UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For Quarterly Period Ended February 28, 2007

 

Commission File Number 001-14920

 

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

MARYLAND

 

52-0408290

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

18 Loveton Circle, P. O. Box 6000, Sparks, MD

 

21152-6000

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (410) 771-7301

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer x      Accelerated Filer o      Non-Accelerated Filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes 
o   No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Shares Outstanding

 

 

 

February 28, 2007

 

Common Stock

 

13,362,192

 

Common Stock Non-Voting

 

117,299,498

 

 

 




 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A

 

RISK FACTORS

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6

 

EXHIBITS

 

29

 

2




 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

652,639

 

$

609,701

 

Cost of goods sold

 

388,287

 

370,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

264,352

 

239,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

190,637

 

181,628

 

Restructuring charges

 

7,364

 

33,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

66,351

 

24,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

13,853

 

12,863

 

Other income, net

 

1,843

 

1,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from consolidated operations before income taxes

 

54,341

 

12,577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

15,989

 

4,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from consolidated operations

 

38,352

 

8,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations

 

(290

)

 

Income from unconsolidated operations

 

6,573

 

7,280

 

Minority interest

 

(407

)

(1,444

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

44,228

 

$

14,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share — basic

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding — basic

 

130,344

 

132,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share — diluted

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding — diluted

 

134,195

 

135,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid per common share

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.18

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3




McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands)

 

 

 

February 28,
2007

 

February 28,
2006

 

November 30,
2006

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

38,582

 

$

31,579

 

$

49,043

 

Receivables, net

 

379,789

 

345,353

 

379,063

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

185,278

 

163,780

 

172,196

 

Finished products and work-in-process

 

226,562

 

191,200

 

233,531

 

 

 

411,840

 

354,980

 

405,727

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

57,116

 

53,754

 

65,626

 

Total current assets

 

887,327

 

785,666

 

899,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

973,457

 

902,488

 

965,824

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(507,509

)

(450,798

)

(496,360

)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

465,948

 

451,690

 

469,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill, net

 

808,228

 

667,831

 

803,823

 

Intangible assets, net

 

191,001

 

158,603

 

193,570

 

Prepaid allowances

 

49,123

 

46,865

 

45,494

 

Investments and other assets

 

160,267

 

170,271

 

156,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

2,561,894

 

$

2,280,926

 

$

2,567,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

$

185,774

 

$

128,368

 

$

80,835

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

151,249

 

27,533

 

573

 

Trade accounts payable

 

218,193

 

170,068

 

224,361

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

340,525

 

354,135

 

474,770

 

Total current liabilities

 

895,741

 

680,104

 

780,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

418,426

 

467,659

 

569,591

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

255,893

 

269,961

 

281,001

 

Total liabilities

 

1,570,060

 

1,417,724

 

1,631,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

4,030

 

30,944

 

3,555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

186,623

 

160,303

 

177,898

 

Common stock non-voting

 

279,050

 

242,213

 

266,385

 

Retained earnings

 

381,951

 

388,402

 

348,681

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

140,180

 

41,340

 

140,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

987,804

 

832,258

 

933,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

2,561,894

 

$

2,280,926

 

$

2,567,962

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4




McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

44,228

 

$

14,388

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,882

 

18,085

 

Stock-based compensation

 

4,630

 

10,150

 

Income from unconsolidated operations

 

(6,573

)

(7,280

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(137,635

)

(45,830

)

Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates

 

377

 

 

Net cash flow used in operating activities

 

(75,091

)

(10,487

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of business

 

(3,041

)

 

Capital expenditures

 

(15,456

)

(15,450

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

50

 

132

 

Net cash flow used in investing activities

 

(18,447

)

(15,318

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings, net

 

105,152

 

23,011

 

Long-term debt borrowings

 

 

198,558

 

Long-term debt repayments

 

(139

)

(170,335

)

Proceeds from exercised stock options

 

16,694

 

6,793

 

Common stock acquired by purchase

 

(10,967

)

(12,816

)

Dividends paid

 

(26,055

)

(23,881

)

Net cash flow provided by financing activities

 

84,685

 

21,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,608

)

5,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(10,461

)

1,316

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

49,043

 

30,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

38,582

 

$

31,579

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

5




 

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all the information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods.

The results of consolidated operations for the three month period ended February 28, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Historically, our consolidated sales and net income are lower in the first half of the fiscal year and increase in the second half. The increase in sales and earnings in the second half of the year is mainly due to the U.S. consumer business cycle, where customers typically purchase more products in the fourth quarter due to the holiday season.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2006.

Accounting and Disclosure Changes

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” This statement will require us to (a) record on our balance sheet a liability for our pension plans’ underfunded status (b) measure our pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at November 30 versus our current measurement date of September 30, and (c) record any changes in the funded status of our pension and postretirement plans in the year in which the changes occur (reported in comprehensive income). The requirement to record the funded status and the disclosure requirements are effective for our year ending November 30, 2007. The requirement to change the measurement date is effective for our year ending November 30, 2009. Since our plans are currently in an underfunded status, we expect to record a liability and corresponding charge to shareholders’ equity upon adoption.

6




In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement defines fair value and provides guidance for measuring fair value and the necessary disclosures. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for our year ending November 30, 2008. We do not expect any material impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes when it is uncertain how an income or expense item should be treated on an income tax return. FIN 48 describes when an uncertain tax item should be recorded in the financial statements and for how much, provides guidance on recording interest and penalties and accounting and reporting for income taxes in interim periods. FIN 48 is effective for our year ending November 30, 2008. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In 2006, the net book value of in-store displays of $18.2 million has been reclassified from property, plant and equipment to other assets to conform to the current year presentation. In 2006, $1.1 million of expenditures for in-store displays were reclassified from investing activities to operating activities in the cash flow statement to conform to the current year presentation. The effect of these reclassifications is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2.   ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions of brands are part of our growth strategy to improve margins and increase sales and profits.

On January 31, 2007, we purchased the assets of Fish Crisp Enterprises, Inc. (Fish Crisp) for $3.0 million in cash. This business operates in North America and is included in our consumer segment from the date of acquisition. Fish Crisp markets and sells seafood products under the Rocky Madsen’s Fish Crisp Original® and Gourmet Grill® brands and has annual sales of approximately $2 million.

On June 27, 2006, we purchased the assets of Epicurean International (Simply Asia Foods) for $97.6 million in cash.  This business operates in North America and is included in our consumer segment from the date of acquisition. Simply Asia Foods develops, imports and markets a line of authentic, easy-to-prepare Asian products under the Thai Kitchen® and Simply Asia® brands. Its primary products include noodle and soup bowls, meal kits, coconut milk, and various sauces and pastes.

7




As of February 28, 2007, $26.3 million was allocated to other intangibles assets and $64.7 million remained in goodwill for the Simply Asia Foods acquisition. We expect the final valuation to result in a value for brands and other intangible assets, a portion of which will be amortizable and a portion of which will be non-amortizable. Based on preliminary estimates, we have included amortization expense in the income statement.

On August 1, 2006, we invested $5.0 million in an industrial joint venture in South Africa.

3.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

For the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, we recorded $4.6 million and $8.7 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense. Our 2007 annual grant of stock options and restricted stock units (RSU) will occur in the second quarter, whereas the 2006 annual grant occurred in the first quarter. The amount recorded in 2006 includes $4.7 million for expenses associated with grants to individuals who were eligible for retirement on or before the grant date. Additionally, during the three months ended February 28, 2006, we recognized $1.4 million of stock-based compensation expense as part of our restructuring charges. This expense is for the acceleration of vesting in accordance with the provisions of the awards for employees who are terminated pursuant to the restructuring plan and, therefore, is part of our severance charges (see Note 4).

The following is a summary of all option activity for the three months ended February 28:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

(shares in thousands)

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

15,771

 

$

25.31

 

17,466

 

$

24.58

 

Granted

 

 

 

520

 

32.83

 

Exercised

 

702

 

20.81

 

316

 

18.81

 

Forfeited

 

15

 

35.52

 

56

 

32.49

 

Outstanding at February 28

 

15,054

 

25.51

 

17,614

 

24.90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at February 28

 

12,893

 

$

23.99

 

12,719

 

$

22.10

 

 

The following is a summary of all of our RSU activity for the three months ended February 28:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

(shares in thousands)

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

280

 

$

32.88

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

283

 

$

32.82

 

Vested

 

139

 

$

32.83

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

2

 

$

32.83

 

 

 

Outstanding at February 28

 

139

 

$

32.93

 

283

 

$

32.82

 

 

8




No options or RSU were granted in the first quarter of 2007. In the first quarter of 2006, the weighted-average grant-date fair value of an option granted was $7.44. As of February 28, 2007 the intrinsic value (the difference between the exercise price and the market price) for all options outstanding was $192.4 million and the intrinsic value for all options exercisable was $184.3 million. The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006 was $12.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

The following table presents the impact of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended February 28:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction to income from consolidated operations before income taxes

 

$

4,630

 

$

10,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction to net income

 

$

3,148

 

$

6,902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction to earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.05

 

 

4.   RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

In November of 2005, the Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan to consolidate our global manufacturing, rationalize our distribution facilities, improve our go-to-market strategy, eliminate administrative redundancies and rationalize our joint venture partnerships. We estimate total pre-tax charges of $110-$130 million for this program. The segment breakdown of the total charges is expected to be approximately 65% related to the consumer segment and 35% related to the industrial segment. Of these charges, we expect approximately $85-$95 million will consist of severance and other personnel costs and approximately $45-$50 million for other exit costs. Asset write-offs are expected to be approximately $15-$20 million, exclusive of the $34 million pre-tax gain on the redemption of our Signature Brands, L.L.C. joint venture (Signature) recorded in 2006. We expect the cash related portion of the charges will be approximately $95 - $105 million, of which approximately $45 million is expected to be spent in 2007. The actions being taken are expected to reduce our global workforce by approximately 1,000 over the three-year period.

9




During the three months ended February 28, 2007, we recorded restructuring charges of $7.8 million ($5.3 million after-tax), of which $7.4 million is reflected in restructuring charges and $0.4 million is reflected in cost of goods sold in our income statement. We recorded $2.1 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe. In addition, we recorded $4.8 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $0.9 million is comprised of write-downs for inventory write-offs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets. Of the expected global workforce reduction of approximately 1,000 employees, approximately 750 employees have been notified, of which the majority have already left the Company as of February 28, 2007. From inception of the project in November 2005, we have incurred $68.9 million of restructuring charges, including the $33.7 gain recorded on the redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

Also in the first quarter of 2007, in connection with the exiting of an unconsolidated joint venture in Asia in the prior year, we recorded a net loss of $0.3 million, after tax. 

During the three months ended February 28, 2006, we recorded restructuring charges of $33.4 million ($22.7 million after-tax), of which $33.2 million is reflected in restructuring charges and $0.2 million is reflected in cost of goods sold. We recorded $31.0 million of severance costs and special early retirement benefits associated with our voluntary separation program in several functions in the U.S. and closures of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California, Hunt Valley, Maryland, Sydney, Australia and Kerava, Finland. The remaining $2.2 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include other exit costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities and the reorganization of the sales and distribution networks in the U.S. and Europe.

In the first quarter of 2007, $5.3 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the consumer business, compared to $21.3 million in the first quarter of 2006. The charges in the first quarter of 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets. The $21.3 million restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2006 included $19.8 million for severance costs associated with our voluntary separation program and closure of manufacturing facilities. The remaining $1.5 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include additional costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities and costs associated with the reorganization of the sales and distribution networks in the U.S. and Europe.

10




In the first quarter of 2007, $2.5 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the industrial business, compared to $12.0 million in the first quarter of 2006. The charges in the first quarter of 2007 include other exit costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland and consolidation of production facilities in Europe. The $12.0 million restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2006 included $11.5 million for severance costs associated with our voluntary separation program and closure of manufacturing facilities. The remaining $0.5 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include other exit costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities.

During the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, we spent $20.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in cash on the restructuring plan. From inception of the project in November 2005, $61.2 million in cash has been spent on the restructuring plan, including the $9.2 million cash received on redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

The major components of the restructuring charges and the remaining accrual balance related to the restructuring plan are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Severance
and personnel
costs

 

Asset
related charges

 

Other
Exit costs

 

Total

 

First Quarter 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at Nov 30, 2006

 

$

20,348

 

$

 

$

3,091

 

$

23,439

 

Restructuring charges

 

2,132

 

859

 

4,848

 

7,839

 

Amounts utilized

 

(13,305

)

(859

)

(6,985

)

(21,149

)

Balance at Feb 28, 2007

 

$

9,175

 

$

 

$

954

 

$

10,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at Nov 30, 2005

 

$

8,023

 

$

 

$

649

 

$

8,672

 

Restructuring charges

 

31,044

 

214

 

2,120

 

33,378

 

Amounts utilized

 

(3,151

)

(214

)

(2,484

)

(5,849

)

Balance at Feb 28, 2006

 

$

35,916

 

$

 

$

285

 

$

36,201

 

 

5.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of average shares outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding — basic

 

130,344

 

132,611

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options, RSUs and employee stock purchase plan

 

3,851

 

2,692

 

Average shares outstanding — diluted

 

134,195

 

135,303

 

 

11




The following table sets forth the common stock activity for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006 under the Company’s stock option and employee stock purchase plans and the repurchases of common stock under its stock repurchase program (in thousands):

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued under stock option and employee stock purchase plans

 

782

 

303

 

Shares repurchased in connection with the stock repurchase program

 

280

 

400

 

 

6.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income (in thousands):

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

44,228

 

$

14,388

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum pension liabilityadjustment

 

33

 

(718

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(709

)

13,385

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

544

 

1,105

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

44,096

 

$

28,160

 

 

7.   PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The following table presents the components of our pension expense of the defined benefit plans for the three months ended February 28 (in thousands):

 

 

United States

 

International

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Defined benefit plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

2,943

 

$

3,300

 

$

1,633

 

$

1,478

 

Interest costs

 

6,124

 

5,530

 

2,560

 

2,128

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(6,182

)

(5,637

)

(2,371

)

(1,819

)

Amortization of prior service costs

 

21

 

24

 

24

 

24

 

Amortization of transition assets

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

2,500

 

2,630

 

765

 

689

 

Total pension expense

 

$

5,406

 

$

5,847

 

$

2,611

 

$

2,499

 

 

On December 29, 2006, we made a $22 million contribution to our major U.S. pension plan. Contributions to international plans are generally funded throughout the year. Total contributions to our pension plans in 2007 are expected to be approximately $44 million.

12




The following table presents the components of our other postretirement benefits expense for the three months ended February 28 (in thousands):

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Other postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

796

 

$

913

 

Interest costs

 

1,467

 

1,398

 

Amortization of prior service costs

 

(284

)

(284

)

Amortization of (gains)/losses

 

250

 

254

 

Total other postretirement expense

 

$

2,229

 

$

2,281

 

 

8.   INCOME TAXES

Income taxes for the first quarter of 2007 include $1.4 million of a discrete tax benefit as a result of new tax legislation enacted in The Netherlands in December 2006 that reduced the corporate income tax rate. Based upon this new tax legislation and in accordance with SFAS No. 109, we recorded a decrease to income tax expense and adjusted our deferred tax liabilities.

9.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In July 2006, we issued $100 million of 5.80% medium-term notes due 2011. Net interest is payable semiannually in arrears in January and July of each year. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay down the commercial paper debt placed in June 2006 for the acquisition of Simply Asia Foods.

In December 2005, we issued $200 million of 5.20% medium-term notes due 2015. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears in June and December of each year. The net proceeds of this offering were used to pay down long-term debt which matured in 2006.

10.   BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in two business segments: consumer and industrial. The consumer and industrial segments manufacture, market and distribute spices, herbs, seasoning blends and other flavors throughout the world. Our consumer segment sells to retail outlets, including grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores under a variety of brands, including McCormick®, Zatarain’s®, Simply Asia® and Thai Kitchen® in the U.S., Ducros®, Vahine® and Silvo® in continental Europe, Schwartz® in the U.K and Club House® in Canada. Our industrial segment sells to other food manufacturers and the food service industry both directly and indirectly through distributors.

In each of our segments, we produce and sell many individual products which are similar in composition and nature. It is impractical to segregate and identify profits for each of these individual product lines.

 

13




 

We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding restructuring charges from our restructuring programs as these programs are managed separately from the business segment.  Although the segments are managed separately due to their distinct distribution channels and marketing strategies, manufacturing and warehousing are often integrated to maximize cost efficiencies.  We do not segregate jointly utilized assets by individual segment for internal reporting, evaluating performance or allocating capital. Because of manufacturing integration for certain products within the segments, products are not sold from one segment to another but rather inventory is transferred at cost. Intersegment sales are not material.

 

Consumer

 

Industrial

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended February 28, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

374,769

 

$

277,870

 

$

652,639

 

Restructuring charges

 

5,345

 

2,494

 

7,839

 

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

 

60,187

 

14,003

 

74,190

 

Income from unconsolidated operations

 

5,368

 

1,205

 

6,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended February 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

344,764

 

$

264,937

 

$

609,701

 

Restructuring charges

 

21,337

 

12,041

 

33,378

 

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

 

46,205

 

11,466

 

57,671

 

Income from unconsolidated operations

 

6,527

 

753

 

7,280

 

 

The reconciliation of operating income excluding restructuring charges to operating income for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

Three months ended
February 28, 2007

 

Three months ended
February 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

 

$

74,190

 

$

57,671

 

Restructuring charges

 

7,839

 

33,378

 

Operating income

 

66,351

 

24,293

 

 

ITEM 2.                    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Sales for the first quarter of 2007 rose to $652.6 million, an increase of 7.0% from the first quarter of 2006, which includes 2.7% for the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates.

Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2007 were $0.33 compared to $0.11 for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of $0.22. Charges related to the Company’s restructuring program reduced earnings per share $0.04 in the first quarter of 2007 and $0.17 in the first quarter of 2006.

14




For the first quarter of 2007, net cash used for operating activities was $75.1 million compared to $10.5 million in the same period of 2006. In this period, we used additional borrowings to fund $11.0 million of share repurchases, $26.1 million of dividend payments and $15.4 million in net capital expenditures. In the same period for 2006, we used additional borrowings to fund $12.8 million of share repurchases, $23.9 million of dividend payments and $15.3 million of net capital expenditures.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—COMPANY

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

652,639

 

$

609,701

 

Percent growth

 

7.0

%

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

264,352

 

$

239,085

 

Gross profit margin

 

40.5

%

39.2

%

 

The sales increase of 7.0% includes 2.7% for the favorable impact of foreign currency. The remaining 4.3% increase results from higher volume from Simply Asia Foods acquired in mid-2006, which added 2.0%, new products, ethnic items and convenience items, as well as pricing actions. First quarter sales included the impact of actions to reduce low margin business, which lowered sales 0.9%.

The increase in gross profit margin during the quarter was primarily driven by cost savings from restructuring projects and a positive sales mix due in part to the elimination of lower margin business. The impact of cost savings on gross profit margin is expected to be greater in the first half of 2007. During the first and second quarters of 2006 there was little benefit from our restructuring program. By the fourth quarter of 2006, we began to experience benefits from our restructuring actions. Restructuring charges in both 2007 and 2006 had a negligible impact on our gross profit margin.

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general & administrativeexpense (SG&A)

 

$

190,637

 

$

181,628

 

Percent of net sales

 

29.2

%

29.8

%

 

The primary reason for the decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales is that the grant date for 2007 stock based compensation will occur in the second quarter of 2007. This compares to a grant date in the first quarter of 2006. The variance between years relates to retirement eligible employees for whom options and restricted stock units are expensed immediately rather than during the entire vesting period. This was the primary reason for a favorable comparison of approximately $4 million in the first quarter with a similar negative comparison expected in the second quarter. In the first quarter this favorable comparison was offset in part by a $2 million increase in advertising in the consumer business.

15




Interest expense increased in the first quarter of 2007 by $1.0 million compared to the same period last year. Both average short-term borrowings and short-term borrowing rates were up in 2007 when compared to 2006. However, these effects were mostly offset by the refinancing of higher interest rate long-term debt in 2006, which has reduced the average interest rate on our total debt when the first quarter of 2007 is compared to the first quarter of 2006.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 29.4% compared to a 32.0% rate for the first quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 includes a $1.4 million discrete tax benefit as a result of new tax legislation in The Netherlands (see Note 8). Excluding the effect of this tax benefit, the effective tax rate for the remainder of fiscal year 2007 is estimated to be 32.0%.

Income from unconsolidated operations and minority interest, combined, for the first quarter of 2007 increased by $0.3 million to $6.2 million when compared to the same period in 2006. This improvement was primarily driven by the exiting of an unprofitable unconsolidated joint venture in Asia in the third quarter of 2006.

Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2007 were $0.33 compared to $0.11 for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of $0.22. Charges related to the Company’s restructuring program reduced earnings per share $0.04 in the first quarter of 2007 and $0.17 in the first quarter of 2006. The remaining increase was due to higher sales and gross profit margins, as well as $0.02 from lower stock based compensation expense and $0.01 from a lower tax rate.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — SEGMENTS

We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding restructuring charges from our restructuring programs as these programs are managed separately from our business segments.

CONSUMER BUSINESS

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

374,769

 

$

344,764

 

Percent growth

 

8.7

%

 

 

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

 

$

60,187

 

$

46,205

 

Operating income margin, excluding restructuring charges

 

16.1

%

13.4

%

 

16




The sales increase of 8.7% includes a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 3.2%. An increase of 2.0% came from higher volume and pricing (volume driven by new products, effective marketing programs and higher volumes of ethnic items) and 3.5% from sales of Simply Asia Foods, which we acquired early in the third quarter of 2006.

In the Americas, sales increased 9.7% in the first quarter of 2007, compared to the first quarter of 2006, with foreign exchange having no impact. The acquisition of Simply Asia Foods added 5.4%. The remaining increase of 4.3% resulted from higher volume, as well as the U.S. pricing action taken in late January 2006. During the quarter, a number of product lines led to higher sales. These include our ethnic items, our Zatarain’s brand and new products such as roasting rubs and our expanded organic line.

First quarter 2007 sales in Europe increased 6.0% compared to the first quarter of 2006. Without the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates, sales in Europe decreased by 3.6%. Of this decline, 0.9% was due to our decision to exit Finland in 2006.  We also continue to see an impact from lower distribution in The Netherlands. Sales in our other markets, in total, were generally flat to last year. In the first quarter of 2006, sales, excluding foreign currency, rose 5.1% compared to the first quarter of 2005 and we attributed a portion of this increase to customers’ buy-in preceding our SAP implementation. We expect 2007 consumer sales in Europe to improve in comparison to 2006 since the impact of Finland and the lower distribution in The Netherlands began in the second quarter of 2006.

In the Asia/Pacific region sales increased 13.7% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006. Of this increase, 5.0% was due to the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. Building off momentum in 2006, China posted strong sales growth this quarter. The changes to this business we have made over the past 2 years in our distributor network, product line-up and organization are delivering results.

First quarter 2007 operating income excluding restructuring charges for our consumer business increased $14.0 million, or 30%, compared to the same period of 2006. This increase was due to the benefit of higher sales and improved gross profit margins. We are seeing the benefit of cost savings related to our restructuring program.  In addition, there was a favorable impact related to stock-based compensation. Partially offsetting these factors was a $2.0 million increase in advertising in the first quarter of 2007 versus the first quarter of 2006.

17




In the first quarter of 2007, $5.3 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the consumer business, compared to $21.3 million in the first quarter of 2006. The charges in the first quarter of 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets. The restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2006 of $21.3 million included $19.8 million for severance costs associated with our voluntary separation program and closure of manufacturing facilities. The remaining $1.5 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include additional costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities and costs associated with the reorganization of the sales and distribution networks in the U.S. and Europe.

INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

277,870

 

$

264,937

 

Percent growth

 

4.9

%

 

 

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

 

$

14,003

 

$

11,466

 

Operating income margin, excluding restructuring charges

 

5.0

%

4.3

%

 

The sales increase of 4.9% includes a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 2.1%. Excluding foreign currency, the increase was driven primarily by increased volume with strategic customers. The reduction of certain low margin business reduced sales by 1.7%.

In the Americas, industrial sales decreased 0.5% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, sales were down 0.2%. In this region, customer and product rationalization reduced sales approximately 1.7%. A sales increase of 1.5% was due to higher volumes with our strategic customers. Based on our projected customer orders, this increase was generally in line with our estimated sales. However, we did experience some unfavorable impact on food service volumes particularly in the Northeast where winter weather curtailed restaurant traffic in the latter part of our first quarter.

In Europe, industrial sales increased 18.7% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, which included a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 10.3%. In this region, the elimination of lower margin customers and products reduced sales 2.0%.  The increase of 10.4% was due to higher volumes of seasonings for poultry and snack products that began to show strength in the latter part of 2006. Incremental sales of poultry seasonings were largely due to a joint venture in South Africa, which began in August 2006.

18




In the Asia/Pacific region, industrial sales increased 23.7% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006, which included a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 5.7%. We increased sales in both Australia and China and in particular with quick service restaurant customers. These customers have awarded the supply of new items to McCormick and we are benefiting from their promotions in these markets. With this rapid growth, the Asia Pacific region is becoming a more important contributor to overall industrial sales.

In the first quarter of 2007, industrial business operating income excluding restructuring charges increased $2.5 million, or 22%, compared to the first quarter of 2006. Our rate of profit growth was well ahead of the sales increase driven by cost savings related to our restructuring activity. As with the consumer business, the industrial business also had a benefit from the timing of stock compensation expense in 2007 versus 2006.

In the first quarter of 2007, $2.5 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the industrial business, compared to $12.0 million in the first quarter of 2006. The charges in the first quarter of 2007 include other exit costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland and consolidation of production facilities in Europe. The $12.0 million restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2006 included $11.5 million for severance costs associated with our voluntary separation program and closure of manufacturing facilities. The remaining $0.5 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include other exit costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities.

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

As part of our plan to improve margins, we announced in September 2005 significant actions to improve the effectiveness of our supply chain and reduce costs. At that time, we also stated that a comprehensive review of our global industrial business was underway to identify improvements. These actions were included in the comprehensive restructuring plan which the Board of Directors approved in November 2005. As part of this plan, over a three-year period, we are consolidating our global manufacturing, rationalizing our distribution facilities, improving our go-to-market strategy, eliminating administrative redundancies and rationalizing our joint venture partnerships. In addition, for the industrial business, we are reallocating resources to key customers and taking pricing actions on lower volume products to meet new margin targets. A new business-wide forecasting process is being installed and the use of technology is being accelerated to monitor and manage the business. Through 2008, these actions are intended to reduce the number of industrial business customers and products in the U.S. Sales related to these customers and products represent approximately 2-5% of industrial business sales in the U.S. As these sales have minimal profit, this reduction is leading to higher margins. These reductions are also leading to the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities.

19




We expect that the restructuring plan will reduce complexity and increase the organizational focus on growth opportunities in both the consumer and industrial businesses. In addition, we are projecting $50 million ($34 million after-tax) of annual cost savings by 2008. In 2006, we realized $10 million ($7 million after-tax) of annual cost savings and expect to realize another $30 million ($20 million after-tax) in 2007. We expect that this will improve margins and increase earnings per share, as well as allow us to invest a portion of these savings in sales growth drivers such as brand advertising. These savings are expected to be reflected in both cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses in the income statement.

Total pre-tax charges under this restructuring plan are estimated to be $110-$130 million with approximately 65% related to the consumer segment and 35% related to the industrial segment. We estimate pre-tax charges of $110-$130 million for this program. Of these charges, we expect that approximately $85-$95 million will consist of severance and other personnel costs and approximately $45-$50 million of other exit costs. Asset write-offs are expected to be approximately $15-$20 million, exclusive of the $34 million pre-tax gain on the redemption of our Signature Brands, L.L.C. joint venture (Signature) recorded in 2006. In the fourth quarter of 2005, $10.7 million ($7.2 million after tax) of charges were recorded, of which $10.5 million related to our consumer business. Following the $10.7 million charge recorded in 2005, we recorded $50.4 million ($30.3 million after tax) during the 2006 fiscal year, including the offset of the gain on our Signature investment. In the first quarter of 2007 we recorded $7.8 million of restructuring charges. We expect to incur a total of $36 million in charges in 2007 with the remainder in 2008. For the total plan, the cash related portion of the charges will be approximately $95-$105 million, of which approximately $45 million is expected to be spent in 2007. We intend to fund this spending through internally generated funds. A significant portion of the cash expenditures will be related to employee severance. The actions being taken pursuant to the restructuring plan are expected to reduce our global workforce by approximately 1,000 over the three-year period. Of the expected global workforce reduction of approximately 1,000 employees, approximately 750 employees have been notified, of which the majority have already left the Company as of February 28, 2007.

20




During the three months ended February 28, 2007, we recorded restructuring charges of $7.8 million ($5.3 million after-tax), of which $7.4 million is reflected in restructuring charges and $0.4 million is reflected in cost of goods sold in our income statement. We recorded $2.1 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe. In addition, we recorded $4.8 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $0.9 million is comprised of write-downs for inventory write-offs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets. From inception of the project in November 2005, we have incurred $68.9 million of restructuring charges, including the $33.7 gain recorded on the redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

Also in the first quarter of 2007, in connection with the exiting of an unconsolidated joint venture in Asia in the prior year, we recorded a net loss of $0.3 million, after tax. 

During the three months ended February 28, 2006, we recorded restructuring charges of $33.4 million ($22.7 million after-tax), of which $33.2 million is reflected in restructuring charges and $0.2 million is reflected in cost of goods sold. We recorded $31.0 million of severance costs and special early retirement benefits associated with our voluntary separation program in several functions in the U.S. and closures of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California, Hunt Valley, Maryland, Sydney, Australia and Kerava, Finland. The remaining $2.2 million of restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 include other exit costs associated with the consolidation of production facilities and the reorganization of the sales and distribution networks in the U.S. and Europe.

During the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, we spent $20.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in cash on the restructuring plan. From inception of the project in November 2005, $61.2 million in cash has been spent on the restructuring plan, including the $9.2 million cash received on redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

MARKET RISK SENSITIVITY

Foreign Exchange Risk

We utilize foreign currency exchange contracts to enhance our ability to manage foreign currency exchange risk. The fair value of our portfolio of forward and option contracts was an unrealized gain of $0.3 million as of February 28, 2007, compared to unrealized losses of $0.7 million as of February 28, 2006 and $0.2 million as of November 30, 2006. The notional value of our portfolio of forward and option contracts was $50.8 million as of February 28, 2007, compared to the $28.8 million notional value as of February 28, 2006 and the $47.9 million notional value as of November 30, 2006. The quarterly fluctuation in nominal value is a result of our decision on foreign currency exposure coverage, based on foreign currency markets and the future outlook of foreign currency values.

21




Interest Rate Risk

We manage our interest rate exposure by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. In addition, we use interest rate swaps to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. As of February 28, 2007, we had a total of $225 million, notional value, of interest rate swap contracts outstanding.

Credit Risk

There has been no significant change to our credit risk since the disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2006.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

As of February 28, 2007, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments outside the ordinary course of business since November 30, 2006.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

 

Three months ended
February 28,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(75,091

)

$

(10,487

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(18,447

)

(15,318

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

84,685

 

21,330

 

 

Cash flows for the three months ended February 28, 2006 reflect the reclassification of $1.1 million of expenditures for in-store displays from investing to operating activities to conform to the current year presentation.

In the statement of cash flows, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the translation effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. Accordingly, the amounts in the statement of cash flows do not agree with changes in the operating assets and liabilities that are presented in the balance sheet.

Due to the cyclical nature of the business, we generate much of our cash flow in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Operating Cash Flow - The decrease in operating cash flow is primarily the result of payments in the first quarter of 2007 for incentive compensation accrued at November 30, 2006 based upon prior year results, the timing of quarterly income tax payments and cash payments for restructuring costs.

22




Investing Cash Flow - The increase in cash flow used is due to $3.0 million in cash used for the acquisition of business for the purchase of Fish Crisp. We spent $15.4 million on net capital expenditures (capital expenditures less proceeds from sale of fixed assets) in the first three months of fiscal 2007 which is very comparable to the same period last year. Net capital expenditures for the fiscal year 2007 are expected to be approximately $85 million.

Financing Cash Flow - This significant change in cash provided by financing activities when compared to the prior year is primarily due to an increase in short-term borrowings of $82.1 million. The short-term borrowings were necessary to fund operating and investing cash requirements.

The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase program for the three months ended February 28:

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Number of shares ofcommon stock

 

280

 

400

 

Dollar amount

 

$

10,967

 

$

12,816

 

 

As of February 28, 2007, $195 million remained of the $400 million authorization. In the absence of an acquisition or other unanticipated need for cash, we expect to spend $150-$180 million for share repurchase during 2007, which is an amount similar to that spent in each of the past three years. During the three months ended February 28, 2007, we received proceeds of $16.7 million from exercised options compared to $6.8 million in the same period in the prior year. We increased dividends paid by 9.1% to $26.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2007 compared to $23.9 million in the same period last year. Dividends paid in the first quarter of 2007 were declared on November 28, 2006.

Our ratio of debt-to-total capital (total capital includes debt, minority interest and shareholders’ equity) was 43.2% as of February 28, 2007, up from 41.9% at February 28, 2006 and up from 41.0% at November 30, 2006. The increase in debt levels caused the increase in debt-to-total capital compared to February 28, 2006. This was partially offset by the increase in equity caused by foreign currency movements. When compared to November 30, 2006, the increase in short-term borrowings is causing the increase in debt-to-total capital. During a quarter, our short-term borrowings vary. However, borrowings are lower at the end of a quarter.  The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006 was $282.2 million and $160.3 million, respectively. Total average debt outstanding for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006 was $852.5 million and $771.4 million, respectively.

23




 

The reported values of our assets and liabilities are significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. At February 28, 2007, the exchange rates for the Euro and British pound sterling were higher than the same period last year. Exchange rate fluctuations resulted in an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $22 million, inventory of approximately $10 million, goodwill of approximately $51 million and other comprehensive income of approximately $96 million since February 28, 2006. At February 28, 2007, the exchange rates for the Euro and British pound sterling were slightly higher and Canadian dollar was lower than the period at last year-end. The net impact of these exchange rate fluctuations resulted in negligible changes in accounts receivable, inventory, goodwill and other comprehensive income since November 30, 2006.

Management believes that internally generated funds and the existing sources of liquidity under our credit facilities are sufficient to meet current liquidity needs and longer-term financing requirements. If we were to undertake an acquisition that requires funds in excess of our existing sources of liquidity, we would look to sources of funding from additional credit facilities, debt and/or equity issuances.

ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” This statement will require us to (a) record on our balance sheet a liability for our pension plans’ underfunded status (b) measure our pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at November 30 versus our current measurement date of September 30, and (c) record any changes in the funded status of our pension and postretirement plans in the year in which the changes occur (reported in comprehensive income). The requirement to record the funded status and the disclosure requirements are effective for our year ending November 30, 2007. The requirement to change the measurement date is effective for our year ending November 30, 2009. Since our plans are currently in an underfunded status, we expect to record a liability and corresponding charge to shareholders’ equity upon adoption.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement defines fair value and provides guidance for measuring fair value and the necessary disclosures. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for our year ending November 30, 2008. We do not expect any material impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

24




In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes when it is uncertain how an income or expense item should be treated on an income tax return. FIN 48 describes when an uncertain tax item should be recorded in the financial statements and for how much, provides guidance on recording interest and penalties and accounting and reporting for income taxes in interim periods. FIN 48 is effective for our year ending November 30, 2008. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this report, including those related to the expected results of operations of businesses acquired by us, the expected impact of the prices of raw materials on our results of operations and gross margins, the expected margin improvements, expected trends in net sales and earnings performance and other financial measures, annualized savings and other benefits from our streamlining and restructuring activities, the holding period and market risks associated with financial instruments, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, the adequacy of internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity, such as our ability to issue additional debt or equity securities, and our expectations regarding purchasing shares of our common stock under the existing authorizations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Operating results may be materially affected by external factors such as: competitive conditions, customer relationships and financial condition, availability and cost of raw and packaging materials, governmental actions and political events, and economic conditions, including fluctuations in interest and foreign currency exchange rates. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3.                    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see “Market Risk Sensitivity” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations above and Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2006. Except as described in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations above, there have been no significant changes in our financial instrument portfolio or market risk exposures since our November 30, 2006 fiscal year end.

25




ITEM 4.                    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on our evaluation as of February 28, 2007, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning & Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are effective based upon the reasonable assurance level.

No change occurred in our “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)) during our last fiscal quarter which was identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(a) as materially affecting, or reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

26




PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings in which the Registrant or any of its subsidiaries is a party or in which any of their property is the subject.

ITEM 1A.           RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Registrant’s Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2006.

ITEM 2.                    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes our purchases of Common Stock (CS) and Common Stock Non-Voting (CSNV) during the first quarter of 2007:

27




ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006

 

CS — 200

 

$

39.02

 

200

 

$

206.1 million

 

 

 

CSNV — 0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2007

 

CS — 29,000

 

$

38.82

 

29,000

 

$

205.1 million

 

 

 

CSNV — 0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 1, 2007 to February 28, 2007

 

CS — 60,444

 

$

39.08

 

60,444

 

$

195.2 million

 

 

 

CSNV — 190,000

 

$

39.30

 

190,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

CS — 89,644

 

$

38.99

 

89,644

 

$

195.2 million

 

 

 

CSNV — 190,000

 

$

39.30

 

190,000

 

 

 

 

In June 2005, the Board of Directors approved an additional $400 million share repurchase authorization.  As of February 28, 2007, $195.2 million remained of the $400 million authorization.  This amount is expected to be sufficient for fiscal year 2007 share repurchases.

28




ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are attached or incorporated herein by reference:

 

Exhibit Number

 

 

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restatement of Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 16, 1990

 

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration No. 33-39582 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 1991.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 1, 1992

 

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-59842 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 1993.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated March 27, 2003

 

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-104084 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By-Laws of McCormick & Company, Incorporated Restated and Amended on June 27, 2006

 

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i) of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

 

Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

 

See Exhibit 3 (Restatement of Charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

 

Summary of Certain Exchange Rights, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2001 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Indenture dated December 5, 2000 between Registrant and SunTrust Bank, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(iii) of Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2003. Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, copies of additional instruments of Registrant with respect to long-term debt that involve an amount of securities that do not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601b(4)(iii)(A).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Form of 5.20% Notes due 2015, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

 

Form of 5.80% Notes due 2011, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated July 10, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10)

 

Material contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

 

Registrant’s supplemental pension plan for certain senior officers, as amended and restated effective June 19, 2001, is contained in the McCormick Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2001, and incorporated by reference herein. Amendment Number 1 to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2005, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(iv) of Registrant’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2005. *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29




 

 

(ii)

 

The 2001 Stock Option Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth on pages 33 through 36 of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 15, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2001, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

 

The 1997 Stock Option Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit B of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 19, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 1997, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

 

The 2002 McCormick Mid-Term Incentive Plan, which is provided to a limited number of senior executives, is set forth on pages 23 through 31 of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 15, 2002, as filed with the Commission on February 15, 2002, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

 

2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vi)

 

2004 Directors’ Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, provided to members of the Registrant’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of the Registrant, is set forth in Exhibit B of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vii)

 

Directors’ Share Ownership Program, provided to members of the Registrant’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of the Registrant, is set forth on page 28 of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(viii)

 

Deferred Compensation Plan, as restated on January 1, 2000, and amended on August 29, 2000, September 5, 2000 and May 16, 2003, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, a copy of which Plan document and amendments was attached as Exhibit 10(viii) of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ix)

 

2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2005, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xii) of Registrant’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(x)

 

The 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, in which employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 16, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2005, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

(xi)

 

$400,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated January 25, 2005 among Registrant and Certain Financial Institutions, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xv) of Registrant’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(xii)

 

The 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, in which employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 16, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

 

 

(31)

 

 

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

 

Attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32)

 

 

 

Section 1350 Certifications

 

Attached.


*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

30




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

April 5, 2007

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Francis A. Contino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis A. Contino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning & Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

April 5, 2007

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice President & Controller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31