MKC-V

Consumer Defensive

McCormick & Company, Incorporated · Packaged Foods · $13B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
48.0
Below Average

McCormick & Company, Incorporated scores 48.0/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Consumer Defensive Sector
MKC-V
48.0
Sector avg
38.4
Quality
Good
Moat
Neutral
Growth
Weak
Risk
Weak
Valuation
Good

What is McCormick & Company, Incorporated?

McCormick & Company is one of the world's leading producers of spices, seasonings, and condiments, serving both everyday consumers and major food manufacturers. Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, the company's brands appear in kitchens and restaurants across the globe.

McCormick operates through two segments. The Consumer segment sells spices, herbs, seasonings, condiments, and sauces directly to retailers — from grocery chains to e-commerce platforms — under well-known brand names. The Flavor Solutions segment supplies seasoning blends, coating systems, and compound flavors to multinational food manufacturers and foodservice operators. Together, these two segments allow McCormick to capture demand at both the retail shelf and the industrial supply chain level.

McCormick was founded in 1889 and operates its global headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

  • Branded retail spices, herbs, and seasoning mixes
  • Hot sauces and condiments including Frank's RedHot and Cholula
  • Industrial flavor solutions and coating systems for food manufacturers
  • Dessert and baking products under brands like Vahiné and Aeroplane
  • Regional and ethnic flavor brands such as Zatarain's and Thai Kitchen

Is MKC-V a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates MKC-V as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed picture across its five quality pillars.

The Quality pillar earns a Good rating, suggesting McCormick maintains a reasonably sound operational foundation relative to peers. Valuation also comes in as Good, meaning the stock does not appear significantly stretched on a fundamental basis — a notable point for a well-established consumer staples name.

Growth and Risk both register as Weak, which weighs heavily on the composite score. Investors should be aware that the business faces meaningful headwinds on the expansion front alongside elevated risk considerations. The Moat pillar lands at Neutral, indicating competitive advantages exist but are not dominant.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does MKC-V pay dividends?

Yes — McCormick & Company, Incorporated pays a dividend.

McCormick pays a regular dividend, consistent with its identity as a mature consumer staples company. Long-tenured dividend programs are common among companies in this sector, where stable cash generation supports shareholder returns. Income-oriented investors often look to McCormick as part of a defensive allocation, though the Growth and Risk pillar ratings are worth weighing alongside any yield consideration.

When does MKC-V report earnings?

McCormick & Company reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.

The company's recent results reflect the pressures visible in its UQS pillar profile — particularly the Weak Growth rating — as consumer spending patterns and input cost dynamics continue to shape outcomes in the packaged food space. Flavor Solutions segment performance can vary with the fortunes of its large foodservice and manufacturing customers.

For the most recent quarter's results and forward guidance, visit McCormick's official investor relations page.

MKC-V Price History

-34.8% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in McCormick & Company, Incorporated?

$
Today it would be worth
$6,388
That's a -36.1% total return, or -8.6% annualized.

Based on McCormick & Company, Incorporated's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

MKC-V Long-term Outlook

The Weak Growth pillar suggests McCormick faces a challenging near-term expansion environment, with limited organic volume drivers in a mature category. The Weak Risk rating adds further caution, pointing to balance sheet or macro sensitivities that could weigh on the trajectory. On the other hand, the Good Valuation label indicates the market may already be pricing in much of this uncertainty, which could limit downside for patient investors focused on the Consumer Defensive sector.

Growth drivers

  • Flavor Solutions segment exposure to growing global food manufacturing demand
  • International brand expansion across emerging and developed markets
  • Portfolio of regional and ethnic flavor brands addressing evolving consumer tastes

Key risks

  • Weak Growth pillar signals limited near-term revenue acceleration
  • Weak Risk pillar highlights potential balance sheet or macro vulnerabilities
  • Competitive private-label pressure in the retail spice and seasoning aisle

MKC-V vs Peers

McCormick operates in a competitive consumer staples landscape alongside diversified food companies with overlapping retail and foodservice exposure.

MKCSimilar UQS
McCormick & Company, Incorporated

The voting share class counterpart, sharing the same underlying business but differing in shareholder voting rights — relevant for governance-focused investors.

SAP.TOMKC-V scores higher
Saputo Inc.

A Canadian dairy-focused food company that competes for shelf space and consumer wallet share within the broader packaged food category.

HRLMKC-V scores higher
Hormel Foods Corporation

Hormel's diversified protein and branded food portfolio overlaps with McCormick in the condiments and flavoring aisle, particularly in foodservice channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does McCormick & Company do?

McCormick manufactures and distributes spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavor solutions worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells branded products to retailers, while its Flavor Solutions segment supplies seasoning blends and coating systems to food manufacturers and foodservice operators. The company's portfolio spans dozens of well-known brands across multiple continents.

Does MKC-V pay dividends?

Yes, McCormick pays a regular dividend. The company has a long history of returning cash to shareholders through dividends, which is characteristic of mature consumer staples businesses with relatively stable cash flows. Investors should check McCormick's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule.

When does MKC-V report earnings?

McCormick reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. Our data source does not cover specific upcoming earnings dates. For the most accurate and current schedule, refer to McCormick's investor relations page or a financial calendar service.

Is MKC-V a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates MKC-V as Below Average overall. While the Quality and Valuation pillars earn Good ratings, the Growth and Risk pillars are both Weak, which drags down the composite. Whether it fits a portfolio depends on an investor's priorities — Pro members can view the complete pillar breakdown to make a more informed assessment.

Is MKC-V overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for MKC-V is rated Good, suggesting the stock is not obviously overpriced relative to its fundamentals. For a consumer staples company facing Weak Growth, a reasonable valuation can be meaningful — but the full picture requires weighing all five pillars together. The complete analysis is available to Pro members.

How does MKC-V compare to its competitors?

McCormick's non-voting share class (MKC-V) mirrors the same underlying business as MKC. Versus peers like Hormel Foods and Saputo, McCormick holds a more focused position in spices and flavor solutions rather than protein or dairy. Its global brand portfolio is a distinguishing characteristic, though the Neutral Moat rating suggests competitive advantages are present but not overwhelming.

What is MKC-V's market cap bracket?

MKC-V is classified as a large-cap stock. This places it among the more established, widely followed names in the Consumer Defensive sector, typically associated with greater liquidity and institutional ownership compared to smaller peers.

Who founded McCormick & Company?

McCormick & Company was founded in 1889 by Willoughby McCormick in Baltimore, Maryland. The company has grown significantly over more than a century, expanding from a small flavor business into a global leader in spices, seasonings, and condiments. Its headquarters are now located in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Is MKC-V a long-term quality stock?

As a long-term quality indicator, MKC-V's UQS profile is mixed. The Good Quality pillar reflects a sound operational base, but the Weak Growth and Weak Risk ratings raise questions about the company's ability to compound value over time. Long-term investors focused on the Consumer Defensive sector may want to review the full pillar breakdown available to Pro members.

What is the main competitive advantage of McCormick?

McCormick's competitive position rests on its extensive portfolio of recognized consumer brands, long-standing relationships with major food manufacturers, and global distribution reach. The UQS Moat pillar rates this as Neutral, meaning these advantages exist but may not be sufficient to fully insulate the company from competitive or private-label pressure in the current environment.

What sector does MKC-V belong to?

MKC-V belongs to the Consumer Defensive sector. Companies in this sector tend to sell everyday essential products — like food and beverages — that maintain relatively stable demand regardless of economic cycles. This characteristic makes McCormick a common consideration for investors seeking lower-volatility equity exposure.

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Pro Analysis

MKC-V — Score History

40455055Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 14 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 7, 202647.466.542.029.226.369.6+0.3
May 3, 202647.166.542.029.226.368.2+0.2
Apr 26, 202646.966.542.029.226.366.9+0.2
Apr 19, 202646.766.542.029.226.365.1+0.2
Apr 18, 202646.566.642.029.226.363.8-0.9
Apr 14, 202647.466.642.029.026.370.2-0.1
Apr 12, 202647.566.642.029.026.370.9-0.7
Apr 11, 202648.266.642.029.026.375.6-0.2
Apr 9, 202648.467.442.029.026.375.6-0.2
Apr 8, 202648.667.342.029.326.376.40.0

MKC-V — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

68.2/100 (25%)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Weak

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityStrong

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityModerate

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityStrong

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsModerate

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationStrong

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

29.1/100 (20%)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.

Recent Revenue TrendWeak

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRWeak

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookModerate

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthModerate

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

26.3/100 (15%)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.

Financial LeverageWeak

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityStrong

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioWeak

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

71.4/100 (15%)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.

Earnings YieldModerate

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowStrong

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

42/100 (25%)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for MKC-V.

Score Composition

Quality
68.2×25%17.1
Growth
29.1×20%5.8
Risk
26.3×15%3.9
Valuation
71.4×15%10.7
Moat
42.0×25%10.5
Total
48.0Below Average

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the MKC-V UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for McCormick & Company, Incorporated is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses McCormick & Company, Incorporated's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether McCormick & Company, Incorporated is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.