WallStSmart

McCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)vsPost Holdings Inc (POST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Post Holdings Inc generates 14% more annual revenue ($8.45B vs $7.39B). MKC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 4.0%. POST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

MKC

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.58

POST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.32
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKCUndervalued (+27.2%)

Margin of Safety

+27.2%

Fair Value

$96.91

Current Price

$51.99

$44.92 discount

UndervaluedFair: $96.91Overvalued
POSTUndervalued (+25.9%)

Margin of Safety

+25.9%

Fair Value

$149.63

Current Price

$97.53

$52.10 discount

UndervaluedFair: $149.63Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MKC5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
23.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.9%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

POST3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
51.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 51.1% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
14.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MKC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.234/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.584/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-14.2%2/10

Earnings declined 14.2%

POST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.7%4/10

4.7% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

4.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MKC

The strongest argument for MKC centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 17.4%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : POST

The strongest argument for POST centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : MKC

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

Bear Case : POST

The primary concerns for POST are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MKC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.

MKC is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

MKC generates stronger free cash flow (337M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MKC scores higher overall (69/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. POST offers better value entry with a 25.9% 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.

Post Holdings Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · PACKAGED FOODS · USA

Post Holdings, Inc. is a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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