenue growth. HRL offers better value entry with a 46.1% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

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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