Valued at $20.2 billion by market cap, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) is a global leader in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products. Founded in 1889 and now headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and operates in over 150 countries and territories worldwide.
Shares of MKC have underperformed the broader market over the past year. MKC has gained 1.2% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 12.5%. In 2025, MKC stock is down 1.1%, compared to SPX’s 1.3% rise on a YTD basis.
Narrowing the focus, MKC has outpaced the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG). The exchange-traded fund has declined 8.2% over the past year and marginally in 2025.
Following the release of its Q1 results on March 25, McCormick’s stock saw a marginal decline. Although the company achieved a 2% increase in volume, the impact was largely neutralized by unfavorable currency movements. As a result, net sales edged up just 0.17% year-over-year to $1.6 billion, missing consensus estimates by 38 basis points. Additionally, adjusted earnings per share fell 4.8% from the prior year to $0.60, coming in 6.3% below Wall Street expectations.
For fiscal 2025, ending in November, analysts expect MKC’s EPS to grow 3.1% to $3.04 on a diluted basis. The company’s earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters, while missing in the recent quarter.
Among the 13 analysts covering MKC stock, the consensus is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on six “Strong Buy” ratings, one “Moderate Buy,” five “Holds,” and one “Strong Sell.”
This configuration is less bullish than two months ago, with seven analysts suggesting a “Strong Buy.”
The mean price target of $85.57 represents a 13.5% premium to MKC’s current price levels. The Street-high price target of $101 suggests an upside potential of 34%.
