WallStSmart

McCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC-V)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Target Corporation generates 1301% more annual revenue ($107.70B vs $7.69B). MKC-V leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 4.1%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.98. TGT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

MKC-V

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

TGT

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.47
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKC-VUndervalued (+77.9%)

Margin of Safety

+77.9%

Fair Value

$325.30

Current Price

$46.05

$279.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $325.30Overvalued
TGTUndervalued (+5.4%)

Margin of Safety

+5.4%

Fair Value

$121.20

Current Price

$148.96

$27.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $121.20Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

TGT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
100.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 100.5% YoY

Market CapQuality
$70.08B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.43B8/10

Generating 2.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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%

TGT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.984/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.053/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : TGT

The strongest argument for TGT centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MKC-V

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

Bear Case : TGT

The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MKC-V profiles as a growth stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

MKC-V is growing revenue faster at 17.4% — sustainability is the question.

TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TGT scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100). MKC-V offers better value entry with a 77.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

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.

Target Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.

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