Barclays Reviews McCormick (MKC) as ERP and Tax Pressures Come Into Focus

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) is included among the Dividend Growth Stocks: 25 Aristocrats.

On January 26, Barclays analyst Andrew Lazar trimmed his price objective on McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) to $67 from $72. The analyst kept an Equal Weight rating after the company reported fourth-quarter results. He pointed out that management had already hinted in fiscal Q3 that it might favor protecting volumes over short-term profit growth in fiscal 2026. What changed after the latest report were fresh headwinds. The faster pace of the company’s enterprise resource planning rollout and a tax-related drag were not fully on investors’ radar before, Lazar noted.

Just days earlier, on January 22, McCormick cautioned that fiscal 2026 profits are likely to face pressure. Higher costs tied to tariffs and commodities are weighing on margins. Trade uncertainty has pushed raw material prices higher, and ongoing investments in manufacturing sites and brand marketing have added another layer of cost.

On the post-earnings call, CEO Brendan Foley spoke candidly about the environment. Inflation, volatile commodity prices, and broader macro conditions drove incremental costs that hurt margins. He also said roughly 50% of the incremental tariffs on McCormick products are still in place, and the inflation tied to those tariffs has not faded.

Looking ahead, the company expects tariffs to add about $50 million in incremental costs in fiscal 2026. McCormick imports several key spices, including pepper and herbs, which leaves it exposed when input prices rise. Deutsche Bank analyst Steve Powers said the stock could remain under pressure in the near term following the weak quarter and cautious outlook. Over time, he sees support from steady demand for everyday flavor products and from the company’s acquisition of McCormick de Mexico.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) makes and sells spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavor products across global markets.

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