MKC

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Volume‑led Q1: Unilever delivered underlying sales growth of 3.8% in Q1 driven by volumes (+2.9%) and pricing (+0.9%), with Home Care a standout (volumes +6.2%) and strong emerging‑market growth while Europe lagged (-0.9%). FX hit and capital action: Reported turnover was €12.6bn, down 3.3% as foreign exchange reduced sales by ~7.7%; the company announced a €1.5 billion share buyback and reiterated 2026 guidance at the bottom of its 4–6% underlying sales range and at least 2% volume growth. Higher inflation and strategic moves: Full‑year inflation is now expected at about €750–900 million (≈€350–500m higher than prior), prompting selective pricing—notably in Home Care—plus mitigation actions, and Unilever confirmed plans to separate Foods and combine it with McCormick to create two more focused businesses. Interested in Unilever PLC? Here are five stocks we like better. McCormick & Company Falls to Value Levels Income Investors Love Unilever (NYSE:UL) reported a “good start” to 2026, delivering underlying sales growth of 3.8% in the first quarter, led by 2.9% volume growth and 0.9% pricing, according to CEO Fernando Fernandez. CFO Srini Phatak said the quarter extended a volume-led growth profile that Unilever has sustained across recent periods, with average volume growth of 2.5% over the last nine quarters. Fernandez said growth was “broad based across categories,” highlighting Home Care as a standout with volumes up 6.2% in the quarter, supported by innovation and strong performances in India and Brazil. He also emphasized continued momentum in Unilever’s Power Brands, which represent around 78% of turnover and grew 5% in the quarter with volumes up 4%. → Roblox Stock Slides to New Low as Safety Changes Weigh on Outlook 5 Oversold Large-Cap Stocks That May Be Worth Buying Soon Phatak said Home Care delivered 6.1% underlying sales growth, driven almost entirely by volume (6.2%) with pricing broadly flat. He highlighted double-digit volume growth in Brazil and high single-digit volume growth in India, including double-digit growth in liquids and “record market share in powders.” Fernandez added that Home Care strength was broad-based across fabric cleaning, home and hygiene, and fabric enhancers, pointing to Cif growth of around 15% and Domestos at high single-digit growth. Phatak said Beauty & Wellbeing posted 3.6% underlying sales growth, with 1.9% volume...

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Lamb Weston (LW). Shares have added about 10.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Lamb Weston due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Lamb Weston before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Lamb Weston reported solid third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. While net sales increased, earnings decreased from the year-ago period’s actuals. LW’s adjusted earnings were 72 cents, down 37% year over year, due to reduced adjusted gross profit and elevated adjusted selling, general and administrative (SG&A), partially offset by reduced income tax expense. However, the bottom line beats the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents. Net sales amounted to $1,564.8 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,485 million. The top line increased $44.3 million or 3% year over year. On a constant-currency basis, sales were flat, as solid 7% volume growth was outweighed by a 7% drop in price/mix. Volume growth was driven by North America customer wins, share gains and retention. The decrease in price/mix reflects continued customer support through pricing and trade actions, as well as a shift in consumer demand toward value-oriented channels and brands. This includes increased sales to chain customers, which typically carry lower pricing. Adjusted gross profit fell $92.9 million from the prior year, landing at $327.5 million, with weaker price/mix serving as the main drag and a $32.5 million pre-tax charge related to the write-off of excess raw potatoes in the International segment, due to lower-than-expected sales volumes amid weak market demand. Adjusted SG&A expenses rose by $9.4 million year over year to $157.4 million. Although ongoing cost savings initiatives delivered benefits, these were more than offset by normalized performance-based compensation and benefit accruals, as well as $12.7 million in write-offs of capitalized costs related to discontinued projects. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $101.3 million year over year, reaching $271.7 million. This decline was due to reduced adjusted gross profit and elevate...

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for McCormick (MKC). Shares have added about 4.5% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is McCormick due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for McCormick & Company, Incorporated before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. McCormick & Company reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year. Adjusted earnings rose 10% to 66 cents per share from 60 cents in the year-ago quarter. The metric beats the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents per share. The increase was driven by elevated adjusted operating income. The global flavor leader generated net sales of $1,873.9 million, up 16.7% year over year, including a 3.1% positive currency impact. The top line beats the consensus mark of $1,786 million. The January 2026 acquisition of McCormick de Mexico contributed 13% to the overall sales growth. Organic sales edged up 1.2%, primarily driven by pricing actions. The adjusted gross margin expanded 100 basis points, driven by contributions from the McCormick de Mexico acquisition, pricing actions and cost savings from the company’s Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (“CCI”) program, partly offset by higher commodity costs. Adjusted operating income increased to $268 million from $225 million, reflecting a 19% year-over-year rise, including a 3% favorable currency impact. On a constant currency basis, adjusted operating income grew 16%, supported by elevated gross profit and CCI-driven cost savings, including SG&A efficiencies. These gains were partially offset by higher SG&A expenses, primarily due to acquisition-related costs, continued brand marketing investments and increased technology spending. Consumer: The segment’s sales surged 25% year over year to $1,145 million, supported by a 20% contribution from McCormick de Mexico and a 3% positive currency impact. Organic sales in the segment increased 2%, led by pricing. Adjusted operating income rose 22% year over year to $180 million or 20% in constant currency, driven by higher gross profit, partially offset...

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. EL is likely to register growth in both top and bottom lines when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on May 1, 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal third-quarter revenues stands at $3.7 billion, indicating 4.3% growth from the same period last year. The consensus mark for earnings has remained unchanged in the past 30 days at 66 cents per share, indicating 1.5% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. Estee Lauder delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 60.7%. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Quote Estee Lauder has been witnessing a gradual improvement in underlying demand trends, which is expected to have continued in the fiscal third quarter. Strength in mainland China, supported by innovation and higher consumer engagement during key shopping periods, is likely to have aided comparable sales and customer traffic. Growth across select emerging markets and steady retail sales, excluding travel retail, are also anticipated to have contributed to the company’s top-line performance in the to-be-reported quarter. On a category basis, fragrance has been a consistent growth driver and is expected to have maintained momentum, supported by strong performance in luxury brands, innovation and expanded distribution. Skincare trends are likely to have been supported by hero franchises and improved consumer engagement, while makeup is anticipated to have shown signs of stabilization, aided by new launches and better execution during the quarter under review. From a profitability standpoint, Estee Lauder is expected to have faced some pressure in the fiscal third quarter. On its second-quarter earnings call, management indicated a year-over-year decline in operating margin for the quarter, primarily reflecting incremental consumer-facing investments and external headwinds, including tariffs. While benefits from cost-saving actions under the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan have been helping to reduce non-consumer-facing expenses, these gains are likely to have been partly offset by continued investments and a still-challenging operating environment, weighing on margin performance in the to-be-reported quarter. Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Estee Lauder this time. The combination of a...

Altria Group, Inc. MO is likely to register growth in both top and bottom lines when it reports first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues stands at $4.56 billion, indicating a 0.9% increase from the same period last year. Meanwhile, the consensus mark for earnings has moved down a penny in the past 30 days to $1.24 per share, indicating 0.8% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. Altria has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 2.5%. Altria Group, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Altria Group, Inc. Quote Altria’s first-quarter performance is likely to have been shaped by disciplined pricing and effective cost control. While domestic cigarette shipment volumes have been under pressure as macroeconomic factors continued to impact consumer purchasing behavior, favorable pricing and product mix are likely to have helped offset volume declines, supporting earnings stability during the period. The company’s oral tobacco business is expected to have delivered steady performance, supported by continued growth in modern oral nicotine products such as on!. Improved retail presence, product innovation and consumer adoption are likely to have contributed to segmental momentum. However, investments behind smoke-free product development and commercialization efforts are likely to have weighed modestly on overall profitability. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is expected to increase 0.5% in the Oral Tobacco Products revenues. The Smokeable Products segment is expected to have remained under pressure, following a year-over-year decline in the fourth quarter due to lower shipment volumes. Similar volume softness is likely to have persisted in the to-be-reported quarter, reflecting a cautious consumer environment and downtrading trends. However, strong net price realization is expected to have supported net revenues. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is anticipated to decrease 2.4% in the Smokeable Products revenues. Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for MO this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is exactly the case here. Altria has an Earnings ESP of +0.52% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earn...

Kimberly-Clark Corporation KMB is likely to witness the top and bottom-line decline when it reports first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $4.11 billion, indicating a 15.2% decrease from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure. The consensus mark for earnings has moved up 8 cents in the past 30 days to $1.92 per share, which implies a 0.5% decrease from the figure reported a year ago. KMB has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.9%, on average. Kimberly-Clark Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Kimberly-Clark Corporation Quote Kimberly-Clark’s first-quarter performance is likely to have been pressured by a combination of external demand softness and structural headwinds. Management has highlighted ongoing pressure on consumers, particularly in key markets, which has resulted in uneven purchasing patterns and shifts toward value-oriented buying behavior. At the same time, business exits and distribution-related disruptions, including changes in channel dynamics and product availability, might have weighed on reported sales growth. These factors, along with continued competitive intensity and pricing investments to maintain market positioning, are likely to have created a challenging backdrop that tempered overall top-line and earnings performance for the quarter. Kimberly-Clark’s volume performance is likely to have been supported by its continued focus on a volume-led growth strategy. Management has consistently emphasized a volume-plus-mix approach, driven by stronger consumer engagement, improved product offerings and share gains across key categories. The company’s ability to strengthen its value propositions across price tiers appears to have helped sustain demand, particularly as consumers continue to prioritize essential household and personal care products. This strategic focus on accessibility and relevance across segments is likely to have provided a degree of resilience to overall volumes during the quarter. Innovation and brand investment, along with productivity gains, are likely to have supported Kimberly-Clark’s first-quarter performance. The company has been advancing its innovation pipeline and strengthening offerings across price tiers, while delivering savings through efficiency and supply-chain initiatives. However, with innovation benefits ramping gradually...

Mondelez International, Inc. MDLZ is likely to witness top-line growth when it reports first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $9.77 billion, indicating growth of almost 5% from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure. The consensus mark for earnings has remained unchanged over the past 30 days at 61 cents a share, which, however, implies a 17.6% decline from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. MDLZ has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.4%, on average. Mondelez International, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Mondelez International, Inc. Quote Mondelez’s first-quarter performance is likely to have been supported by continued pricing execution, particularly across its chocolate portfolio, as the company has been navigating elevated cocoa costs through disciplined revenue growth management. On its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, management noted that pricing remained a key lever while also emphasizing affordability actions through price-pack architecture and broader price-point offerings. These efforts, backed by strong brand equity and consumer loyalty toward its iconic brands, are likely to have supported top-line trends despite a challenging consumer backdrop. The company’s emerging-market exposure is also likely to have remained a key growth driver. Management highlighted broad-based strength across several emerging markets, along with continued investment in distribution expansion and route-to-market capabilities. Mondelez also pointed to accelerated digitization across its supply chain and sales force, which should aid execution and support brand reach in underpenetrated markets. These factors are likely to have helped the company sustain resilient demand across key international markets. Mondelez’s ongoing focus on brand investments, innovation and channel expansion is expected to have supported the quarter. The company has been increasing advertising and consumer investments to drive awareness, penetration, frequency and buy rate while expanding offerings in areas such as premium indulgence, better-for-you snacks, protein and on-the-go occasions. It is also strengthening its presence in channels such as convenience, club, value, e-commerce, discount and travel retail, which should help it capture shifting consumer shopping patterns and incremental snacking occasio...

Sysco Corporation SYY is likely to witness top-line growth when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on April 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $20.59 billion, indicating a 5.1% rise from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure. The consensus mark for earnings has remained unchanged over the past 30 days at 95 cents a share, which implies 1% decline from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. SYY has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 0.7%, on average. Sysco Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Sysco Corporation Quote Sysco’s fiscal third-quarter performance is likely to have been supported by steady improvement in its core U.S. Foodservice business. In the fiscal second quarter, local case volumes increased 1.2%, marking a third consecutive quarter of sequential improvement. Management indicated that volume trends have been strengthening through the quarter and into January, reflecting continued momentum in the business. This momentum is likely to have been supported by improving salesforce productivity, better customer retention and increased adoption of digital selling tools. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests an increase of 4.8% in the U.S. Foodservice Operations revenue. The International segment is also expected to have supported revenue growth in the fiscal third quarter, backed by strong volume momentum and solid execution across geographies. The segment delivered robust growth in the fiscal second quarter, with healthy local case expansion and double-digit operating income growth, reflecting continued strength across international markets. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests an increase of 7.8% in the International Foodservice Operations revenue. On the profitability front, the fiscal third quarter is expected to have benefited from continued gross margin expansion and productivity gains. In the fiscal second quarter, Sysco delivered margin improvement driven by strategic sourcing efforts and disciplined cost management. These factors, along with ongoing supply-chain efficiencies and improved workforce retention, are likely to have supported earnings growth in the fiscal third quarter. While the aforementioned factors have been encouraging, results are expected to be partly impacted by incentive compensation headwinds. Management indicated that these costs have been weighing on year...

HUNT VALLEY, Md., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share on its common stocks, payable April 27, 2026, to shareholders of record April 20, 2026. This is the 102nd year of consecutive dividend payments by the Company. About McCormick McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With approximately $7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments and flavors to the entire food and beverage industry including retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, Gourmet Garden, FONA and Giotti. The breadth and reach of our portfolio uniquely position us to capitalize on the consumer demand for flavor in every sip and bite, through our products and our customers' products. We operate in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions, which complement each other and reinforce our differentiation. The scale, insights, and technology that we leverage from both segments are meaningful in driving sustainable growth. Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is committed to its Purpose – To Make Life More Flavorful – and driven by its Vision - To be the World's Most Trusted Source of Flavor. To learn more, visit: www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Instagram and LinkedIn. For information contact: Investor Relations: Faten Freiha - [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mccormick-declares-0-48-quarterly-dividend-302737452.html

McCormick’s first quarter results were met with a negative market reaction despite beating Wall Street’s revenue and adjusted profit expectations. Management attributed the quarter’s sales growth to the acquisition of McCormick de Mexico and organic gains across both its core Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments. CEO Brendan Foley stated the company “drove margin expansion through strong top line, acquisition accretion and disciplined cost management,” though operating margins declined year over year. Management acknowledged the challenging environment and pointed to consistent core financial performance as foundational for its recently announced merger with Unilever Foods. Is now the time to buy MKC? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). Revenue: $1.87 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.78 billion (16.7% year-on-year growth, 5.1% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.66 vs analyst estimates of $0.60 (10.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $330.6 million vs analyst estimates of $316.1 million (17.6% margin, 4.6% beat) Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $3.09 at the midpoint Operating Margin: 12.1%, down from 14% in the same quarter last year Sales Volumes were flat year on year (2.2% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $13.65 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Andrew Lazar (Barclays) questioned the integration risks of such a large deal. CEO Brendan Foley explained that McCormick is leveraging external advisors and dedicated leadership, with integration playbooks tailored by region and business type. Stephen Powers (Deutsche Bank) asked about the scope and cost of transitional service agreements (TSAs). Foley and Unilever CEO Fernando Fernández detailed that most Unilever Foods operations already run independently, minimizing disruption and supporting a smooth transition. Thomas Palmer (JPMorgan) inquired about the sources of sales growth acceleration. Foley clarified that projected growth is primarily from self-help initiatives and combining complementary business strengths, rather than industry-wide improvement. Alexia Howard (Bernstein) sought clarity on earni...

McCormick & Company, Incorporated MKC reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year. Adjusted earnings rose 10% to 66 cents per share from 60 cents in the year-ago quarter. The metric beats the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents per share. The increase was driven by elevated adjusted operating income. McCormick & Company, Incorporated price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | McCormick & Company, Incorporated Quote The global flavor leader generated net sales of $1,873.9 million, up 16.7% year over year, including a 3.1% positive currency impact. The top line beats the consensus mark of $1,786 million. The January 2026 acquisition of McCormick de Mexico contributed 13% to the overall sales growth. Organic sales edged up 1.2%, primarily driven by pricing actions. The adjusted gross margin expanded 100 basis points, driven by contributions from the McCormick de Mexico acquisition, pricing actions and cost savings from the company’s Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (“CCI”) program, partly offset by higher commodity costs. Adjusted operating income increased to $268 million from $225 million, reflecting a 19% year-over-year rise, including a 3% favorable currency impact. On a constant currency basis, adjusted operating income grew 16%, supported by elevated gross profit and CCI-driven cost savings, including SG&A efficiencies. These gains were partially offset by higher SG&A expenses, primarily due to acquisition-related costs, continued brand marketing investments and increased technology spending. Consumer: The segment’s sales surged 25% year over year to $1,145 million, supported by a 20% contribution from McCormick de Mexico and a 3% positive currency impact. Organic sales in the segment increased 2%, led by pricing. Adjusted operating income rose 22% year over year to $180 million or 20% in constant currency, driven by higher gross profit, partially offset by increased SG&A investments in marketing and technology. Flavor Solutions: Sales grew 6% year over year to $729 million, including a 3% favorable currency impact and a 2% contribution from McCormick de Mexico. Organic sales in the segment edged up 1%, driven by pricing. Adjusted operating income increased 12% to $88 million or 7% in constant currency, supported by higher gross profit but partly offset by elev...