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Mccormick & Company Inc. (MKC)
NYSE:MKC

McCormick & Company (MKC) AI Stock Analysis

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McCormick & Company

(NYSE:MKC)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$81.00
▲( 13.91% Upside)
McCormick & Company's overall stock score reflects strong financial performance and solid strategic initiatives supporting future growth. However, technical indicators point to potential bearish trends, and valuation metrics suggest the stock may be overvalued. Earnings call insights highlight both strengths in sales growth and challenges in customer volumes and currency impacts. The company's confidence in its growth strategies provides a positive outlook despite these challenges.
Positive Factors
Consumer Demand
Scanner data in the Americas Consumer business remains strong, supporting the Buy thesis and top pick status for MKC.
Cost Management
Robust productivity savings from their Continuous Cost Improvement program are expected to drive strong gross margin expansion and provide sufficient cushion to achieve guidance for operating profit growth.
Market Trends
McCormick is viewed as the biggest beneficiary of health and wellness trends among larger food companies.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
MKC shares have underperformed since 1Q earnings, with the stock down 7% compared to the S5PACK Index.
Sourcing Challenges
A shift to domestic sourcing of key spices and ingredients could prove difficult for MKC.
Tariff Impact
Potential tariff impact could be a $75 million hit to operating profit due to global sourcing of ingredients.

McCormick & Company (MKC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

McCormick & Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMcCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions. The Consumer segment offers spices, herbs, and seasonings, as well as condiments and sauces, and desserts. This segment markets its products under the McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Lawry's Cholula Hot Sauce, Gourmet Garden, Club House, and OLD BAY brands in the Americas; Ducros, Schwartz, Kamis, and Drogheria & Alimentari, and Vahiné brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; McCormick and DaQiao brands in China; and McCormick, Aeroplane, and Gourmet Garden brands in Australia, as well as markets regional and ethnic brands, such as Zatarain's, Stubb's, Thai Kitchen, and Simply Asia. It also supplies its products under the private labels. This segment serves retailers comprising grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores, and e-commerce retailers directly and indirectly through distributors and wholesale foodservice suppliers. The Flavor Solutions segment offers seasoning blends, spices and herbs, condiments, coating systems, and compound flavors to multinational food manufacturers and foodservice customers. It serves foodservice customers directly and indirectly through distributors. The company was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
How the Company Makes MoneyMcCormick & Company generates revenue through the sale of its diverse range of flavor solutions, which include consumer products and industrial flavor solutions. The consumer segment, which targets home cooks and retail customers, offers branded spices, herbs, and seasonings, contributing a significant portion of the company's revenue. The industrial segment provides flavor solutions to food manufacturers and foodservice operators, creating customized flavors, branded foods, and other culinary products tailored to the specific needs of commercial clients. McCormick's revenue streams are bolstered by strategic acquisitions of complementary brands and partnerships with retailers and foodservice providers, which expand its market reach and product offerings.

McCormick & Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
McCormick & Company presents a solid financial standing with strong profitability and operational efficiency. The company maintains a stable balance sheet with a good equity base, though rising debt levels warrant careful monitoring. Cash flow generation is strong, supporting the company's ability to fund operations and growth. The financial health is supported by consistent revenue growth and effective cost management, positioning the company well for future challenges in the packaged foods industry.
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
McCormick & Company demonstrates strong profitability with impressive gross and net profit margins. The gross profit margin remains consistently high at around 38.6% for TTM, reflecting effective cost management. The net profit margin stands at 11.7% for TTM, showcasing solid bottom-line performance. Revenue growth has been steady with a 5.9% increase from 2022 to 2023, indicating resilient market demand. EBIT and EBITDA margins also indicate robust operational efficiency at 15.7% and 18.6% respectively for TTM.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects moderate leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, suggesting a balanced use of debt and equity financing. Return on equity is healthy at 14.5% for TTM, indicating effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio is at 42.1%, which provides a stable financial structure. However, total debt levels have been increasing, which could pose a risk if not managed carefully.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a robust free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.87 for TTM, indicating strong cash generation relative to net income. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.15, reflecting efficient cash operations. However, free cash flow growth has been inconsistent, with a decline observed in the most recent period compared to the prior year, which could impact future liquidity if not addressed.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
6.73B6.72B6.66B6.35B6.32B5.60B
Gross Profit
2.60B2.59B2.50B2.27B2.49B2.30B
EBIT
1.05B1.06B963.00M863.60M1.02B999.50M
EBITDA
1.32B1.30B1.21B1.19B1.23B1.19B
Net Income Common Stockholders
784.80M788.50M680.60M682.00M755.30M747.40M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
102.80M186.10M166.60M334.00M351.70M423.60M
Total Assets
12.90B13.07B12.86B13.12B12.91B12.09B
Total Debt
3.55B4.51B4.59B5.33B5.39B5.01B
Net Debt
3.45B4.32B4.42B4.99B5.04B4.58B
Total Liabilities
7.45B7.75B7.78B8.43B8.48B8.15B
Stockholders Equity
5.42B5.29B5.06B4.68B4.41B3.93B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
649.00M647.00M973.40M389.50M550.30M816.00M
Operating Cash Flow
899.00M921.90M1.24B651.50M828.30M1.04B
Investing Cash Flow
-244.30M-269.00M-260.50M-146.40M-908.60M-1.03B
Financing Cash Flow
-670.60M-583.10M-1.18B-487.20M22.00M220.90M

McCormick & Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price71.11
Price Trends
50DMA
76.64
Negative
100DMA
76.90
Negative
200DMA
77.65
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.14
Positive
RSI
34.79
Neutral
STOCH
9.01
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MKC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 71.11 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 74.72, below the 50-day MA of 76.64, and below the 200-day MA of 77.65, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.14 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 34.79 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.01 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for MKC.

McCormick & Company Risk Analysis

McCormick & Company disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. McCormick & Company reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

McCormick & Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
GIGIS
70
Outperform
$29.23B11.7227.37%4.50%-2.62%4.27%
CACAG
68
Neutral
$10.69B32.783.67%6.25%-3.15%-65.38%
MKMKC
67
Neutral
$19.07B24.4114.73%2.45%0.40%10.89%
HRHRL
66
Neutral
$16.19B21.379.54%3.89%-1.84%-5.14%
CPCPB
66
Neutral
$9.99B19.3013.43%4.54%9.15%-31.94%
64
Neutral
$8.82B14.564.78%173.92%3.50%2.20%
SJSJM
58
Neutral
$11.99B22.22-3.55%3.82%7.07%-181.54%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MKC
McCormick & Company
71.11
1.42
2.04%
CPB
Campbell Soup
33.50
-9.19
-21.53%
CAG
Conagra Brands
22.40
-5.83
-20.65%
GIS
General Mills
53.38
-10.80
-16.83%
HRL
Hormel Foods
29.44
-3.98
-11.91%
SJM
JM Smucker
112.64
8.29
7.94%

McCormick & Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 25, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -10.97%|
Next Earnings Date:Jun 26, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced view, with notable organic sales growth and margin expansion driven by strategic initiatives. However, there are challenges such as softness in CPG customer volumes, a difficult foodservice environment, and currency headwinds impacting earnings. Despite these challenges, the company maintained its guidance, showing confidence in its growth strategies and market position.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Solid Organic Sales Growth
Total organic sales increased by 2%, driven by volume and product mix growth. Global Consumer segment saw a 1% increase in organic sales, with 3% volume growth partially offset by a 2% price impact.
Flavor Solutions Segment Performance
Flavor Solutions organic sales increased by 3%, with a 2% increase in volume and a 1% contribution from price. Strong performance in the Americas with a 4% increase, driven by faster-growing customers and QSR growth.
Growth in Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific saw a 15% increase in Flavor Solutions sales, driven by a 16% volume growth from QSR customer promotions and new products. The region is benefiting from recovering geopolitical conditions and new customer wins.
Strong Consumer Segment in EMEA
Consumer organic sales in EMEA increased by 4%, driven by a 2% increase in both volume and price, showing strong sustained growth.
Margin Expansion and CCI Program
Gross profit margin expanded by 20 basis points, driven by the Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program. Operating margin in Flavor Solutions expanded by 240 basis points.
Negative Updates
Weakness in Larger CPG Customers
Some CPG customers in both the Americas and EMEA continue to experience volume softness, impacting the Flavor Solutions segment.
Continued Challenges in Foodservice
The foodservice environment remains challenged, with flat performance in branded foodservice in the Americas and soft QSR traffic in EMEA.
Impact of Currency Fluctuations
Currency fluctuations negatively impacted earnings, with a $0.03 per share impact due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso.
Increased SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses increased due to a shift in stock-based compensation and investments in technology and brand marketing, contributing to a 5% decline in adjusted operating income.
Company Guidance
During the first quarter earnings call for fiscal year 2025, McCormick reported a 2% increase in total organic sales, driven primarily by volume and product mix growth, with the Global Consumer segment experiencing a 1% organic sales increase and the Global Flavor Solutions segment seeing a 3% rise. The Americas region reported 3% volume growth in the Consumer segment, although price investments led to flat overall sales. In EMEA, consumer organic sales grew by 4%, supported by both volume and selective pricing actions to cover rising commodity costs. The Asia Pacific region saw a 3% increase in consumer organic sales, reflecting a gradual recovery in China. The company maintained its guidance for the year, expecting organic net sales growth between 1% and 3%, gross margin expansion of 50 to 100 basis points, and adjusted operating income growth of 4% to 6% on a constant currency basis. McCormick highlighted that its growth plans remain consistent, focusing on category management, brand marketing, and innovation, while also addressing the broader macroeconomic environment and consumer behavior shifts.

McCormick & Company Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Patricia Little to Retire from McCormick’s Board
Neutral
Jan 29, 2025

On January 27, 2025, Patricia Little informed McCormick & Company’s Board of Directors of her intention to retire and not stand for re-election at the next annual stockholders’ meeting scheduled for March 26, 2025. Her departure marks a transition within the company’s governance structure, potentially impacting its strategic direction and stakeholder interests as they prepare for the upcoming meeting.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.