MKC
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
Packaged Foods
Market Cap$12.29B
5Y Perf.-44.6%
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Stock Comparison
MKC vs SJM
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
SJM
The J. M. Smucker Company
Packaged Foods
Market Cap$10.31B
5Y Perf.-15.0%
MKC vs SJM — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MKC | SJM |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Packaged Foods | Packaged Foods |
| Market Cap | $12.29B | $10.31B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $6.84B | $8.93B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $789M | $-1.26B |
| Gross Margin | 37.9% | 33.6% |
| Operating Margin | 15.7% | -8.0% |
| Forward P/E | 15.7x | 10.7x |
| Total Debt | $4.00B | $7.76B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $96M | $70M |
MKC vs SJM — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MKC
SJM
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCormick & Company… (MKC) | 100 | 55.4 | -44.6% |
| The J. M. Smucker C… (SJM) | 100 | 85.0 | -15.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MKC vs SJM
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MKC leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. The J. M. Smucker Company is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MKC
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
The Long-Run Compounder
MKC carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night.
- 30.1% 10Y total return vs SJM's 3.7%
- Lower volatility, beta -0.03, Low D/E 69.3%, current ratio 0.70x
- 11.5% margin vs SJM's -14.1%
Best for: long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night
SJM
The J. M. Smucker Company
The Income Pick
SJM is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 15 yrs, beta 0.04, yield 4.4%
- Rev growth 6.7%, EPS growth -262.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 2.9%
- Beta 0.04, yield 4.4%, current ratio 0.81x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | SJM | 6.7% revenue growth vs MKC's 1.7% |
| Value | SJM | Lower P/E (10.7x vs 15.7x) |
| Quality / Margins | MKC | 11.5% margin vs SJM's -14.1% |
| Stability / Safety | MKC | Lower D/E ratio (69.3% vs 127.6%) |
| Dividends | MKC | 3.7% yield, 27-year raise streak, vs SJM's 4.4% |
| Momentum (1Y) | SJM | -10.8% vs MKC's -32.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MKC | 6.0% ROA vs SJM's -7.7%, ROIC 8.5% vs -3.4% |
MKC vs SJM — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
MKC vs SJM — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMKCLAGGINGSJM
SJMThe J. M. Smucker Com…
2leads
MKCMcCormick & Company, …
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs SJMMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MKC5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
SJM5/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MKC9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
SJM5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MKC leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
SJM and MKC operate at a comparable scale, with $8.9B and $6.8B in trailing revenue. MKC is the more profitable business, keeping 11.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to SJM's -14.1%. On growth, SJM holds the edge at +7.0% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $6.8B | $8.9B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.3B | -$595M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $789M | -$1.3B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $879M | $971M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +37.9% | +33.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +15.7% | -8.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +11.5% | -14.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +12.8% | +10.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +2.9% | +7.0% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +5.0% | -9.3% |
MKC leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
SJM leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $12.3B | $10.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $16.2B | $18.0B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 16.55x | -8.37x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 15.65x | 10.72x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 15.66x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 12.24x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.80x | 1.18x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.26x | 1.69x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 16.60x | 12.62x |
SJM leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MKC leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MKC delivers a 13.7% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $14 in annual profit, vs $-24 for SJM. MKC carries lower financial leverage with a 0.69x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to SJM's 1.28x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MKC scores 6/9 vs SJM's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +13.7% | -24.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.0% | -7.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.5% | -3.4% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +10.7% | -4.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.69x | 1.28x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $3.9B | $7.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $96M | $70M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $4.0B | $7.8B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 5.65x | -1.88x |
MKC leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
SJM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in SJM five years ago would be worth $8,561 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,278 for MKC. Over the past 12 months, SJM leads with a -10.8% total return vs MKC's -32.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors SJM at -11.3% vs MKC's -15.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -27.2% | +1.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -32.6% | -10.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -39.2% | -30.2% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -37.2% | -14.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +30.1% | +3.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -15.3% | -11.3% |
SJM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MKC and SJM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MKC is the less volatile stock with a -0.03 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than SJM's 0.04 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. SJM currently trades 81.1% from its 52-week high vs MKC's 62.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | -0.03x | 0.04x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $78.16 | $119.39 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $47.31 | $88.25 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +62.0% | +81.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 33.8 | 49.6 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 4.0M | 2.1M |
Evenly matched — MKC and SJM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — MKC and SJM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MKC as "Hold" and SJM as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 51.0% upside for MKC (target: $73) vs 17.1% for SJM (target: $113). For income investors, SJM offers the higher dividend yield at 4.42% vs MKC's 3.70%.
| Metric | MKCMcCormick & Compa… | SJMThe J. M. Smucker… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $73.20 | $113.38 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 30 | 29 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.7% | +4.4% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 27 | 15 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.79 | $4.28 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.3% | +0.0% |
Evenly matched — MKC and SJM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
MKC leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). SJM leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallMcCormick & Company, Incorp… (MKC)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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MKC vs SJM: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MKC or SJM a better buy right now?
For growth investors, The J.
M. Smucker Company (SJM) is the stronger pick with 6. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 1. 7% for McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC). McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) offers the better valuation at 16. 5x trailing P/E (15. 7x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) a "Hold" — based on 30 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MKC or SJM?
On forward P/E, The J.
M. Smucker Company is actually cheaper at 10. 7x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MKC or SJM?
Over the past 5 years, The J.
M. Smucker Company (SJM) delivered a total return of -14. 4%, compared to -37. 2% for McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MKC returned +30. 1% versus SJM's +3. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MKC or SJM?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) is the lower-risk stock at -0.
03β versus The J. M. Smucker Company's 0. 04β — meaning SJM is approximately -252% more volatile than MKC relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 69% versus 128% for The J. M. Smucker Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MKC or SJM?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), The J.
M. Smucker Company (SJM) is pulling ahead at 6. 7% versus 1. 7% for McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: McCormick & Company, Incorporated grew EPS 0. 3% year-over-year, compared to -262. 3% for The J. M. Smucker Company. Over a 3-year CAGR, SJM leads at 2. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MKC or SJM?
McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) is the more profitable company, earning 11.
5% net margin versus -14. 1% for The J. M. Smucker Company — meaning it keeps 11. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MKC leads at 16. 0% versus -7. 7% for SJM. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — SJM leads at 38. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MKC or SJM more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, The J.
M. Smucker Company (SJM) trades at 10. 7x forward P/E versus 15. 7x for McCormick & Company, Incorporated — 4. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MKC: 51. 0% to $73. 20.
08Which pays a better dividend — MKC or SJM?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) offers the highest yield at 4. 4%, versus 3. 7% for McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC).
09Is MKC or SJM better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0.
03), 3. 7% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MKC: +30. 1%, SJM: +3. 7%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MKC and SJM?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Defensive sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: MKC is a mid-cap deep-value stock; SJM is a mid-cap income-oriented stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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