On Wednesday, Citi analyst adjusted the price target for McCormick & Company (NYSE:MKC) shares, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:MKC), to $80 from the previous target of $88, while upholding a Neutral rating for the stock. Analyst noted potential slight downside risks to the company’s forward estimates as they approach their fourth-quarter earnings, attributing the concerns primarily to increasing foreign exchange pressures.
McCormick & Company is navigating a challenging market where its public peers are ramping up investments in promotions and marketing to bridge price gaps and prevent market share losses. However, McCormick has already implemented such measures, leading to an acceleration in measured takeaway growth and improving share trends, according to Palmer’s analysis.
The analyst highlighted that McCormick’s multiples based on forward Price to Earnings (P/E) and Enterprise Value to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EV/EBITDA) are currently lower than their historical averages. This decline in multiples is noted even though it is not as pronounced as the reductions seen across most large-cap packaged food companies.
Analyst’s commentary suggests a cautiously optimistic view of McCormick’s position in the market, recognizing the company’s proactive steps in marketing and promotions that have begun to yield positive results in terms of market share dynamics. Despite the immediate foreign exchange headwinds and potential impacts on upcoming earnings, Citi’s stance on McCormick’s stock remains neutral with a revised, but lower, price target.
In other recent news, McCormick & Company has seen positive developments with both analysts and its financial performance. TD Cowen upgraded McCormick’s stock from Hold to Buy and raised the price target to $90, reflecting an optimistic outlook on the company’s financial future.
This came alongside Jefferies also upgrading McCormick’s stock from Hold to Buy, citing the company’s strategic positioning within meal-related products. McCormick reported a 15% increase in adjusted operating income to $288 million year-over-year, and a quarterly dividend increase to $0.45 per share, marking its 101st year of continuous dividend payments.
In terms of mergers and acquisitions, McCormick is reportedly in talks to acquire Sauer Brands Inc., owner of Duke’s mayonnaise, in a deal potentially valuing Sauer Brands at over $1 billion. This is part of McCormick’s ongoing efforts to expand its portfolio.
In other company news, Brendan Foley is set to succeed Lawrence E. Kurzius as Executive Chairman starting in 2025. McCormick also outlined a strategy to achieve a 4% organic growth rate by fiscal year 2026, with a projected acceleration to 2-3% in 2025. These recent developments reflect McCormick’s commitment to growth and shareholder value.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.