The Marzetti Company (MZTI) vs Universal Corporation (UVV)

A side-by-side comparison of The Marzetti Company and Universal Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Total return — MZTI vs UVV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MZTI -8.3% (-0.9%/yr)UVV +28.5% (+2.5%/yr)UVV compounded faster over this window
80100120140160180Start $10020182020202220242026$92$129
MZTI UVV

MZTI vs UVV: by the numbers

  • •MZTI is the larger company ($2.73B vs $1.05B market cap).
  • •MZTI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.26 vs 55.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MZTI converts more revenue to profit (9.93% vs 0.67% net margin).
  • •UVV grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.19% vs 5.64% CAGR).
  • •UVV pays the higher dividend yield (7.80% vs 4.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMZTIUVV
P/E ratio14.2655.53
Forward P/E14.78N/A
PEG ratio2.29N/A
P/S ratio1.410.37
P/B ratio2.730.76
EV / EBITDA8.469.13
FCF yield7.55%15.63%

Profitability

MetricMZTIUVV
Gross margin24.73%16.82%
Operating margin12.37%6.20%
Net margin9.93%0.67%
ROE19.19%1.38%
ROIC17.37%3.56%

Dividends

MetricMZTIUVV
Dividend yield4.02%7.80%
Payout ratio57.31%432.89%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMZTIUVV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.64%7.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)6.19%-18.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.02%-12.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.10%3.25%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MZTI or UVV?
MZTI has the lower trailing P/E: MZTI trades at 14.26 and UVV at 55.53. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MZTI or UVV?
Over the past five years, UVV grew revenue faster — MZTI at a 5.64% CAGR versus UVV at 7.19%.
Does MZTI or UVV pay a bigger dividend?
MZTI yields 4.02% and UVV yields 7.80% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MZTI or UVV more profitable?
MZTI runs the higher net margin — MZTI at 9.93% versus UVV at 0.67%.
How have MZTI and UVV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MZTI delivered -0.85% and UVV delivered 2.39% 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 4, 2026.