McCormick & Co Q4 2025 McCormick & Co Inc Earnings Call | AllMind AI Earnings | AllMind AI
Q4 2025 McCormick & Co Inc Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Good morning. This is Faten Freiha, VP of Investor Relations. Thank you for joining today's fourth quarter earnings call. To accompany this call, we've posted a set of slides on our IR website, ir.mccormick.com.
Faten Freiha: Good morning. This is Faten Freiha, VP of Investor Relations. Thank you for joining today's fourth quarter earnings call. To accompany this call, we've posted a set of slides on our IR website, ir.mccormick.com. With me this morning are Brendan Foley, Chairman, President, and CEO, and Marcos Gabriel, Executive Vice President and CFO. During this call, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures. The nature of those non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations to the GAAP results are included in this morning's press release and slides. In our comments, certain percentages are rounded. Please refer to our presentation for complete information. Today's presentation contains projections and other forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or other factors.
Speaker #1: With me this morning are Brendan Foley, Chairman, President, and CEO, and Marcos Gabriel, Executive Vice President and CFO. During this call, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures. The nature of those non-GAAP financial measures, and the related reconciliations to the GAAP results, are included in this morning's press release and slides.
Speaker #1: In our comments, certain percentages are rounded. Please refer to our presentation for complete information. Today's presentation contains projections and other forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected.
Speaker #1: The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or other factors. Please refer to our forward-looking statement on slide two for more information.
Faten Freiha: Please refer to our forward-looking statement on slide two for more information. I will now turn the discussion over to Brendan.
Speaker #1: I will now turn the discussion over to Brendan.
Speaker #2: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. McCormick's performance in 2025 demonstrated the strength and resilience of our business. We delivered differentiated volume-led organic growth and share gains, powered by sustained momentum from investing in our brands, expanding distribution, and driving innovation across our business.
Brendan Foley: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. McCormick's performance in 2025 demonstrated the strength and resilience of our business. We deliver differentiated, volume-led organic growth and share gains, powered by sustained momentum from investing in our brands, expanding distribution, and driving innovation across our business. We achieved solid profitability gains in the first half of the year. However, rising costs in the second half, related to the dynamic global trade environment, pressured gross margins. Despite these headwinds, our disciplined cost management and efficiency initiatives kept us on track. As a result, we realized operating income, growth, and margin expansion for the full year, all while continuing to invest to drive future growth. We are executing with focus and discipline on what we can control and staying agile as we navigate external challenges. Our strategy continues to position McCormick for sustainable, long-term value creation.
Speaker #2: We achieved solid profitability gains in the first half of the year. However, rising costs in the second half related to the dynamic global trade environment pressured gross margins.
Speaker #2: Despite these headwinds, our disciplined cost management and efficiency initiatives kept us on track. As a result, we realized operating income growth and margin expansion for the full year, all while continuing to invest to drive future growth.
Speaker #2: We are executing with focus and discipline on what we can control and staying agile as we navigate external challenges. Our strategy continues to position McCormick for sustainable, long-term value creation.
Speaker #2: Turning now to our results on slide four. In the fourth quarter, total organic sales increased by 2%, supported by growth in both consumer and flavor solutions.
Brendan Foley: Turning now to our results on slide four. In the fourth quarter, total organic sales increased by 2%, supported by growth in both consumer and flavor solutions. In global consumer, organic sales growth was driven by volume, which grew for the seventh consecutive quarter, as well as price contributions. In the Americas region, we delivered volume growth, even as pricing actions took effect, with elasticities coming in broadly in line with our expectations. Volume performance in EMEA remained solid, with continued benefits from price. In Asia Pacific, organic growth was supported by strong and continued momentum in Australia and our China retail business. Importantly, we achieved the gradual full-year recovery in China consumer for the year as planned. Moving to flavor solutions, volumes declined for the global segment. Our performance was impacted by customers' reset of inventory levels in Latin America, which we expect to be behind us in 2026.
Speaker #2: In Global Consumer, organic sales growth was driven by volume, which grew for the seventh consecutive quarter, as well as price contributions. In the Americas region, we delivered volume growth even as pricing actions took effect, with elasticities coming in broadly in line with our expectations.
Speaker #2: Volume performance in EMEA remained solid, with continued benefits from price. In Asia Pacific, organic growth was supported by strong and continued momentum in Australia, and our China retail business.
Speaker #2: Importantly, we achieved the gradual, full-year recovery in China consumer for the year as planned. Moving to Flavor Solutions, volumes declined for the global segment.
Speaker #2: Our performance was impacted by customers’ reset of inventory levels in Latin America, which we expect to be behind us in 2026. Volumes across the rest of the business were roughly flat and reflected softness in large CPG and branded foodservice customer volumes.
Brendan Foley: Volumes across the rest of the business were roughly flat and reflected softness in large CPG and branded food service customer volumes. These headwinds were mostly offset with growth from high-growth innovators, private label customers, and QSRs across the Americas and Asia Pacific. Turning to profitability, fourth quarter gross margin was pressured by higher-than-expected inflation across our diverse basket of commodities, and we recognized more tariff costs than previously planned. It's important to note that pricing actions and CCI-driven productivity savings were delivered as planned. In addition, as expected, we continued to invest in the business, advancing our supply chain capabilities, innovation, and growth platforms. These investments continue to strengthen our foundation and reinforce our resilience, positioning us well for long-term success. Let's move to slide five, and let me highlight for the quarter some of the key areas of success.
Speaker #2: These headwinds were mostly offset by growth from high-growth innovators, private label customers, and QSRs across the Americas and Asia Pacific. Turning to profitability, fourth quarter gross margin was pressured by higher-than-expected inflation across our diverse basket of commodities.
Speaker #2: And we recognized more tariff costs than previously planned. It's important to note that pricing actions and CCI-driven productivity savings were delivered as planned. In addition, as expected, we continued to invest in the business, advancing our supply chain capabilities, innovation, and growth platforms.
Speaker #2: These investments continue to strengthen our foundation and reinforce our resilience, positioning us well for long-term success. Let's move to slide five, and let me highlight for the quarter some of the key areas of success.
Speaker #2: Across the global consumer segment, we have held or improved share across many core categories in key markets for the last six quarters. McCormick branded volume consumption growth continues to outpace the broader edible category in the U.S.
Brendan Foley: Across the global consumer segment, we have held or improved share across many core categories in key markets for the last six quarters. McCormick-branded volume consumption growth continues to outpace the broader edible category in the US. In EMEA, unit and dollar consumption continues to outpace branded and private label fast-moving consumer goods, or FMCG food. Let me provide some additional color, starting with spices and seasonings. We drove strong volume growth across all regions. In the US, we implemented pricing actions due to increased cost inflation. Elasticities, as well as share performance, were broadly in line with our expectations. Our performance in the US was supported by innovation, most notably with our newest lineup of holiday finishing sugars, as well as growth in Gourmet Garden, our fresh convenience line.
Speaker #2: In EMEA, unit and dollar consumption continued to outpace branded and private label, fast-moving consumer goods, or FMCG food. Let me provide some additional color, starting with spices and seasonings.
Speaker #2: We drove strong volume growth across all regions. In the US, we implemented pricing actions due to increased cost inflation. Elasticities, as well as share performance, were broadly in line with our expectations.
Speaker #2: Our performance in the US was supported by innovation, most notably with our newest lineup of holiday finishing sugars, as well as growth in Gourmet Garden.
Speaker #2: Our fresh convenience line. Importantly, our renovated McCormick Gourmet Collection, highlighted by its countertop-worthy packaging, is now on shelf. As we transition the vast majority of the portfolio, velocity so far has exceeded our expectations, and we anticipate continuing to benefit from this renovation in 2026.
Brendan Foley: Importantly, our renovated McCormick Gourmet Collection, highlighted by its countertop-worthy packaging, is now on shelf as we transition the vast majority of the portfolio. Velocities so far have exceeded our expectations, and we anticipate continuing to benefit from this renovation in 2026. In Canada, we continue to grow overall share in dollars, units, and volume. In France and Poland, unit share growth in spices and seasonings are contributing meaningfully to EMEA's gains. Moving to recipe mixes, our performance in EMEA is strengthening. We drove unit and dollar share gains this past quarter as we expanded distribution with new customer wins in the UK. In hot sauce, we are achieving good results. In the US, for the fourth consecutive quarter, we continue to drive unit share gains fueled by investments in brand marketing and innovation. We continue to improve total distribution points, or TDPs.
Speaker #2: In Canada, we continue to grow overall share, in dollars, units, and volume. In France and Poland, unit share growth in spices and seasonings is contributing meaningfully to EMEA's gains.
Speaker #2: Moving to recipe mixes, our performance in EMEA is strengthening. We drove unit and dollar share gains this past quarter as we expanded distribution with new customer wins in the UK.
Speaker #2: In hot sauce, we are achieving good results. In the US, for the fourth consecutive quarter, we continue fueled by investments in brand marketing and innovation.
Speaker #2: We continue to improve total distribution points, or TDPs. In the Americas, we expanded TDPs with spices and seasonings, driving the majority of the growth.
Brendan Foley: In the Americas, we expanded TDPs with spices and seasonings, driving the majority of the growth. Across our business, we continue to gain distribution in high-growth unmeasured channels like e-commerce, and we are expanding into social commerce in the US, a channel with significant growth opportunities. In flavor solutions, we continue to see strength in our technically insulated, high-margin product category, flavors. In flavors in the Americas, we are expanding and diversifying our customer base by winning both high-growth innovators and private label customers. We're also seeing strong momentum in reformulation projects with larger customers and outperforming the industry across key categories, including beverages and better-for-you snack seasonings. Turning to QSRs, in the Americas, QSR volume performance remains strong, driven by continued innovation. In the Asia Pacific region, specifically in China and Southeast Asia, our customers' new products and promotions continue to drive strong volume growth.
Speaker #2: Across our business, we continue to gain distribution in high-growth, unmeasured channels like e-commerce, and we are expanding into social commerce in the U.S., a channel with significant growth opportunities.
Speaker #2: In flavor solutions, we continue to see strength in our technically insulated, high-margin product category: flavors. In flavors, in the Americas, we are expanding and diversifying our customer base.
Speaker #2: By winning both high-growth innovators and private label customers. We're also seeing strong momentum in reformulation projects, with larger customers and outperforming the industry across key categories.
Speaker #2: Including beverages, and better-for-you snack seasonings. Turning to QSRs, in the Americas, QSR volume performance remained strong driven by continued innovation. In the Asia Pacific region, specifically in China and Southeast Asia, our customers' new products and promotions continue to drive strong volume growth.
Speaker #2: In EMEA, QSR volume performance continues to stabilize. Let me now touch on some areas where we are seeing pressure. Starting with global consumer, in recipe mixes, our base business remained strong with continued consumer loyalty and growth across many product lines.
Brendan Foley: In EMEA, QSR volume performance continues to stabilize. Let me now touch on some areas where we are seeing pressure. Starting with global consumer, in recipe mixes, our base business remains strong with continued consumer loyalty and growth across many product lines. Competitive activity in the US, particularly within the Mexican flavor category, tempered overall share performance. We expect these trends to gradually improve as we launch new innovation, expand distribution, and continue to build momentum behind our authentic Mexican brands like Cholula, and supported by strong brand marketing investments. In mustard, where we have performed well for the majority of the year, in Q4, the category declined in dollars and units in the US. French's mustard trailed the category, and share performance was impacted by the timing of certain promotions, which we expect to normalize as we continue to execute on our plans in 2026.
Speaker #2: Competitive activity in the U.S., particularly within the Mexican flavor category, tempered overall share performance. We expect these trends to gradually improve as we launch new innovation, expand distribution, and continue to build momentum behind our authentic Mexican brands like Cholula, supported by strong brand marketing investments.
Speaker #2: In mustard, where we have performed well for the majority of the year, in the fourth quarter, the category declined in dollars and units in the U.S.
Speaker #2: French's mustard trailed the category and share performance was impacted by the timing of certain promotions which we expect to normalize as we continue to execute on our plans in 2026.
Speaker #2: These include continued focus on innovation, increased brand marketing investments, expanding distribution, as well as strategic partnerships. Outside of the US, in Canada, we continue to drive dollar and unit share gains in mustard for the fifth consecutive quarter.
Brendan Foley: These include continued focus on innovation, increased brand marketing investments, expanding distribution, as well as strategic partnerships. Outside of the US, in Canada, we continue to drive dollar and unit share gains in mustard for the fifth consecutive quarter. In EMEA, most notably in Poland, we drove unit and dollar share gains in mustard for the last three quarters. Moving to flavor solutions. In flavors in the Americas and EMEA, some of our large CPG customers continue to experience softness in volumes within their own businesses. We expect these trends to stabilize as we continue to work with our customers on product innovation, as well as win new customers. In branded food service, foot traffic remains soft, which is impacting customer volumes. We continue to see growth in certain channels, particularly with non-commercial customers. This includes places of employment, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
Speaker #2: In EMEA, most notably in Poland, we drove unit and dollar share gains in mustard for the last three quarters. Moving to Flavor Solutions, in flavors in the Americas and EMEA, some of our large CPG customers continue to experience softness in volumes within their own businesses.
Speaker #2: We expect these trends to stabilize as we continue to work with our customers on product innovation, as well as win new customers. In branded food service, foot traffic remains soft, which is impacting customer volumes.
Speaker #2: We continue to see growth in certain channels, particularly with non-commercial customers. This includes places of employment, hospitals, and colleges and universities. Now that we have covered the quarter, I would like to reflect on our performance for the fiscal year on slide six.
Brendan Foley: Now that we have covered the quarter, I would like to reflect on our performance for the fiscal year on slide six. When we set our goals for 2025 last January, market conditions were very different. Although the external environment proved more challenging than anticipated, particularly with respect to cost pressures, we achieved many of our objectives, especially on the top line, and continue to strengthen the fundamentals of our business. I am proud of the results our teams delivered and the discipline with which we executed, even as the external landscape evolved. While we achieved our top-line goals, our bottom line came under pressure. Inflation, commodity cost volatility, and the macro environment created incremental costs that impacted our margins. Despite this, we made deliberate choices to continue investing in our brands, capabilities, and people, decisions that strengthen our long-term competitiveness and position us well for sustained growth.
Speaker #2: When we set our goals for 2025 last January, market conditions were very different. Although the external environment proved more challenging than anticipated, particularly with respect to cost pressures, we achieved many of our objectives, especially on the top line, and continue to strengthen the fundamentals of our business.
Speaker #2: I am proud of the results our teams delivered and the discipline with which we executed, even as the external landscape evolved. While we achieved our top line goals, our bottom line came under pressure.
Speaker #2: Inflation, commodity cost volatility, and the macro environment created incremental costs that impacted our margins. Despite this, we made deliberate choices to continue investing in our brands, capabilities, and people.
Speaker #2: Decisions that strengthen our long-term competitiveness and position us well for sustained growth. Our focus remains clear: sustaining our strong top line, strengthening profitability, delivering strong cash flow, investing in growth, funding shareholder returns through dividends, and further strengthening our balance sheet.
Brendan Foley: Our focus remains clear: sustaining our strong top line, strengthening profitability, delivering strong cash flow, investing in growth, funding shareholder returns through dividends, and further strengthening our balance sheet to position McCormick for long-term success. A few highlights for the year. We delivered sales growth at the midpoint of our constant currency guidance, driven by positive volume. Our consumer segment delivered another year of industry-leading volume-led growth, up 2% for 2025, as we continue to expand and win in high-growth channels where consumers are increasingly shopping. Our flavor solutions segment continued to show resilience despite soft industry trends, reflecting the strength of our capabilities and customer partnerships. We continue to prioritize investment in our business while driving margin improvement, particularly in flavor solutions, where we made meaningful progress in expanding operating margins despite a challenging cost environment.
Speaker #2: Position McCormick for long-term success. A few highlights for the year: we delivered sales growth at the midpoint of our constant currency guidance, driven by positive volume.
Speaker #2: Our Consumer segment delivered another year of industry-leading, volume-led growth, up 2% for 2025, as we continue to expand and win in high-growth channels where consumers are increasingly shopping.
Speaker #2: Our Flavor Solutions segment continued to show resilience despite soft industry trends, reflecting the strength of our capabilities and customer partnerships. We continue to prioritize investment in our business while driving margin improvement, particularly in Flavor Solutions, where we made meaningful progress in expanding operating margins despite a challenging cost environment.
Speaker #2: We generated strong cash from operations and continue to deliver, reducing our leverage ratio, while also continuing to fund our growing dividends and capital investments.
Brendan Foley: We generated strong cash from operations and continued to delever, reducing our leverage ratio, while also continuing to fund our growing dividends and capital investments. In terms of M&A, we further strengthened our global flavor leadership with the acquisition of a controlling interest in our long-standing joint venture, McCormick de Mexico. Lastly, at the end of 2025, our board of directors authorized a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend, marking the 102nd year of continuous dividend payments and 40 years of consecutive annual increases. This reinforces our recognition as a dividend aristocrat and reflects our long-standing commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Our performance reflects McCormick's strength, resilience, and solid foundation. Beginning in 2024, we set a clear path for volume growth and have now delivered two years of consistent results. With our strong brands, effective strategies, and continued investment, we remain positioned to deliver sustainable growth and profitability.
Speaker #2: In terms of M&A, we further strengthened our global flavor leadership with the acquisition of a controlling interest in our long-standing joint venture, McCormick & Mexico.
Speaker #2: Lastly, at the end of 2025, our Board of Directors authorized a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend, marking the 102nd year of continuous dividend payments and 40 years of consecutive annual increases.
Speaker #2: This reinforces our recognition as a dividend aristocrat and reflects our long-standing commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Our performance reflects McCormick's strength, resilience, and solid foundation.
Speaker #2: Beginning in 2024, we set a clear path for volume growth. And if now delivered two years of consistent results, with our strong brands, effective strategies, and continued investment, we remain positioned to deliver sustainable growth and profitability.
Speaker #2: We've built momentum, and we intend to carry that forward into 2026. On slide seven, let me now share our current view on the state of the consumer and considerations for 2026.
Brendan Foley: We've built momentum, and we intend to carry that forward into 2026. On slide seven, let me now share our current view on the state of the consumer and considerations for 2026. The environment across our key markets is marked by volatility and continued pressure from inflation, geopolitical and trade uncertainty, and threat of rising unemployment. Overall consumer confidence remains low. Consumers, especially low to middle-income households, continue to make more frequent trips to the store while purchasing fewer units per trip, a trend that was evident at the start of the year and accelerated through the fourth quarter. In addition, consumers continue to stretch meals across multiple occasions and seek affordable ways to prepare fresh, home-cooked meals. The consumer continues to show resilience by increasing their demand for value and behaviors that enable them to stretch their budget.
Speaker #2: The environment across our key markets is marked by volatility and continued pressure from inflation, geopolitical and trade uncertainty, and the threat of rising unemployment. Overall consumer confidence remains low.
Speaker #2: Consumers, especially low- to middle-income households, continue to make more frequent trips to the store while purchasing fewer units per trip—a trend that was evident at the start of the year and accelerated through the fourth quarter.
Speaker #2: In addition, consumers continue to stretch meals across multiple occasions and seek affordable ways to prepare fresh, home-cooked meals. The consumer continues to show resilience by increasing their demand for value and behaviors that enable them to stretch their budget.
Speaker #2: These behaviors reinforce the importance of flavor in everyday cooking, with herbs and spices continuing to lead center store unit consumption. Health and wellness trends continue to gain momentum.
Brendan Foley: These behaviors reinforce the importance of flavor in everyday cooking, with herbs and spices continuing to lead center-store unit consumption. Health and wellness trends continue to gain momentum. Consumers are preparing healthier, more affordable meals at home while exploring new flavors and culinary creativity. Perimeter and scratch cooking categories are outperforming, while high-carb and high-sugar foods, along with alcohol, are declining. High-protein and better-for-you claims are driving purchase trends across retail and food service. In addition, convenience paired with flavor exploration remains an area where consumers are willing to pay more. E-commerce continues to accelerate, and social commerce is also reshaping how consumers discover and buy packaged goods, fueling momentum for emerging brands. The convergence of these enduring trends, health and wellness, affordability, flavor exploration, and convenience, underscores McCormick's advantage position in the marketplace. Our consumer portfolio meets consumer demand for home cooking and healthier meal preparation.
Speaker #2: Consumers are preparing healthier, more affordable meals at home, while exploring new flavors and culinary creativity. Perimeter and scratch cooking categories are outperforming, while high-carb and high-sugar foods, along with alcohol, are declining.
Speaker #2: High-protein and better-for-you claims are driving purchase trends across retail and food service. In addition, convenience paired with flavor exploration remains an area where consumers are willing to pay more.
Speaker #1: E-commerce continues to accelerate, and social commerce is also reshaping how consumers discover and buy packaged goods, fueling momentum for emerging brands.
Speaker #1: convention for The Emerging Brands , the convergence of these enduring trends , health and wellness , affordability , flavor exploration and convenience underscores McCormick's advantaged position in the marketplace .
Speaker #1: Our consumer portfolio meets consumer demand for home cooking and healthier meal preparation. At the same time, our Flavor Solutions business partners with large and emerging brand customers to deliver innovation, and with the same reformulation-aligned trends.
Brendan Foley: At the same time, our flavor solutions business partners with large and emerging brand customers to deliver innovation and reformulation aligned with the same trends. We are winning across the food industry, from small emerging brands to large established players, and our success is not defined by any single segment or product category. Notably, recently issued USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans again promoted herbs and spices as well as natural flavors as a healthy way to flavor nutrient-dense food, including proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, to make them more appealing, further supporting the importance of our product categories. In terms of tariffs, recent reductions are a positive step from a cost standpoint. However, approximately 50% of the incremental tariffs on McCormick items remain in place, and we continue to face related inflationary pressures. Our pricing actions have been surgical.
Speaker #1: We are winning across the food industry, from small emerging brands to large established players, and our success is not defined by any single segment or product category.
Speaker #1: Notably , recently issued USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans again promoted herbs and spices , as well as natural flavors as a healthy way to flavor dense food nutrient , including proteins , vegetables , fruits , and healthy fats .
Speaker #1: To make them more appealing, supporting the importance of furthering our product categories in terms of tariffs, recent reductions are a positive step from a cost standpoint.
Speaker #1: However, approximately 50% of the incremental tariffs on McCormick items remain in place, and we continue to face related inflationary pressures. Our pricing actions have been surgical.
Brendan Foley: We took pricing actions to offset inflation, but we have not fully passed through tariff costs, and we remain focused on partnering with our customers to meet consumers' demand for value, flavor, and quality. We are navigating inflationary pressures with strategies designed to best meet the needs of the consumer and maximize category growth. Our focus on the long-term health of the business, innovation, and execution continues to position McCormick for sustained success in a dynamic marketplace. Before reviewing our growth plans, I'd like to briefly discuss our outlook. In 2026, our results are expected to benefit meaningfully from the McCormick de Mexico acquisition, which is driving significant contributions to both the top line and operating income. Additionally, the transaction is accretive to earnings per share.
Speaker #1: We took pricing actions to offset inflation, but we have not fully passed through tariff costs, and we remain focused on partnering with our customers to meet consumers' demand for value, flavor, and quality.
Speaker #1: We are navigating inflationary strategies with pressures designed to best meet the needs of the consumer and maximize category growth. Our focus on the long-term health of the business, innovation, and execution continues to position McCormick for sustained success in a dynamic marketplace.
Speaker #1: Before reviewing our growth plans, I'd like to briefly discuss our outlook in 2026. Our results are expected to benefit meaningfully from the McCormick de México acquisition, which is driving significant contributions to both the top line and operating income.
Speaker #1: Additionally , the transaction is accretive to earnings per share . However , year over year earnings per share growth is reduced by the elimination of the 25% minority interest in McCormick de México .
Brendan Foley: However, year-over-year earnings per share growth is reduced by the elimination of the 25% minority interest in McCormick de Mexico net income, attributable to Grupo Herdez, and several below-the-line items that are unfavorable relative to 2025, including a higher tax rate and increased interest expense. In our base business, we continue to drive underlying profitable growth through our strong execution. That said, we anticipate incremental costs associated with elevated inflation, including tariffs, continued digital investments, most notably related to our ongoing ERP implementation, along with rebuilding of incentive compensation from 2025 to impact our profitability. We are partially offsetting these pressures through cost reduction efforts, which are focused on restoring gross margin performance and enhancing overall productivity. These efforts are supported by our CCI programs, including SG&A streamlining. Importantly, our outlook for 2026 and beyond remains firmly supported by our proven strategies and disciplined execution of our growth plans.
Speaker #1: Net income attributable to Grupo herds and several below the line items that are unfavorable relative to 2025 , including a higher tax rate and increased interest expense in our base business , we continue to drive profitable growth through our underlying strong execution .
Speaker #1: said , we anticipate That incremental costs associated with elevated inflation , tariffs , continued digital investments , most notably related to our ongoing ERP implementation , along with rebuilding of incentive compensation from 2025 to impact our profitability .
Speaker #1: We are partially offsetting these pressures through cost reduction efforts , which are focused on restoring gross margin performance and enhancing overall productivity . These efforts are supported by our CCI programs , including G&A , streamlining .
Speaker #1: Importantly, our outlook for 2026 and beyond remains firmly supported by our proven strategies and disciplined execution of our growth plans. As we look beyond 2026, we expect the incremental costs impacting the year to remain on our base.
Brendan Foley: As we look beyond 2026, we expect the incremental costs impacting the year to remain on our base. Through our enhanced CCI programs and disciplined SG&A streamlining, we are well-positioned to manage these costs, maintain investment and growth, and deliver sustained profitability consistent with our long-term algorithm. As outlined on slide eight, our growth levers remain consistent to drive growth through category management, brand marketing, innovation, proprietary technologies, and our differentiated customer engagement. These levers are supported and enhanced through data and analytics as we continue to accelerate our digital transformation. The strength of our base business continues across major markets and core categories. We have a number of initiatives in flight that will continue to support our performance for 2026 and beyond. We plan to address the details of our plans at CAGNI in February.
Speaker #1: Through our enhanced CCI programs and disciplined SG&A streamlining, we are well positioned to manage these costs, maintain investment, and deliver sustained profitability.
Speaker #1: Consistent with our long term growth , and algorithm as outlined on slide eight , our growth levers remain consistent to drive growth through category management , brand marketing , innovation , proprietary technologies , and our differentiated customer engagement .
Speaker #1: These levers are supported and enhanced through data and analytics. As we continue to accelerate our digital transformation, the strength of our base business continues across major markets and core categories.
Speaker #1: We have a number of initiatives in flight that will continue to support our performance for 2026 and beyond . We plan to address details of the our plans at cagny in February to provide some perspective relative to 2025 .
Brendan Foley: To provide some perspective relative to 2025, we expect our consumer business to continue delivering volume growth, supported by higher pricing compared to last year. We expect distribution growth, accelerated innovation, and renovation across the portfolio, and increased brand marketing investments to drive higher purchase interest and velocity and support volume performance across our core categories. Importantly, we remain at the forefront of evolving consumer trends, delivering on the demand for flavor exploration, health and wellness, convenience, and value, while expanding our presence in high-growth channels where consumers are increasingly shopping. In flavor solutions, we anticipate stronger performance as we lap a challenging 2025 in terms of customer volumes. In flavors, our customer pipeline is very healthy across our customer segments. It has doubled relative to the prior year.
Speaker #1: We expect our Consumer business to continue delivering volume growth, supported by higher pricing compared to last year. We expect distribution growth, accelerated innovation, and renovation across the portfolio.
Speaker #1: And increased brand marketing investments to drive higher purchase interest and velocity and support volume performance core across our categories . Importantly , we remain at the forefront of consumer evolving trends , delivering on the demand for flavor exploration , health and wellness , convenience and value while expanding our presence in high growth channels .
Speaker #1: Where consumers are increasingly shopping in flavor solutions. We anticipate stronger performance as we lap a challenging 2025. In terms of customer volumes and flavors, our customer pipeline is very healthy across our customer segments.
Brendan Foley: We are leveraging expertise in regulatory, R&D, and product development to help customers navigate evolving regulations and meet growing health and wellness demands with innovation. Finally, in branded food service, we expect a gradual improvement as traffic trends improve. To wrap up, we remain confident in the long-term health of our business, our fundamentals, and in delivering on our plans to continue to drive industry-leading differentiated performance, supported by our broad and advantaged global portfolio anchored in high-growth categories that reinforce the strength and resilience of our business. Now, before I turn it over to Marcos, I would like to comment on some recent changes to our board of directors. Maritza Montiel and Tony Vernon, who have each served as directors over the past decade, will be retiring from the board as of our annual shareholder meeting this April.
Speaker #1: It has doubled relative to the prior year. We are leveraging expertise in regulatory, R&D, and product development to help customers navigate evolving regulations and meet growing health and wellness demands with innovation.
Speaker #1: And finally , in branded food , we expect a gradual improvement as traffic trends improve . To wrap up , we remain confident in the long term health of our business .
Speaker #1: We are in fundamentals and delivering on our plans to continue to drive industry-leading, differentiated performance, supported by our broad and advantaged global portfolio.
Speaker #1: Anchored in high growth categories that reinforce the strength and resilience of our business . Now , before I turn it over to Marcos , I would like to comment on some recent changes to our Board of directors .
Speaker #1: Marisa Montiel and Tony Vernon, who have each served as directors over the past decade, will be retiring from the board as of our annual shareholder meeting this April.
Brendan Foley: I am grateful for their exceptional service and many contributions, which has significantly benefited McCormick. We will miss them both. At the same time, I would like to welcome two new members to our board: Rick Dierker, President and CEO of Church & Dwight, and Gavin Hattersley, former President and CEO of Molson Coors. Both Rick and Gavin bring deep experience in the global consumer product industry, and I look forward to working with them and to the contributions they will bring to McCormick. Now, over to Marcos. Thank you, Brendan, and good morning, everyone. Let's start on slide 10 and review our top line results for the quarter. Total organic sales grew 2% for the fourth quarter, driven by growth in both consumer and flavor solutions. Moving to our consumer segment on slide 11, organic sales increased 3%, driven by price and volume.
Speaker #1: I am grateful for their exceptional service and many contributions, which have significantly benefited McCormick. We will miss them both at the same time.
Speaker #1: I would like to welcome two new members to our board . Rick Baker , President and CEO of Church , and Dwight , and Gavin Hattersley , former president and CEO of Molson Coors , both Rick and Gavin bring deep experience in the global consumer product industry , and I look forward to working with them and to the contributions they will bring to McCormick .
Speaker #1: Now over to Marcos .
Speaker #2: Thank you , Brennan , and good morning , everyone . Let's start on slide ten and review our top line results for the quarter .
Speaker #2: Total organic sales grew for the 2% fourth quarter, driven by growth in both Consumer and Flavor Solutions. Moving to our Consumer segment on slide 11, organic sales increased 3%, driven by price and volume.
Brendan Foley: Our continued volume growth for the last seven quarters underscores our differentiation and ability to drive growth, even in a consumer backdrop that remains challenging. Consumer organic sales in the Americas grew 3%, with 1% volume growth and 2% pricing. Pricing reflects the cost inflation-related pricing we implemented in September. Despite these pricing actions, volume growth was strong across core categories. The impact of elasticities overall was broadly in line with our expectations and is informing our plans for 2026. In EMEA, we grew consumer organic sales 3%, driven by a 1% increase in volume and a 2% contribution from pricing related to targeted actions taken as a result of increased commodity costs. We're pleased with the sustained volume growth for the eighth consecutive quarter in EMEA. Consumer organic sales in the Asia Pacific region increased by 2%.
Speaker #2: Our continued volume growth for the last seven quarters underscores our differentiation and ability to drive growth, even in a consumer backdrop that remains challenging.
Speaker #2: Consumer organic sales in the Americas grew 3%, with 1% volume growth and 2% pricing. Pricing reflects the cost inflation-related pricing we implemented in September.
Speaker #2: Despite this, pricing actions and volume growth were strong across core categories. The impact of elasticities overall was broadly in line with our expectations and is informing our plans for 2026.
Speaker #2: In EMEA, we grew consumer organic sales 3%, driven by a 1% increase in volume and a 2% contribution related to targeted actions taken as a result of increased commodity costs.
Speaker #2: We're pleased with the sustained volume growth for the eighth consecutive quarter in EMEA. Consumer organic sales in the Asia Pacific region increased by 2%.
Brendan Foley: The increase was driven primarily by volume growth, as our growth in China was in line with our expectations. In addition, we delivered strong results outside of China, primarily in Australia. Turning to our flavor solutions segment on slide 12, fourth quarter organic sales rose 1%, driven by price contribution of 2%, partially offset by volume decline of approximately 1%. In the Americas, flavor solutions organic sales increased 1%, reflecting a 3% price contribution, partially offset by a 2% volume decline. Volumes for the quarter were impacted by the reset of some of our customers' inventory levels in Latin America, which we expect to be behind us in 2026. Underlying volume performance was flat, reflecting continued softness in large CPG customer volumes, as well as softer food traffic in branded food service, offset by growth with high-growth innovator and private label customers.
Speaker #2: The increase was driven primarily by volume growth , as our growth in China was in line with our expectations . In addition , we delivered strong results outside of China , primarily in Australia .
Speaker #2: Turning to our Flavor Solutions segment on slide 12. Fourth quarter organic sales rose 1%, driven by a price contribution of 2%, partially offset by a volume decline of approximately 1% in the Americas.
Speaker #2: Flavor solutions . Organic sales increased 1% , reflecting a 3% price contribution , partially offset by 2% volume decline . Volumes for the quarter were impacted by the reset of some of our customers inventory levels in Latin America , which expect to be we behind us in 2026 .
Speaker #2: Underlying volume performance was flat , reflecting continued softness in large CPG customers volumes as well as softer food traffic in branded food service , offset by growth with high growth innovator and private label customers in EMEA , organic sales decreased by 3% , including 2% from price and 1% impact of lower volume , reflecting soft CPG customers volumes .
Brendan Foley: In EMEA, organic sales decreased by 3%, including 2% from price, and 1% impact of lower volume, reflecting soft CPG customers' volumes. We're pleased to see that volumes remain stable in EMEA relative to recent trends. In the Asia Pacific region, flavor solutions organic sales increased 3%, with volume growth of 5%, driven by QSR customer promotions and limited-time offers, partially offset by price of 2%. Moving to slide 13, adjusted gross profit margin declined 120 basis points in the fourth quarter due to higher commodity costs, tariffs, and costs to support increased capacity for future growth, partially offset by savings from our comprehensive continuous improvement program, or CCI. Relative to our expectations, changes in tariff rules within the year contributed to higher-than-expected overall cost inflation in our broad basket of commodities. In addition, we recognized more tariffs in our cost of sales than previously planned.
Speaker #2: pleased to We're see that volumes remain stable in May relative to recent trends in the Asia Pacific region . Flavor solutions , organic sales increased 3% with volume growth of 5% , driven by QSR customer promotions and limited time offers .
Speaker #2: Partially offset by price of 2% . Moving to slide 13 , adjusted gross profit margin declined 120 basis points in the fourth quarter due to higher commodity costs , tariffs and costs to support increased capacity for future growth , partially offset by from our savings continuous comprehensive Improvement Program or CCI relative to our expectations .
Speaker #2: Changes in tariff rules within the year contributed to higher than expected overall cost inflation in our broad basket of commodities . In addition , we recognized more tariffs in our cost of sales than previously planned for the year .
Brendan Foley: For the year, gross margin was down 60 basis points, reflecting the pressure from rising commodity costs and tariffs. As we look ahead, we expect to recover this margin compression in 2026. Selling, general, and administrative expenses, or SG&A, decreased 120 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of last year, driven by lower employee-related benefits expenses, as well as CCI savings, including our SG&A streamlining initiatives, partially offset by increasing investments in brand marketing and technology. For the fiscal year, SG&A improved by 70 basis points compared to 2024. For the quarter, adjusted operating income increased by 3%, or 2% in constant currency. This increase was driven by improved SG&A, partially offset by gross margin and increased investments to drive growth. For the total company, we grew fiscal year 2025 adjusted operating income by 2%, or 3% in constant currency, and expanded adjusted operating margins by 10 basis points.
Speaker #2: Gross margin was down 60 basis points, reflecting the pressure from rising commodity costs and tariffs. As we look ahead, we expect to recover this margin compression in 2026.
Speaker #2: Selling , general and administrative expenses were as a decreased 120 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of last year , driven by lower employee related benefits expenses as well as CCI savings , including our SG&A streamlining initiatives , partially offset by increasing investments in brand marketing and technology .
Speaker #2: For the fiscal year , SG&A improved by 70 basis points compared to 2020 . For for the quarter , adjusted operating income increased by 3% or 2% in constant currency .
Speaker #2: This increase was driven by improved SG&A, partially offset by gross margin and increased investments to drive growth for the total company. We grew fiscal year 2020 adjusted operating income by 2%, or 3% in constant currency, and expanded adjusted operating margins by ten basis points upward in 2025.
Brendan Foley: Our performance in 2025 demonstrates our commitment to delivering healthy top-line growth and our agility in managing costs across the P&L to protect our profitability and to enable us to invest in growth. Our fourth quarter adjusted effective tax rate was 23.9% compared to 25.4% in the prior year, as expected. For the full year, our adjusted tax rate was 21.5% compared to 20.5% in the prior year, driven by a greater level of favorable discrete tax items in the prior year. Our income from unconsolidated operations in the fourth quarter was flat, as expected. For the fiscal year, unconsolidated income decreased 3%, as the strong operational performance from McCormick de Mexico was more than offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.
Speaker #2: Demonstrates our commitment to delivering healthy, top-line growth and our agility in managing costs across the P&L to protect our profitability and to enable us to invest in growth.
Speaker #2: Our fourth quarter adjusted effective tax rate was 23.9%, compared to 25.4% in the prior year. As expected, for the full year.
Speaker #2: Our adjusted tax rate was 21.5%, compared to 20.5% in the prior year, driven by a greater level of favorable discrete tax items in the prior year.
Speaker #2: Our income from unconsolidated operations in the fourth quarter was flat, as expected for the fiscal year. Unconsolidated income decreased 3%, as the strong operational performance from McCormick was more than offset in Mexico by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.
Brendan Foley: Turning to segment operational results on Slide 14, adjusted operating income in the Consumer segment increased 1% for the fourth quarter, with minimal impact from currency. The increase was driven by sales growth and improved SG&A, partially offset by increased tariffs and commodity costs. For the year, adjusted operating income in the Consumer segment declined by 1%, with minimal impact from currency. The decline in the Consumer segment was driven by increased commodity costs and tariffs, which impacted the segment's gross margin, as well as continued gross investments. This was partially offset by improved SG&A, driven by CCI and SG&A streamlining initiatives. In Flavor Solutions, adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter increased by 7%, or 6% in constant currency.
Speaker #2: Turning to segment operational results on slide 14, adjusted operating income in the Consumer segment increased 1% for the fourth quarter, with minimal impact from currency.
Speaker #2: The increase was driven by sales growth and improved SG&A , partially offset by increased tariffs and commodity costs . For the year , adjusted operating income in the consumer segment declined by 1% , with minimal impact from currency .
Speaker #2: The decline in the consumer segment was driven by increased commodity costs and tariffs, which impacted the segment's gross margin, as well as continued growth investments.
Speaker #2: This was partially offset by improved SG&A, driven by CCI and SNA, streamlining initiatives in Flavor Solutions. Adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter increased by 7%, or 6% in constant currency.
Brendan Foley: For the fiscal year, our flavor solutions operating income grew 9%, or 11% in constant currency, and operating margin expanded by 90 basis points, reflecting our continued focus on improving flavor solutions profitability. As a bottom line, as shown on slide 15, fourth quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share was $0.86, an increase of 7% compared to the year-ago period, driven by increased adjusted operating income, improved interest expenses we paid down debt, and a favorable tax rate. For the full year, adjusted earnings per share was $3, reflecting an increase of 2%, driven primarily by growth in adjusted operating income. On slide 16, we've summarized highlights for cash flow and balance sheet. We delivered another year of strong cash flow from operations of $962 million. We returned $483 million of cash to our shareholders through dividends and used $222 million for capital expenditures.
Speaker #2: For the fiscal year, our Flavor Solutions operating income grew 9%, or 11% in constant currency, and operating margin expanded by 90 basis points, reflecting our continued focus on improving Flavor Solutions profitability at the bottom line, as shown on slide 15.
Speaker #2: Fourth quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share was $0.86, an increase of 7% compared to the year-ago period, driven by increased adjusted operating income and improved interest expenses.
Speaker #2: We paid down debt, and a favorable tax rate for the full year. Adjusted earnings per share was $3, reflecting an increase of 2%, driven primarily by growth in adjusted operating income.
Speaker #2: On slide 16, we have summarized highlights for cash flow and balance sheet. We delivered another year of strong cash flow from operations of $962 million.
Speaker #2: We returned $483 million of cash to shareholders through dividends and used $222 million for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the year were slightly below our plans due to the phasing of certain initiatives.
Brendan Foley: Capital expenditures for the year were slightly below our plans due to the phasing of certain initiatives. Our investments include projects to increase capacity and capabilities to meet growing demand, advance our digital transformation, and optimize our cost structure. Our priority remains to have a balanced use of cash. This means funding investments to drive growth, returning a significant portion of cash to shareholders through dividends, and maintaining a strong balance sheet. We remain committed to strong investment-grade rating. With another year of strong cash flow driven by profit and improved working capital initiatives, we successfully reduced our leverage ratio to below 2.7 times. Overall, results for 2025 reflected the strength of our business. On the top line, we delivered constant currency, volume-led, organic growth at the midpoint of our range, reflecting the continued focus on driving volumes and healthy, sustainable sales momentum.
Speaker #2: Our investments include projects to increase capacity and capabilities to meet growing demand, advance our digital transformation, and optimize our cost structure. Our priority remains to have a balanced use of cash.
Speaker #2: This means funding investments to drive growth, returning a significant portion of cash to shareholders through dividends, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Speaker #2: We remain committed to a strong investment grade rating, with another year of strong cash flow driven by profit and improved working capital initiatives.
Speaker #2: We reduced our leverage ratio to below 2.7 times. Overall, results for Strength of 2025 reflected our business on the top line.
Speaker #2: We delivered constant currency volume at our range, at the organic growth continued focus midpoint, reflecting the ongoing focus on driving volumes and healthy, sustainable sales momentum.
Brendan Foley: While inflation and tariffs impacted our gross margin for the year, we effectively offset these impacts through CCI and SG&A streamlining initiatives, all while continuing to invest for growth. As a result, adjusted operating income and earnings per share finished at the low end of our outlook, a solid outcome in line with the macro headwinds we faced. Importantly, we drove strong cash flow from operations for the year, paid down debt, and delivered, giving us ample flexibility to continue to invest in the business. Before turning to our outlook, let me provide an update on our tariff exposure and mitigation plans on slide 17. Since our last earnings call, our tariff exposure has been reduced by approximately 50%. Our total gross annualized tariff exposure is now approximately $70 million compared to $140 million we provided previously.
Speaker #2: While inflation and tariffs impacted our gross margin for the year, we effectively offset these impacts through CCI and streamlining initiatives, all while continuing to invest for growth. As a result, adjusted operating income and earnings per share finished at the low end of our outlook.
Speaker #2: A solid outcome in line of the macro headwinds we faced . Importantly , we drove strong cash flow from operations for the year , pay down and debt delivered , giving us ample flexibility to continue to invest in the business before turning to our outlook .
Speaker #2: Let me provide an update on our tariff exposure and mitigation plans on slide 17. This is our last earnings call. Our tariff exposure has been reduced by approximately 50%.
Speaker #2: Our total gross annualized tariff exposure is now approximately $70 million , compared to $140 million we provided previously . As a result , we expect the incremental year over year cost impact of tariffs to be approximately $50 million in 2026 .
Brendan Foley: As a result, we expect the incremental year-over-year cost impact of tariffs to be approximately $50 million in 2026. We plan to mitigate the vast majority of this impact with productivity savings across the P&L, alternative sourcing, supply chain initiatives, and, of course, leverage our revenue management capabilities, including surgical pricing. The reduction in tariff rates is not expected to benefit the bottom line, as some supply chain mitigation efforts have been adjusted in line with the new rates, and we are intentionally choosing to continue to invest in the business. Lastly, as you know, this is an evolving situation, and we'll continue to monitor how policies impact tariff rates and, therefore, our costs. Now, let's turn to our 2026 financial outlook on slide 18.
Speaker #2: We plan to mitigate the vast majority of this impact with productivity savings across the P&L, alternative sourcing, supply chain initiatives, and, of course, leverage our revenue management capabilities, including surgical pricing.
Speaker #2: The reduction in tariff rates is not expected to benefit the bottom line, as some supply chain mitigation efforts have been adjusted in line with the new rates.
Speaker #2: And we are intentionally choosing to continue to invest in the business . Lastly , know , as you this is an evolving situation continue to and we'll monitor how policies impact tariff rates and therefore our costs .
Speaker #2: Now let's turn to our 2026 financial outlook on slide 18. Our outlook reflects our continued focus in key investment categories to sustain volumes and drive long-term profitable growth, while appreciating the uncertainty of the consumer and macro environment, including global trade policies.
Brendan Foley: Our outlook reflects our continued investments in key categories to sustain volumes and drive long-term profitable growth, while appreciating the uncertainty of the consumer and macro environment, including global trade policies. In addition, this outlook reflects the contributions of our recent M&A transaction, the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico. Turning to the details, first, current rates are expected to have a one-point positive impact on net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share. At the top line, we expect organic net sales growth to range between 1% and 3%. Growth will be supported by sustained volumes growth and a higher contribution from pricing across both segments compared to the prior year. In our consumer segment, we anticipate some volume impact from price elasticity early in the year, followed by solid volume growth as the year progresses.
Speaker #2: In addition, this outlook reflects the contributions of our recent M&A transaction: the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick in Mexico.
Speaker #2: Turning to the details . First , currency rates are expected to have a one point positive impact on net sales . Adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share at the top line , we expect organic net sales growth to range between 1 and 3% .
Speaker #2: Growth will be supported by sustained volumes , growth and higher contribution from pricing across both segments . Compared to the prior year in our consumer segment , we anticipate some volume impact from price elasticity early in the year , followed by solid volume growth as the year progresses .
Brendan Foley: In our flavor solutions segment, we expect volumes to recover and deliver full-year volume growth for the segment. We expect the acquisition of McCormick de Mexico to contribute 11% to 13% to our top line, leading to total constant currency sales of 12% to 16%. Along with this top-line performance, we anticipate full-year gross margin expansion, reflecting recovery from the compression experienced in 2025. This expansion reflects favorable impacts from product mix, cost savings from our CCI program, and margin accretion from McCormick de Mexico, partially offset by the anticipated impact of a mid-single-digit increase in cost inflation. In addition to our gross margin expansion, we expect SG&A benefits from cost savings to be offset by investments to drive volume growth, including brand marketing and digital investments, most notably our ERP implementation, as well as a build-back in incentive compensation.
Speaker #2: In segment , we expect volumes to recover and deliver full year volume growth for the segment , we expect the acquisition of McCormick and Mexico to contribute 11 to 13% to our top line , leading to total constant currency sales of 12 to 16% , along with this top line performance , we anticipate full year gross margin expansion , reflecting recovery from the compression experienced in 2025 .
Speaker #2: This expansion reflects favorable impacts from product mix , cost savings from our CCI program , and margin accretion from McCormick and Mexico , partially offset by the anticipated impact of a mid-single digit increase in cost inflation .
Speaker #2: In addition to our gross margin expansion, we expect SNAP benefits from cost savings to be offset by investments to drive volume growth, including brand marketing and digital investments.
Speaker #2: Most notably , our ERP implementation , as well as a build back incentive compensation . In terms of our ERP implementation , we still take a phased rollout approach .
Brendan Foley: In terms of our ERP implementation, we're still taking a phased rollout approach. We've made significant progress, and our deployments to date have been successful. To further minimize execution risk, we decided to consolidate the number of waves within the upcoming deployment phase, which moves forward our timeline. Overall, program costs remain unchanged. However, this refined execution plan shifts more expenses into 2026 than originally planned. For the year, we expect our brand marketing spend to increase in the low to mid-teens, as we continue to invest behind our brands and reflect brand marketing investments of McCormick de Mexico. As a result, our adjusted operating income is expected to grow 15% to 19% in constant currency.
Speaker #2: We've made significant progress in our deployments to date. Successful as we have been to further minimize execution risk, we decided to consolidate the number of waves within the upcoming deployment phase, which moves forward.
Speaker #2: Our timeline for overall program costs remains unchanged. However, this refined execution plan shifts more expense into 2026 than originally planned for the year.
Speaker #2: We expect our brand marketing spend to increase in the low to mid-teens as we continue to invest behind our brands and reflect brand marketing investments of McCormick, the Mexico.
Speaker #2: As a result , our adjusted operating income is expected to grow 15 to 19% in constant currency . In terms of tax , we expect our adjusted effective tax rate to be approximately 24% for 2026 , compared to 22% in 2025 , where we benefited from a number of discrete tax items that are not expected to repeat in 2026 .
Brendan Foley: In terms of tax, we expect our adjusted effective tax rate to be approximately 24% for 2026 compared to 22% in 2025, where we benefited from a number of discrete tax items that are not expected to repeat in 2026, in addition to a higher tax rate in Mexico. Notably, we now expect an expense from unconsolidated operations in 2026, which reflects the elimination of the minority interest or 25% of McCormick de Mexico net income attributable to Grupo Herdez from our consolidated earnings. In addition, we expect net interest expense to increase compared to 2025, primarily due to the funding of the McCormick de Mexico transaction.
Speaker #2: In addition to a higher tax rate in Mexico, notably, we now expect an expense from unconsolidated operations in 2026, which reflects the elimination of the minority interest, or 25% of McCormick and Mexico net income attributable to the group, from our consolidated earnings.
Speaker #2: In addition, we expect net interest expense to increase compared to 2025, primarily due to the funding of the McCormick and Mexico transaction.
Brendan Foley: Our 2026 adjusted earnings per share is projected to range from $3.05 to 3.13 on a reported dollar basis, reflecting benefits from operating income offset by unconsolidated expense, the impact of the increased tax rate relative to the prior year, and higher interest expense. Overall, we believe our outlook is balanced and gives us flexibility to continue to invest in the business while expanding margins. Moving to slide 19, this slide summarizes the cost headwinds for 2026 and how we plan to offset them. Our guidance reflects strong underlying base business performance and growth from acquisitions, with pressures from cost inflation, tariffs, and the review of incentive compensation that are expected to be offset through tariff mitigation plans, CCI initiatives, and SG&A streamlining.
Speaker #2: Our 2026 adjusted earnings per share is projected to range from $3.05 to $3.13 on a reported basis, reflecting benefits from operating income, offset by unconsolidated expense.
Speaker #2: The impact of the increased tax rate relative to the prior year and higher interest expense. Overall, we believe our outlook is balanced and gives us flexibility to continue to invest in the business while expanding margins.
Speaker #2: Moving to slide 19 , this slide summarizes the cost headwinds for 2026 and how we plan to offset them . Our reflects guidance underlying base business performance and growth from , with acquisitions pressures from cost , inflation , tariffs and the review of incentive compensation that are expected to be offset through tariff mitigation plans .
Speaker #2: CCI initiatives and SG&A are streamlining our digital investments. Most notably, the refined ERP implementation plan, along with a higher tax rate, are impacting underlying growth.
Brendan Foley: Our digital investments, most notably the refined ERP implementation plan, along with a higher tax rate, are impacting underlying growth, but will become part of our base as we look beyond 2026. Importantly, we remain on track to sustain our volume momentum and drive strong top-line growth. Despite higher costs, we're investing strategically, executing with discipline, and driving efficiencies, enabling us to deliver strong operating income growth and sustain our differentiation. We are confident in our ability to deliver a 2026 outlook and in achieving our long-term objectives. Thank you, Marcos. Before moving to Q&A, I would like to close with our key takeaways on slide 20. The long-term trends that fuel our attractive categories, consumer interest in healthy, flavorful cooking, flavor exploration, and trusted brands are enduring trends. They continue to reinforce the relevance and resilience of our portfolio.
Speaker #2: But will become part of our base as we look beyond 2026. Importantly, we remain on track to sustain our volume momentum and drive strong top line growth, despite higher costs.
Speaker #2: We are investing strategically, executing with discipline, and driving efficiencies, enabling us to deliver strong income and operating growth and sustain our differentiation. We are confident in our ability to deliver.
Speaker #2: 2026 outlook and in achieving our long-term objectives.
Speaker #1: Thank you . Marcos . Before moving to Q&A , I would like to close with our key takeaways on slide 20 . The long term trends our that fuel attractive categories consumer interest and healthy , flavorful cooking flavor exploration and trusted brands are enduring trends .
Speaker #1: They continue to reinforce the relevance and resilience of our portfolio. In 2025, we drove differentiated volume, growth, and share gains across our core categories.
Brendan Foley: In 2025, we drove differentiated volume growth and share gains across our core categories. Our results demonstrate that we are investing in the areas that drive the most value for consumers, customers, and shareholders. As we enter 2026, McCormick is operating from a position of strength with a solid foundation and disciplined execution. Despite ongoing macro and cost headwinds, we remain positioned for sustainable, profitable growth. Our 2026 outlook reflects continued top-line momentum, margin recovery, and strong operating profit growth anchored by innovation, efficiency, and our acquisition of McCormick de Mexico. While global trade dynamics continue to drive cost inflation, we are leveraging our competitive advantages, productivity initiatives, and cost management discipline to mitigate these pressures, sustain volume growth, and fund our investments for the future. Looking beyond 2026, these incremental costs are expected to remain in our base.
Speaker #1: Our results demonstrate investing that we are in the areas that drive the most value for Customers , and consumers . shareholders . As we enter 2026 , McCormick is operating from a position of strength with a solid foundation and disciplined execution .
Speaker #1: Despite ongoing and cost headwinds , we remain positioned for sustainable , profitable growth . Our 2026 outlook reflects continued top line momentum , margin recovery and strong operating profit growth , anchored by innovation , efficiency and our acquisition of McCormick de Mexico .
Speaker #1: While global trade dynamics continue to drive cost inflation, we are leveraging our competitive advantages, productivity initiatives, and cost management discipline to mitigate these pressures.
Speaker #1: Sustained volume growth and fund our investments for the future . Looking beyond 2026 , these incremental costs are expected to remain in our base .
Brendan Foley: However, our enhanced CCI plans and SG&A streamlining discipline position us to manage these pressures effectively while sustaining investment and delivering growth in line with our long-term algorithm. Ultimately, we remain a global leader in flavor, driving growth that is both sustainable and differentiated. Finally, I want to recognize all McCormick employees for their dedication and contributions. Your commitment and passion continue to drive our success. I'm confident that together, we will continue to deliver differentiated results and long-term shareholder value. Now, for your questions. Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press Star 1 from your telephone keypad, and a confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press Star 2 if you'd like to remove your question from the queue.
Speaker #1: However, our enhanced CCI plans and SG&A streamlining discipline position us to manage these pressures effectively while sustaining investment and delivering growth in line with our long-term algorithm.
Speaker #1: Ultimately, we remain a global leader in flavor, driving growth that is both sustainable and differentiated. Finally, I want to recognize all McCormick employees for their dedication and contributions.
Speaker #1: Your commitment and passion continue to drive our success. I am confident that together we will continue to deliver differentiated results and long-term shareholder value.
Speaker #1: Now for your questions .
Speaker #3: Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star one from your telephone keypad, and a confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the queue for questions.
Speaker #3: You may press star two if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants that are using speaker necessary equipment, it may be best to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.
Brendan Foley: For participants that are using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the Star keys. One moment, please, while we poll for questions. Thank you. And our first question is from the line of Andrew Lazar with Barclays. Please proceed with your questions. Great. Thanks very much. Good morning, Brendan and Marcos. Good morning. Good morning. Maybe to start, your 2026 outlook is predicated on continued volume momentum. I was hoping you could talk a bit more about the key drivers underpinning your view. And in particular, maybe you can speak to expectations in Consumer Americas just given recent scanner trends have decelerated a bit. I'm assuming on elasticity, but perhaps you can clarify that. Sure. Well, a couple of thoughts just, I think, in terms of top line.
Speaker #3: One moment, please, while we poll for questions. Thank you. And from the line, our first question is from Andrew Lazar with Barclays.
Speaker #3: Please receive with your questions .
Speaker #4: Great. Thanks very much. Good morning, Brendan and Marcos.
Speaker #1: Good morning .
Speaker #4: Maybe to start, your '26 outlook is predicated on continued volume and momentum. I was hoping you could talk a bit more about the key drivers underpinning your view, and in particular, maybe you can speak to expectations in Consumer Americas, just given recent scanner trends have decelerated a bit.
Speaker #4: I'm assuming on elasticity, but perhaps you can clarify that.
Speaker #1: Sure . Well , a couple of thoughts . Just I think in terms of top line , you know , I think our guide for 26 reflects , you know , obviously both segments and you know , factors in obviously the uncertainty environment .
Brendan Foley: I think our guide for 2026 reflects, obviously, both segments and factors in, obviously, the uncertainty environment. But when we look at kind of the range that we're providing, I think, Consumer drives sort of the mid to high end of that range, and then Flavor Solutions probably the low to the mid-end of that range. Overall, we expect pricing to contribute more to our growth rate than it did in 2025, but we also expect to maintain volume growth for the year with volume growth in both segments. I might just speak maybe to each segment just to give a little bit more color on that. On Consumer, we expect to continue delivering volume growth. It will have higher pricing, I think, compared to, let's say, the last year.
Speaker #1: But when we look at kind of the range that we're providing, I think every consumer drives sort of a mid to high end of that range.
Speaker #1: And then , you know , flavor solutions low to the mid end of probably the that range . You know overall we expect pricing to contribute more to our growth rate than it did in 2025 .
Speaker #1: But we also expect to maintain volume growth for the year, with volume growth in both segments. I might just speak, maybe, to each segment, just to give a little bit more color on that.
Speaker #1: On consumer , we expect to continue delivering volume growth . It will have higher pricing . I think , compared to , let's say , the last year .
Brendan Foley: We've driven volume over the last one and a half years, and it has been driven by a lot of our actions, plans, and a number of things that, obviously, we've talked about in the past. And as I look to 2026, a lot of those levers really remain in place. We'll continue to increase our A&P with really strong messaging that resonates. We'll continue to benefit from the innovation that we launched in 2025. And those are things like the US Cholula expansion, or McCormick innovation like the finishing salts, or the type of innovation that we've launched in EMEA behind air fryer seasonings.
Speaker #1: You know, we've driven volume over the last one and a half years, and it has been driven by a lot of our actions and plans, and a number of things that, obviously, we've talked about in the past.
Speaker #1: And as I look to 26 , a lot of those levers really remain in place . We'll continue to increase our AMP with really strong You know , that resonates .
Speaker #1: We launched from the messaging. Innovation that to benefit, we'll continue in '25. And those are things like the US Cholula expansion or McCormick innovation.
Speaker #1: Like finishing salts or the type of innovation that we've launched in EMEA behind air fryer seasonings. And I think one of the positive things now, it got in, launched in sort of towards the tail end of '25 and really started to hit the shelf.
Brendan Foley: And I think one of the positive things now, it got launched in sort of towards the tail end of 2025 and really started to hit the shelf, but this US Gourmet relaunch, McCormick Gourmet, we really think is driving a lot of positive velocities right now. We like what we're seeing on shelf, and so we'll get a full three-quarters of the year on that innovation. And the whole price gap management plan also still remains in our base as it did in 2025. Incremental to this, we're expanding distribution across our core categories. We'll continue to launch new innovation, and we'll also continue to renovate parts of the portfolio. And one of the ones I'm also excited about is we're going to be relaunching our entire blends and seasonings line, and that's really quite exciting.
Speaker #1: But this US gourmet relaunch , you know , McCormick gourmet , you know , we really think is driving a lot of positive velocities right now .
Speaker #1: And we like what we're seeing on shelf. And so that we'll get a full three quarters of the year on that innovation.
Speaker #1: And the whole price gap . Management plan is also still remains in our base , as it did . You know , 25 in incremental to this .
Speaker #1: We're expanding distribution across our core categories. We'll continue to launch new innovation, and we'll also continue to renovate parts of the portfolio.
Speaker #1: And , you know , one of the ones I'm also excited about is we're going to be relaunching our blends entire and seasonings line .
Brendan Foley: So we like that that's another renovation that's going to be coming out in 2026. And then we're just going to continue to sort of focus on these high-growth channels that we're seeing a lot of success in. And so those are the things that are really driving, I think, and underpin and underwrite the consumer growth. In flavor solutions, we expect to do better than we did in 2025. We know 2025 was impacted by large CPG customer volumes and being soft as well as in branded food service, but we do expect improvement, particularly as we continue to grow with those high-growth innovators and private label customers. We're acknowledging that we are lapping a difficult 2025, so expect to do better. But it's difficult to predict the level and pace of that improvement, so I still expect some lumpiness in this business as we've experienced in the past.
Speaker #1: And that's really quite exciting . So we like that . That's another renovation that's going to be coming out in 26 . And then we're just going to continue to sort of focus on these high growth channels that we're seeing a lot of success in .
Speaker #1: And so those are the things that are really driving, I think, and underpin and underwrite the consumer growth and Flavor Solutions.
Speaker #1: You know, we do expect to do better than we did in '25. You know, '25 was impacted by large CPG customer volumes.
Speaker #1: And being soft as well as in branded food service . But we do expect improvement , particularly as we continue to grow with those those high growth innovators and private label customers .
Speaker #1: You know , we're acknowledging that we are lapping a difficult 25 , so expect to do better . But , you know , it's difficult to predict the level and pace of that improvement .
Speaker #1: So I still expect some lumpiness in this business as we've experienced in the past . But the things that give me , I think , more optimism , if you just I'm will , is encouraged by the scope of our innovation pipeline in that part of our business .
Brendan Foley: But the things that give me, I think, more optimism, if you will, is just I'm encouraged by the scope of our innovation pipeline on that part of our business. It's really healthy across a lot of our customer segments. The reformulation projects are increasing, and we talked about that before, particularly with large CPG customers. And we're partnering with a lot of emerging brands and private label players to sort of really work on flavor there. And it's an exciting category like protein-based beverages or fiber-based snacks. These are the types of health and wellness trends that we're seeing getting a lot of activity that gives us some reason for optimism. And our win rate on health and wellness briefs remains strong.
Speaker #1: It's really healthy across a lot of our customer segments . The reformulation projects are increasing , and we've talked about that . You know , before , particularly with large CPG customers .
Speaker #1: We're partnering with a lot of emerging brands and private label players, you know, to sort of really work on flavor there.
Speaker #1: And it's an exciting categories like protein paste based beverages or fiber based snacks or , you know , these are the types of health and wellness trends that we're seeing , you know , getting a lot of activity that gives us some , some reason for optimism .
Speaker #1: And our win rate on health and wellness briefs remains strong . So , you know , we have a , I think a realistically positive outlook .
Brendan Foley: So we have, I think, a realistically positive outlook, but we're also remembering what happened in 2025 and not counting on all of that to sort of necessarily rebound back really strongly. But we do think it's going to be positive improvement over the year, and there will be volume growth in both segments. That's really helpful. And then just a very quick one for Marcos. Just anything to keep in mind on sort of the cadence of EPS growth as we think through the four quarters ahead? Just things discrete to keep in mind, whether it's year-over-year issues or things of that nature. Thank you. Yeah. So in terms of the EPS, EPS should follow the operating profit over the quarter. So we'll see operating profits fluctuating over the next few quarters.
Speaker #1: But we're also , you know , remembering what happened in 25 and not counting on all of that to , you know , sort of necessarily rebound back really strongly .
Speaker #1: But we do think it's going to be a positive improvement over the year, and it will be volume growth in both segments.
Speaker #4: That's helpful . And then just a very quick one for Marcos . Just anything to keep in mind on the cadence of EPs growth as we think through the four quarters ahead .
Speaker #4: Just things discreet to keep in mind , whether it's year over year issues or things of that nature . Thank you .
Speaker #2: Yeah. So in terms of the EPs, CPS should follow the operating profit over the quarter. So we'll see operating profit fluctuating over the next few quarters.
Brendan Foley: OP growth will be in Q1, will not reflect the full quarter of McCormick de Mexico, so it will be slightly below guidance. So if you think about it that way, earnings per share will follow the fluctuations of OP, and we should see a Q1 that will be in line, I would say, with mid to high end of our guidance range, but then it will build up as we progress over the next few quarters. Thanks very much. The next question is from the line of Peter Galbo with Bank of America. Please proceed with your question. Hey, good morning, guys. Thank you for the question. Good morning. Good morning. Marcos, I wanted to ask a bit on the gross margin in particular, just given some of the nuance of what happened in the quarter. I think it came in, obviously, below even your expectations.
Speaker #2: OP growth will be in Q1. It will not reflect the full quarter of McCormick Mexico, so we'll be slightly, slightly below guidance.
Speaker #2: So, if you think about it that way, earnings per share will follow the fluctuations of OP, and we should see a Q1 that will be in line, I would say, with the mid to high end of our guidance range.
Speaker #2: But then you will . Build up as , as we as we progress over the next few quarters .
Speaker #4: very Thanks much .
Speaker #3: The next question is from the line of Peter Galbo with Bank of America. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker #5: Hey, good morning, guys. Thank you.
Speaker #2: For .
Speaker #5: The question . Morning . Marcos . I just I wanted to ask a bit on on the gross margin in particular . Just given some of the nuance of what happened in the quarter .
Speaker #5: I think , you know , it came in obviously below even your your expectations . You've talked a bit about , you know , the core inflation components maybe being stickier , even though we've had some tariff relief and , you know , the outlook for 26 kind of implies gross margin expansion .
Brendan Foley: You've talked a bit about the core inflation components maybe being stickier, even though we've had some tariff relief. The outlook for 2026 kind of implies gross margin expansion. I think you said recovery. I didn't know if that meant full recovery of 2025 into 2026. But maybe you can put some more parameters just around how you all are thinking about the gross margin expansion for 2026 relative to 2025, again, in light of kind of it coming in light of your expectations in Q4. Yeah, sure. Let me just explain the 2025 Q4 results, and then I'll go into 2026. So at a high level, if you would take a step back, the external environment continued to create volatility in terms of our commodity costs. We continue to focus on the elements within our control.
Speaker #5: I think you said , you know , recovery . I didn't know if that meant full recovery of of 25 into 26 . But maybe you can put some more parameters just around how you all are thinking about the gross margin expansion for 26 relative to 25 .
Speaker #5: Again, in light of kind of it coming in light of your expectations in the fourth quarter.
Speaker #2: Yeah , sure . Let me let me just explain the 2025 Q4 results , and then I'll go into 2026 . So at a high level , if you take a step back , the external environment continued to create the volatility in terms of our commodity costs .
Speaker #2: And , you know , we continue to focus on the elements within our control . We delivered CCI and CCI , even to offset the additional tariffs impact that we the saw in year .
Brendan Foley: We deliver CCI, enhanced CCI, even to offset the additional tariffs' impact that we saw in the year. We executed on pricing in line with our plan, and we continue to grow volume in the consumer business in Q4 despite all the pricing actions that we've taken. More specifically to the drivers of the gross margin, there's two main drivers. One is the indirect consequences of the tariff-related market pressures that we've been talking about over the last couple of quarters, and it actually accelerated in Q4 relative to Q3, which means that it was more than we expected, meaning that we saw more inflation come into our P&L through the balance of the year. And then the second point is the direct impact of tariffs, which is about recognizing more of those tariff inventory in our P&L than originally planned.
Speaker #2: We executed on pricing in line with our plans. And we continue to, you know, grow volume in the consumer business in Q4 despite all the pricing actions that we've taken.
Speaker #2: More specifically to the drivers of the gross margin. You know, there are two main drivers. One is the indirect consequences of the tariff-related market pressures that we've been talking about over the last couple of quarters.
Speaker #2: And it actually accelerated in Q4 relative to Q3 , which means that , you know , it was more than we expected , meaning that that was more inflation coming through our PNL through the balance of the year .
Speaker #2: And then the second point is the direct impact of tariffs, which is about recognizing more of those tariffs inventory in our P&L than originally we planned.
Brendan Foley: So we had a bit of the product mix in Q4 that had tariffs on it, and those got sold through it, and we saw the impact of that additional cost hitting our P&L in Q4. So the combination of the two elements, the broader commodity costs, is impacting our gross margin, plus the impact of tariffs, were what changed versus our expectations as we came in Q4. But also, I think it's important to mention, Peter, in this time of volatility, we are focusing on managing the P&L holistically, not only the gross margin line. And that's where we drove a lot of SG&A savings. We had made a lot of progress in terms of SG&A over the last few quarters.
Speaker #2: know , had you So it's a bit of a product Q4 that had tariffs on it . And and those got sold through it .
Speaker #2: And we saw the impact of that in that impact of that additional cost hitting our PNL in Q4 . So the combination of the two elements is the broader commodity costs impacting our margin , gross plus the impact of tariffs were what what what changed versus our expectations as we came in Q4 .
Speaker #2: But , but but also , I think it's important to mention , Peter , in this time of volatility , we are focused on managing the PNL holistically , not only the gross margin line .
Speaker #2: And that's where we drove a lot of SG&A savings . We had done a lot of made a lot of progress in terms of SG&A over the last few quarters .
Brendan Foley: Q4 was also a quarter in which we focused on streamlining SG&A while increasing investments to drive growth, remarketing, and digital investments. So managing the P&L holistically and getting to the OP number that was in line with our expectations, meaning SG&A offsetting the gross margin piece. But obviously, the gross margin is something that we want to recover. Our expectations going into 2026 is that we are expecting to recover the margin compression that we saw of 60 basis points in 2025. And we provided a qualitative guidance in terms of gross margin as it is a bit difficult to be precise at this time. Given the uncertainty that we're facing in the market and the macroeconomics, it is a little bit difficult to be precise in terms of gross margin. So we provided that view.
Speaker #2: Q4 was also a quarter in which we focused on streamlining SG&A while increasing investments to drive and and remarketing growth digital investments . So managing the PNL and getting holistically to the OPP number that was , you know , in line with our expectations , meaning as a offsetting the gross margin piece , but but obviously , you know , the gross margin is something that we want to recover our expectations going into into 2026 .
Speaker #2: Is that we are expecting to recover the margin compression that we saw of 60 basis points in 2025 , and we provided the qualitative guidance in terms of gross margin , as it is a bit difficult to be precise at this time given the uncertainty that we are , uncertainty that we're facing in the market and the macroeconomics , it is a little bit difficult to to be precise in terms of gross margins .
Brendan Foley: But at the end of the day, the focus will be in recovering the margin compression that we saw in 2025. Great. Okay. Thanks for that. And Brendan, maybe if I could ask just more directly on slide 19, where you kind of have the bridge on base business to the guidance. The ERP, I know, has kind of been discussed in the past now. Maybe you've put a more concrete number around it. But I wanted to make sure I understood you clearly that you're accelerating the spend or some of the projects into 2026, but then those costs are actually expected to remain in the base, so we don't really expect maybe not even any relief on that in 2027.
Speaker #2: So we provided that view. But at the end of the day, the focus will be on recovering the margin compression that we saw in 2025.
Speaker #5: Great . Okay . Thanks for that . And Brendan , maybe if I could ask just more directly on slide 19 , where you kind of have the bridge on on base business to to the guidance , you know , the ERP I know has kind of been discussed in the past .
Speaker #5: Now, maybe you've put a more concrete number around it, but I wanted to make sure I understood you clearly that you're accelerating the spend, or some of the projects, into '26.
Speaker #5: But then those costs are actually expected to remain in the base. So we don't really expect, maybe not even any relief on that in '27.
Brendan Foley: Maybe you can just clarify specifically around the ERP and how we should think about the phasing of projects in 2026 and then how to think about it for 2027 and beyond. Thanks very much. Sure, Peter. Peter, first, let me provide just some broad perspective on sort of what we were communicating, I think, throughout the script, but also on slide 19. And then I'll ask Marcos to speak more specifically to how to think about ERP beyond 2026 overall. Broadly, as we kind of thought about the year for 2026, our top priority was to really think about how we maintain sales momentum, that being a top priority in terms of having a very healthy top line. And we're balancing volume and price and still achieving sort of healthy sales growth and still invest in the business also at the same time.
Speaker #5: Maybe you can just clarify specifically around the ERP and how we should think about the phasing of projects in '26, and then how to think about it for '27 and beyond.
Speaker #5: for Thanks very much .
Speaker #1: Sure . Peter , Peter , first let me provide some just some broad perspective on sort of what we were , you know , communicating , I think , throughout the script , but also on slide 19 and then I'll , I'll ask Marcos to speak more specifically to how to think about ERP beyond 26 overall .
Speaker #1: Broadly , as we as we kind of thought about the year for 2026 , you know , our top priority was to really think how we about maintain sales momentum , that being a top priority , you know , in terms of having a very healthy top line .
Speaker #1: And we're balancing volume and price . And so and still , you know , a achieving , you know , sort of , you know , healthy sales growth and still invest in the business .
Brendan Foley: But in 2025 and 2026, we certainly saw a lot more costs come into our P&L, whether it be through inflation, or tariffs, or, in this case, as we go to 2026, building back incentive compensation. And we're offsetting that with targeted pricing, productivity initiatives, cost savings initiatives, but we can't fully offset everything. And so those are the elements that you see in that bridge, which are tax and ERP. But I would say that the fundamentals and the health of our business are doing really well. And we just need to work through this dynamic environment in terms of cost.
Speaker #1: Also at the same time , but in 2025 and 2026 , you know , we certainly saw a lot more costs come into our PNL , whether it be through inflation or tariffs or in this case , as we go to 26 , building back incentive compensation and we're offsetting that with targeted pricing , productivity initiatives , cost savings initiatives .
Speaker #1: But we can't fully offset everything . And so , you know , those are the elements that you see in that bridge , which were which are tax and ERP .
Speaker #1: But I would say that the fundamentals and the health of our business are doing really well. And we just need to work through this dynamic environment in terms of cost.
Brendan Foley: Now, in ERP, we decided that as this program is going well and we are seeing success in the number of our go lives already to date, as we assess sort of the next one, it just felt prudent for us to minimize the number of waves that we would have to go through. Marcos, do you want to add on top of that? Yeah. So we have been very successful in deploying our ERP implementation over the last couple of years. It's a lot of work, as you can imagine. We've taken a very integrated approach in terms of how we deploy the ERP, not only the ERP implementation team, but it is them working together with the business, as well as the technology teams, with strong support from our external partners. So that is going very well. These programs, you learn, you adapt, and you evolve.
Speaker #1: Now , an ERP , we we you know , decided that as these this program's going well and we are seeing success in a number of our go lives already to date as we assess sort of the next one .
Speaker #1: It just felt prudent for us to minimize the number of waves that we would have to go through. Marcos, do you want to add on top of that?
Speaker #2: Yeah. So we have been very successful in deploying our ERP the last couple of implementations over the years. A lot of work, as you can imagine. We've taken a very integrated approach in terms of how we deploy the ERP. It is not only the ERP implementation team, but it is them working together with the business as well as the technology teams, with strong support from our external partners.
Speaker #2: So that is going very well . And you know , this programs you learn , you adapt and evolve . And one of the things that we were considering over the last 3 to 4 months is really about , you know , the number of waves within the next deployment phase that we have , whether we would , you actually know , compress the waves to minimize risks .
Brendan Foley: One of the things that we were considering over the last three to four months is really about the number of waves within the next deployment phase that we have, whether we would actually compress the waves to minimize risks. That happens because as you shorten the periods of dual operations between legacy systems and new systems, that minimizes data reconciliation interface risks. That is the key element of compressing the phases, which is you eliminate that interfaces between the two systems for a longer period of time. By doing that, we believe we are further minimizing risk. But as we do that, we bring forward the timeline of development and preparedness into 2026 as this last go live will take effect in early 2027. As you do that, you shift costs into 2026, which is different than we had originally planned.
Speaker #2: And , and that happens because as you shorten the periods between of dual operations , between legacy systems and new systems that minimize data reconciliation , interface risks , though that is the key element of compressing the phases , which is , you know , you you you eliminate that interfaces between the two systems for a longer period of time .
Speaker #2: So by doing that , we believe we are further minimizing risk . But as we do that , we bring forward the timeline of development and preparedness into 2026 as this last go live will take effect in early 2027 .
Speaker #2: So as you do that , you shift costs into 2026 as which is different than we had originally planned . Overall costs for the program remain the same , but but it's just a shift in timing of expenses between 27 and 26 due to this change in in the approach that we're taking in 2027 , we should see that cost moderating .
Brendan Foley: Overall, costs for the program remain the same, but there's just a shift in timing of expenses between 2027 and 2026 due to this change in the approach that we're taking. Into 2027, we should see that cost moderating, and then we should see further moderation down into 2028. Great. Thank you very much. Our next question is from the line of Tom Palmer with JPMorgan. Please proceed with your questions. Good morning, and thanks for the questions. I wanted to follow up on Pete's question and clarify on the unexpected inflation you noted in the fourth quarter, really with implications as we think about 2026. I think you typically carry more than a quarter's worth of inventory on your balance sheet, and you did give the guidance a month into the quarter.
Speaker #2: And then we should see further moderation down into 2028.
Speaker #5: Great. Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: Our next question is from the line of Tom Palmer with JP Morgan. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker #6: Good morning, and thanks for the questions. I wanted to follow up on Pete's question and clarify on the unexpected inflation you noted in the fourth quarter.
Speaker #6: Really, with implications as we think about '26. I think, typically, you carry more than a quarter's worth of inventory on your balance sheet, and you did give the guidance a month into the quarter.
Brendan Foley: So I'm trying to think through to what extent this added inflationary pressure that maybe had some impact in Q4 might be even more of a consideration as we start out 2026. And kind of in that context, any help on thinking through that mid-single-digit inflation and the cadence of it in the coming year? Thanks. So we answered Tom. Thanks for the question. So we answered the mid-single-digit inflation. If you think about Q4 versus the prior years, it was the highest quarter of inflation that we saw coming into our P&L. And that is a combination of tariffs, but also commodity costs more broadly. As you know, we have a broad basket of commodities. We source from 80 countries, 17,000 ingredients. We have a broad basket, and we saw inflation in the core commodity piece, but also tariffs coming in, as well as packaging.
Speaker #6: So, I'm trying to think through to what extent this added inflationary pressure that maybe had some impact in Q4 might be even more of a consideration as we start out 2026, and kind of in that context.
Speaker #6: Context, any help on thinking through that mid-single-digit inflation and the cadence of it in the coming year? Thanks.
Speaker #2: So we, thanks for the question. So we exited the year at mid-single digit inflation. If you think about Q4 versus the prior year, it was the highest quarter of inflation that we saw coming in into our personnel.
Speaker #2: And that is a combination of tariffs, but also commodity costs more broadly. As you know, we have a broad basket of commodities.
Speaker #2: We sourced from 80 countries, 17,000 ingredients. We have a broad basket. And we saw inflation in the core. You have the commodity piece, but also tariffs coming in as well as packaging.
Brendan Foley: We saw packaging as well up in Q4. So we are exiting at a high cost with a high cost base. As we go into 2026, despite the moderation of tariffs, we'll still see a mid-single-digit inflation hitting the P&L, and that's our expectations into 2026. It could improve, but if it does improve, it will be later in the year. Right now, we're estimating that it's going to continue to be at the same run rate of Q4 into 2026. Okay. Thank you for that. And then on the consumer segment, you noted the expectation for volume impact from price elasticity, but recovery subsequently. What drives the outsized price elasticity in the first quarter? And is there anything maybe related to shipment timing when we think about Q4 that relates back to that? Thank you. Sure.
Speaker #2: We saw packaging as well up in Q4. So we're exiting at a high cost, with a high cost base as we go into 2026.
Speaker #2: You know , despite the moderation of tariffs , we still see a needle mid single digit inflation hitting the hitting the PNL . And that's our expectations into 2026 .
Speaker #2: It could improve , but it does improve . It will be later in the year . we're Right now estimating that it's going to continue to be at the same run rate of of of Q4 into 2026 .
Speaker #6: Okay . Thank you for that . And then on the consumer segment , you you noted the expectation for volume impact from price elasticity , but but recovery subsequently , what drives the outsized price elasticity in the first quarter .
Speaker #6: And is there anything maybe related to shipment timing when we think about for Q that relates back to that? Thank you.
Brendan Foley: As we think about the consumer business and as we go into Q1 and then we think about the rest of the year, we do expect an impact from elasticities in the first quarter. I think one of the things that underpins that assumption is really that we have some pricing that we put in place, targeted and surgical in 2025, but we also have additional pricing to come on beginning in February, which is a reflection of this inflation that we've been referring to, as well as the, to some degree, partly offsetting tariffs. So we expect some of that elasticity impact to really hit more in Q1 overall. I wouldn't be surprised if we see volumes either flat to slightly negative in Q1 as a result of that.
Speaker #1: Sure. As we think about the consumer business and as we go into Q1, and then we think about the rest of the year, we do expect an impact from elasticities in the first quarter.
Speaker #1: And I think what one of the things that underpins that assumption is really that we have some pricing that we put in place targeted and surgical in 2025 , but we also have additional pricing to come on , you know , beginning in February , which is a reflection of this inflation that we've been referring to as well as the to some degree , you know , partly offsetting tariffs .
Speaker #1: And so we expect some of that elasticity impact to really hit, you know, more in Q1. Overall, I wouldn't be surprised if we see volumes either flat to slightly negative in Q1.
Brendan Foley: However, we do expect to sort of then improve upon that as we go throughout the rest of the year. There's a transition period that we're going through right now in Q1 where we're seeing more pricing come into the shelf just as you try to offset these costs. Then we also have other programs in order to sort of recognize the reduction in tariffs and everything else that really starts to kind of find its way to, I think, our consumption profile starting in Q2 and going through the rest of the year. Okay. Thank you for that. Sure. Our next question is from the line of Alexia Howard with Bernstein. Please proceed with your question. Thank you. Good morning, everybody. Good morning. Good morning. Can I just ask about the sort of you've talked about the confidence that you have in the long-term objectives.
Speaker #1: As a result of that . However , we do expect to sort of then improve upon that as we go throughout the rest of the year and that there's a transition period that we're going through right now in Q1 , where we're seeing more pricing come to the shelf just as as you try to offset these costs .
Speaker #1: But then we also have other programs in order to , you know , sort of recognize the reduction in tariffs and everything else that really starts to kind of , you know , find its way to I think our consumption profile , you know , starting in Q2 and going through the rest of the year .
Speaker #6: Okay. Thank you for that.
Speaker #7: Sure .
Speaker #3: Our next question is from the line of Alexia Howard with Bernstein. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker #8: Thank you . Good morning everybody . Can I just ask about the the sort of you've talked about the confidence that you have in the long term objectives on paper .
Brendan Foley: On paper, you have a number of tailwinds. You're very on trend with consumer dynamics, interest in health and wellness, and cooking from scratch, etc. The tariffs seem to be easing. Reformulation seems to be picking up. And yet, I think we're now on year five where the earnings expectations are below your long-term algorithm. So I'm just trying to sort of square that away and thinking about what you said at the Investor Day in September, I think, of 2024 about the outlook for 2028. When might we expect to get back on algorithm? And are those 2028 goals still realistic from here? And then I have a follow-up. Sure. Well, Alexia, let me address the first one then. And thank you for the question.
Speaker #8: You have a number of tailwinds that you're very on trend with—consumer dynamics, interest in health and wellness, and cooking from scratch, etc.
Speaker #8: . The tariffs seem to be easing . Reformulation seems to be picking up . And yet this seems I think we're now on year five where the earnings expectations are below your long term algorithm .
Speaker #8: So I'm just trying to sort of square that away and thinking about what you said at the Investor Day in September . I think in 2024 , about the outlook for 2028 , when might we expect to get back on algorithm and those are those 2028 goals still , still realistic from here ?
Speaker #8: And a follow up .
Speaker #7: Sure .
Speaker #1: Well , actually , let me address the first one . Then . And thank you for the question . If you if you reflect back on the targets that we shared at Investor Day , you know that reflected obviously , as we called out , then you know , our organic growth ambitions and you know , many of those targets were established before the onset of much of this uncertainty that we've been seeing from a global trade standpoint over the last , let's say , year .
Brendan Foley: If you reflect back on the targets that we shared at Investor Day, that reflected, obviously, as we called out then, our organic growth ambitions. Many of those targets were established before the onset of much of this uncertainty that we've been seeing from a global trade standpoint over the last, let's say, year. Also, it was established before acquisition of McCormick de Mexico. Given everything that's kind of continued to sort of develop since Investor Day, we are aligning our commentary to the long-term objectives, which include organic growth and also M&A. I think from a sales standpoint, we really feel pretty good about being able to hit those targets by 2028 from a top-line perspective.
Speaker #1: And also, it was established before our acquisition of McCormick de Mexico, given everything that's kind of continued to sort of develop since Investor Day.
Speaker #1: You know , we are aligning our commentary to the long term objectives , which include organic growth and also accretive M&A . And I think from a sales standpoint , we're really feel pretty good about being able to hit those targets by 2028 from a top line perspective .
Brendan Foley: But we're also working very hard right now to offset the impact of what has been substantial incremental costs coming into our P&L over the course of 2025 and also as we look ahead to 2026. And so a lot of our focus right now is on additional efforts to address these as quickly as we can. And then our plan at CAGNI is to provide more color on how we look at the entire set of targets that we laid out to make sure that we have illustrated sort of any adjustments in our pathway with regard to those targets set out at Investor Day. I just come back to, from a top-line perspective, we feel really quite good and quite confident of our ability to hit those.
Speaker #1: But we're also working right now very hard to offset the impact of what has been substantial, incremental costs coming into our P&L over the course of 2025, as we look, and also, ahead to '26.
Speaker #1: And so a lot of our focus right now is on additional efforts to address these as quickly as we can . And then our plan at Cagny is to provide more color on on how we look at the entire set of targets that we laid out to make sure that we have , you know , illustrated sort of any adjustments in our in our pathway with regard to those targets set out in Investor Day .
Speaker #1: I'd just come back to from a top line perspective , we feel really quite good and quite confident of our ability to hit those , but we got to work through right now on a short term basis , just really the amount of incremental cost activity that we're seeing in our PNL , and we have to , you know , we'll provide you more perspective on how we look at that at Cagny .
Brendan Foley: But we got to work through right now on a short-term basis, just really the amount of incremental cost activity that we're seeing in our P&L. And we have to. We'll provide you more perspective on how we look at that at CAGNY. Great. Thank you. And a quick follow-up. On the reformulation activity, you've talked, I think, for much of the last year about how that's picking up, particularly with private label and with some of your larger CPG clients. Are you still in an investment phase on that? Because obviously, you had to go through the process of actually figuring out how the reformulation will work before you really get that revenue stream in the door once the product's launched. Is that expected to sort of pick up through the course of 2026? Thank you, and I'll pass it on. Yes.
Speaker #8: Great . Thank you . Can and a quick follow up , the on the reformulation activity you've talked , I think for last much of the year about how that's picking up private , particularly with label and with some of your larger CPG clients .
Speaker #8: Are you still in an investment phase on that? Because obviously you have to go through the process of actually figuring out how the innovation will—the reformulation will—work before you really get that revenue stream in the door.
Speaker #8: Once the product's launched, is that expected to sort of pick up through the course of 2026? Thank you. And I'll pass it on.
Brendan Foley: If I think I understand the context of your question, Alexia, and let me know if I didn't get it right. It's about, from a development perspective, how are we looking at reformulation activity in 2026? But also, I think maybe your question also had to do with, if you think about the commercialization of that development, how might we think about that in 2026? So if I look at sort of both ends of that question, from a development perspective, I do expect the development activity to continue to pick up. We've definitely seen that as we went through the course, especially the back half of 2025, and we expect to see more of that come through in 2026. And it is a reasonably sort of, as we talked about before, a big tick up in our activity. And I expect that to continue to increase overall.
Speaker #1: Yes , if I if I , if I think I understand the context of your question , question , Alexia . And let me know if I didn't get it right .
Speaker #1: It's about from a development perspective , you know , how are we looking at reformulation activity in 26 . But also I think maybe your question also had to do with if you think about the commercialization of that development , you know , how might we think about that in 26 ?
Speaker #1: So if I , if I look at sort of both ends of that question , from a development perspective , I do expect the development activity to pick continue to up .
Speaker #1: We've definitely seen that as we went through the course, especially in the back half of '25, and we expect to see more of that come through in '26.
Speaker #1: And it is a reasonably, you know, sort of, as we talked about before, a big tick up in our activity.
Speaker #1: And I expect that to continue to , you know , increase overall from a commercialization perspective , sort of , i.e. when it hits the market .
Brendan Foley: From a commercialization perspective, sort of, i.e., when it hits the market, I think that's a bit more delayed. I think late 2026 is probably an early indicator when we start to expect to see that, but definitely more in 2027 would be my expectation, particularly as you think about maybe sort of large CPG customer-type activity. At the same time, there's a lot of emerging brand activity going on, and they tend to move to shelf a little bit faster. Great. Thank you very much. I'll pass it on. Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Robert Moskow with TD Cowen. Please proceed with your questions. Hi, thanks. Brendan, I think Andrew Lazar asked about the Nielsen tracking data for spice and seasonings in the US and some weakening sales growth.
Speaker #1: I think that's a bit more delayed . I think , you know , late 26 is probably an early indicator of when we start to expect to see that , but definitely more in 27 would be my expectation , particularly as you think about maybe sort of large CPG customer type activity .
Speaker #1: At the same time, there's a lot of emerging brand activity going on, and they tend to move to shelf a little bit faster.
Speaker #8: Great. Thank you very much. I'll pass it on.
Speaker #3: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Robert Moskow with TD Cowen. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker #9: Thanks . Hi . Brendan . I think Andrew Lazar asked about the Nielsen tracking data for spice and seasonings in the US and some weakening sales growth , share , growth , share shares are down both in our data , both in terms of volume and value .
Brendan Foley: Shares are down in our data, both in terms of volume and value, in the last 12 weeks. I was hoping you could be a little more specific as to whether that reflects what you're seeing or not, and whether there's any implications as to what the sell-through was from your holiday shipments in fourth quarter. Thanks. Sure. Well, there's a number of different variables in your question, so I'm going to try and make sure I address them all, Rob. First of all, I'm going to maybe hit the last point first, which is, if I think about overall our inventory in the channel, meaning the comparison between our sales and our consumption in the fourth quarter, it is exactly it's really where we thought we think it should be.
Speaker #9: In the last 12 weeks, and I was hoping you could be a little more specific as to whether that reflects what you're seeing or not, and whether there's any implications as to what the sell-through was from your holiday shipments in the fourth quarter.
Speaker #9: Thanks .
Speaker #1: Sure . We we had a well , there's a number of different variables in your question . So I'm going to try and make sure I address them all .
Speaker #1: Rob , first of all , I'm going to maybe hit the last point first , which is if I think about overall our inventory in the channel , meaning the comparison between our sales and our consumption in the fourth quarter , it is It's exactly .
Brendan Foley: And we don't see any anomalies at this point that would make us think that we have to speak to any differences that are unusual as we think about sort of the seasonality of our business. So that component feels very much in line overall. When I think about just overall performance of the fourth quarter, we saw really very good holiday performance, especially when you look at our business in the Americas. Specifically, we certainly delivered very much on what we expect would happen, both from a price and a volume standpoint from the sales perspective. But as we think about consumption, we believe that we had reasonably good consumption performance.
Speaker #1: really where we thought . We think it should be . And and we don't see any anomalies at this point that would make us think that we have to speak to any differences that are unusual .
Speaker #1: As we think about sort of the seasonality of our business . So that that component feels very much in line overall . When I think about just overall performance of the fourth quarter , we saw really holiday performance , especially when you look at our business in the Americas , you know , specifically , you know , we were certainly , you know , delivered very much on what we expect would happen both from a price and a volume standpoint , from a sales perspective .
Speaker #1: But as you think about consumption , we believe that we had reasonably good consumption performance . I will say that there was a period there .
Brendan Foley: I will say that there was a period there, so many things happen and change, obviously, in the news, but there was a period there where we saw broadly in the market a bit of a slowdown for probably a couple of weeks related to sort of the news regarding SNAP funding, etc. And there was a little bit of a contraction period that we saw there broadly in grocery in terms of total results. And so a little bit of a dip. But then things really started to come back as we got closer to the holiday season, and we saw consumers really kind of purchase more closely to the holiday, which is reflective of sort of that budget sort of control behavior or that value-seeking behavior. And so we saw certainly that type of profile, if you will, in the holiday consumption, etc.
Speaker #1: So many things happened in change, obviously in the news, but there was a period there where we saw broadly in the market, a bit of a—probably a slowdown for a couple of weeks.
Speaker #1: Related to sort of the news regarding , you know , snap , you know , funding , etc. . And there was a little bit of a contraction period that we saw there broadly in grocery in terms of total results .
Speaker #1: And so a little bit of a dip . But then things started to come back as we got closer to the holiday season , and we saw consumers really kind of purchase more closely to the holiday , which is reflective of sort of that , that budget sort of control behavior or that value seeking behavior .
Speaker #1: And so we saw certainly that type of of . You know , profile , if you will , in holiday consumption , etc. , as we go into Q1 , you know , we still have to wait and see what that post-holiday consumption looks like in terms of do consumers kind of maintain that level or do they moderate a little a little bit after broadly what was a successful holiday season ?
Brendan Foley: As we go into Q1, we still have to wait and see what that post-holiday consumption looks like in terms of, do consumers kind of maintain that level, or do they moderate a little bit after broadly what was a successful holiday season? But also keep in mind that we expect some price elasticity impact in there too, as we talked about. And we certainly see that coming through a little bit. The price elasticities are operating as expected. So that is nothing that has, at this point in time, left us to think that we didn't really have a good handle on what that might be.
Speaker #1: But also keep in mind that we expect some price elasticity impact in there too, as we've talked about, and we certainly see that coming through a little bit.
Speaker #1: The price elasticities are operating expected as . that is So nothing has at this point in time , let you know . Leave us to think that we didn't really have a good handle on what that might be .
Brendan Foley: As we go through Q1, as I mentioned on a previous question, we expect maybe a little bit more variability in terms of price elasticity impact because there is a little bit more pricing coming to shelf as we offset these costs that we're talking about. We are taking a very targeted surgical approach in our pricing. I mentioned a lot of things there, but I think I'm trying to get at the spirit of your question. Let me know if I did not. I think that's fine. All right. Thank you, Brendan. Our next question is from the line of Max Gumport with BNP Paribas. Please proceed with your questions. Hey. Thanks for the question. First, just a housekeeping one on tariffs. So you said gross annualized tariff exposure has fallen from $140 million as of last quarter to $70 million today.
Speaker #1: And as we go through Q1 , as I mentioned on a previous question , you know , we expect maybe a little bit more variability in terms of price elasticity impact because there is a little bit more pricing coming to shelf as we offset these costs that we're talking about .
Speaker #1: And we are taking a very targeted surgical approach . You know , in our pricing . I mentioned a lot of things there , but I think I'm trying to get at the spirit of your question .
Speaker #1: Let me know if I did not .
Speaker #9: I think that's fine. All right. Thank you, Brendan.
Speaker #3: Our next question is from the line of Max Gumpert with BNP Paribas . Please proceed with your questions .
Speaker #10: Hey , thanks for the question . First , just a housekeeping one on tariffs . So you gross annualized tariff exposure has fallen from 140 million as of last quarter to $70 million today .
Brendan Foley: You also said you expect to book $50 million of incremental tariffs in FY 2026. So my simple reading would suggest that this means you expect to book $70 million in 2026, and that this would imply you only booked $20 million of gross tariffs in 2025. However, I know last quarter you said you expected to book $70 million of gross tariffs in 2025. And it sounds like, if anything, it came in higher than that number. So I was hoping you could just give us a bit of clarity. Tell us, what was the final gross and net tariff number that you booked in FY 2025? Yeah. Sure, Max. I appreciate this can create a bit of confusion giving me so many numbers from last year into 2026. So let me try to clarify that.
Speaker #10: You also said you expect to book $50 million of incremental tariffs in FY 26 . So my simple reading would suggest that this means you expect to book $70 million of FX , and this would imply you only booked $20 million of gross tariffs in 25 .
Speaker #10: However, I know last quarter you said you expected to book $70 million of gross tariffs in '25, and it sounds like, if anything, it came in higher than that number.
Speaker #10: So, I was hoping you could just give us a bit of clarity. Tell us, what was the final gross and net tariff number that you booked in FY25?
Speaker #2: Yeah , Max , I sure . appreciate this . Can create a bit of confusion . Give me so many numbers from last year into 2026 .
Speaker #2: So let me let me try to clarify that . So in 2025 first starting with our last call was a gross impact of $70 million .
Brendan Foley: So in 2025, first, starting with our last call, was a gross impact of $70 million, and we mitigated $50 million out of the 70 last year to a net impact of $20 million in 2025. Going into 2026, the annualized number now is $70 million, coincidentally the same. As we have already absorbed $20 million in the base, the incremental gross year-on-year impact is $50 million. So that's our call, the $50 million. And if you look on slide 19, that is the 5% of incremental tariff impact that we're seeing now, 2026 versus 2025. And we plan to offset most of it as we go into 2026 with the same strategy that we had before: supply chain savings, procurement initiatives, as well as some surgical pricing that will take place next year. Okay. And also, looking on that slide that you're referencing, that you're offsetting all the tariffs.
Speaker #2: And we mitigated $50 million out of the 70 last year to a net impact of $20 million in 2025 . Going into 2026 , the annualized number now is $70 million .
Speaker #2: Coincidentally , the same as we have already absorbed $20 million in the base . The incremental growth year on year impact is $50 million .
Speaker #2: So that's our call . The $50 million . And if you look on slide 19 , that is the 5% of of incremental tariff impact that that we're seeing now , 26 versus 25 .
Speaker #2: And we plan to offset most of it as we go into 2026 with the same strategy that we had before: supply chain savings, procurement initiatives, as well as some surgical pricing that will take place next year.
Speaker #10: Okay . Also on that slide that you're referencing , that you're offsetting all the tariffs . So the net impact was 20,000,025 . It looked like the net impact was going to .
Brendan Foley: So if the net impact was $20 million in 2025, it looks like the net impact was going to zero in year-over-year terms in 2026. Is that fair? Yeah. That's fair. Okay. And then just actually one other housekeeping one, just with regard to your response to Andrew on cadence for EPS for that year. It sounded like you were saying EPS cadence will follow operating profit cadence. And then I thought you said that operating profit starts off slightly below the guidance in Q1 because you don't have a full quarter of Mexico, which makes sense. Then it also sounded like you said that Q1 EPS is at the mid to high end of the guidance range. So if that's true, why is that?
Speaker #10: Zero in year over year terms in 26 . Is that fair .
Speaker #2: Yeah that's fair okay .
Speaker #10: And then just actually one other housekeeping one, just with regard to your response to Andrew on cadence for EPs throughout the year, it sounded like you were saying EPs.
Speaker #10: Cadence will follow operating profit , cadence and I thought you said that operating profit starts off slightly below the guidance in one Q because you don't have a full quarter of Mexico , which makes sense .
Speaker #10: Then that also sounded like you said that one Q EPs is that the mid to high end of the guidance So range ? if that's why is true , that ?
Brendan Foley: And then I think you said it even built further from there, which might be towards the high end of guidance for the full year. So I'm assuming I misheard you that Q1 EPS is at the mid to high end of guidance, and maybe it's below to mid end, but just hoping for more clarity there. Thanks very much. So yeah, so it's a little bit of between OP and NEPS. So OP will be soft because of the McCormick de Mexico not being included fully in the base. However, EPS will be at the mid to high in Q1, and then it will normalize towards the range throughout the year, as we said. So it's a Q1, a bit of a different equation between OP and EPS, but then it gets more aligned to the OP flow between Q2 and Q4. Okay. Thanks very much.
Speaker #10: And then I think you said it even further from there, which you'd be towards the high end of guidance for the full year.
Speaker #10: So I'm assuming I misheard you that one . Is at the mid to high end of guidance . And maybe it's the low to mid end , but just hoping for more clarity .
Speaker #10: There. Thanks very much.
Speaker #2: So it's a yeah . So little bit of between OP and EPs . So OP OP for be soft because of the Max McCormick .
Speaker #2: The Mexico not being included fully in the base . However EPs will be at the mid to high in Q1 and then it will normalize towards the range throughout the .
Speaker #2: year As we said . So it's a key , a bit of a different equation between OP and EPs . But then it gets more aligned to the OP flow between Q2 and Q4 .
Speaker #10: Okay . Thanks very much .
Brendan Foley: Thank you. Our final question is from the line of Scott Marks with Jefferies. Please proceed with your questions. Hey, good morning, Will. Thanks so much for taking our questions. Sure. Wanted to just ask a little bit, just if we kind of take a step back and look around the world. I know you've made comments about some different regions today. Just wondering if you can share maybe a little bit more detail in terms of how you're thinking about different parts of the world, what is encouraging to you right now, where do you see some challenges maybe, and just any thoughts you have on kind of growth profiles in '26 in some of the different regions. Thanks. Certainly.
Speaker #3: Thank you . Our final question is from the line of Scott Marx with Jefferies . Please assist you with your questions .
Speaker #11: Hey , good morning all . Thanks so much for taking our questions . I to just little ask a bit , just if we kind of take a step back look around the world , I know you've made comments about some different regions Just today .
Speaker #11: Can wondering if you share maybe a bit more, a little detail, in terms of how you're thinking about different parts of the world? What is encouraging to you right now?
Speaker #11: Where do you see some challenges ? Maybe , and just , you know , any thoughts you have on kind of growth profiles in 26 ?
Speaker #11: In some of the different regions ? Thanks .
Brendan Foley: And what I might do is not speak to the Americas first because it feels like we sort of tended to focus a little bit more on that and some of the questions that we got. I'll start with Asia Pacific. In fact, Marcos and I were just in China two weeks ago. So we've been in the region, and we'll go back out to the region here in a couple of weeks. And my outlook on Asia overall is I'll focus a little bit more on China and then the rest of that region. When we look at 2025, we got that gradual growth that we were projecting that we would get. And so we feel pretty good about sort of performance broadly in China. And we still see continued gradual improvement in that marketplace as we look at 2026.
Speaker #1: Certainly . And you know , what I might do is , is not speak to the Americas first because it feels like we sort of tended to focus a little bit more on that .
Speaker #1: And some of the questions that we got , I'll start with Asia Pacific . And in fact , Marcus and I were just in China two weeks ago .
Speaker #1: So we've been in the region and we'll go back out to the region here in a couple of weeks . And , you know , my outlook on Asia overall is I'll focus a little bit more on China .
Speaker #1: And then the rest of the that region , we you know , when we look at 25 , we got that gradual growth and that we were , you know , out projecting that we would get .
Speaker #1: feel pretty And so we good about sort of the broadly in performance China . And we still see continued gradual improvement in that marketplace as we look at 2026 , the parts of our business that are performing , they're are well broadly , you know , you feel continue throughout the year .
Brendan Foley: The parts of our business that are performing well there are, broadly we feel, going to continue throughout the year. We see strength in our retail grocery business there, certainly good trends driven by increased distribution and stronger marketing across that business. We also see strength in the business that we have in the middle of China, which really focuses a lot on more Chinese cuisine in terms of food service, and catering, and a little bit on retail shelves. That business has been strengthening as we take a look at going from 2024 to 2025 and then 2025 to 2026. Our QSR business there is also doing really well. We see just a lot of strong consumption happening in that channel. The only part of that business that's been soft is really our food service business, which tends to serve the higher-end restaurants, more Western cuisine.
Speaker #1: We see strength in our retail grocery business. There, you know, certainly good trends driven by increased distribution and stronger marketing across that business.
Speaker #1: We also see strength in the business that we have in the middle of China , which really focuses a lot on more Chinese cuisine in terms of food service and catering and a little bit on retail shelves .
Speaker #1: And that business has been . Strengthening as we take a look at going from a 24 to 25 and then 25 to 26 , and our QSR business , there is also doing really well and we see just a lot of strong consumption happening in that channel .
Speaker #1: The only part of that business that's been soft is really our food business , which tends to serve the restaurants higher end , more Western cuisine , and that's been soft just due to a lot of , you know , different conditions in that marketplace .
Brendan Foley: That's been soft just due to a lot of different conditions in that marketplace. But overall, we expect China to be doing reasonably well in terms of slight gradual growth again in 2026. And in the rest of that region, we continue to see pretty good growth in Australia and in Southeast Asia. And we're still going to continue to build our plan for India, as we've talked about before. If I look to EMEA, we continue to see, like the US and the Americas, continue to strengthen our consumer business. It'll be volume growth with some pricing, and that's consistent with what we saw in 2025. And obviously led by continued sort of all the things that we talk about: stronger brand marketing, increased distribution.
Speaker #1: But overall , expect we China to be doing , you know , reasonably well in terms of slight gradual growth . Again in 2026 .
Speaker #1: And in the rest of that region , we continue to see , you know , pretty good growth Australia and in in Southeast Asia .
Speaker #1: And we're still continuing to build our plan for India . As we've talked about before , if I look to EMEA , we continue to see like the US and the Americas , continued strength in our consumer business .
Speaker #1: It will be volume growth with some pricing , and that's consistent with what we saw in 2025 . And obviously led by continued sort of , you know , all the things that we talk about stronger brand marketing increased distribution and also , you know , even in those high growth channels like e-commerce , we see a lot of a lot of growth there right now overall in the consumer business .
Brendan Foley: Also, even in those high-growth channels like e-commerce, we see a lot of growth there right now overall in the EMEA consumer business. When I look at flavor solutions there, I do feel like we're going to have a stronger year than we did in 2025 because we just feel like the stabilization of that QSR marketplace starts to really show a little bit more improvement. I'm not counting on a lot, but I am counting on it being better than 2025. That gives us some optimism in terms of that part of our segment in EMEA. Then coming back to the Americas, I just feel, again, a reasonable amount of optimism, as you see in our guidance for sales, both in the consumer business and also flavor solutions for the reasons that I mentioned on an earlier question.
Speaker #1: When I look at Flavor Solutions, there, I do—we feel like we're having a stronger year going than we did in 2025, because we just feel like the stabilization of that QSR marketplace starts to really show a little bit more improvement.
Speaker #1: I'm not counting a lot , am counting but I on it being better than 2025 , and that gives us some optimism in terms of that part of our of our our that segment in EMEA .
Speaker #1: And then coming back to the Americas just feel again , you know , a reasonable amount of optimism , as you see in our guidance for sales , both on the consumer business and also flavor solutions , for the reasons that I an mentioned on earlier question , I just don't want to repeat all that .
Brendan Foley: I just don't want to repeat all that, obviously, because it would be redundant. But we feel some really strength there. And lastly, I'll wrap it up with Latin America and obviously the McCormick de Mexico business. And we anticipate having a good year there too, largely being driven by, obviously, that being the consumer segment. Got it. Appreciate it. We'll pass it on. Thanks very much. Thank you. I have no further questions at this time. I'd like to turn the floor back over to Management for closing comments. Thank you. And thanks, everyone, for joining today's call. If you have any further questions on today's information, please feel free to contact me. And this concludes this morning's conference call. Thank you.
Speaker #1: Obviously , because it would be redundant . But we we feel some really strength there . And , you lastly , I'll wrap it up with Latin America and you know , obviously our the New Mexico business and we anticipate having a good year there too largely being driven by obviously that being the consumer segment .
Speaker #11: Got it . Appreciate it . we'll pass Well it on . Thanks very much .
Speaker #3: Thank you . No further questions at this time . I'd like to turn the floor back over to management for closing comments .
Speaker #12: Thank you, and thanks everyone for joining today's call. If you have any further questions on today's information, please feel free to contact me.
