Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (CALM) vs Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT)

A side-by-side comparison of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. and Central Garden & Pet Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — CALM vs CENT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CALM +123.8% (+8.4%/yr)CENT +96.2% (+7.0%/yr)CALM compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$224$196
CALM CENT

CALM vs CENT: by the numbers

  • •CALM is the larger company ($3.05B vs $2.48B market cap).
  • •CENT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.81 vs 55.55 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •CENT converts more revenue to profit (5.39% vs 2.32% net margin).
  • •CALM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.85% vs -0.98% CAGR).
  • •CALM pays a dividend (3.78% yield), while CENT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCALMCENT
P/E ratio55.5514.81
Forward P/EN/A12.72
PEG ratio0.324.94
P/S ratio1.210.81
P/B ratio1.191.42
EV / EBITDA20.197.72
FCF yieldN/A13.91%

Profitability

MetricCALMCENT
Gross margin23.08%32.54%
Operating margin11.77%8.11%
Net margin2.32%5.39%
ROE2.29%9.53%
ROIC0.52%5.88%

Dividends

MetricCALMCENT
Dividend yield3.78%N/A
Payout ratio210.09%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCALMCENT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.85%-0.98%
EPS CAGR (5Y)174.91%2.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A4.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)19.17%0.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CALM or CENT?
CENT has the lower trailing P/E: CALM trades at 55.55 and CENT at 14.81. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CALM or CENT?
Over the past five years, CALM grew revenue faster — CALM at a 12.85% CAGR versus CENT at -0.98%.
Does CALM or CENT pay a bigger dividend?
CALM pays a dividend (3.78% yield), while CENT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is CALM or CENT more profitable?
CENT runs the higher net margin — CALM at 2.32% versus CENT at 5.39%.
How have CALM and CENT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CALM delivered 8.45% and CENT delivered 6.70% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.