Spice maker set for global push

Article Excerpt

MCCORMICK & CO. INC. $46 (New York symbol MKC; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 132.3 million; Market cap: $6.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.6; Dividend yield: 2.7%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.mccormick.com) is the world’s leading maker of spices, herbs, seasonings, flavourings, sauces and extracts. It sells its products to consumers, restaurants and industrial food processors. Top brands include McCormick, Club House, Zatarain’s, Ducos and Schwartz. The company likes to grow by purchasing other spice makers. Contributions from these acquisitions are the main reason why McCormick’s revenue rose 22.8%, from $2.7 billion in 2006 to $3.3 billion in 2010 (the company’s fiscal year ends November 30). Earnings rose 54.1%, from $1.72 a share (or a total of $231.9 million) in 2006 to $2.65 a share (or $356.3 million) in 2010. Acquisitions work for McCormick Expanding by acquisition adds risk. However, McCormick has a long history of absorbing new operations and making them more profitable. As well, buying established firms is an easier way for…