McCormick & Company Incorporated (MKC)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
MKC
McCormick & Company Incorporated
$50.54
-1.17%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $13.59B
TGT
Target Corporation
$127.87
+0.57%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $58.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 1374% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $7.11B). MKC leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 3.5%. MKC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. MKC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
MKC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+31.0%
Fair Value
$102.20
Current Price
$50.54
$51.66 discount
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.60
Current Price
$127.87
$43.73 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 528.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Keeps 23 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 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : MKC
The primary concerns for MKC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% 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 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
MKC is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
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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