Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended May 31, 2008
Table of Contents

 

 

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  May 31, 2008

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

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

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  ¨

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

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨    Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨    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
May 31, 2008

Common Stock

   12,806,676

Common Stock Non-Voting

   116,149,074

 

 

 


Table of Contents

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    20
        ITEM 3    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    36
        ITEM 4    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    36
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION    37
        ITEM 1    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    37
        ITEM 1A    RISK FACTORS    37
        ITEM 2    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS    37
        ITEM 4    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    37
        ITEM 6    EXHIBITS    38

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)

(in millions except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 764.1     $ 687.2     $ 1,488.1     $ 1,339.9  

Cost of goods sold

     466.2       415.4       904.4       803.7  
                                

Gross profit

     297.9       271.8       583.7       536.2  

Selling, general and administrative expense

     222.0       198.5       426.7       389.1  

Restructuring charges/(credits)

     (4.6 )     6.4       (0.9 )     13.8  
                                

Operating income

     80.5       66.9       157.9       133.3  

Interest expense

     12.7       15.2       27.5       29.1  

Other income, net

     (3.0 )     (2.2 )     (6.4 )     (4.0 )
                                

Income from consolidated operations before income taxes

     70.8       53.9       136.8       108.2  

Income taxes

     21.8       16.8       41.7       32.7  
                                

Net income from consolidated operations

     49.0       37.1       95.1       75.5  

Income from unconsolidated operations

     4.5       5.0       10.0       11.6  

Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations

     —         (.5 )     —         (.8 )

Minority interest

     (.2 )     (.2 )     (.3 )     (.6 )
                                

Net income

   $ 53.3     $ 41.4     $ 104.8     $ 85.7  
                                

Earnings per common share – basic

   $ 0.41     $ 0.32     $ 0.82     $ 0.66  
                                

Average shares outstanding – basic

     128.7       130.2       128.3       130.2  
                                

Earnings per common share – diluted

   $ 0.41     $ 0.31     $ 0.80     $ 0.64  
                                

Average shares outstanding – diluted

     131.5       133.6       131.3       133.8  
                                

Cash dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.22     $ 0.20     $ 0.44     $ 0.40  
                                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in millions)

 

     May 31,
2008
    May 31,
2007
    November 30,
2007
 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

      

Current Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 47.3     $ 40.5     $ 45.9  

Receivables, net

     416.5       360.9       456.5  

Inventories

      

Finished products

     233.1       217.7       222.0  

Raw materials and work-in-process

     226.5       209.8       208.2  
                        
     459.6       427.5       430.2  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     59.4       59.5       50.5  
                        

Total current assets

     982.8       888.4       983.1  

Property, plant and equipment

     1,063.8       993.4       1,028.8  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (574.4 )     (521.1 )     (541.2 )
                        

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     489.4       472.3       487.6  

Goodwill, net

     965.3       819.9       879.5  

Intangible assets, net

     228.0       193.5       207.5  

Prepaid allowances

     44.0       47.0       39.3  

Investments and other assets

     190.9       163.0       190.5  
                        

Total assets

   $ 2,900.4     $ 2,584.1     $ 2,787.5  
                        

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities

      

Short-term borrowings

   $ 85.6     $ 195.7     $ 149.2  

Current portion of long-term debt

     50.7       151.3       .4  

Trade accounts payable

     260.2       215.6       243.3  

Other accrued liabilities

     360.2       332.5       468.4  
                        

Total current liabilities

     756.7       895.1       861.3  

Long-term debt

     626.9       415.8       573.5  

Other long-term liabilities

     272.8       264.1       257.7  
                        

Total liabilities

     1,656.4       1,575.0       1,692.5  

Minority interest

     9.5       4.5       9.9  

Shareholders’ Equity

      

Common stock

     214.7       191.5       201.0  

Common stock non-voting

     323.9       289.4       300.0  

Retained earnings

     380.5       355.4       323.8  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     315.4       168.3       260.3  
                        

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,234.5       1,004.6       1,085.1  
                        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,900.4     $ 2,584.1     $ 2,787.5  
                        

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 104.8     $ 85.7  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     44.1       39.9  

Stock-based compensation

     11.9       13.4  

Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations

     —         .8  

Income from unconsolidated operations

     (10.0 )     (11.6 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     (69.3 )     (145.9 )

Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates

     11.2       9.7  
                

Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities

     92.7       (8.0 )
                

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Acquisition of business

     (77.8 )     (3.1 )

Capital expenditures

     (40.2 )     (34.8 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     14.8       .1  
                

Net cash flow used in investing activities

     (103.2 )     (37.8 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Short-term borrowings, net

     (61.0 )     115.1  

Long-term debt borrowings

     253.2       —    

Long-term debt repayments

     (150.2 )     (.2 )

Proceeds from exercised stock options

     18.7       27.9  

Common stock acquired by purchase

     —         (57.6 )

Dividends paid

     (56.5 )     (52.1 )
                

Net cash flow provided by financing activities

     4.2       33.1  
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     7.7       4.1  
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1.4       (8.6 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     45.9       49.1  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 47.3     $ 40.5  
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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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 and six month periods ended May 31, 2008 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, 2007.

Accounting and Disclosure Changes

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This standard is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring transparency about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect its financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for our first quarter of 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” This standard outlines the accounting and reporting for ownership interest in a subsidiary held by parties other than the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for our first quarter of 2010. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations.” This standard establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. This standard also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for us for acquisitions made after November 30, 2009. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements, however, the implementation of SFAS No. 141R may have a material impact on our financial statements for businesses we acquire post-adoption.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” This standard requires us to (a) record an asset or a liability on our balance sheet for our pension plans’ overfunded or underfunded status (b) 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) and (c) measure our pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at November 30 versus our current measurement date of September 30. We complied with the requirement to record the funded status and provide additional disclosures with our filing for our year ended November 30, 2007. The requirement to change the measurement date is effective for our year ending November 30, 2009. The impact of measuring the funded status as of November 30, 2009 will be dependent upon interest rates, market performance and other factors at the measurement date and therefore cannot be determined.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard defines fair value and provides guidance for measuring fair value and the necessary disclosures. This standard does not require any new fair value measurements but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued a one-year deferral for non-financial assets and liabilities to comply with SFAS No. 157. We adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities in the first quarter of 2008 (see Note 10 for further details). There was no material effect upon adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements. We have not yet determined the impact on our financial statements from adoption of SFAS No. 157 as it pertains to non-financial assets and liabilities for our first quarter of 2009.

On December 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 sets a threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For each tax position, we must determine whether it is more likely than not that

 

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the position will be sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. See Note 8 for further details.

 

2. ACQUISITIONS

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

On February 20, 2008, we purchased Billy Bee Honey Products Ltd. (Billy Bee) for $76.4 million in cash, a business which operates in North America and is primarily included in our consumer segment from the date of acquisition. Billy Bee markets and sells under the “Billy Bee” and “Doyon” brands. The annual sales of this business are approximately $37.0 million and include branded, private label and industrial products.

The excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible net assets purchased was $71.6 million. The allocation of the purchase price is based on preliminary estimates, subject to revision after appraisals have been finalized. Revisions to the allocation, which may be significant, will be reported as changes to various assets and liabilities, including goodwill and other intangible assets. As of May 31, 2008, $18.6 million was allocated to other intangible assets and $53.0 million to goodwill. 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. We have included an estimate of intangible asset amortization in our income statement since the date of acquisition.

On November 13, 2007, we signed a definitive agreement with Unilever to purchase the assets of the Lawry’s business for $605 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2008. Lawry’s manufactures and sells a variety of marinades and seasoning blends under the well-known “Lawry’s” and “Adolph’s” brands. The acquisition includes the rights to the brands as well as related inventory and a small number of dedicated production lines. It does not include any employees or manufacturing facilities. The closing of the Lawry’s acquisition is subject to the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) waiting period and other customary closing conditions. We are continuing to work with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the HSR regulatory review process. We have agreed to pay Unilever a $30 million termination fee, subject to certain limited conditions, in the event that HSR clearance is not obtained.

On July 30, 2007, we purchased Thai Kitchen SA (Thai Kitchen) for $12.8 million in cash, a business which operates in Europe and is included in our consumer segment from the date of acquisition. This acquisition complements our U.S. purchase of Simply Asia Foods in 2006. The annual sales are approximately $7.0 million.

 

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On January 31, 2007, we purchased the assets of Fish Crisp Enterprises, Inc. (Fish Crisp) for $3.1 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.

 

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Average shares outstanding – basic

   128.7    130.2    128.3    130.2

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Stock options, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan

   2.8    3.4    3.0    3.6
                   

Average shares outstanding – diluted

   131.5    133.6    131.3    133.8
                   

The following table sets forth the stock options and RSUs for the three and six months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 which were not considered in our earnings per share calculation since they were anti-dilutive.

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Anti-dilutive securities

   3.3    2.8    3.0    2.6

The following table sets forth the common stock activity for the three and six months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 under the Company’s stock option and employee stock purchase plans and the repurchases of common stock under its stock repurchase program (in millions):

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Shares issued under stock option and employee stock purchase plans and RSUs

   .8    .4    1.2    1.2

Shares repurchased in connection with the stock repurchase program

   —      1.2    —      1.5

As of May 31, 2008, $49 million remained of the $400 million share repurchase authorization.

 

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4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
     2008    2007     2008    2007  

Net income

   $ 53.3    $ 41.4     $ 104.8    $ 85.7  

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

          

Pension and other postretirement costs

     2.7      (.7 )     2.0      (.7 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     28.5      29.1       52.6      28.3  

Derivative financial instruments

     2.0      (.3 )     .5      .3  
                              

Comprehensive income

   $ 86.5    $ 69.5     $ 159.9    $ 113.6  
                              

The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax where applicable (in millions):

 

     May 31,     May 31,     November 30,  
     2008     2007     2007  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   $ 399.2     $ 251.8     $ 346.6  

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts

     (1.4 )     (.9 )     (2.1 )

Fair value of open interest rate swaps

     (3.8 )     (2.4 )     (9.9 )

Unamortized value of settled interest rate swaps

     (6.3 )     —         —    

Pension and other postretirement costs

     (72.3 )     (80.2 )     (74.3 )
                        

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 315.4     $ 168.3     $ 260.3  
                        

 

5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The following table presents the components of our pension expense of the defined benefit plans for the three months ended May 31 (in millions):

 

     United States     International  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Defined benefit plans

        

Service cost

   $ 2.7     $ 3.0     $ 1.5     $ 1.6  

Interest costs

     6.5       6.1       3.0       2.6  

Expected return on plan assets

     (6.6 )     (6.2 )     (3.2 )     (2.4 )

Amortization of prior service costs

     —         —         .1       —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

     1.2       2.5       .6       .8  
                                

Total pension expense

   $ 3.8     $ 5.4     $ 2.0     $ 2.6  
                                

The following table presents the components of our pension expense of the defined benefit plans for the six months ended May 31 (in millions):

 

     United States     International  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Defined benefit plans

        

Service cost

   $ 5.3     $ 5.9     $ 3.0     $ 3.3  

Interest costs

     13.1       12.3       6.0       5.2  

Expected return on plan assets

     (13.2 )     (12.4 )     (6.3 )     (4.7 )

Amortization of prior service costs

     —         —         .1       —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

     2.4       5.0       1.1       1.5  
                                

Total pension expense

   $ 7.6     $ 10.8     $ 3.9     $ 5.3  
                                

 

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We do not expect to make any contributions to our major U.S. pension plan in 2008 as we were in an overfunded status as of November 30, 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we made a $22 million contribution to our major U.S. pension plan. Contributions to international plans and our nonqualified U.S. plan are generally funded throughout the year. Total contributions to our pension plans in 2008 are expected to be approximately $27 million.

The following table presents the components of our other postretirement benefits expense (in millions):

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Other postretirement benefits

        

Service cost

   $ .8     $ .9     $ 1.7     $ 1.8  

Interest costs

     1.6       1.4       3.2       2.9  

Amortization of prior service costs

     (.3 )     (.3 )     (.7 )     (.6 )

Amortization of (gains)/losses

     .3       .2       .5       .4  
                                

Total other postretirement expense

   $ 2.4     $ 2.2     $ 4.7     $ 4.5  
                                

 

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation recorded in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense (in millions):

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Stock-based compensation expense

   $ 8.2    $ 8.6    $ 11.9    $ 13.3

Our 2008 annual grant of stock options and restricted stock units (RSU) occurred in the second quarter, similar to the 2007 annual grant. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of an option granted in 2008 was $7.20 and in 2007 was $6.83. The fair values of option grants in the stated periods were computed using the following range of assumptions for our various stock compensation plans:

 

     2008     2007  

Risk-free interest rates

   1.4-3.6 %   4.5-5.1 %

Dividend yield

   2.3 %   2.0-2.1 %

Expected volatility

   18.7-24.7 %   13.4-24.9 %

Expected lives

   6.1     1.9-5.3  

 

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As of May 31, 2008 the intrinsic value (the difference between the exercise price and the market price) for all options outstanding was $139.2 million and the intrinsic value for all options exercisable was $138.4 million. The total intrinsic value of all options exercised was as follows (in millions):

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Total intrinsic value for all options exercised

   $ 15.6    $ 3.8    $ 22.2    $ 16.5

The following is a summary of all option activity for the six months ended May 31:

 

     2008    2007
(shares in millions)    Number
of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number
of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at beginning of period

   14.2     $ 26.38    15.8     $ 25.31

Granted

   .6       37.58    .7       38.20

Exercised

   (1.2 )     18.26    (1.1 )     22.80

Forfeited

   —         —      (.1 )     33.70
                 

Outstanding at end of May

   13.6       27.57    15.3       26.05

Exercisable at end of May

   12.2     $ 26.41    12.6     $ 23.99

The following is a summary of all of our RSU activity for the six months ended May 31:

 

     2008    2007
(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 period

   373     $ 36.47    280     $ 32.88

Granted

   279       37.58    257       38.28

Vested

   (261 )     35.71    (155 )     33.02

Forfeited

   (3 )     37.33    (4 )     34.16
                 

Outstanding at end of May

   388     $ 37.78    378     $ 36.47
                 

 

7. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

In November 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 $115 to $120 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 $90 million will consist of severance and other personnel costs and approximately $50 million for other exit costs. Asset write-offs are expected to be $10 to

 

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$15 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 $95 to $100 million, of which approximately $9 million is expected to be spent in 2008, net of cash received for asset sales. The actions being taken are expected to reduce positions by approximately 1,200 by November 2008.

The following is a summary of restructuring activities (in millions):

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Pre-tax restructuring charges/(credits)

        

Other restructuring charges/(credits)

   $ (4.6 )   $ 6.4     $ (0.9 )   $ 13.8  

Recorded in cost of goods sold

     1.5       0.8       1.7       1.2  
                                

(Increase) reduction in operating income

     (3.1 )     7.2       0.8       15.0  

Income tax effect

     1.0       (2.2 )     (0.3 )     (4.8 )

Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations, net of tax

     —         0.5       —         0.8  
                                

(Increase) reduction in net income

   $ (2.1 )   $ 5.5     $ 0.5     $ 11.0  
                                

During the three months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $2.0 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Canada and Europe. In addition, we recorded $2.5 million of other exit costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a $7.6 million credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was primarily the result of a gain on the disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007. Of the 1,200 positions expected to be reduced, 1,034 positions have been eliminated as of May 31, 2008. From inception of the project in November 2005, we have incurred $96.6 million of restructuring charges, including the $8.4 million gain on disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility in 2008 and the $33.7 gain recorded on the redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

During the six months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $3.1 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe and Canada. In addition, we recorded $4.7 million of other exit costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.S and U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a $7.0 million credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was the result of a gain on the disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007.

During the three months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded $3.0 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. In addition, we recorded

 

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$3.1 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $1.1 million is comprised of write-downs of assets which is primarily the accelerated depreciation of assets related to the closure of the manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland.

During the six months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded $5.2 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. and Europe. In addition, we recorded $7.9 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $1.9 million is comprised of inventory write-offs related to the closure of the manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland and accelerated depreciation of assets.

Also in the three and six months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded net losses, after tax, of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in connection with unconsolidated joint venture transactions initially recorded in 2006. These losses are shown on the line entitled “Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations” in our income statement.

The business segment components of the restructuring charges/(credits) recorded in 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in millions):

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008     2007    2008     2007

Consumer

   $ (4.7 )   $ 4.2    $ (2.2 )   $ 9.5

Industrial

     1.6       3.0      3.0       5.5
                             

Total restructuring (credit) charges

   $ (3.1 )   $ 7.2    $ 0.8     $ 15.0
                             

Consumer: The restructuring credits in 2008 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe and Canada, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the U.S. and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.S and U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by the $8.4 million gain recorded on disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility in 2008 (recorded as an asset related credit). The restructuring charges in 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.

Industrial: The restructuring charges in 2008 include severance and other exit costs related to the reduction of administrative personnel and the consolidation of production facilities in Europe. The charges in 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S., other exit

 

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costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland and consolidation of production facilities in Europe.

During 2008 and 2007, the following cash was (received) spent on our restructuring plan (in millions):

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
     2008     2007    2008     2007

Total cash (received) spent

   $ (9.7 )   $ 9.9    $ (4.7 )   $ 30.0

The cash received for the three and six months ended May 31, 2008 include $14.4 million received from the sale of our Salinas manufacturing facility in April, 2008. From inception of the project in November 2005, $78.6 million in cash has been spent on the restructuring plan, including the $14.4 million cash received from the Salinas sale and $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 millions):

 

     Severance
and personnel
costs
    Asset
related
charges/

(credits)
    Other
exit costs
    Total  

Second Quarter 2008:

        

Balance at Feb 29, 2008

   $ 5.7     $ —       $ .1     $ 5.8  

Restructuring charges

     2.0       (7.6 )     2.5       (3.1 )

Amounts utilized

     (2.5 )     7.6       (2.3 )     2.8  
                                

Balance at May 31, 2008

   $ 5.2     $ —       $ .3     $ 5.5  
                                

Six months ended May 31, 2008:

        

Balance at Nov 30, 2007

   $ 7.1     $ —       $ .4     $ 7.5  

Restructuring charges

     3.1       (7.0 )     4.7       .8  

Amounts utilized

     (5.0 )     7.0       (4.8 )     (2.8 )
                                

Balance at May 31, 2008

   $ 5.2     $ —       $ .3     $ 5.5  
                                

Second Quarter 2007:

        

Balance at Feb 28, 2007

   $ 9.2     $ —       $ .9     $ 10.1  

Restructuring charges

     3.0       1.1       3.1       7.2  

Amounts utilized

     (6.7 )     (1.1 )     (3.3 )     (11.1 )
                                

Balance at May 31, 2007

   $ 5.5     $ —       $ .7     $ 6.2  
                                

Six months ended May 31, 2007:

        

Balance at Nov 30, 2006

   $ 20.3     $ —       $ 3.1     $ 23.4  

Restructuring charges

     5.2       1.9       7.9       15.0  

Amounts utilized

     (20.0 )     (1.9 )     (10.3 )     (32.2 )
                                

Balance at May 31, 2007

   $ 5.5     $ —       $ .7     $ 6.2  
                                

 

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8. INCOME TAXES

On December 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” Upon adoption, we recorded the cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle of $12.8 million as a reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 1, 2007 was $26.5 million, the recognition of which would have an effect of $24.8 million on the effective tax rate. We have historically classified unrecognized tax benefits in other accrued liabilities. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, unrecognized tax benefits were reclassified to other long-term liabilities, unless expected to be paid within one year.

We record interest and penalties related to our federal, state, and non-U.S. income taxes in income tax expense. As of December 1, 2007, we had accrued $2.3 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

There were no significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits during the six months ended May 31, 2008. We do not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. The open years subject to tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. In major jurisdictions, with few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax audits by taxing authorities for years before 2003. In 2007, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of our U.S. income tax return for the tax year 2005 that is anticipated to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2008 or in early fiscal year 2009. Based on our current knowledge, we do not believe that the outcome of the examination will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Income taxes for the six months ended May 31, 2008 include $0.7 million in discrete tax benefits, mostly for the reduction of accruals recorded for the settlement of state tax audits.

Income taxes for the six months ended May 31, 2007 include $1.9

 

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million of discrete tax benefits due to new tax legislation enacted in The Netherlands in December 2006 that reduced the corporate income tax rate and the settlement of certain U.S. tax issues.

 

9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In December 2007, we issued $250 million of 5.75% notes due 2017. Net interest is payable semiannually in arrears in January and July of each year. These notes were also subject to an interest rate hedge as further disclosed below. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay $150 million of debt that matured in the first quarter of 2008 with the remainder used to repay short-term debt.

In August 2007, we entered into $150 million of forward treasury lock agreements to manage the interest rate risk associated with the forecasted issuance of $250 million of fixed rate notes issued in December 2007. We cash settled these treasury lock agreements for a loss of $10.5 million simultaneous with the issuance of the notes and effectively fixed the interest rate on the $250 million notes at a weighted average fixed rate of 6.25%. The loss on these agreements has been deferred in other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the ten-year life of the notes as a component of interest expense.

 

10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In the first quarter of 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets and liabilities. This standard defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. This standard does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. This standard does not apply measurements related to share-based payments, nor does it apply to measurements related to inventory.

SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

 

   

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

 

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Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

Our population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements and the necessary disclosures are as follows (in millions):

 

     Fair Value
as of

5/31/08
   Fair Value Measurements at 5/31/08
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
         Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 47.3    $ 47.3    $ —      $ —  

Long-term investments

     50.1      50.1      —        —  
                           

Total

   $ 97.4    $ 97.4    $ —      $ —  
                           

Liabilities

           

Long-term debt

   $ 681.7    $ —      $ 681.7    $ —  

Interest rate derivatives

     0.4         0.4   

Foreign currency derivatives

     2.2      —        2.2      —  
                           

Total

   $ 684.3    $ —      $ 684.3    $ —  
                           

The fair values of long-term investments are based on quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges. The long-term debt fair values are based on quotes for like instruments with similar credit ratings and terms. The fair values for interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are based on quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments.

 

11. 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 the “McCormick” brand and a variety of brands around the world, including “Zatarain’s”, “Simply Asia”, “Thai Kitchen”, “Ducros”, “Vahine”, “Silvo”, “Schwartz”, “Club House” and “Billy Bee”. 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 revenue and profits for each of these individual product lines.

We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding

 

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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 millions)  

Three months ended May 31, 2008

       

Net sales

   $ 417.5     $ 346.6    $ 764.1  

Restructuring charges/(credits)

     (4.7 )     1.6      (3.1 )

Operating income excluding restructuring charges/(credits)

     55.8       21.6      77.4  

Income from unconsolidated operations

     3.3       1.2      4.5  

Three months ended May 31, 2007

       

Net sales

   $ 372.5     $ 314.7    $ 687.2  

Restructuring charges

     4.2       3.0      7.2  

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

     53.1       21.0      74.1  

Income from unconsolidated operations

     3.9       1.1      5.0  

 

     Consumer     Industrial    Total
     (in millions)

Six months ended May 31, 2008

       

Net sales

   $ 827.9     $ 660.2    $ 1,488.1

Restructuring charges/(credits)

     (2.2 )     3.0      .8

Operating income excluding restructuring charges/(credits)

     122.7       36.0      158.7

Income from unconsolidated operations

     7.4       2.6      10.0

Six months ended May 31, 2007

       

Net sales

   $ 747.3     $ 592.6    $ 1,339.9

Restructuring charges

     9.5       5.5      15.0

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

     113.3       35.0      148.3

Income from unconsolidated operations

     9.2       2.4      11.6

The following table is a reconciliation of operating income excluding restructuring charges/(credits) to operating income (in millions):

 

     Three months ended     Three months ended
     May 31, 2008     May 31, 2007

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

   $ 77.4     $ 74.1

Restructuring charges/(credits)

     (3.1 )     7.2
              

Operating income

   $ 80.5     $ 66.9
              

 

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     Six months ended
May 31, 2008
   Six months ended
May 31, 2007

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

   $ 158.7    $ 148.3

Less: Restructuring charges

     .8      15.0
             

Operating income

   $ 157.9    $ 133.3
             

 

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

OVERVIEW

Our Business

We are a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, herbs, seasonings and other flavors to the entire food industry. Customers range from retail outlets and food service providers to food manufacturers. Our major sales, distribution and production facilities are located in North America and Europe. Additional facilities are based in Mexico, Central America, Australia, China, Singapore, Thailand and South Africa.

We operate in two business segments, consumer and industrial. Profit margins in our consumer business are higher than the profit margins in our industrial business, which is consistent with the experience of other manufacturers operating in the same business segments. On average, approximately 80% of our product costs are from materials and packaging and approximately 20% are from labor and overhead. Across both segments, we have the customer base and product breadth to participate in all types of eating occasions, whether it is cooking at home, dining out, purchasing a quick service meal or enjoying a snack.

Our Strategy

Our strategy is to improve margins, invest in our business and increase sales and profits. We believe this strategy is as effective now as when we developed it in 1998.

Improving Margins - Our goal is to improve profit margins with cost savings from our restructuring program and supply chain initiatives, the elimination of lower margin business, acquisitions of high-margin brands and the introduction of higher-margin, more value-added products. The restructuring program that is underway is designed to improve our global supply chain. This plan, which was announced in 2005 and will extend through 2008, is intended to reduce our complexity and create an organization more focused on growth opportunities.

While our long-term goal is to improve profit margins, we do not expect to achieve this goal in 2008. This is primarily due to the effects of higher commodity costs that we began to experience in the second half of 2007 and which are continuing into 2008. While

 

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we have been able to offset the dollar impact of these higher costs through our pricing actions, we do not expect to improve profit margin in 2008.

Investing in the Business - We are investing in our consumer business by revitalizing our McCormick brand spices and seasonings in the United States. We started introducing new labels and new flip-top caps in 2006 and are continuing to roll out new store shelving displays that make shopping easier for the consumer and restocking easier for retailers. These projects are expected to be completed in 2008. A similar effort is underway that is designed to drive growth of our Schwartz brand in the U.K. and the Ducros brand in France. In the second half of 2008, we are relaunching our entire line of Vahine dessert items with significantly upgraded packaging and have already received a great response from retailers in France. Our consumer business is also driven by marketing spending to support our brands.

Through acquisitions we are adding leading brands to extend our reach into new geographic regions where we currently have little or no distribution. We have a particular interest in emerging markets that offer high growth potential. In our developed markets, we are seeking brands that have a niche position and meet a growing consumer trend.

We have made significant progress in transforming our U.S. industrial business. We are simplifying the business and focusing our resources on large customers who have the greatest potential to add profitable sales. Over the years we have grown industrial sales by maintaining a commitment to service and quality while working with our strategic partners to expand markets and develop new products.

Across all of our businesses, we are focused on monitoring and leading the latest trends through innovation. Convenience, freshness, wellness and ethnic flavors drive consumer demand and are a part of our new product development and acquisition strategy.

Increasing Sales and Profits - With good visibility into our business prospects and operating environment, growth objectives are used as internal goals and to provide a financial outlook for our shareholders. Our current objectives in 2008 are to grow sales at a high single digit rate and earnings per share 8 to 10%. Sales growth will benefit from higher pricing taken to offset higher input costs, as well as favorable foreign exchange rates and the addition of Billy Bee Honey Products. Beginning in 2009, we expect to grow sales annually by 4 to 6% and earnings per share by 9 to 11%.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - COMPANY

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
(in millions)    2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 764.1     $ 687.2     $ 1,488.1     $ 1,339.9  

Percent growth

     11.2 %       11.1 %  

Gross profit

   $ 297.9     $ 271.8     $ 583.7     $ 536.2  

Gross profit margin

     39.0 %     39.6 %     39.2 %     40.0 %

The sales increase of 11.2% for the second quarter includes 3.9% for the favorable impact of foreign currency. While higher pricing contributed significantly to the sales growth, the combination of volume and product mix also had a positive effect that included the impact of new products and new distribution, as well as 1.7% in incremental sales from the acquisitions of Billy Bee in Canada and Thai Kitchen in Europe. For the six months ended May 31, 2008, the sales increase of 11.1% versus the same period last year includes 3.9% from the favorable impact of foreign currency. The remaining 7.2% increase was due to pricing actions, along with favorable product mix and higher volumes, including a 1.0% increase from acquisitions.

Gross profit increased 9.6% and 8.9% for the second quarter and first half of the year, respectively, while the gross profit margin remains under pressure from higher and more volatile commodity and energy costs. Through a combination of pricing actions, cost savings and favorable product mix, we have an effective offset to these dollar cost increases. However, on a gross profit margin basis these changes had a net unfavorable impact of 60 basis points for the quarter and 80 basis points for the first six months of the year. Restructuring charges in both 2008 and 2007 had a negligible impact on our gross profit margin.

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
(in millions)    2008     2007     2008     2007  

Selling, general & administrative expense (SG&A)

   $ 222.0     $ 198.5     $ 426.7     $ 389.1  

Percent of net sales

     29.1 %     28.9 %     28.7 %     29.0 %

The primary reason for the increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales in the second quarter is our increase in marketing support by $4.8 million with print advertising, interactive media and other programs designed to drive sales of our branded products. For the six months ended May 31, 2008, our marketing support has increased by 10% over the prior year, however, SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily as a result of the cost savings from reductions in operating expenses as part of our restructuring program. For the full year 2008, we expect to increase advertising 10% with an even greater increase in our total marketing support which includes point of sale materials, sampling and other sales–building programs.

 

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     Three months ended    Six months ended
     May 31,    May 31,
(in millions)    2008    2007    2008    2007

Interest expense

   $ 12.7    $ 15.2    $ 27.5    $ 29.1

Other income, net

     3.0      2.2      6.4      4.0

Lower interest rates led to a favorable variance in interest expense, offsetting the fact that total average debt outstanding was higher in 2008 when compared to 2007. In addition, the increase in other income was due to higher interest income in the three and six months ended May 31, 2008 versus the same periods in the prior year.

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     May 31,     May 31,  
(in millions)    2008     2007     2008     2007  

Income from consolidated operations before income taxes

   $ 70.8     $ 53.9     $ 136.8     $ 108.2  

Income taxes

     21.8       16.8       41.7       32.7  

Effective tax rate

     30.8 %     31.2 %     30.5 %     30.2 %

The effective tax rate for the first six months of 2008 includes $0.7 million in discrete tax benefits, mostly for the reduction of accruals recorded for the settlement of state tax audits. Excluding the effect of these tax benefits, the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008 is estimated to be 31%, which is consistent with our 2007 effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the first half of 2007 includes $1.9 million of discrete tax benefits due to new tax legislation in The Netherlands that reduced the corporate income tax rate and the settlement of certain U.S. tax issues.

Income from unconsolidated operations for the three and six months ended May 31, 2008 decreased by $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2007. These decreases for both the quarter and year were primarily driven by the higher cost of soy oil, which is impacting our joint venture in Mexico. Soy oil is the primary ingredient in mayonnaise, which is the leading product for this joint venture. If the price of soy oil stays at the current level, it is likely that we will continue to report lower levels of joint venture profit throughout 2008 when compared to 2007.

The following table outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2007 to 2008:

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended  
     May 31,    May 31,  

2007 Earnings per share - diluted

   $ 0.31    $ 0.64  

Restructuring activities

     0.06      0.08  

Higher operating income

     0.02      0.06  

Lower interest expense/higher interest income

     0.02      0.02  

Lower unconsolidated income

     —        (0.01 )

Effect of lower shares outstanding

     —        0.01  
               

2008 Earnings per share - diluted

   $ 0.41    $ 0.80  
               

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SEGMENTS

We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding restructuring charges from our restructuring program as this program is managed separately from our business segments.

CONSUMER BUSINESS

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended  
     May 31,    May 31,  
(in millions)    2008    2007    2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 417.5     $372.5    $ 827.9     $ 747.3  

Percent growth

     12.1 %        10.8 %  

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

     55.8     53.1      122.7       113.3  

Operating income margin, excluding restructuring charges

     13.4 %   14.3%      14.8 %     15.2 %

The 12.1% increase in sales in the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the second quarter of 2007, included an impact of 5.0% from favorable foreign currency rates and 2.6% from recent acquisitions. About 70% of the remaining increase came from pricing actions and 30% from favorable mix and higher volume.

In the Americas, sales increased 11.4% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to the second quarter of 2007, with 1.8% of the increase coming from favorable foreign exchange rates and another 3.0% from the Billy Bee acquisition. The remaining increase of 6.6% had similar contributions from pricing and from favorable product mix and increased volume. New products, new distribution, marketing and merchandizing played important roles in achieving these results. We are not seeing any measurable pull back by U.S. consumers following our February price increase. While our latest consumer takeaway analysis showed an increase in private label purchases, there was a nearly equal increase in consumer purchases of our branded products.

Second quarter 2008 sales in Europe increased 12.6% compared to the second quarter of 2007, with the majority of the increase, 11%, coming from favorable foreign exchange rates. In addition, higher pricing had a positive effect on sales, as well as the 2007 acquisition of Thai Kitchen in Europe which added 2.0% this quarter. Our markets in the U.K. and France are also benefiting

 

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from improved store merchandizing, product innovation and marketing support. In several smaller markets we are working to improve our financial performance with changes in distribution systems, merchandising, product packaging and marketing.

In the Asia/Pacific region sales increased 17.4% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Of this increase, 13.2% was due to the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. While we continue to grow sales in China at a double-digit pace, our consumer business in Australia was down slightly. In both Australia and China, we are introducing improved merchandising systems which have met with success in the U.S. and Europe.

For the six months ended May 31, 2008, sales from McCormick’s consumer business increased 10.8% compared to the same period last year. Higher volume, price and product mix added 6.2%, while favorable foreign exchange rates increased sales by 4.6%.

Second quarter 2008 operating income excluding restructuring charges for our consumer business increased $2.7 million, or 5.1%. This was below the 12.1% increase in sales, due mainly to increased investments in marketing to grow our brands.

In the second quarter of 2008, we recorded $4.7 million of restructuring credits in the consumer business, compared to $4.2 million in restructuring charges for the same period of 2007. The restructuring credits in the second quarter of 2008 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe and Canada, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the U.S. and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was the result of an $8.4 million gain recorded on disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007. The restructuring charges in the second quarter of 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S., other exit costs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets.

For the six months ended May 31, 2008, operating income excluding restructuring charges for the consumer business increased 8.3% compared to the same period of 2007. The growth in operating income was mostly the result of higher sales.

During the six months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $2.2 million of restructuring credits in the consumer business, compared to $9.5 million in restructuring charges for the same period of 2007. The restructuring charges in 2008 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe and Canada, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the U.S. and

 

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the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.S and U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was the result of an $8.4 million gain recorded on disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007. The restructuring charges in 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. and Europe, other exit and inventory write-off costs related to the closure of the manufacturing facility in Salinas, California and accelerated depreciation of assets.

INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS

 

     Three months ended
May 31,
    Six months ended
May 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 346.6     $ 314.7     $ 660.2     $ 592.6  

Percent growth

     10.1 %       11.4 %  

Operating income excluding restructuring charges

     21.6       21.0       36.0       35.0  

Operating income margin, excluding restructuring charges

     6.2 %     6.7 %     5.5 %     5.9 %

The second quarter sales increase of 10.1% from the second quarter of 2007 includes a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 2.5%. The remaining increase was largely due to higher pricing.

In the Americas, industrial sales increased 8.2% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, sales were up 6.2%. Higher pricing, in response to commodity cost increases, more than offset a decline from product mix and volume. We had success with a number of new products for snacks, beverages, poultry and side dishes. However, demand was down this quarter for some of our core restaurant products as customers shifted their emphasis to other menu items.

In Europe, industrial sales increased 9.6% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, which included a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 0.7%. Higher pricing drove two thirds of the remaining increase and favorable product mix and volume the other one third.

In the Asia/Pacific region, industrial sales increased 26.9% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007, which included a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 12.7%. Higher volumes and a positive sales mix resulted from increased sales of seasonings for chicken sold to restaurant customers and snack seasonings sold to food manufacturers. Pricing had a minimal impact in the second quarter.

 

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For the six months ended May 31, 2008, total industrial sales increased 11.4% compared to the same period last year, with 8.5% from favorable pricing, product mix and volumes and 2.9% from favorable foreign exchange rates.

In the second quarter of 2008, industrial business operating income excluding restructuring charges increased 2.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2007. We were able to offset the impact of higher commodity costs and deliver a modest profit increase in our industrial business.

In the second quarter of 2008, $1.6 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the industrial business, compared to $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2007. The restructuring charges in 2008 include severance and other exit costs related to the reduction of administrative personnel and the consolidation of production facilities in Europe. The charges in the second quarter of 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. and other exit costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

For the six months ended May 31, 2008, operating income excluding restructuring charges for the industrial business increased 2.9% compared to the same period of 2007. The benefit of our increased sales was largely offset by higher commodity costs.

During the six months ended May 31, 2008, $3.0 million of restructuring charges were recorded in the industrial business, compared to $5.5 million for the same period of 2007. The charges in 2008 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S., other exit costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland and consolidation of production facilities in Europe. The charges in 2007 include severance costs associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S., other exit costs related to closure of a manufacturing facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland and consolidation of production facilities in Europe.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

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

 

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the industrial business, we are reallocating resources to key customers and taking pricing actions on lower volume products to meet new margin targets. Through 2007, these actions reduced the number of industrial business customers by 30% and products in the U.S. by approximately 20%. Sales related to these customers and products represented approximately 2 to 5% of industrial business sales in the U.S. As these sales had minimal profit, this reduction improved margins. These reductions also facilitated the consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities.

The restructuring plan has reduced complexity and increased the organizational focus on growth opportunities in both the consumer and industrial businesses. We are projecting up to $55 million ($37 million after-tax) of annual cost savings by the end of 2008. In 2006, we realized $10 million ($7 million after-tax) of annual cost savings and another $35 million ($24 million after-tax) in 2007. This has improved margins and increased earnings per share, offset higher costs, as well as allowed us to invest a portion of these savings in sales growth drivers such as brand advertising. These savings are 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 $115 to $120 million with approximately 65% related to the consumer segment and 35% related to the industrial segment. Of these charges, we expect approximately $90 million will consist of severance and other personnel costs and approximately $50 million of other exit costs. Asset write-offs are expected to be $10 to $15 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.

Restructuring charges to date include $10.7 million recorded in 2005, $50.4 million recorded during 2006 (including the gain on Signature) and $34.8 million recorded in 2007. In the three and six months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $3.1 million restructuring credits and $0.8 million restructuring charges, respectively. We expect to incur a total of approximately $20 million in charges for the 2008 year. For the total plan, the cash related portion of the charges will be approximately $95 to $100 million, with total cash spent to date of $78.6 million, after offsetting the $14.4 million net cash received from the Salinas sale in April, 2008 and $9.2 million in net cash received from the redemption of Signature. We expect to spend approximately $9 million in 2008, net of cash received from asset sales. 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 are expected to reduce positions by approximately 1,200 by November 2008. Of the expected position reduction, 1,034 positions have been eliminated as of May 31, 2008.

 

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The following is a summary of restructuring activities (in millions):

 

     Three months ended
May 31,
    Six months ended
May 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Pre-tax restructuring charges/(credits)

        

Other restructuring charges/(credits)

   $ (4.6 )   $ 6.4     $ (0.9 )   $ 13.8  

Recorded in cost of goods sold

     1.5       0.8       1.7       1.2  
                                

(Increase) reduction in operating income

     (3.1 )     7.2       0.8       15.0  

Income tax effect

     1.0       (2.2 )     (0.3 )     (4.8 )

Loss on sale of unconsolidated operations, net of tax

     —         0.5       —         0.8  
                                

(Increase) reduction in net income

   $ (2.1 )   $ 5.5     $ 0.5     $ 11.0  
                                

(Increase) reduction in earnings per share - diluted

   $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ —       $ 0.08  
                                

During the three months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $2.0 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Canada and Europe. In addition, we recorded $2.5 million of other exit costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a $7.6 million credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was primarily the result of a gain on the disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007.

During the six months ended May 31, 2008, we recorded $3.1 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in Europe and Canada. In addition, we recorded $4.7 million of other exit costs related to the consolidation of production facilities in Europe and the reorganization of distribution networks in the U.S and U.K. These restructuring charges were offset by a $7.0 million credit related to the disposal of assets. This credit was primarily the result of a gain on the disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility, which was consolidated with other manufacturing facilities in 2007. From inception of the project in November 2005, we have incurred $96.6 million of restructuring charges, including the $8.4 million gain on disposal of our Salinas manufacturing facility in 2008 and the $33.7 gain recorded on the redemption of our Signature investment in 2006.

During the three months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded $3.0 million of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. In addition, we recorded $3.1 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $1.1 million is write-downs of assets which is primarily the accelerated depreciation of assets related to the closure of the manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland.

During the six months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded $5.2 million

 

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of severance costs, primarily associated with the reduction of administrative personnel in the U.S. and Europe. In addition, we recorded $7.9 million of other exit costs related to closure of manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland. The remaining $1.9 million is comprised of asset write-downs for inventory write-offs related to the closure of the manufacturing facilities in Salinas, California and Hunt Valley, Maryland and accelerated depreciation of assets.

Also in the three and six months ended May 31, 2007, we recorded net losses, after tax, of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in connection with unconsolidated joint venture transactions initially recorded in 2006.

During the six months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007, we received $4.7 million and spent $30.0 million, respectively, in cash on the restructuring plan. The cash received in 2008 includes $14.4 million received from the sale of our Salinas manufacturing facility in April, 2008.

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 loss of $2.2 million as of May 31, 2008, compared to an unrealized losses of $1.4 million as of May 31, 2007 and $2.7 million as of November 30, 2007. The notional value of our portfolio of forward and option contracts was $60.9 million as of May 31, 2008, compared to the $42.3 million notional value as of May 31, 2007 and the $63.1 million notional value as of November 30, 2007. The quarterly fluctuation in notional value is a result of our decisions on foreign currency exposure coverage, based on our foreign currency exposures.

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 May 31, 2008, we had a total of $225 million, notional value, of interest rate swap contracts outstanding. The fair value of our interest rate swaps changed from a $10.8 million loss as of November 30, 2007 to a $0.4 million loss as of May 31, 2008 due to the settlement of the treasury lock agreements in December 2007 (see Note 9 of the financial statements) and changes in interest rates.

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, 2007.

 

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

As of May 31, 2008, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments outside the ordinary course of business since November 30, 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

     Six months ended
May 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 92.7     $ (8.0 )

Net cash used in investing activities

     (103.2 )     (37.8 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

     4.2       33.1  

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 increase in operating cash flow is driven by lower payments for restructuring actions and strong collections of receivables in the first half of 2008 as compared to the first half of 2007. Payments for income taxes were less in the first six months of 2008 as compared to those made in the prior year. Also, during the six months ended May 31, 2007, we made a $22 million contribution to our major U.S. pension plan. We have not made any contributions to our major U.S. pension plan in 2008 as we were in an overfunded status as of November 30, 2007.

Investing Cash Flow - The increase in cash flow used for investing is due to $76.4 million in cash used for the acquisition of Billy Bee in the current year, as compared to $3.0 million in cash used for the purchase of Fish Crisp in the prior year. The $76.4 million is being financed through cash from operations and short-term credit facilities. We spent $25.4 million on net capital expenditures (capital expenditures less proceeds from sale of fixed assets) in the first half of 2008, compared to $34.7 million for the same period last year. Net capital expenditures for the fiscal year 2008 are expected to be approximately $90 million.

 

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Financing Cash Flow - The decrease in cash flow provided by financing activities when compared to the prior year is primarily due to a change in the need for short-term borrowings. In the first six months of 2008, we borrowed $250 million ($248.3 million in net proceeds) to repay $150 million of debt that matured during the quarter and repaid short-term debt with the remainder (see Note 9 of the financial statements). In the first six months of 2007, we increased short-term borrowings by $115.1 million to fund operating and investing cash requirements.

There were no shares repurchased during the six months ended May 31, 2008. In the six months ended May 31, 2007, we repurchased 1,520,000 shares for $57.6 million. As of May 31, 2008, $49 million remained of the $400 million share repurchase authorization. The amount of share repurchases in 2008 will be less than prior years in anticipation of the Lawry’s acquisition (see Note 2 of the financial statements). During the six months ended May 31, 2008, we received proceeds of $18.7 million from exercised options compared to $27.9 million in the same period in the prior year. We increased dividends paid to $56.5 million for the six months ended May 31, 2008 compared to $52.1 million in the same period last year. Dividends paid in the first quarter of 2008 were declared on November 27, 2007.

Our ratio of debt-to-total capital (total capital includes debt, minority interest and shareholders’ equity) was 38.0% as of May 31, 2008, down from 43.1% at May 31, 2007 and 39.8% at November 30, 2007. The increase in shareholders’ equity due to the weaker U.S. dollar, earnings in excess of dividends and issuance of common stock under employee benefit programs caused the decrease in debt-to-total capital compared to May 31, 2007 and November 30, 2007. During a quarter, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the six months ended May 31, 2008 and May 31, 2007 was $237.6 million and $325.4 million, respectively. Total average debt outstanding for the six months ended May 31, 2008 and May 31, 2007 was $957.4 million and $895.6 million, respectively.

The reported values of our assets and liabilities are significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. At May 31, 2008, the exchange rates for the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the British pound sterling were higher than the same period last year. Exchange rate fluctuations resulted in an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $28 million, inventory of approximately $15 million, goodwill of approximately $75 million and other comprehensive income of approximately $147 million since May 31, 2007. At May 31, 2008, the exchange rates for the Euro, the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar were also higher than at November 30, 2007. Exchange rate fluctuations resulted in increases in accounts receivable of approximately $10 million,

 

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inventory of approximately $4 million, goodwill of approximately $29 million and other comprehensive income of approximately $53 million since November 30, 2007.

We believe that internally generated funds and the existing sources of liquidity under our credit facilities are sufficient to meet current liquidity needs and fund ongoing operations.

In November 2007, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Lawry’s for $605 million in cash. Upon the closing of this transaction (expected in the second half of fiscal year 2008 subject to FTC clearance), we will finance this purchase through cash from operations, bank lines and commercial paper borrowings. The commercial terms of additional bank facilities have been negotiated and we anticipate no difficulties in obtaining financing. Post-closing, an appropriate longer-term capital structure will be put in place.

ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This standard is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring transparency about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect its financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for our first quarter of 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” This standard outlines the accounting and reporting for ownership interest in a subsidiary held by parties other than the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for our first quarter of 2010. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations.” This standard establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. This standard also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for us for acquisitions made after November 30, 2009. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements, however, the implementation of SFAS No. 141R may have a material impact on our financial statements for businesses we acquire post-adoption.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’

 

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Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” This standard requires us to (a) record an asset or a liability on our balance sheet for our pension plans’ overfunded or underfunded status (b) 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) and (c) measure our pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at November 30 versus our current measurement date of September 30. We complied with the requirement to record the funded status and provide additional disclosures with our filing for our year ended November 30, 2007. The requirement to change the measurement date is effective for our year ending November 30, 2009. The impact of measuring the funded status as of November 30, 2009 will be dependent upon interest rates, market performance and other factors at the measurement date and therefore cannot be determined.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard defines fair value and provides guidance for measuring fair value and the necessary disclosures. This standard does not require any new fair value measurements but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued a one-year deferral for non-financial assets and liabilities to comply with SFAS No. 157. We adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities in the first quarter of 2008 (see Note 10 for further details). There was no material effect upon adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements. We have not yet determined the impact on our financial statements from adoption of SFAS No. 157 as it pertains to non-financial assets and liabilities for our first quarter of 2009.

On December 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 sets a threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For each tax position, we must determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. See Note 8 for further details.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In the first quarter of 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities. This standard does not apply measurements related to share-based payments, nor does it apply to measurements related to inventory.

SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present

 

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value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

 

   

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

 

   

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

We disclosed the fair values of our financial instruments in a table in Note 10 of our financial statements. The fair values of long-term investments are based on quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges. The fair values of our long-term investments are impacted by future changes in the stock and bond markets. The long-term debt fair values are based on quotes for like instruments with similar credit ratings and terms. The fair values for interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are based on quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments. The fair values of our long-term debt and derivative instruments are impacted by changes in interest rates and the credit markets.

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 the availability of bank financing and 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 be materially affected by external factors such as damage to our reputation or brand name, business interruptions due to natural disasters or similar unexpected events, actions of competitors, customer relationships and financial condition, the ability to

 

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achieve expected cost savings and margin improvements, the successful acquisition and integration of new businesses, fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw and packaging materials, and global economic conditions generally which would include interest and inflation rates as well as foreign currency fluctuations, and other risks described in the our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. 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, 2007. Except as described in 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, 2007 fiscal year end.

 

ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in this report has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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.

 

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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, 2007.

 

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 second quarter of 2008:

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

April 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008

   CS – 500    $ 37.39    500    $ 49.1 million

Total

   CS – 500    $ 37.39    500    $ 49.1 million

In June 2005, the Board of Directors approved an additional $400 million share repurchase authorization. As of May 31, 2008, $49.1 million remained of the $400 million authorization. This amount is expected to be sufficient for fiscal year 2008 share repurchases.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

(a) The Company held its Annual Meeting of stockholders on April 2, 2008.

(b) Response included below in (c).

 

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(c)

1. The following individuals were elected by the stockholders to the Board of Directors by the votes indicated.

 

Name

   Votes For    Votes Against    Abstentions

John P. Bilbrey

   11,293,488    35,949    18,214

James T. Brady

   11,299,986    30,810    16,855

J. Michael Fitzpatrick

   11,277,882    29,013    40,756

Freeman A. Hrabowski

   11,265,581    38,412    43,658

Robert J. Lawless

   11,275,920    59,269    12,463

Michael D. Mangan

   11,267,134    38,544    41,973

Joseph W. McGrath

   11,273,060    31,179    43,413

Margaret M.V. Preston

   11,298,239    30,821    18,593

George A. Roche

   11,272,081    33,532    42,039

William E. Stevens

   11,301,998    28,220    17,434

Alan D. Wilson

   11,279,455    29,891    38,305

There were no broker non-votes with respect to the election of directors.

2. The stockholders approved the 2007 Omnibus incentive Plan by a vote of 9,693,038 for and 39,032 votes against, with 17,765 abstentions and 1,277,002 broker non-votes.

3. The stockholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2008 by a vote of 11,290,855 votes for and 39,032 votes against, with 17,765 abstentions and no broker non-votes.

(d) No response required.

 

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.

 

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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 24, 2008

   Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i) of the Registrant’s Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2008.

 

(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)    Indenture dated December 5, 2007 between Registrant and The Bank of New York, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007. 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).
   (v)    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.
   (vi)    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.
   (vii)    Form of 5.75% Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007.

(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

 

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      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. *
   (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.*

 

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   (x)    The 2007 Employees 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.*
   (xi)    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2007, between the Registrant and Conopco, Inc., which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated November 13, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2007.
   (xii)    Consulting Agreement, dated January 1, 2008, among the Registrant, CKB Consulting LLC and Robert J. Lawless, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 (xiii) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2008.*
   (xiii)    The 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 20, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2008, 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.

 

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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:   July 9, 2008     By:  

/s/ Gordon M. Stetz, Jr.

        Gordon M. Stetz, Jr.
        Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Date:   July 9, 2008     By:  

/s/ Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr.

        Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr.
        Senior Vice President & Controller

 

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