McCormick Q4 Net Sales +3% and Adjusted EPS $0.86, 7% Dividend Increase
McCormick reported Q4 net sales rose 3% including a 1% currency tailwind, with organic sales up 2% and adjusted EPS of $0.86 versus $0.80 a year ago. Full-year 2025 organic sales grew 2% with adjusted EPS of $3.00, and the board authorized a 7% dividend increase.
1. Q4 2025 Results Highlight Mixed Top-line Growth and Margin Pressure
In the fourth quarter ended November 30, 2025, McCormick reported net sales of $1.85 billion, up 3% versus the prior year, including a 1% favorable currency impact. Organic sales increased 2%, driven by a 2% price contribution and a 0.2% volume/mix gain. Consumer segment revenue rose 3.9% to $1.13 billion, with organic growth of 3% led by a 2% price increase and 1% volume lift. Flavor Solutions net sales grew 1.4% to $723 million, with organic growth of 0.7% reflecting 1.6% pricing gains offset by a 0.9% volume decline. Gross profit margin contracted 130 basis points to 38.9%, primarily due to higher commodity and tariff costs partially offset by cost‐savings initiatives under the company’s Continuous Improvement program. Adjusted operating income reached $317 million, a 2.9% increase, and adjusted EPS was $0.86, up 7.5% year-over-year.
2. Fiscal Year 2025 Delivers Modest Growth and Strong Cash Flow
For the full fiscal year, net sales climbed 2% to $6.84 billion, with organic sales growth of 2% driven equally by volume/mix and price. Consumer segment sales increased 2.6% to $3.95 billion, while Flavor Solutions remained roughly flat at $2.89 billion despite a 0.2% organic lift. Adjusted operating income expanded 2.3% to $1.094 billion, and adjusted EPS rose to $3.00 from $2.95. The company generated $962 million in operating cash flow, up 4% versus 2024, and the board approved a 7% quarterly dividend increase, marking the 40th consecutive annual dividend hike.
3. 2026 Outlook Underpinned by Margin Recovery and Strategic Investment
McCormick projects continued top-line momentum in 2026 through targeted investments in brand marketing, innovation and expansion of its McCormick de Mexico business. Management expects gross margin improvement driven by easing commodity inflation, productivity gains and disciplined pricing actions. Operating profit is anticipated to outpace volume growth as the company leverages efficiency initiatives and cost management. While global trade dynamics and input costs remain higher than historical norms, the firm’s diversified portfolio, ongoing capacity investments and focus on share gains support its goal of sustained, profitable growth and enhanced shareholder returns.