SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 


 

Date of Report  (Date of earliest event reported):

 

September 6, 2005

 

McCormick & Company, Incorporated

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

0-748

 

52-0408290

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

18 Loveton Circle
Sparks, Maryland

 

21152

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

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

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b).

 

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c).

 

 



 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On September 6, 2005, the Registrant issued a press release to comment on earnings for fiscal year 2005 and announce certain supply chain actions.

 

Furnished with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the press release labeled “McCormick Comments on 2005 Earnings and Announces Supply Chain Actions.”

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

 

On September 6, 2005, the Registrant issued a press release to report certain organizational changes.

 

Furnished with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.2 is a copy of the press release labeled “McCormick Announces Organizational Changes.”

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)  Exhibits.

 

The exhibits to this report are listed in Items 2.02 and 8.01 above and in the Exhibit Index that follows the signature line.

 

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

 

 

 

Date: September 6, 2005

By:

/s/ Robert W. Skelton

 

 

 

Robert W. Skelton

 

 

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Copy of the press release labeled “McCormick Comments on 2005 Earnings and Announces Supply Chain Actions.”

99.2

 

Copy of the press release labeled “McCormick Announces Organizational Changes.”

 

2


Exhibit 99.1

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

McCORMICK COMMENTS ON 2005 EARNINGS AND ANNOUNCES SUPPLY CHAIN ACTIONS

 

SPARKS, MD, SEPTEMBER 6 - - - McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), today:

 

                  Reduced 2005 earnings per share guidance due to lower expectations for the industrial business and the impact of hurricane Katrina.  A comprehensive review of the industrial business is underway.

 

                  Announced supply chain actions that will lead to improved effectiveness and lower costs.

 

Earnings for the Company’s 2005 fiscal year will be lower than expected due to a sales and profit shortfall in the industrial business and initial estimates of the impact of hurricane Katrina.  Robert J. Lawless, Chairman, President & CEO, commented, “We continue to be pleased with the performance of our consumer business.  However, our previous financial projections for the industrial business are now overly optimistic based on business conditions during this period.  At this time our industrial business is experiencing continued volatility in demand with certain customers, as well as pricing pressure due to competitive activity.  In addition, while we have not fully assessed the effects of hurricane Katrina, we do expect an impact on fourth quarter sales in the affected region, particularly for Zatarain’s products.”

 

Although details of the third quarter earnings are not due for release until September 28, 2005, the Company is informing shareholders of lowered expectations for third quarter and year-end financial results.  When compared to 2004, earnings per share for the year are projected to increase 4-7%.  This earnings per share range of $1.58-$1.62 is a decrease from the previous guidance of $1.66-$1.70.   For the third quarter, earnings per share are expected to be 33¢-35¢.

 

Robert Lawless continued, “I am not satisfied with this year’s financial performance.  In the past we have been able to overcome obstacles and drive growth with the strength of our new products and marketing programs as well as cost reductions and expense controls.  Although we continue to experience success in these areas, our growth in 2005 has been limited by issues including vanilla, sales to industrial customers and hurricane Katrina.

 

“Over the past five years, we have grown sales and profits in our industrial business.  However, we are currently in a period of increased volatility, competitive

 



 

pressures and costs for this business.  A comprehensive review of our global industrial business has been underway for several months.  The review will be completed by the end of 2005, at which time we will communicate future actions.   We continue to be excited about our growth opportunities with key customers, our competitive advantages and our employees, capabilities and leadership.  We look forward to a strong performance in 2006 and are confident that this business will again be an important contributor to sales and profit growth.”

 

“With the new capabilities of our B2K program and looking ahead to 2006, we have announced certain actions to improve efficiencies in the Company’s supply chain.  These will include the consolidation of global manufacturing, rationalization of distribution facilities, improvement of the way we go-to-market, and elimination of administrative redundancies.  In addition, the Company will significantly reduce SKU’s and inventory.  The changes in the Company’s organization that were announced earlier today reflect the growth of our businesses worldwide and the evolution of our customer base.  I am confident that McCormick’s executive team will provide strong leadership as we implement supply chain actions, and drive the growth of our business.”

 

The Company anticipates the actions discussed above will occur over the next three years and will record charges as phases of the plan are approved and implemented.  The cumulative pre-tax impact will be $100-$130 million.  After the third year, annual pre-tax savings are expected to be in the range of $30-$45 million.

 

In conclusion, Robert Lawless said, “McCormick is in the right business:  flavor.  We are uniquely positioned to make all types of food and beverages taste great.  Our strategy is simple:  to improve margins, invest in the business and increase sales and profits.  From 1998 through 2004 this strategy has effectively led to superior financial results and shareholder returns.

 

“To maintain this success we are reviewing our industrial business to identify improvements, creating an organization and leadership to manage change and drive growth, and taking action to improve the supply chain.  We are confident that these significant steps will position us for future sales growth, margin improvement and increased shareholder value.”

 

Live Webcast

McCormick will hold a conference call with analysts tomorrow, September 7, 2005 at 9:00 am (EDT).  In addition, the Company will release its third quarter and year-to-date 2005 financial results on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 before the opening of the stock market.  The Company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on that day. Both conference calls will be web cast live via the McCormick corporate web site.  Go to ir.mccormick.com and follow directions to listen to the call.  At this same location, a replay of the call will be available following the live call.  Past press releases and additional information can be found at this address.

 

Forward-looking Statement

Certain information contained in this release, including expected trends in net sales and earnings performance, 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:  actions of competitors, customer relationships, market acceptance of new products, actual amount and timing of special charge items, removal and disposal costs, final negotiations of third-party contracts, the impact of the stock market conditions on its share repurchase program, fluctuations in the cost and availability of supply chain resources, global economic conditions, including interest and currency rate fluctuations, and inflation rates.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly, any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

About McCormick

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is the global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings and flavors to the entire food industry – to foodservice and food processing businesses as well as to retail outlets.

 

# # #

 

For information contact:

Corporate Communications:  Mac Barrett (410-771-7310 or
mac_barrett@mccormick.com)

Investor Relations:  Joyce Brooks (410-771-7244 or joyce_brooks@mccormick.com)

9/2005

 


Exhibit 99.2

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

McCORMICK ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES

 

SPARKS, MD, SEPTEMBER 6 - - - McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), today announced several key organizational changes.

 

Several months ago the Company announced the upcoming retirement of Robert G. Davey, President-Global Industrial Group.  Today, Charles T. Langmead, formerly Vice President & General Manager-Food Service & Global Restaurant Division was named President – U.S. Industrial Group.  In addition to leading the Company’s U.S. industrial business, his responsibilities will include overall coordination of key global industrial customers.

 

Mark T. Timbie, formerly President – International Consumer Products Group, will become President-International with responsibility for both the consumer and industrial groups outside of North America, as well as the Company’s joint venture in Mexico.

 

Alan D. Wilson, formerly President-U.S. Consumer Foods was named President-North American Consumer Foods and U.S. Supply Chain.   Alan will be responsible for the Company’s consumer business in the U.S. and both the consumer and industrial businesses in Canada.   The U.S. Supply Chain departments and functions, including manufacturing, will also report to Alan.

 

Lawrence Kurzius, formerly Vice President & General Manager-Sales & Marketing for the U.S. consumer business will become President-U.S. Consumer Foods, reporting to Alan.

 

Chuck, Mark and Alan will report to Robert J. Lawless, Chairman, President &  CEO of McCormick.  These changes are effective immediately.  Reporting of support functions have not changed at this time, but in the future will be realigned as appropriate to provide maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

 

Commented Bob Lawless, “Our Company continues to evolve, and the organization changes described above reflect the growth of our businesses worldwide and the evolution of our customer base.  These changes will allow us to take advantage of our regional capabilities while maintaining coordination with our global customers.  I have confidence that both our consumer and industrial businesses will succeed and grow under the leadership of Mark, Alan and Chuck.”

 

About McCormick

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is the global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings and flavors to the entire food industry – to foodservice and food processing businesses as well as to retail outlets.

 



 

# # #

 

For information contact:

Corporate Communications:  Mac Barrett (410-771-7310 or
mac_barrett@mccormick.com)

9/2005