McCormick Announces Increase in Quarterly Dividend

SPARKS, Md., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC), today approved a 12% increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend from 17 cents to 19 cents per share on its common stocks, payable January 24, 2000, to shareholders of record December 31, 1999.

Said Robert J. Lawless, Chairman, President & CEO, "As a result of our success in 1999 and confidence in the future of McCormick we are pleased to announce an increase in the quarterly dividend. We believe dividends are an important component of total shareholder return. McCormick has consistently paid dividends since 1925. Programs initiated to drive growth and improve financial performance have strengthened our balance sheet, improved margins and enhanced our market position. Strategies to grow our business worldwide are in place. We believe that our future performance will be among the best in the industry."

SOURCE McCormick & Company, Incorporated

CONTACT: McCormick & Company Corporate Communications, 410-771-7310/