Spices Giant McCormick Cuts Profit Outlook As Tariffs And Costs Bite

Core Viewpoint - McCormick & Company reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, but shares fell due to concerns over rising costs and a reduced earnings outlook [1][7]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were 85 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of 81 cents [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $1.724 billion, exceeding the expected $1.713 billion [2]. - Net sales increased by 3% in the third quarter, aided by a 1% favorable currency impact [3]. - Consumer segment net sales rose by 4% year-over-year to $973 million, also benefiting from a 1% currency tailwind [3]. - Organic sales grew by 3%, driven by volume and product mix [4]. - Adjusted gross profit decreased by 0.6% year-over-year to $646.1 million, with adjusted gross margin falling by 120 basis points to 37.5% due to higher commodity costs and tariffs [5]. - Adjusted operating income rose to $294 million from $288 million, while adjusted operating margin decreased by 20 basis points to 17% [5]. - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents of $94.9 million, and operating cash flow for the nine months ending August 31, 2025, was $420.2 million, down from $463.2 million in the previous year [6]. Outlook - McCormick & Company revised its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $3.00–$3.05, down from $3.03–$3.08, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 [7]. - The company maintained its guidance for constant-currency net sales growth of 1%–3% [7]. - The CEO emphasized ongoing investments in growth plans and cost-saving initiatives to enhance resilience amid rising inflation from commodity costs and tariffs [7].