McCormick, US5797802064

McCormick stock reports strong Q3 sales growth as outlook holds

Published on 10/07/2026 at 00:06 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

McCormick stock posted adjusted EPS of USD 0.86 in Q3 2026, beating the USD 0.76 consensus. Management kept fiscal 2026 EPS guidance at USD 3.05 to USD 3.13.

Aquarellmalerei einer amerikanischen Küstenstadt mit modernem Bürogebäude im Herbst — Aquarell einer Küstenstadt mit Bürocampus repräsentiert McCormick & Company (ISIN US5797802064) und dessen Firmensitz, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

McCormick stock was trading at USD 45.89 on the NYSE on October 6, 2026, close to its 52-week low of USD 43.25. The company reported 17.4 percent third-quarter sales growth on October 1, while reaffirming its fiscal 2026 outlook.

Sales rise while core growth stays modest

According to McCormick on October 1, 2026, third-quarter net sales reached USD 2.0248 billion, up 17.4 percent from the year-earlier period ended August 31, 2026. Organic sales growth was 1.9 percent, showing that the reported increase was driven substantially by the McCormick de Mexico acquisition.

The underlying mix was uneven. Consumer segment sales increased 24.9 percent, while Flavor Solutions sales rose 7.7 percent, and organic growth was driven by pricing rather than broad volume expansion.

Adjusted earnings beat expectations

McCormick reported adjusted EPS of USD 0.86 for Q3 2026, compared with USD 0.76 expected, while revenue of USD 2.0248 billion exceeded the USD 1.98 billion consensus, according to MarketBeat on October 2, 2026. The adjusted figure increased from USD 0.85 a year earlier, but GAAP EPS fell to USD 0.36 from USD 0.84 after USD 141.5 million of special charges.

The margin picture was stronger than the GAAP earnings line. Adjusted operating income increased to USD 358.5 million from USD 293.6 million, while adjusted operating margin reached 17.7 percent, up from 17.0 percent in Q3 2025.

Costs and targets shape the next move

McCormick kept fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance at USD 3.05 to USD 3.13 and forecast reported net sales growth of 13 percent to 17 percent. The company also expects adjusted gross margin expansion of 100 to 120 basis points, although cost inflation is projected at 6 percent to 7 percent.

Analyst caution remains visible. MarketBeat reported on October 2, 2026, that Stifel Nicolaus cut its target from USD 55 to USD 48 and retained a Hold rating. The same report put the consensus rating at Hold and the average target at USD 59.10, which is 28.8 percent above the October 6 price of USD 45.89.

Stock remains near its yearly low

McCormick stock was last at USD 45.89 on the NYSE on October 6, 2026, against a 52-week range of USD 43.25 to USD 72.41. The earnings beat therefore sits beside a valuation debate centered on acquisition-led growth, inflation and the weaker GAAP profit result.