Is MZTI a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 43.8/100. It is ranked #2,039 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 47/100, Momentum 32/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for MZTI?

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 43.8 ranks it #2,039 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is MZTI in?

LANCASTER COLONY CORP operates in the Consumer Staples sector (Food Products industry) with a market cap of $3.80 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does MZTI pay a dividend?

Yes, MZTI pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.20%. The Consumer Staples sector average yield is 0.38%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $22.00 in annual dividend income.

What is MZTI's P/E ratio?

MZTI has a trailing P/E ratio of 20.40x. The Consumer Staples sector average is 33.1x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is MZTI?

MZTI's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 24.4%. ROE: 18.8% vs sector average 7.7%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is MZTI valued compared to peers?

MZTI's value factor score is 47/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 20.4x, EV/EBITDA 14.2x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is MZTI's debt level?

MZTI's debt-to-equity ratio is 29%. Sector average: 72%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

MZTI has a beta of 0.20, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 82/100.

Does MZTI have high short interest?

MZTI's short interest factor score is 23/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

MZTI Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 43.8/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
MZTI	-3.00%	+0.25%	-9.90%	-13.64%	-21.61%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLP	-1.29%	+0.59%	-3.91%	+6.04%	+3.81%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-2.93%	-3.35%	-10.24%	-13.28%	-51.13%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-1.70%	-0.33%	-6.00%	-19.67%	-25.41%	-	-	-

Metric	MZTI	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	20.4x	-38%
EV/EBITDA	14.2x	+105%
Price / Book	3.8x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
ITRN Ituran Location & Control Ltd.	60	48	82	70	19.6x	122.1%	47.8%	16.8%	-	0.0x	$1.0B	VS
SENEA Seneca Foods Corp	55	49	59	69	10.3x	14.4%	14.3%	6.7%	70.9%	39.0x	$1.1B	VS
JBSS SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC	54	50	57	61	12.8x	20.2%	19.3%	6.3%	14.0%	11.0x	$965M	VS
ARW ARROW ELECTRONICS, INC.	53	50	73	63	15.8x	7.2%	11.2%	1.6%	11.9%	337.0x	$7.5B	VS
SFD SMITHFIELD FOODS INC	53	50	72	57	13.8x	11.9%	19.9%	7.5%	7.3%	29.0x	$11.3B	VS
BG Bunge Global SA	53	50	54	69	24.9x	5.7%	5.4%	1.8%	67.3%	59.0x	$24.8B	VS
DAR DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.	53	50	55	71	142.7x	1.5%	24.1%	1.2%	13.3%	114.0x	$9.9B	VS
ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Co	52	50	52	64	54.6x	2.8%	6.4%	0.8%	-8.4%	33.0x	$34.9B	VS
CTVA Corteva, Inc.	52	49	51	60	50.6x	4.7%	42.9%	0.2%	-57.2%	76.0x	$56.3B	VS
MO ALTRIA GROUP, INC.	51	50	67	51	13.6x	-	62.1%	33.8%	-2.2%	-990.0x	$109.5B	VS
MZTI LANCASTER COLONY CORP	44	50	47	32	20.4x	18.8%	24.5%	9.9%	1.7%	29.0x	$3.8B

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-3.3%	-	10.7%	9.8%	7.4%	-1.8%	5.9%	6.6%	9.7%	10.6%	9.9%
ROE %	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
ROA %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
ROIC %	18.6%	5.8%	20.8%	20.7%	14.4%	11.3%	22.4%	23.8%	28.4%	30.4%	31.9%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-3.3%

10.7%

9.8%

7.4%

-1.8%

5.9%

6.6%

9.7%

10.6%

9.9%

ROE %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

ROIC %

18.6%

5.8%

20.8%

20.7%

14.4%

11.3%

22.4%

23.8%

28.4%

30.4%

31.9%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.1B
	$481M	$456M	$432M	$389M	$356M	$387M	$358M	$326M	$304M	$319M	$300M	$258M
Gross Margin	24.4%	23.9%	23.1%	21.3%	21.2%	26.4%	26.8%	24.9%	24.8%	26.5%	25.2%	23.3%
	—	$62M	$56M	$51M	$46M	$45M	$38M	$32M	$27M	$25M	$24M	$21M
	$244M	$220M	$199M	$142M	$112M	$186M	$176M	$191M	$172M	$175M	$185M	$155M
EBIT	$244M	$220M	$199M	$142M	$112M	$186M	$176M	$191M	$172M	$175M	$185M	$155M
EBITDA	$279M	$290M	$261M	$195M	$158M	$230M	$217M	$227M	$201M	$200M	$209M	$176M
Operating Margin	12.4%	11.5%	10.7%	7.8%	6.7%	12.7%	13.2%	14.6%	14.0%	14.5%	15.5%	14.0%
EBITDA Margin	14.2%	15.2%	14.0%	10.7%	9.4%	15.7%	16.3%	17.4%	16.4%	16.7%	17.5%	15.9%
	—	$46M	$47M	$32M	$23M	$43M	$42M	$45M	$39M	$60M	$63M	$53M
	$195M	$167M	$159M	$111M	$90M	$142M	$137M	$151M	$135M	$115M	$122M	$102M
Net Margin	9.9%	8.8%	8.5%	6.1%	5.3%	9.7%	10.3%	11.5%	11.1%	9.6%	10.2%	9.2%
	$2.15	$6.08	$5.77	$4.04	$3.26	$5.17	$4.98	$5.48	$4.93	$4.21	$4.45	$3.72
Diluted EPS	$2.15	$6.08	$5.77	$4.04	$3.26	$5.17	$4.98	$5.48	$4.93	$4.21	$4.45	$3.72

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.2B

$1.1B

$481M

$456M

$432M

$389M

$356M

$387M

$358M

$326M

$304M

$319M

$300M

$258M

Gross Margin

24.4%

23.9%

23.1%

21.3%

21.2%

26.4%

26.8%

24.9%

24.8%

26.5%

25.2%

23.3%

—

$62M

$56M

$51M

$46M

$45M

$38M

$32M

$27M

$25M

$24M

$21M

$244M

$220M

$199M

$142M

$112M

$186M

$176M

$191M

$172M

$175M

$185M

$155M

EBIT

$244M

$220M

$199M

$142M

$112M

$186M

$176M

$191M

$172M

$175M

$185M

$155M

EBITDA

$279M

$290M

$261M

$195M

$158M

$230M

$217M

$227M

$201M

$200M

$209M

$176M

Operating Margin

12.4%

11.5%

10.7%

7.8%

6.7%

12.7%

13.2%

14.6%

14.0%

14.5%

15.5%

14.0%

EBITDA Margin

14.2%

15.2%

14.0%

10.7%

9.4%

15.7%

16.3%

17.4%

16.4%

16.7%

17.5%

15.9%

—

$46M

$47M

$32M

$23M

$43M

$42M

$45M

$39M

$60M

$63M

$53M

$195M

$167M

$159M

$111M

$90M

$142M

$137M

$151M

$135M

$115M

$122M

$102M

Net Margin

9.9%

8.8%

8.5%

6.1%

5.3%

9.7%

10.3%

11.5%

11.1%

9.6%

10.2%

9.2%

$2.15

$6.08

$5.77

$4.04

$3.26

$5.17

$4.98

$5.48

$4.93

$4.21

$4.45

$3.72

Diluted EPS

$2.15

$6.08

$5.77

$4.04

$3.26

$5.17

$4.98

$5.48

$4.93

$4.21

$4.45

$3.72

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does LANCASTER COLONY CORP Do?

Lancaster Colony Corporation manufactures and markets food products for the retail and foodservice markets in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Retail and Foodservice. It offers frozen garlic bread under the New York BRAND Bakery; frozen Parkerhouse style yeast and dinner rolls under the Sister Schubert's brand; salad dressings under the Marzetti, Cardini's, and Girard's; flatbread wraps and pizza crusts under the Flatout brand; croutons and salad toppings under the New York BRAND Bakery, Chatham Village, and Marzetti; frozen pasta under the Marzetti Frozen Pasta brand; and vegetable and fruit dips under the Marzetti brand. In addition, it manufactures and sells other products to brand license agreements, including Olive Garden dressings, Buffalo Wild Wings sauces and Chick-fil-A sauces. The company sells its products through sales personnel, food brokers, and distributors to retailers and restaurants. Lancaster Colony Corporation was incorporated in 1961 and is based in Westerville, Ohio. LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Staples sector, specifically within the Food Products industry. The company is led by CEO David A. Ciesinski and employs approximately 3,200 people, headquartered in WESTERVILLE, Ohio. With a market capitalization of $3.8B, MZTI is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Staples sector.

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, LANCASTER COLONY CORP receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 43.8/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.MZTI ranks #2,039 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Staples sector, LANCASTER COLONY CORP ranks #76 of 180 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Consumer Staples peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

MZTI Stock Price and 52-Week Range

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) currently trades at $142.00. The stock lost $4.39 (3.0%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for MZTI is $193.40, which means the stock is currently trading -26.6% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $138.44, putting the stock 2.6% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 265K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is MZTI Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) carries a value factor score of 47/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 20.40x, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 33.11x — a discount of 38%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 3.84x, versus the sector average of 1.74x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.02x, compared to 0.35x for the average Consumer Staples stock. On an enterprise value basis, MZTI trades at 14.20x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.93x for the sector.

Overall, MZTI's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

LANCASTER COLONY CORP Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 18.8%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 7.7%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 14.6% versus the sector average of 3.1%.

On a margin basis, LANCASTER COLONY CORP reports gross margins of 24.4%, compared to 26.2% for the sector. The operating margin is 12.4% (sector: 2.9%). Net profit margin stands at 9.9%, versus 1.6% for the average Consumer Staples stock. Revenue growth is running at 1.7% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.1% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

MZTI Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

LANCASTER COLONY CORP has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.0%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 72.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 2.72x, indicating strong short-term liquidity.

MZTI has a beta of 0.20, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for LANCASTER COLONY CORP is 82/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

LANCASTER COLONY CORP Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, LANCASTER COLONY CORP reported revenue of $1.96B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.15. Net income for the quarter was $195M. Gross margin was 24.4%. Operating income came in at $244M.

In Q2 2026, LANCASTER COLONY CORP reported revenue of $518M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.15. Net income for the quarter was $59M. Gross margin was 26.5%. Operating income came in at $75M.

In Q1 2025, LANCASTER COLONY CORP reported revenue of $493M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.71. Net income for the quarter was $47M. Gross margin was 24.1%. Revenue grew 5.8% year-over-year compared to Q1 2024. Operating income came in at $59M.

In Q1 2026, LANCASTER COLONY CORP reported revenue of $493M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.71. Net income for the quarter was $47M. Gross margin was 24.1%. Revenue grew 0.0% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $59M.

Over the past 8 quarters, LANCASTER COLONY CORP has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $467M to $1.96B. Investors analyzing MZTI stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

MZTI Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.2%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in MZTI stock would generate approximately $$220.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Consumer Staples sector average dividend yield of 0.4%, meaning MZTI offers above-average income for its sector. The net margin of 9.9% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

MZTI Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) has a momentum factor score of 32/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 33/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 23/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

MZTI vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Staples sector, LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) ranks #76 out of 180 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places MZTI in the upper half of all Consumer Staples stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include Ituran Location & Control Ltd. (ITRN) with a score of 60.3/100, DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. (DAR) with a score of 52.9/100, Bunge Global SA (BG) with a score of 53.0/100, SANFILIPPO JOHN B & SON INC (JBSS) with a score of 54.1/100, and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co (ADM) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing MZTI against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full MZTI vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how LANCASTER COLONY CORP stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

MZTI Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy MZTI? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for LANCASTER COLONY CORP suggests caution. Momentum is weak at 32/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 82/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 43.8/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on MZTI stock.

Related Resources for MZTI Investors

Explore more research and tools: MZTI vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Staples stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare MZTI head-to-head with peers: MZTI vs ITRN, MZTI vs DAR, MZTI vs BG.

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LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does LANCASTER COLONY CORP Do?

LANCASTER COLONY CORP (MZTI) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

MZTI Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is MZTI Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

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MZTI Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

LANCASTER COLONY CORP Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

MZTI Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MZTI Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MZTI vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

MZTI Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy MZTI? — Investment Thesis Summary

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