McCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$51.99
+0.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.90B
TGT
Target Corporation
$145.90
+1.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $63.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 1340% more annual revenue ($106.38B vs $7.39B). MKC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 3.2%. MKC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.23. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
MKC
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
TGT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+27.2%
Fair Value
$96.91
Current Price
$51.99
$44.92 discount
Margin of Safety
+4.0%
Fair Value
$119.36
Current Price
$145.90
$26.54 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.7% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Earnings declined 14.2%
3.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MKC
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MKC 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 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 52/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. 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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