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Trade Ideas

Global Trade Idea: McCormick & Co. Inc. (MKC US) - BUY

 

By Peet Serfontein & Khumbulani Kunene

We initiate a long position with a target price of $91.00 and a stop-loss of $79.00 (risk/reward ratio 2.9:1).

McCormick & Company is a leading American company that manufactures, markets, and distributes food-related products including spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, flavourings and other specialty products. The company has a strong presence in both the consumer and industrial markets, supplying households, restaurants, and food manufacturers with high-quality flavour solutions.

Established in 1889, the company has grown into a global powerhouse with a presence in over 150 countries, while maintaining a strong heritage of innovation and sustainability. McCormick distributes and markets its products under brands including Lawry's, Club House, and McCormick, as well as ethnic labels Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, and Simply Asia.

Technically, the price is forming a symmetrical triangle pattern which presents a promising investment opportunity (refer to main chart). As the stock tests the upper range of the pattern, it suggests that upward buying pressure is forming with the possibility for a breakout to the upside.

The price is also in the accumulation phase of the Wycoff price cycle - indicating the early stages of a new uptrend, where smart money, institutional investors, and informed traders are accumulating shares at discounted prices before a significant rally.

Upside price momentum per the MACD indicator, as well as the upward trajectory of the on-balance volume (OBV) indicator supports our bullish view.

Share Information
Share Code MKC US
Industry Food, Beverage & Tobacco
Market Capital (USD) 22.1 billion
One Year Total Return 9.90%
Return Year-to-Date 7.96%
Current Price (USD) 82.31
52 Week High (USD) 86.24
52 Week Low (USD) 66.88
Financial Year End November
The price remains above its 200-period simple moving averages (SMA), reflecting both short-term and long-term strength in the stock.

Consensus Expectations (Bloomberg)
FY24 FY25E FY26E FY27E
Headline Earnings per Share (USD) 2.95 3.05 3.31 3.60
Growth (%) 3.36 8.46 8.83
Dividend Per Share (USD) 1.68 1.81 1.92 2.04
Growth (%) 7.50 6.20 6.26
Forward PE (times) 26.24 24.16 22.86
Forward Dividend Yield (%) 2.19 2.33 2.48
Medium-term growth prospects remain positive for the group, with momentum expected to gain further strength over the next few financial periods.

Buy/Sell Rationale:

Technical Analysis:

    • The second chart shows the occurrences of the Three Outside Up Japanese candlestick pattern, indicated by a reading of one. This pattern supports the bullish case as it signals strong potential for reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. The formation suggests that buyers have gained control, and momentum is building to the upside.
    • Our recommended entry range is $80.00 to $84.00, or as close as possible to $82.31 - a drop below this range would indicate a substantial change in price dynamics, giving reason to negate the trade idea.
    • Our target price is $91.00, representing ~11.8% upside from current levels. Based on the forward calculation of the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator, the stock will be overbought at ~$95.00, making our profit target realistic.
    • Our proposed time to exit is at the start of July 2025, but investors can adjust for either a longer or shorter time horizon, depending on price behaviour.
    • A drop below $79.00, 4.0% below current levels, would suggest weakening technicals and a stop-loss is recommended at this level.
    • We expect moderate fluctuations in the price and therefore suggest a medium at-risk allocation for this trade. Increase exposure for a break above $84.00.

Fundamental view

    • McCormick operates through two segments, namely:
      • Consumer (~55% of revenue) which manufactures, markets, and distribute spices worldwide. It sells the company's products to retail channels under the McCormick brand and a variety of brands around the world, including French's, Frank's RedHot, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Simply Asia and Thai Kitchen.
      • Flavour Solutions (~45% of revenue) primarily sells to multinational food manufacturers and foodservice customers, offering a wide range of flavour solutions including seasoning blends, spices and herbs, condiments, coating systems, and compound flavours.
    • The company generates majority of its revenue from the Americas (~70%), followed by EMEA (~20%), and the APAC region (~10%). The company's largest Flavour Solutions customer is PepsiCo, accounting for ~15% of revenue, and the largest Consumer segment customer is Wal-Mart Stores, representing more than 10% of its revenue.
    • McCormick expanded its portfolio following the acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser's Food Division which added strategic brands to its portfolio, including Frank's RedHot Hot Sauce and French's Mustard, strengthening its position in the condiments market.
    • In 1Q25, McCormick reported that sales ticked 0.2% higher, driven by a 2% growth in volumes which was offset by a 2% unfavourable impact from currency exposure. However, this was in line with management's expectations. Pleasingly, the group achieved share gains in core categories across key markets and delivered volume growth in both segments.
    • The group remains focused on its strategy of volume-driven growth momentum which is reflective of its investment in the areas that drive the greatest value. Cost-saving initiatives are also a priority and will fuel investments to generate operating margin expansion.
    • Looking ahead, management remains confident in the sustained trajectory of the business, and in the group's ability to deliver on the 2025 outlook, near-term as well as long-term financial objectives and to drive value.
    • From a risk perspective, MKC is exposed to commodity and supply-chain risks, which may arise during periods of high volatility in raw materials. Shipping delays or other logistic issues may result in production and delivery disruptions. Foreign exchange risks such as currency fluctuations challenges may impact profitability.

Share Name and Position STE US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
HAS US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
MU US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 217.20 61.04 89.05
Current 226.65 61.49 86.89
Movement +4.4% +0.7% -2.4%
An Elliott wave price that is forming a trough remains of interest. Testing its 200-day simple moving average. Upside momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $239.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $283.00. Exit the trade by 18 April 2025.
A developing ascending triangle pattern remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day simple moving average. Regaining upside momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $70.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $57.50. Exit the trade by 2 July 2025.
A price developing a double bottom pattern remains of interest. Remains just below its 200-day simple moving average. The start of downside momentum is a concern.

Our profit target remains at $116.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $78.00. Exit the trade by 7 May 2025.

FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FirstRand Bank Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider and authorised user of the JSE limited (Reg no: 1996/011732/07). This Publication note is issued by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd for the information of clients only and should not be produced in whole or part without prior permission. Although FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, any opinions and/or analysis contained in this Publication are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice, including but not limited to financial, legal or tax advice, or a recommendation to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources/persons which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed for correctness, completeness or otherwise and we do not assume liability for loss arising from errors in the information or that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained herein irrespective of whether there has been any negligence by us, our affiliates or any other employees of us, and whether such losses be direct or consequential. As market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, any comments, opinions, and analysis is rendered as of the date of publishing and may change without notice. Such changes may have a material impact on the outcome of any investment. Securities involve a degree of risk and are volatile instruments. Past performance is not indicative of future performances. Securities or financial instruments mentioned in the Publication note may not be suitable for all investors and FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd has bares no responsibility whatsoever arising from or as a consequence hereof. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any share, instrument, sector, region, market, country, investment, or strategy. The recipient of this Publication must make their own investment decision and is advised to contact his relationship manager for a personal financial analysis prior to making any investment decisions. Copyright 2018 by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd.