The Weekly Buzzing Stocks by Billy KawasakiMcCormick & CoMKCTOP PICKJun 29, 2023
McCormick & company, incorporated (nyse: mkc) is a global leader in flavor and one of the most respected and familiar names in the industry. in business for more than 125 years, mccormick manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry—retail outlets, food manufacturers and food service businesses. the mccormick name represents a trusted source of flavor in millions of kitchens around the globe—in homes and in restaurants.
Yesterday, they reported mixed numbers: a modest earnings beat, softer than expected sales and alight full-year forecast. But management's plan is credible to boost volume growth in 2025 without sacrificing margins.
They report Tuesday. A quality company that's having a tough time dealing with inflation. Some companies like Hershey's and General Mills have been adept pasisng on costs to consumers. Maybe MKC can, but they haven't recently which hasn't inspired confidence.
Usually it thrives during a slowdown. Their June report slashed full-year guidance, as consumer goods struggle in Europe and Asia. Also, MKF raised prices and consumers didn't bite. Management still needs to get its house in order; they has slashed their full-year-forecast, forecasting $0.65 EPS vs. $0.83 by Wall Street. Full-year, the company projects 0 to -2% sales growth, down from before. Are still struggling from the supply chain.
As the economy reopened, shares slid, but shares stabilized last month as the market became volatile. They reported last week some hot sales, but management cut their full-year earnings forecast because of supply chain issues and higher transportation and packaging costs. If these issues can be solved, then MKC would be a terrific buy.
It did well during last year's lockdown as people cooked more from home. Mind you, restaurant demand declined. She once owned this. They are market leaders, but MKC is fully valued. She may buy on a pullback, but other peers trade at a better PE.
It was a sleeping stock until Covid, when the lockdowns allowed these shares to catch fire and people bought their spices to fill their pantries. Problem is restaurants are reopening more and more. They report Thursday. Tough to make money.
MKC sells spices, so it's widely viewed as a lockdown stock. And yet, restaurants will fully reopen and restos make up 20% of their business. This is a hybrid stock, benefiting from the reopening but also lingering stay-at-home habits as people will continue to cook at home but also dine out.
It reports Tuesday. It's controversial. A big spicemaker including a huge food-service business that supplies restaurants, but of course that got hit badly during the pandemic, though its consumer business thrived during lockdowns as people cooked more. However, when society reopens there will be less cooking.
The market thinks packaged foods have no post-Covid future, that cooking from home will no staying power. They're wrong. This spice-maker isn't getting its due for its Frank's Hot Sauce acquisition. MKC beat its top and bottom lines in its Q3 report.
They make spices. Their last quarter was a blow-out and the stock shot up...too high, and has since pulled back sharply. Now, the stock is only slightly above that last report. Will people still cook at home after the pandemic? Yes--people develop new habits and some will keep cooking because they like it. That said, analysts may fail to back this stock.
They bought Reckitt Benckiser which propelled from the 10th-largest to the 2nd biggest condiment company in the world. It's recession-proof and has been rising slowly during this current downtrend. They do a lot of partnerships with restaurants. A low-volatile, sleeping name that meets a consistent demand: cooking. (Analysts’ price target is $153.22)
McCormick & company, incorporated (nyse: mkc) is a global leader in flavor and one of the most respected and familiar names in the industry. in business for more than 125 years, mccormick manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry—retail outlets, food manufacturers and food service businesses. the mccormick name represents a trusted source of flavor in millions of kitchens around the globe—in homes and in restaurants.