McCormick Reports Second Quarter Performance And Updates 2022 Outlook

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), a global leader in flavor, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2022.

• Sales declined 1% in the second quarter from the year-ago period and, in constant currency, sales were comparable to the year-ago period. Both comparisons reflect strong underlying sales growth offset by the impact of discrete items, including the impact of COVID-related lockdowns in China and the conflict in Ukraine.

• Operating income was $157 million in the second quarter compared to $237 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted operating income was $174 million compared to $258 million in the second quarter of 2021.

• Earnings per share was $0.44 in the second quarter as compared to $0.68 in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.48 as compared to $0.69 in the year-ago period.

• For fiscal year 2022, McCormick updated its sales, operating income, and earnings per share outlook.

Lawrence E. Kurzius, Chairman and CEO, stated, “McCormick’s long-term performance, including through the pandemic and other volatility, has been industry-leading and met or exceeded our financial objectives. We are currently navigating a challenging global environment including persistently high cost inflation and supply chain challenges, significant disruption in China from COVID-related lockdowns and the conflict in Ukraine. All these items intensified as our second quarter progressed and impacted our results. In addition, lapping trade inventory replenishments during last year’s second quarter and the exit of low margin business impacted the comparisons to year-ago performance. The combination of these discrete items unfavorably impacted our sales comparison by 4%, with an impact on profit as well. Excluding these items, our sales performance reflects the strength of our broad global portfolio and the effective execution of our strategies, as well as our pricing actions.

“We anticipated the profit driven by sales growth in the second quarter would be more than offset by higher inflation and broad-based supply chain challenges, and the impact was greater than expected due to continuing cost escalation. We expect our pricing actions and other levers to begin to outpace cost pressures in the second half of this year and to fully offset the cost pressures over time. The strength of our business model, the value of our products and capabilities, and the successful execution of our long-term strategies give us confidence in our robust sales growth momentum and in our ability to successfully navigate the challenging dynamic global environment.

“We continue to capitalize on the long-term consumer trends that accelerated during the pandemic, including the sustained shift to cooking more at home, increased digital engagement, clean and flavorful eating, and trusted brands. Our alignment with these trends, in combination with the breadth and reach of our portfolio and our strategic investments provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The long-term fundamentals that drove our industry-leading historical performance remain strong and our experienced leaders are executing on our proven strategies while adapting to changes accordingly.

“I want to recognize McCormick employees around the world as they drive our momentum and success. With our vision to stand together for flavor and our relentless focus on growth, performance, and people, we are confident we are well positioned to deliver strong performance in 2022 and beyond while driving sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

McCormick reported a 1% sales decline in the second quarter from the year-ago period, including a 1% unfavorable impact from currency. Constant currency sales were comparable to last year, reflecting 7% growth from pricing actions offset by a 7% decline in volume and product mix. The volume and product mix decline included a negative 4% impact related to discrete items including lapping last year’s second quarter U.S. trade inventory replenishments, a disruption to China’s consumer consumption this year due to COVID-related restrictions, the exit of low margin business in India and the conflict in Ukraine.

Comparisons to prior years remain difficult due to the dramatic shifts in consumer consumption between at-home and away-from-home experienced in the second quarter of the last two years. Using 2019 as a pre-pandemic baseline, second quarter sales have grown at a constant currency compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% for the total Company, reflecting 4% growth in the Consumer segment and 8% growth in the Flavor Solutions segment.

Higher material and transportation cost inflation, as well as unfavorable product mix, partially offset by pricing actions and cost savings led by the Company’s Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program, resulted in a decline in gross profit margin of 550 basis points. Operating income was $157 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $237 million in the second quarter of 2021. This decline was driven by gross margin compression and higher distribution expenses partially offset by the favorable impact of CCI-led cost savings and lower transaction and integration expenses. In the second quarter of 2022, the Company recognized $15 million of special charges versus $14 million in 2021 and $2 million of transaction and integration expenses related to the acquisitions of Cholula and FONA versus $7 million in 2021. Excluding special charges, as well as transaction and integration expenses, adjusted operating income was $174 million compared to $258 million in the year-ago period.

Earnings per share was $0.44 in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $0.68 in the second quarter of 2021. Special charges and integration expenses lowered earnings per share by $0.04 in the second quarter of 2022. The net impact of the gain on the sale of the Company’s minority stake in Eastern Condiments Private Ltd (Eastern), transaction and integration expenses, and special charges lowered earnings per share by $0.01 in the second quarter of 2021. Excluding these impacts, adjusted earnings per share was $0.48 in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $0.69 in the year-ago period. This decrease was driven by lower adjusted operating income.

Year-to-date net cash provided by operating activities was $154 million compared to $229 million through the second quarter of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower net income.

McCormick’s broad and advantaged global flavor portfolio enables the Company to meet the rising demand for flavor around the world. The Company is capitalizing on the growing consumer interests in healthy and flavorful cooking, digital engagement, trusted brands, and purpose-minded practices.  This, coupled with the breadth and reach of McCormick’s portfolio and its effective strategies, sustainably position the Company to continue on its growth trajectory.

For fiscal year 2022, McCormick updated its financial outlook to reflect a more unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates, the impact of higher cost pressures and the related pricing actions, the unfavorable impact of significant disruption in China from COVID-related lockdowns, the conflict in Ukraine and the Company’s growth momentum. In addition, the Company now expects a favorable impact from the optimization of its debt portfolio.

The Company expects foreign currency rates in 2022 to unfavorably impact net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share by two-percentage points. This compares to the Company’s previous guidance of an unfavorable one-percentage point impact.

In 2022, the Company expects to grow sales 3% to 5% compared to 2021, which in constant currency is expected to be 5% to 7%. This compares to the Company’s previous projection of 3% to 5%, or 4% to 6% in constant currency. McCormick expects sales growth to be driven by pricing actions, which, in conjunction with cost savings, are expected to offset inflationary pressures over time. McCormick also plans to drive continued growth through the strength of its brands, as well as brand marketing, new products, category management, and differentiated customer engagement.

Operating income in 2022 is expected to grow 4% to 6% from $1.02 billion in 2021. The Company anticipates integration expenses related to the FONA acquisition of approximately $3 million in 2022. In addition, McCormick expects approximately $46 million of special charges in 2022 that relate to previously approved organization and streamlining actions. Excluding the impact of integration expenses and special charges in 2022 and 2021, adjusted operating income is expected to range from comparable to an increase of 2%, which in constant currency is 2% to 4%. This compares to the Company’s previous projection of 7% to 9%, or 8% to 10% in constant currency.

McCormick projects 2022 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.89 to $2.94, compared to $2.80 in 2021. The Company expects integration expenses, as well as special charges, to lower earnings per share by $0.14 in 2022. Excluding these impacts, the Company projects 2022 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.03 to $3.08, as compared to previously reported guidance of $3.17 to $3.22 and adjusted earnings per share of $3.05 in 2021. The revised guidance is driven by the updated adjusted operating income outlook and an optimization of the Company’s debt portfolio. The Company’s updated adjusted earnings per share outlook represents an expected decline of 1% to an increase of 1%, or in constant currency, growth of 1% to 3%. For fiscal 2022, the Company expects strong cash flow and anticipates returning a significant portion to shareholders through dividends and to pay down debt.

Consumer Segment

Consumer segment sales declined 8% from the second quarter of 2021. In constant currency, sales declined 7% attributable to lower volume and product mix, partially offset by pricing actions in all three regions. The combined impact of the previously mentioned discrete factors on the Consumer segment sales growth was a negative 6%.

• Consumer sales in the Americas declined 4% from the second quarter of 2021, with minimal impact from currency. Lower volume and product mix was partially offset by pricing actions. The volume decline includes a 4% unfavorable impact from lapping trade inventory replenishments in the second quarter of last year. Second quarter sales have grown at a 7% CAGR over the last three years.

• Consumer sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) declined 18% compared to the year-ago period. In constant currency, sales decreased 11% with lower volume and product mix partially offset by pricing actions. The sales decline was attributable to lapping high year-ago demand due to COVID-related restrictions, as well as a 1% unfavorable impact from lower sales in Russia and Ukraine. Second quarter sales have grown at a 3% CAGR over the last three years.

• Consumer sales in the Asia/Pacific region declined 18% compared to the year-ago period, with minimal impact from currency. The combination of lower volume in China due to a disruption in consumption from COVID-related restrictions and the exit of lower margin business in India drove a 20% reduction in volume. Pricing actions partially offset the volume decline. The second quarter sales CAGR over the past three years was a decline of 7% including an unfavorable 12% from the recent China and India impacts.

Consumer segment operating income, excluding transaction and integration expenses, as well as special charges, decreased 29% in second quarter of 2022 compared to the year-ago period. In constant currency, operating income declined 28% driven by higher cost inflation, unfavorable product mix and the unfavorable impact from COVID-related restrictions in China, partially offset by pricing actions and CCI-led cost savings.

Flavor Solutions Segment

Flavor Solutions segment sales increased 10% from the second quarter of 2021. In constant currency, the outstanding sales growth of 11% was driven by the Americas and EMEA regions. Pricing actions increased sales in all three regions. The combined impact of the previously mentioned discrete items on the Flavor Solutions segment sales growth was a negative 1%.

• In the Americas, Flavor Solutions sales rose 12% compared to the second quarter of 2021, with minimal impact from currency. The increase was driven by continued growth with packaged food and beverage companies as well as higher sales to branded foodservice customers. Second quarter sales have grown at an 8% CAGR over the last three years.

• The EMEA region’s Flavor Solutions sales grew 12% compared to the second quarter of 2021. and in constant currency grew 19%. The growth, excluding a 1% decline from lower sales in Russia, was broad-based across the portfolio led by strong growth with quick service restaurants and branded foodservice customers. Second quarter sales have grown at a 10% CAGR over the last three years.

• The Asia/Pacific region’s Flavor Solutions sales declined 8% compared to the second quarter of 2021. In constant currency, sales declined 6%. The decline was driven by a 7% unfavorable impact from lower volume in China due to COVID-related restrictions. Second quarter sales have grown at a 3% CAGR over the last three years.

Flavor Solutions segment operating income, excluding transaction and integration expenses, as well as special charges, was 40% lower in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the year-ago period. In constant currency, Flavor Solutions operating income declined 39% driven by higher cost inflation, unfavorable product mix and spending related to supply chain investments. These impacts were partially offset by higher sales, pricing actions, and CCI-led cost savings.

The tables below include financial measures of adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. These represent non-GAAP financial measures which are prepared as a complement to our financial results prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

Special charges – In our consolidated income statement, we include a separate line item captioned “Special charges” in arriving at our consolidated operating income. Special charges consist of expenses associated with certain actions undertaken by the Company to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness and are of such significance in terms of both up-front costs and organizational/structural impact to require advance approval by our Management Committee. Upon presentation of any such proposed action (including details with respect to estimated costs, which generally consist principally of employee severance and related benefits, together with ancillary costs associated with the action that may include a non-cash component or a component which relates to inventory adjustments that are included in cost of goods sold; impacted employees or operations; expected timing; and expected savings) to the Management Committee and the Committee’s advance approval, expenses associated with the approved action are classified as special charges upon recognition and monitored on an ongoing basis through completion. Special charges for the three and six months ended May 31, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.

Transaction and integration expenses associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions – We exclude certain costs associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA in November and December 2020, respectively, and their subsequent integration into the Company. Such costs, which we refer to as “Transaction and integration expenses”, include transaction costs associated with each acquisition, as well as integration costs following the respective acquisition, including the impact of the acquisition date fair value adjustment for inventories, together with the impact of discrete tax items, if any, directly related to each acquisition.

Income from sale of unconsolidated operations – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of an unconsolidated operation that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The sale of our 26% interest in Eastern Condiments Private Ltd resulted in a gain of $13.4 million, net of tax of $5.7 million. The gain is included in Income from unconsolidated operations in our consolidated income statement for the three and six months ended May 31, 2022.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above provides additional information that enables enhanced comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. This information is also used by management to measure the profitability of our ongoing operations and analyze our business performance and trends.

These non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because other companies may not calculate them in the same manner that we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the related GAAP financial measures is provided below:

Because we are a multi-national company, we are subject to variability of our reported U.S. dollar results due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Those changes have been volatile over the past several years. The exclusion of the effects of foreign currency exchange, or what we refer to as amounts expressed “on a constant currency basis”, is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that this non-GAAP measure provides additional information that enables enhanced comparison to prior periods excluding the translation effects of changes in rates of foreign currency exchange and provides additional insight into the underlying performance of our operations located outside of the U.S. It should be noted that our presentation herein of amounts and percentage changes on a constant currency basis does not exclude the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses (that is, the impact of transactions denominated in other than the local currency of any of our subsidiaries in their local currency reported results).

Percentage changes in sales and adjusted operating income as well as compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) expressed on a constant currency basis are presented excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. To present this information for historical periods, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the comparative year, rather than at the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the comparative year. Rates of constant currency growth (decline) follow:

To present “constant currency” information for the fiscal year 2022 projection, projected sales and adjusted operating income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the company’s budgeted exchange rates for 2022 and are compared to the 2021 results, translated into U.S. dollars using the same 2022 budgeted exchange rates, rather than at the average actual exchange rates in effect during fiscal year 2021. To estimate the percentage change in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis, a similar calculation is performed to arrive at adjusted net income divided by historical shares outstanding for fiscal year 2021 or projected shares outstanding for fiscal year 2022, as appropriate.

The following provides a reconciliation of our estimated earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share for 2022 and actual results for 2021:

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 170 countries and territories, we manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce channels, grocery, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick.

Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.