MCCORMICK & CO INC
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
McCormick is a global leader in flavor. The company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry-retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We also are partners in a number of joint ventures that are involved in the manufacture and sale of flavorful products, the most significant of which is McCormick de Mexico. Our major sales, distribution and production facilities are located in North America, Europe and China. Additional facilities are based in Australia, Mexico, India, Singapore, Central America, Thailand and South Africa. McCormick & Company, Incorporated was formed in 1915 under Maryland law as the successor to a business established in 1889.
Business Segments
We operate in two business segments, consumer and industrial. Demand for flavor is growing globally, and across both segments we have the customer base and product breadth to participate in all types of eating occasions. Our products deliver flavor when cooking at home, dining out, purchasing a quick service meal or enjoying a snack. We offer our customers and consumers a range of products to meet the increasing demand for certain product attributes such as organic, reduced sodium, gluten-free and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and that extend from premium to value-priced.
Consistent with market conditions in each segment, our consumer segment has a higher overall profit margin than our industrial segment. The consumer segment contributes approximately 60% of sales and 75% of operating income, and the industrial segment contributes approximately 40% of sales and 25% of operating income.
For financial information about our business segments, please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis-Results of Operations” and note 16 of the financial statements.
For a discussion of our recent acquisition activity, please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis-Acquisitions” and note 2 of the financial statements.
Consumer Segment. From locations around the world, our brands reach consumers in approximately 150 countries and territories. Our leading brands in the Americas include McCormick®, Lawry’s® and Club House®, as well as niche brands such as Gourmet Garden® and OLD BAY®. We also market authentic regional and ethnic brands such as Zatarain’s®, Stubb's®, Thai Kitchen® and Simply Asia®. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) our major brands include the Ducros®, Schwartz®, Kamis® and Drogheria & Alimentari® brands of spices, herbs and seasonings and an extensive line of Vahiné® brand dessert items. In the Asia/Pacific region, we market our products under the following brands. In China, we market our products under the McCormick and DaQiao® brands. In Australia, we market our spices and seasonings under the McCormick brand, our dessert products under the Aeroplane® brand, and packaged chilled herbs under the Gourmet Garden brand. In India, our majority-owned joint venture trades under the Kohinoor® brand.
Our customers span a variety of retailers that include grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores, and e-commerce retailers served directly and indirectly through distributors or wholesalers. In addition to marketing our branded products to these customers, we are also a leading supplier of private label items, also known as store brands.
Approximately half of our consumer segment sales are spices, herbs and seasonings. For these products, we are a category leader in our primary markets. There are numerous competitive brands of spices, herbs and seasonings in the U.S. and additional brands in international markets. Some are owned by large food manufacturers, while others are supplied by small privately owned companies. In this competitive environment, we are leading with innovation and brand marketing, and applying our analytical tools to help customers optimize the profitability of their spice and seasoning sales while simultaneously working to increase our sales and profit.
Industrial Segment. In our industrial segment, we provide a wide range of products to multinational food manufacturers and foodservice customers. The foodservice customers are supplied with branded, packaged products both directly and indirectly through distributors. We supply food manufacturers and foodservice customers with customized flavor solutions, and many of these customer relationships have been active for decades. Our
range of flavor solutions remains one of the broadest in the industry and includes seasoning blends, spices and herbs, condiments, coating systems and compound flavors. In addition to a broad range of flavor solutions, our long-standing customer relationships are evidence of our effectiveness in building customer intimacy. Our customers benefit from our expertise in many areas, including sensory testing, culinary research, food safety and flavor application.
Our industrial segment has a number of competitors. Some tend to specialize in a particular range of products and have a limited geographic reach. Other competitors include larger publicly held flavor companies that are more global in nature, but which also tend to specialize in a narrower range of flavor solutions than McCormick.
Raw Materials
The most significant raw materials used in our business are pepper, dairy products, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), garlic, onion, rice, wheat flour and vanilla. Pepper and other spices and herbs are generally sourced from countries other than the United States. Other raw materials, like dairy products and onion, are primarily sourced from within the U.S. and locally, for many of our international locations. Because the raw materials are agricultural products, they are subject to fluctuations in market price and availability caused by weather, growing and harvesting conditions, market conditions, and other factors beyond our control.
We respond to this volatility in a number of ways, including strategic raw material purchases, purchases of raw material for future delivery, customer price adjustments and cost savings from our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program.
Customers
Our products are sold directly to customers and also through brokers, wholesalers and distributors. In the consumer segment, products are then sold to consumers under a number of brands through a variety of retail channels, including grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores, and e-commerce. In the industrial segment, products are used by food and beverage manufacturers as ingredients for their finished goods and by foodservice customers as ingredients for menu items to enhance the flavor of their foods. Customers for the industrial segment include food manufacturers and the foodservice industry supplied both directly and indirectly through distributors.
We have a large number of customers for our products. Sales to one of our consumer segment customers, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., accounted for 11% of consolidated sales in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Sales to one of our industrial segment customers, PepsiCo, Inc., accounted for 11% of consolidated sales in 2016, 2015 and 2014. In 2016, 2015 and 2014 the top three customers in our industrial segment represented between 53% and 54% of our global industrial sales.
The dollar amount of backlog orders for our business is not material to an understanding of our business, taken as a whole. No material portion of our business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of the U.S. government.
Trademarks, Licenses and Patents
We own a number of trademark registrations. Although in the aggregate these trademarks are material to our business, the loss of any one of those trademarks, with the exception of our “McCormick,” “Lawry’s,” “Zatarain’s,” “Stubb's,” “Club House,” “Ducros,” “Schwartz,” “Vahiné,” "OLD BAY," "Simply Asia," "Thai Kitchen," "Kitchen Basics," “Kamis,” “Drogheria & Alimentari,” "DaQiao," “Kohinoor” and "Gourmet Garden" trademarks, would not have a material adverse effect on our business. The “Mc - McCormick” trademark is extensively used by us in connection with the sale of our food products in the U.S. and certain non-U.S. markets. The terms of the trademark registrations are as prescribed by law, and the registrations will be renewed for as long as we deem them to be useful.
We have entered into a number of license agreements authorizing the use of our trademarks by affiliated and non-affiliated entities. The loss of these license agreements would not have a material adverse effect on our business. The term of the license agreements is generally three to five years or until such time as either party terminates the agreement. Those agreements with specific terms are renewable upon agreement of the parties.
We also own various patents, none of which are individually material to our business.
Seasonality
Due to seasonal factors inherent in our business, our sales, income and cash from operations generally are lower in the first two quarters of the fiscal year, increase in the third quarter and are significantly higher in the fourth quarter
due to the holiday season. This seasonality reflects customer and consumer buying patterns, primarily in the consumer segment.
Working Capital
In order to meet increased demand for our consumer products during our fourth quarter, we usually build our inventories during the third quarter of the fiscal year. We generally finance working capital items (inventory and receivables) through short-term borrowings, which include the use of lines of credit and the issuance of commercial paper. For a description of our liquidity and capital resources, see note 6 of the financial statements and the “Liquidity and Financial Condition” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis.”
Competition
Each segment operates in markets around the world that are highly competitive. In this competitive environment, our growth strategies include customer intimacy and product innovation based on consumer insights. Additionally, in the consumer segment, we are building brand recognition and loyalty through increased advertising and promotions.
Research and Development
Many of our products are prepared from confidential formulas developed by our research laboratories and product development teams, and, in some cases, from proprietary customer formulas. Expenditures for research and development were $61.0 million in 2016, $60.8 million in 2015, and $62.0 million in 2014. The amount spent on customer-sponsored research activities is not material.
Governmental Regulation
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations around the world that apply to our global businesses. In the United States, the safety, production, transportation, distribution, advertising, labeling and sale of many of our products and their ingredients are subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Food Safety Modernization Act; the Federal Trade Commission Act; state consumer protection laws; competition laws, anti-corruption laws, customs and trade laws; federal, state and local workplace health and safety laws; various federal, state and local environmental protection laws; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations. Outside the United States, our business is subject to numerous similar statutes, laws and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Regulations
The cost of compliance with federal, state and local provisions related to protection of the environment has had no material effect on our business. There were no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities in fiscal year 2016, and there are no material expenditures planned for such purposes in fiscal year 2017.
Employees
We had approximately 10,500 full-time employees worldwide as of November 30, 2016. Our operations have not been affected significantly by work stoppages and, in the opinion of management, employee relations are good. We have no collective bargaining contracts in the United States. At our foreign subsidiaries, approximately 2,800 employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or similar arrangements.
Financial Information about Geographic Locations
For information on the net sales and long-lived assets of McCormick by geographic area, see note 16 of the financial statements.
Foreign Operations
We are subject in varying degrees to certain risks typically associated with a global business, such as local economic and market conditions, exchange rate fluctuations, and restrictions on investments, royalties and dividends. In fiscal year 2016, 42% of sales were from non-U.S. operations. For information on how we manage some of these risks, see the “Market Risk Sensitivity” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis.”
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this report, including statements concerning expected performance such as those relating to net sales, earnings, cost savings, acquisitions and brand marketing support, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” "should," "anticipate," "intend," “believe” and “plan.” These statements may relate to: the expected results of operations of businesses acquired by us, the expected impact of raw material costs and our pricing actions on our results of operations and gross margins, the expected productivity and working capital improvements, expected trends in net sales and earnings performance and other
financial measures, the expectations of pension and postretirement plan contributions, the holding period and market risks associated with financial instruments, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, the adequacy of internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity, such as the availability of bank financing, our ability to issue additional debt or equity securities and our expectations regarding purchasing shares of our common stock under the existing repurchase authorization.
These and other forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Results may be materially affected by factors such as: damage to our reputation or brand name; loss of brand relevance; increased use of private label or other competitive products; product quality, labeling, or safety concerns; negative publicity about our products; business interruptions due to natural disasters or unexpected events; actions by, and the financial condition of, competitors and customers; our inability to achieve expected and/or needed cost savings or margin improvements; negative employee relations; the lack of successful acquisition and integration of new businesses; issues affecting our supply chain and raw materials, including fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw and packaging materials; government regulation, and changes in legal and regulatory requirements and enforcement practices; global economic and financial conditions generally, including the availability of financing, and interest and inflation rates; the investment return on retirement plan assets, and the costs associated with pension obligations; foreign currency fluctuations; the stability of credit and capital markets; risks associated with our information technology systems, including the threat of data breaches and cyber attacks; fundamental changes in tax laws; volatility in our effective tax rate; climate change; infringement of our intellectual property rights, and those of customers; litigation, legal and administrative proceedings; and other risks described herein under Part I,
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Before you buy our Common Stock or Common Stock Non-Voting, you should know that making such an investment involves risks, including the risks described below. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or are currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations in the future. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Damage to our reputation or brand name, loss of brand relevance, increase in use of private label or other competitive brands by customers or consumers, or product quality or safety concerns could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have many iconic brands with long-standing consumer recognition. Our success depends on our ability to maintain our brand image for our existing products, extend our brands to new platforms, and expand our brand image with new product offerings.
We continually make efforts to maintain and improve relationships with our customers and consumers and to
increase awareness and relevance of our brands through effective marketing and other measures. From time to time, our customers evaluate their mix of product offerings, and consumers have the option to purchase private label or other competitive products instead of our branded products. If a significant portion of our branded business was switched to private label or competitive products, it could have a material negative impact on our consumer segment.
Our reputation for manufacturing high-quality products is widely recognized. In order to safeguard that reputation, we have adopted rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures which are designed to ensure the safety of our products. A serious breach of our quality assurance or quality control procedures, deterioration of our quality image, impairment of our customer or consumer relationships or failure to adequately protect the relevance of our brands may lead to litigation, customers purchasing from our competitors or consumers purchasing other brands or private label items that may or may not be manufactured by us, any of which could have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The food industry generally is subject to risks posed by food spoilage and contamination, product tampering, product recall, import alerts and consumer product liability claims. For instance, we may be required to recall certain of our products should they be mislabeled, contaminated or damaged, and certain of our raw materials could be blocked from entering the country if they were subject to import alerts. We also may become involved in lawsuits and legal proceedings if it is alleged that the consumption of any of our products could cause injury or illness, or that any of our products are mislabeled or fail to meet applicable legal requirements (even if the allegation is untrue). A product recall, import alert or an adverse result in any such litigation, or negative perceptions regarding food products and ingredients, could result in our having to pay fines or damages, incur additional costs or cause customers and consumers in our principal markets to lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain products or ingredients, any of which could have a negative effect on our business or financial results and, depending upon the significance of the affected product, that negative effect could be material to our business or financial results. Negative publicity about these concerns, whether or not valid, may discourage customers and consumers from buying our products or cause disruptions in production or distribution of our products and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The rising popularity of social networking and other consumer-oriented technologies has increased the speed and accessibility of information dissemination (whether or not accurate), and, as a result, negative, inaccurate, or misleading posts or comments on websites may generate adverse publicity that could damage our reputation or brands.
Customer consolidation, and competitive, economic and other pressures facing our customers, may put pressure on our operating margins and profitability.
A number of our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs and food distributors, have consolidated in recent years and consolidation could continue. Such consolidation could present a challenge to margin growth and profitability in that it has produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories; resisting price increases; demanding lower pricing, increased promotional programs and specifically tailored products; and shifting shelf space currently used for our products to private label and other competitive products. The economic and competitive landscape for our customers is constantly changing, such as the emergence of new sales channels like e-commerce, and our customers' responses to those changes could impact our business. Our industrial segment may be impacted if the reputation or perception of the customers of our industrial segment declines. These factors and others could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The inability to maintain mutually beneficial relationships with large customers could adversely affect our business.
We have a number of major customers, including two large customers that, in the aggregate, constituted approximately 22% of our consolidated sales in 2016. The loss of either of these large customers or a material negative change in our relationship with these large customers or other major customers could have an adverse effect on our business.
Disruption of our supply chain and issues regarding procurement of raw materials may negatively impact us.
Our purchases of raw materials are subject to fluctuations in market price and availability caused by weather, growing and harvesting conditions, market conditions, governmental actions and other factors beyond our control. The most significant raw materials used by us in our business are pepper, dairy products, capsicums (red peppers
and paprika), garlic, onion, rice, wheat flour and vanilla. While future price movements of raw material costs are uncertain, we seek to mitigate the market price risk in a number of ways, including strategic raw material purchases, purchases of raw material for future delivery, customer price adjustments and cost savings from our CCI program. We generally have not used derivatives to manage the volatility related to this risk. To the extent that we have used derivatives for this purpose, it has not been material to our business. Any actions we take in response to market price fluctuations may not effectively limit or eliminate our exposure to changes in raw material prices. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that future raw material price fluctuations will not have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or operating results.
In addition, we may have very little opportunity to mitigate the risk of availability of certain raw materials due to the effect of weather on crop yield, government actions, political unrest in producing countries, action or inaction by suppliers in response to laws and regulations, changes in agricultural programs and other factors beyond our control. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that future raw material availability will not have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or operating results.
Political, socio-economic and cultural conditions, as well as disruptions caused by terrorist activities or otherwise, could also create additional risks for regulatory compliance. Although we have adopted rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures which are designed to ensure the safety of our imported products, we cannot provide assurance that such events will not have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or operating results.
Our profitability may suffer as a result of competition in our markets.
The food industry is intensely competitive. Competition in our product categories is based on price, product innovation, product quality, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of marketing and promotional activity, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. From time to time, we may need to reduce the prices for some of our products to respond to competitive and customer pressures, which may adversely affect our profitability. Such pressures could reduce our ability to take appropriate remedial action to address commodity and other cost increases.
Laws and regulations could adversely affect our business.
Food products are extensively regulated in most of the countries in which we sell our products. We are subject to numerous laws and regulations relating to the growing, sourcing, manufacturing, storage, labeling, marketing, advertising and distribution of food products, as well as laws and regulations relating to financial reporting requirements, the environment, competition, anti-corruption, privacy, relations with distributors and retailers, foreign supplier verification, the import and export of products and product ingredients, employment, health and safety, and trade practices. Enforcement of existing laws and regulations, changes in legal requirements, and/or evolving interpretations of existing regulatory requirements may result in increased compliance costs and create other obligations, financial or otherwise, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Increased regulatory scrutiny of, and increased litigation involving, product claims and concerns regarding the attributes of food products and ingredients may increase compliance costs and create other obligations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Governments may also impose requirements and restrictions that impact our business, such as labeling disclosures pertaining to ingredients. For example, "Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986," in California exposes all food companies to the possibility of having to provide warnings on their products in that state. If we were required to add warning labels to any of our products or place warnings in locations where our products are sold in order to comply with Proposition 65, the sales of those products and other products of our company could suffer, not only in those locations but elsewhere. These factors and others could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our operations may be impaired as a result of disasters, business interruptions or similar events.
We could have an interruption in our business, loss of inventory or data, or be rendered unable to accept and fulfill customer orders as a result of a natural disaster, catastrophic event, epidemic or computer system failure. Natural disasters could include an earthquake, fire, flood, tornado or severe storm. A catastrophic event could include a terrorist attack. An epidemic could affect our operations, major facilities or employees’ and consumers’ health. In addition, some of our inventory and production facilities are located in areas that are susceptible to harsh weather; a major storm, heavy snowfall or other similar event could prevent us from delivering products in a timely manner. Production of certain of our products is concentrated in a single manufacturing site.
We cannot provide assurance that our disaster recovery plan will address all of the issues we may encounter in the event of a disaster or other unanticipated issue, and our business interruption insurance may not adequately
compensate us for losses that may occur from any of the foregoing. In the event that a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other catastrophic event were to destroy any part of our facilities or interrupt our operations for any extended period of time, or if harsh weather or health conditions prevent us from delivering products in a timely manner, our business, financial condition or operating results could be adversely affected.
We may not be able to successfully consummate and manage ongoing acquisition, joint venture and divestiture activities which could have an impact on our results.
From time to time, we may acquire other businesses and, based on an evaluation of our business portfolio, divest existing businesses. These acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures may present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including diversion of management attention from existing businesses, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and financial and other systems, increased expenses and raw material costs, assumption of unknown liabilities and indemnities, and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers. In addition, we may be required to incur asset impairment charges (including charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets) in connection with acquired businesses which may reduce our profitability. If we are unable to consummate such transactions, or successfully integrate and grow acquisitions and achieve contemplated revenue synergies and cost savings, our financial results could be adversely affected. Additionally, joint ventures inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, thereby potentially increasing the financial, legal, operational, and/or compliance risks.
Our foreign and cross-border operations are subject to additional risks.
We operate our business and market our products internationally. In fiscal year 2016, 42% of our sales were generated in foreign countries. Our foreign operations are subject to additional risks, including fluctuations in currency values, foreign currency exchange controls, discriminatory fiscal policies, compliance with U.S. and foreign laws, enforcement of remedies in foreign jurisdictions and other economic or political uncertainties. Several countries within the European Union continue to experience sovereign debt and credit issues which causes more volatility in the economic environment throughout the European Union and the United Kingdom (U.K.). Additionally, international sales, together with finished goods and raw materials imported into the U.S., are subject to risks related to fundamental changes to tax laws as well as the imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other similar restrictions. All of these risks could result in increased costs or decreased revenues, which could adversely affect our profitability.
Fluctuations in foreign currency markets may negatively impact us.
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency in the following main areas: cash flows related to raw material purchases; the translation of foreign currency earnings to U.S. dollars; the effects of foreign currency on loans between subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates and on cash flows related to repatriation of earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Primary exposures include the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Polish zloty, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Indian rupee and Thai baht, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar and Swiss franc. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate managing certain of these foreign currency risks. However, these contracts may not effectively limit or eliminate our exposure to a decline in operating results due to foreign currency exchange changes. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that future exchange rate fluctuations will not have a negative impact on our business, financial position or operating results.
The decision by British voters to exit the European Union may negatively impact our operations.
The June 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union (“Brexit”) adversely impacted global markets and resulted in a sharp decline in the value of the British pound, as compared to the U.S. dollar and other currencies. As the U.K. negotiates its exit from the European Union, volatility in exchange rates and in U.K. interest rates may continue. In the near term, a weaker British pound compared to the U.S. dollar during a reporting period causes local currency results of our U.K. operations to be translated into fewer U.S. dollars; a weaker British pound compared to other currencies increases the cost of goods imported into our U.K. operations and may decrease the profitability of our U.K. operations; and a higher U.K. interest rate may have a dampening effect on the U.K. economy. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on our U.K. operations will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations.
Increases in interest rates may negatively impact us.
We had total outstanding short-term borrowings of $390 million at an average interest rate of approximately 1.4% on November 30, 2016. Our policy is to manage our interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We also use interest rate swaps to minimize worldwide financing cost and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We utilize derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risk, including interest rate exposures that exist as part of our ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instruments. Our use of derivative financial instruments is monitored through regular communication with senior management and the utilization of written guidelines. However, our use of these instruments may not effectively limit or eliminate our exposure to changes in interest rates. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that future interest rate changes will not have a material negative impact on our business, financial position or operating results.
The deterioration of credit and capital markets may adversely affect our access to sources of funding.
We rely on our revolving credit facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund a portion of our seasonal working capital needs and other general corporate purposes. If any of the banks in the syndicates backing these facilities were unable to perform on its commitments, our liquidity could be impacted, which could adversely affect funding of seasonal working capital requirements. We engage in regular communication with all of the banks participating in our revolving credit facilities. During these communications none of the banks have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. In addition, we periodically review our banking and financing relationships, considering the stability of the institutions, pricing we receive on services and other aspects of the relationships. Based on these communications and our monitoring activities, we believe the likelihood of one of our banks not performing on its commitment is remote.
In addition, global capital markets have experienced volatility in the past that has tightened access to capital markets and other sources of funding, and such volatility and tightened access could reoccur in the future. In the event we need to access the capital markets or other sources of financing, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms or within an acceptable time period. Our inability to obtain financing on acceptable terms or within an acceptable time period could have an adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We face risks associated with certain pension assets and obligations.
We hold investments in equity and debt securities in our qualified defined benefit pension plans and in a rabbi trust for our U.S. non-qualified pension plan. Deterioration in the value of plan assets resulting from a general financial downturn or otherwise, or an increase in the actuarial valuation of the plans' liability due to a low interest rate environment, could cause (or increase) an underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans, thereby increasing our obligation to make contributions to the plans. An obligation to make contributions to pension plans could reduce the cash available for working capital and other corporate uses, and may have an adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Uncertain global economic conditions expose us to credit risks from customers and counterparties.
Consolidations in some of the industries in which our customers operate have created larger customers, some of which are highly leveraged. In addition, competition has increased with the growth in alternative channels through our customer base. These factors have caused some customers to be less profitable and increased our exposure to credit risk. Current credit markets are volatile, and some of our customers and counterparties are highly leveraged. A significant adverse change in the financial and/or credit position of a customer or counterparty could require us to assume greater credit risk relating to that customer or counterparty and could limit our ability to collect receivables. This could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and liquidity.
Our operations and reputation may be impaired if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or if we are the subject of a data breach or cyber attack.
Our information technology systems are critically important to operating our business efficiently. We rely on our information technology systems to manage our business data, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.
Furthermore, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to security breaches beyond our control, including those involving cyber attacks using viruses, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, or other malicious activities, or any combination of the foregoing. Such breaches could result in unauthorized access to information including customer, consumer or other company confidential data. We invest in security technology and design our business processes to mitigate the risk of such breaches. While we believe these measures are generally effective, there can be no assurance that security breaches will not occur. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these measures requires continuous monitoring as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures evolve. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, cybersecurity threats and incidents, none of which has been material to us to date. However, a successful breach or attack could have a material, negative impact on our operations or business reputation and subject us to consequences such as litigation, regulatory enforcement proceedings and direct costs associated with incident response.
The global nature of our business and the resolution of tax disputes create volatility in our effective tax rate.
As a global business, our tax rate from period to period can be affected by many factors, including changes in tax
legislation, our global mix of earnings, the tax characteristics of our income, the timing and recognition of goodwill
impairments, acquisitions and dispositions, adjustments to our reserves related to uncertain tax positions, changes in valuation allowances and the portion of the income of foreign subsidiaries that we expect to remit to the U.S. and that will be taxable.
In addition, significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for certain tax contingencies when, despite the belief that our tax return positions are appropriately supported, the positions are uncertain. The tax contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. Our effective tax rate includes the impact of tax contingency accruals and changes to the accruals, including related interest and penalties, as considered appropriate by management. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to our effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.
Climate change may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unseasonable or unusual weather or long-term climate changes may negatively impact the price or availability of spices, herbs and other raw materials. There is concern that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. In the event that such climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity or practices, we may be subject to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities that are necessary for our products. In addition, such climate change may result in modifications to the eating preferences of the ultimate consumers of certain of our products, which may also unfavorably impact our sales and profitability.
Our intellectual property rights, and those of our customers, could be infringed, challenged or impaired, and reduce the value of our products and brands or our business with customers.
We possess intellectual property rights that are important to our business, and we are provided access by certain customers to particular intellectual property rights belonging to such customers. These intellectual property rights include ingredient formulas, trademarks, copyrights, patents, business processes and other trade secrets which are important to our business and relate to some of our products, our packaging, the processes for their production, and the design and operation of equipment used in our businesses. We protect our intellectual property rights, and those of certain customers, globally through a variety of means, including trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets, third-party assignments and nondisclosure agreements, and monitoring of third-party misuses of intellectual property. If we fail to obtain or adequately protect our intellectual property (and the intellectual property of customers to which we have been given access), the value of our products and brands could be reduced and there could be an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Litigation, legal or administrative proceedings could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and damage our reputation.
We are party to a variety of legal claims and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Since litigation is
inherently uncertain, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in defending ourselves against such claims or proceedings, or that management’s assessment of the materiality or immateriality of these matters, including any reserves taken in connection with such matters, will be consistent with the ultimate outcome of such claims or proceedings. In the event that management’s assessment of the materiality or immateriality of current claims and proceedings proves inaccurate, or litigation that is material arises in the future, there may be a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Any adverse publicity resulting from allegations made in litigation claims or legal or administrative proceedings (even if untrue) may also adversely affect our reputation. These factors and others could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or damage our reputation.
Streamlining actions to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness may have a negative effect on employee relations.
We regularly evaluate whether to implement changes to our organization structure to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness, and we expect to continue to evaluate such actions in the future. From time to time, those changes are of such significance that we may transfer production from one manufacturing facility to another, eliminate certain manufacturing, selling and administrative positions, and exit certain businesses or lines of business. These actions may result in a deterioration of employee relations at the impacted locations or elsewhere in McCormick.
If we are unable to fully realize the benefits from our CCI program, our financial results could be negatively affected.
Our future success depends in part on our ability to be an efficient producer in a highly competitive industry. Any failure by us to achieve our planned cost savings and efficiencies under our CCI program, or other similar programs, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices and primary research facilities are owned and are located in suburban Baltimore, Maryland.
The following is a list of our principal manufacturing properties, all of which are owned except for the facilities in Commerce, California; Lakewood, New Jersey; Melbourne, Australia; Florence, Italy and a portion of the facility in Littleborough, England, which are leased. The manufacturing facilities that we own in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan, China and the manufacturing facility that we own in Dubai, United Arab Emirates are each located on land subject to long-term leases:
United States:
Hunt Valley, Maryland-consumer and industrial
(3 principal plants)
Gretna, Louisiana-consumer and industrial
South Bend, Indiana-industrial and consumer
Atlanta, Georgia-industrial
Commerce, California-consumer
Irving, Texas-industrial
Lakewood, New Jersey-industrial
Canada:
London, Ontario-consumer and industrial
Mexico:
Cuautitlan de Romero Rubio-industrial
United Kingdom:
Haddenham, England-industrial and consumer
Littleborough, England-industrial
France:
Carpentras-consumer and industrial
Monteux-consumer and industrial
Poland:
Stefanowo-consumer
Italy:
Florence-consumer
United Arab Emirates:
Dubai-industrial
China:
Guangzhou-consumer and industrial
Shanghai-consumer and industrial
(2 plants, one of which is under construction and the other which will be exited upon the move to the newly completed facility in 2017)
Wuhan-consumer
Australia:
Melbourne-consumer and industrial
Palmwoods-consumer (2 principal plants)
India:
New Delhi-consumer
In addition to distribution facilities and warehouse space available at our manufacturing facilities, we lease regional distribution facilities in Belcamp, Maryland; Salinas, California; Irving, Texas; Mississauga and London, Ontario, Canada; and Genvilliers, France; and own distribution facilities in Monteux, France. We also own, lease or contract other properties used for manufacturing consumer and industrial products and for sales, warehousing, distribution and administrative functions.
We believe our plants are well maintained and suitable for their intended use. We further believe that these plants generally have adequate capacity or the ability to expand, and can accommodate seasonal demands, changing product mixes and additional growth.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings in which we or any of our subsidiaries are a party or to which any of our or their property is the subject.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
We have disclosed in note 18 of the financial statements the information relating to the market price and dividends declared and paid on our classes of common stock. The market price of our common stock at the close of business on December 30, 2016 was $93.10 per share for the Common Stock and $93.33 per share for the Common Stock Non-Voting.
Our Common Stock and Common Stock Non-Voting are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The approximate number of holders of our common stock based on record ownership as of December 30, 2016 was as follows:
Title of class
Approximate
number
of record
holders
Common Stock, no par value
2,100
Common Stock Non-Voting, no par value
9,700
The following table summarizes our purchases of Common Stock (CS) and Common Stock Non-Voting (CSNV) during the fourth quarter of 2016:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
Total number of
shares purchased
Average price
paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
September 1, 2016 to
September 30, 2016
CS-0
CSNV-0
-
-
-
-
$391 million
October 1, 2016 to
October 31, 2016
CS-33,920 (1)
CSNV-455,986
$95.65
$95.09
33,920
455,986
$344 million
November 1, 2016 to
November 30, 2016
CS-0
CSNV-181,305
-
$94.50
-
181,305
$327 million
Total
CS-33,920
CSNV-637,291
$95.65
$94.92
33,920
637,291
$327 million
(1)
On October 4, 2016, we purchased 18,375 shares of our CS from our domestic pension plan to facilitate the plan’s rebalancing of its asset allocations. The price paid per share of $96.62 represented the closing price of the CS on October 4, 2016. On October 19, 2016, we purchased 15,545 shares of our CS from our U.S. defined contribution retirement plan to manage shares, based upon participant activity, in the plan's company stock fund. The price paid per share of $94.50 represented the closing price of the CS on October 19, 2016.
As of November 30, 2016, approximately $327 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase authorization approved by the Board of Directors in March 2015. There is no expiration date for our repurchase program. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
In certain circumstances, we issue shares of CS in exchange for shares of CSNV, or issue shares of CSNV in exchange for shares of CS, in either case pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Typically, these exchanges are made in connection with the administration of our employee benefit plans, executive compensation programs and dividend reinvestment/direct purchase plans. The number of shares issued in an exchange is generally equal to the number of shares received in the exchange, although the number may differ slightly to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. During fiscal 2016, we issued 773,787 shares of CSNV in exchange for shares of CS and issued 39,729 shares of CS in exchange for shares of CSNV.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(1)
Total assets and Long-term debt for fiscal year-ends 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been restated to reflect the provisions of Accounting Standards Updates 2015-03, related to the presentation of debt issuance costs, and 2015-17, related to the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities, both of which we adopted as of November 30, 2016.
The historical financial summary includes the impact of certain items that affect the comparability of financial results year to year. In 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded special charges related to the completion of organization and streamlining actions for our businesses in EMEA, North America and Australia. In addition, for 2016 and 2015, we recorded special charges related to the discontinuance of bulk-packaged and broken basmati rice product lines for our business in India. Lastly, in 2013, we recognized a loss on a voluntary pension settlement in the U.S. The net impact of these items is reflected in the following table:
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand McCormick & Company, Incorporated, our operations and our present business environment. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained in Item 8 of this report. We use certain non-GAAP information that we believe is important for purposes of comparison to prior periods and development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. This information is also used by management to measure the profitability of our ongoing operations and analyze our business performance and trends. The dollar and share information in the charts and tables in the MD&A are in millions, except per share data.
McCormick is a global leader in flavor. The company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry-retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, consumer and industrial, as described in Item 1 of this report.
Our long-term annual growth objectives in constant currency are to increase sales 4% to 6%, increase operating income 7% to 9% and increase earnings per share 9% to 11%. Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business-driven by brand marketing support, customer intimacy, expanded distribution and category growth; 2) product innovation; and 3) acquisitions. We are fueling our investment in growth with cost savings from our CCI program, an ongoing initiative to improve productivity and reduce costs throughout the organization, as well as savings from the organization and streamlining actions described in note 3 to our financial statements. In addition to funding brand marketing support, product innovation and other growth initiatives, our CCI program helps offset higher material costs and is contributing to higher operating income and earnings per share.
Our business generates strong cash flow, and we have a balanced use of cash. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 31 years, and to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and share repurchases. Each year, we expect a combination of acquisitions and share repurchases to add about 2% to earnings per share growth.
In 2016, we achieved further growth of our business although sales and earnings reported in U.S. dollars were unfavorably impacted by the strength of the U.S. dollar and the resultant unfavorable effects of foreign currency exchange, as compared to 2015. Net sales rose 2.7% over the 2015 level, as a result of the following factors:
•
We grew volume and product mix, with similar increases in both our consumer and industrial segments. This added 1.7% of sales growth. The increases were driven by product innovation, brand marketing and expanded distribution including new retail channels and new geographic regions.
•
Pricing actions to offset a low-single digit increase in material cost inflation added 1.5% of the increase in net sales.
•
The incremental impact of acquisitions completed in 2015 and 2016 added 2.3% of the increase in net sales.
•
These increases were partially offset by unfavorable currency rates. This impact reduced the net sales growth rate by 2.8%. Excluding this impact, we grew sales 5.5% on a constant currency basis.
Operating income was $641.0 million in 2016 and $548.4 million in 2015. We recorded $16.0 million of special charges in 2016 related to organization and streamlining actions, and in 2015 recorded $65.5 million of special charges. In 2016 compared to the year-ago period, the favorable impact of higher sales and $109.0 million of cost savings from our CCI program and organization and streamlining actions more than offset higher material costs and an $11.6 million increase in brand marketing. Excluding the aforementioned special charges, adjusted operating income was $657.0 million, an increase of 7% compared to $613.9 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, adjusted operating income rose 9%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
Diluted earnings per share was $3.69 in 2016 and $3.11 in 2015. The year-on-year increase in earnings per share was driven mainly by higher operating income, which reflected lower special charges, and lower shares outstanding. Special charges lowered earnings per share by $0.09 and $0.37 in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Excluding the effect of the aforementioned special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.78 in 2016 and $3.48 in 2015. This was an increase of 9%, despite the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange.
McCormick continues to generate strong cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities reached $658.1 million in 2016, an increase from $590.0 million in 2015. We continued to have a balanced use of cash for capital expenditures, acquisitions and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In 2016, that return of cash to our shareholders was $460.5 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-2016 COMPARED TO 2015
Sales for the fiscal year 2016 increased 2.7% from 2015 and by 5.5% on a constant currency basis (that is, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange as more fully described under the caption, Non-GAAP Financial Measures). Both the consumer and industrial segments drove higher volume and product mix that added 1.7% to sales. This was driven by product innovation, brand marketing and expanded distribution. Pricing actions, taken in response to increased material costs, added 1.5% to sales. The incremental impact of acquisitions completed in 2016-mainly Gourmet Garden-and three acquisitions completed in 2015-Brand Aromatics, Drogheria & Alimentari (D&A) and Stubb’s-added 2.3% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange that reduced sales by 2.8% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.5% on a constant currency basis.
In 2017, we expect to grow sales 3% to 5%, with further increases in volume and product mix and pricing actions to offset a projected increase in material costs. We also expect incremental sales from the acquisition of Gourmet Garden, completed during fiscal year 2016, and an industrial acquisition completed in December 2016 and described in note 19 to our financial statements. We anticipate that these sales increases will be offset in part by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange during 2017.
In 2016, gross profit rose 110 basis points to 41.5% from 40.4% in 2015, as the favorable impact of pricing actions, CCI-led cost savings and more favorable business mix more than offset the unfavorable impact of higher material costs. In 2017, we expect gross profit margin to range from comparable to approximately 50 basis points higher than 2016, due to the favorable impact of pricing actions and cost savings, net of the unfavorable impact of higher material costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,175.0 million in 2016 compared to $1,127.4 million in 2015, an increase of $47.6 million. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 26.6%, a 40 basis point increase from 2015. Driving this increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales were higher employee related expenses, an $11.6 million increase in our brand marketing from the 2015 level to $252.2 million in 2016 and a $6.5 million increase in transaction costs, related to both completed and uncompleted acquisitions, from the 2015 level to $13.4 million in 2016. Partially offsetting these increases were cost savings from CCI and from the organization and streamlining actions described in note 3 to our financial statements.
We regularly evaluate whether to implement changes to our organization structure to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness, and we expect to continue to evaluate such actions in the future. From time to time, those changes are of such significance in terms of both up-front costs and organizational/structural impact that we obtain advance approval from our Management Committee and classify expenses related to those changes as special charges in our financial statements. Special charges of $16.0 million were recorded in 2016 and $65.5 million in 2015 to enable us to implement these changes. Of the $16.0 million of special charges recorded in 2016, $0.3 million were recorded in cost of goods sold. The 2016 special charges principally consist of $5.7 million related to our EMEA reorganization, which began in 2015, $2.8 million related to our exit from a consolidated joint venture in South Africa, $1.9 million for other exit costs related to the discontinuance of non-profitable product lines of our Kohinoor business in India initiated in 2015, $1.8 million associated with actions in connection with our planned exit of two leased manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Thailand, and $1.7 million for employee severance actions related to our North American effectiveness initiative begun in 2015. See note 3 of the financial statements for more details on these charges and our basis for classifying amounts as special charges.
In 2015, we recorded special charges of $65.5 million, of which $29.2 million related to employee severance and related costs associated with our North American effectiveness initiative and $24.4 million related to a reorganization of our EMEA business. An additional $14.2 million, including a non-cash brand impairment charge of $9.6 million, related to the discontinuance by our Kohinoor consumer business in India of sales of non-profitable bulk-packaged and broken basmati rice product lines. Partially offsetting these charges was a credit of $2.3 million for the 2015 reversal of reserves previously accrued as part of special charges in 2014 and 2013.
Interest expense for 2016 was higher than the prior year, primarily due to higher average borrowings. Other income, net for 2016 rose by $3.1 million over the 2015 level, primarily due to higher interest income and lower non-operating foreign currency losses, both as compared to 2015, as well as to a gain on the 2016 sale of a non-operating asset.
The effective tax rate decreased 50 basis points to 26.0% in 2016, from 26.5% in 2015, primarily as a result of the following factors. Net discrete tax benefits increased by $2.0 million, from $19.1 million in 2015 to $21.1 million in 2016. Both 2016 and 2015 included discrete tax benefits for (i) the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, net of additional taxes provided, for the expiration of statutes of limitation in several tax jurisdictions, (ii) the reversal of valuation allowances on non-U.S. deferred tax assets due to a change in our assessment of the recoverability of those deferred tax assets, and (iii) prior year adjustments for the research tax credit related to legislation enacted subsequent to the reporting dates. A portion of the 2015 discrete tax benefit was offset by a discrete tax detriment for the revaluation of deferred tax assets in the U.K resulting from legislation enacted in 2015 reducing the statutory tax rate for future periods. See note 12 of the financial statements for a reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.
We expect an effective tax rate in 2017 of approximately 28%, including a favorable effect from our planned adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting as more fully described in note 1 of the financial statements. We expect that the adoption of this new guidance in fiscal 2017 will reduce our effective income tax rate; however, the ultimate amount of that reduction is dependent upon the underlying vesting or exercise activity and related future stock prices.
Income from unconsolidated operations decreased $0.6 million in 2016 from the prior year. This decrease was mainly attributable to our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, for which the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates more than offset the favorable impact, in local currency, of higher sales and net income. In 2016, our 50% interest in the McCormick de Mexico joint venture represented 57% of the sales and 83% of the income of our unconsolidated operations. We own 50% of most of our other unconsolidated joint ventures.
In 2017, we expect income from unconsolidated operations to be comparable to 2016, mainly due to the continued unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates on McCormick de Mexico.
We reported diluted earnings per share of $3.69 in 2016, compared to $3.11 in 2015. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2015 to 2016. The increase in adjusted operating income in the table below includes the impact from unfavorable currency exchange rates in 2016.
2015 Earnings per share-diluted
$
3.11
Impact of decrease in special charges
0.28
Increase in adjusted operating income
0.25
Impact of lower shares outstanding
0.03
Increase in other income
0.02
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges
0.02
Higher interest expense
(0.02
)
2016 Earnings per share-diluted
$
3.69
We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding special charges as these activities are managed separately from the business segments.
Consumer Segment
We grew sales of our consumer segment by 4.5% as compared to 2015 and by 6.4% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 1.7% to sales, and pricing actions, taken in response to increased material costs, added 1.2%. The incremental impact in 2016 of acquisitions completed in that year-mainly Gourmet Garden-and two acquisitions completed in 2015-Drogheria & Alimentari (D&A) and Stubb’s-added 3.5% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates that reduced consumer segment sales by 1.9% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.4% on a constant currency basis.
In the Americas, consumer sales rose 5.8% in 2016 as compared to 2015 and rose by 6.3% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 2.2% to sales, led by U.S. sales growth in spices and seasonings and recipe mixes and driven by product innovation, brand marketing, particularly in digital, and working with retailers on in-store product assortment, pricing and promotion. Pricing actions added 1.4% to sales and the incremental impact of acquisitions-mainly Gourmet Garden and Stubb's-added 2.7% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact of foreign currency that reduced sales by 0.5% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.3% on a constant currency basis.
In the EMEA region, consumer sales rose 2.4% in 2016 as compared to 2015 and rose 6.9% on a constant currency basis. Volume and product mix lowered sales by 0.4%, with growth in Poland and France offset by weakness in the U.K. The sales growth in Poland and France was driven by product innovation, brand marketing and expanded distribution, while weakness in the U.K. related to a difficult retail environment. Pricing added 1.5% to sales and the incremental impact of acquisitions-mainly D&A-added 5.8% to sales. An unfavorable impact from
foreign currency rates reduced sales by 4.5% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.9% on a constant currency basis.
In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales increased 1.5% as compared to 2015 and increased 6.3% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 2.2% to sales, with strong results in both China and Australia. Volume and product mix in India declined in 2016 compared to 2015, due in part to the discontinuation of lower-margin bulk-packaged and broken rice product lines. Pricing added 0.3% to sales and the incremental impact of acquisitions-Gourmet Garden-added 3.8% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that decreased sales by 4.8% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.3% on a constant currency basis.
We grew operating income, excluding special charges-our measure of segment profit-for our consumer segment by $34.7 million, or 7.6%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The favorable impact of sales growth and cost savings more than offset the unfavorable impact of higher material costs and an increase in brand marketing. On a constant currency basis, operating income, excluding special charges rose 8.7%. Excluding the impact of special charges, the consumer segment operating income margin rose by 50 basis points to 17.8% in 2016 from 17.3% in 2015.
Industrial Segment
Sales of our industrial business declined 0.2% as compared to 2015 but increased by 3.9% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 1.5% to sales and pricing actions, taken in response to increased material costs, added 2.0%. The incremental impact on 2016 industrial sales of the Brand Aromatics acquisition completed in 2015 added 0.4% to sales. These factors partially offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates that reduced industrial segment sales by 4.1% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.9% on a constant currency basis.
In the Americas, industrial sales rose 1.7% in 2016 as compared to 2015 and rose 3.7% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 1.4% to sales and included growth in sales of branded foodservice products in the U.S. and snack seasonings in the U.S. and Mexico. Pricing actions added 1.7% to sales and the incremental impact of the Brand Aromatics acquisition added 0.6% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates that reduced sales by 2.0% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.7% on a constant currency basis.
In the EMEA region, industrial sales declined 6.4% in 2016 as compared to 2015, but increased 4.8% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 1.1% to sales and included growth in sales to leading quick service restaurants in this region. Pricing actions added 3.7% to sales. These factors partially offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that decreased sales by 11.2% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 4.8% on a constant currency basis.
In the Asia/Pacific region, industrial sales declined 0.1% in 2016 as compared to 2015, but increased by 3.8% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 3.0% to sales and included growth in sales to leading quick service restaurants supplied from our facilities in both Australia and Southeast Asia that offset weakness in China that resulted, in large part, from a decision by a large customer to add a secondary supply source. Pricing actions added 0.8% to sales. These factors partially offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that reduced sales by 3.9% compared to 2015 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.8% on a constant currency basis.
We grew operating income, excluding special charges-our measure of segment profit-for our industrial segment by $8.4 million, or 5.3%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The favorable impact of sales growth and cost savings more than offset the unfavorable impact of higher material costs. On a constant currency basis, operating income, excluding special charges rose 11.6%. Excluding the impact of special charges, the industrial segment operating income margin rose by 50 basis points to 10.0% in 2016 from 9.5% in 2015 and included the impact of our efforts to shift our business mix to more value-added products through innovation and acquisitions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-2015 COMPARED TO 2014
Net sales
$
4,296.3
$
4,243.2
Percent growth
1.3
%
2.9
%
Components of percent growth in net sales-increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix
3.9
%
(0.2
)%
Pricing actions
1.1
%
1.9
%
Acquisitions
1.4
%
1.8
%
Foreign exchange
(5.1
)%
(0.6
)%
Sales for the fiscal year 2015 increased by 1.3% from 2014 and by 6.4% on a constant currency basis, with growth in both the consumer and industrial segments. Higher volume and product mix added 3.9% to sales, driven by product innovation, brand marketing and expanded distribution including new retail channels and new geographic regions. Pricing actions, taken in response to increased raw material and packaging costs, added 1.1% to sales. The incremental impact of the three acquisitions completed in 2015-Brand Aromatics, Drogheria & Alimentari (D&A) and Stubb’s-added 1.4% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates that reduced 2015 sales compared to 2014 by 5.1% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
Gross profit
$
1,737.3
$
1,730.2
Gross profit margin
40.4
%
40.8
%
In 2015, gross profit was comparable to 2014. Gross profit margin declined 40 basis points from the 2014 level to 40.4%. This decrease in gross profit margin was mainly due to the impact of a mid-single digit increase in material costs, partially offset by cost savings and pricing actions. In 2015, CCI cost savings, as well as savings from the organization and streamlining actions described in note 3 to our financial statements, totaled $98 million, of which $66 million lowered cost of goods sold. Lower gross profit from our Kohinoor business in India also impacted gross profit margin in 2015, and, as a result, toward the end of 2015 we decided to discontinue the lower margin bulk-packaged and broken rice product lines of our Kohinoor business.
Selling, general & administrative expense (SG&A)
$
1,127.4
$
1,122.0
Percent of net sales
26.2
%
26.5
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,127.4 million in 2015 compared to $1,122.0 million in 2014, an increase of $5.4 million. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 26.2%, a 30 basis point reduction from 2014. Driving this reduction in SG&A as a percentage of net sales were cost savings from CCI and from the organization and streamlining actions described in note 3 to our financial statements, as well as the benefit of higher sales, partly offset by higher benefits expense and a $14 million increase in our brand marketing from the 2014 level to $240.6 million in 2015. In connection with our acquisitions of Brand Aromatics, D&A and Stubb’s, we incurred $3.6 million of transaction costs, which were included in SG&A.
Special charges included in cost of goods sold
$
4.0
$
-
Other special charges in the income statement (including a non-cash brand impairment charge of $9.6 million in 2015)
61.5
5.2
Special charges
$
65.5
$
5.2
Special charges of $65.5 million were recorded in 2015 and $5.2 million in 2014 to enable us to implement changes to our organization structure to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes and improve our competitiveness. Of the $65.5 million of special charges recorded in 2015, $4.0 million were recorded in cost of goods sold. Of that $65.5 million, $29.2 million related to employee severance and related costs associated with our North American effectiveness initiative, and $24.4 million related to our EMEA reorganization initiated earlier in 2015. An additional $14.2 million related to our Kohinoor consumer business in India. Partially offsetting these charges was a credit of $2.3 million for the 2015 reversal of reserves previously accrued as part of special charges in 2014 and 2013. See note 3 of the financial statements for more details on these charges and our basis for classifying amounts as special charges.
In 2014, we recorded special charges of $2.1 million related to actions undertaken with respect to the EMEA reorganization announced in late 2013, $1.3 million related to the realignment of certain manufacturing activities in the U.S. industrial business, $1.1 million related to the elimination of certain administrative positions in the U.S. consumer and industrial businesses, and $0.7 million related to the elimination of certain administrative and manufacturing positions in the Australian consumer business.
Interest expense
$
53.3
$
49.7
Other income, net
1.1
1.1
Interest expense for 2015 was higher than the prior year, primarily due to higher average borrowings.
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes
$
496.2
$
554.4
Income taxes
131.3
145.9
Effective tax rate
26.5
%
26.3
%
The effective tax rate increased 20 basis points to 26.5% in 2015, from 26.3% in 2014, primarily as a result of the following factors. Net discrete tax benefits increased by $8.3 million, from $10.8 million in 2014 to $19.1 million in 2015. Both 2015 and 2014 included reversals of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, net of additional taxes provided, for various income tax audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitation in several tax jurisdictions. In addition, 2015 included a net discrete tax benefit for (i) the reversal of valuation allowances on non-U.S. deferred tax assets due to a change in our assessment of the recoverability of those deferred tax assets, and (ii) a prior year adjustment for the 2014 research tax credit related to legislation enacted in 2015, offset by (iii) a discrete tax detriment for the revaluation of deferred tax assets in the U.K. resulting from legislation enacted in 2015 which reduced the U.K. statutory tax rate in future periods. The increase in net discrete tax benefits in 2015, as compared to 2014, was more than offset by an unfavorable mix of earnings in 2015. That unfavorable mix of earnings in 2015, as compared to the prior year, resulted from the higher percentage of U.S. pre-tax earnings in 2015 that are taxed at a federal statutory rate of 35% as well as an increase in non-U.S. losses in jurisdictions where income tax benefits could not be recognized as it is more likely than not that the resultant deferred tax assets will not be realized. See note 12 of the financial statements for a reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.
Income from unconsolidated operations
$
36.7
$
29.4
Income from unconsolidated operations rose $7.3 million in 2015 from the prior year, which was a 24.8% increase, despite the impact of unfavorable currency exchange rates. This increase is attributable to our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, which achieved higher sales and an increase in gross margin percentage. In 2015, our 50% interest in the McCormick de Mexico joint venture represented 60% of the sales and 89% of the income of our unconsolidated operations. We own 50% of most of our other unconsolidated joint ventures.
We reported diluted earnings per share of $3.11 in 2015, compared to $3.34 in 2014. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2014 to 2015. The increase in adjusted operating income and increase in income from unconsolidated operations in the table below includes a significant impact from unfavorable currency exchange rates in 2015.
2014 Earnings per share-diluted
$
3.34
Impact of increase in special charges
(0.34
)
Impact of lower shares outstanding
0.05
Increase in income from unconsolidated operations
0.04
Increase in adjusted operating income
0.03
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges
0.01
Higher interest expense
(0.02
)
2015 Earnings per share-diluted
$
3.11
We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding special charges as these activities are managed separately from the business segments.
Consumer Segment
Net sales
$
2,635.2
$
2,625.5
Percent growth
0.4
%
3.4
%
Components of percent growth in net sales-increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix
3.8
%
(1.1
)%
Pricing actions
0.1
%
2.0
%
Acquisitions
1.4
%
2.9
%
Foreign exchange
(4.9
)%
(0.4
)%
Operating income, excluding special charges (our measure of segment profit)
$
456.1
$
474.3
Operating income margin, excluding special charges
17.3
%
18.1
%
Sales of our consumer segment increased 0.4% as compared to 2014 and increased 5.3% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 3.8% to consumer sales and higher pricing related to material cost changes added 0.1%. Our acquisitions of D&A and Stubb’s, during the second and third quarters, respectively, added 1.4% to sales in 2015. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that reduced consumer sales by 4.9% compared to 2014 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.3% on a constant currency basis.
In the Americas, consumer sales rose 1.8% in 2015 as compared to 2014 and rose 3.2% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix increased sales by 2.4% and pricing added 0.5%. Higher volume and product mix was led by U.S. sales growth in spices and seasonings and recipe mixes. This is an improvement over the 2014 sales results and was driven by product innovation, brand marketing, particularly in digital, and our work with retailers on in-store product assortment, pricing and promotion. The acquisition of Stubb’s, which closed in August 2015, added 0.3% to sales in 2015. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that decreased sales by 1.4% from the 2014 level and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
In the EMEA region, consumer sales decreased 5.0% as compared to 2014, but increased by 10.3% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix increased sales by 4.7% as compared to 2014 and higher pricing added 0.3%. The acquisition of D&A, which closed in May 2015, added 5.3% to sales in 2015. Our core business growth in the EMEA region was led by Poland, France and Russia and driven by our higher brand marketing, new product innovation and expanded distribution. These factors partially offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that reduced sales by 15.3% compared to 2014 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales increased 2.6% as compared to 2014 and increased by 6.6% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix increased sales by 8.3% as compared to 2014 but were partly offset by a 1.7% reduction from pricing. In 2015, sales in China increased at a double-digit rate due in part to expanded distribution, while sales in India declined due in part to the discontinuation of lower-margin bulk-packaged and broken rice product lines, as well as lower pricing on basmati rice. The net effect of these factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that reduced sales by 4.0% compared to 2014 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
Operating income, excluding special charges-our measure of segment profit-for our consumer segment decreased $18.2 million, or 3.8%, compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, operating income for 2015, excluding special charges, decreased 0.4%, with the favorable impact of sales growth and cost savings, offset by the unfavorable impact of higher material costs, increased employee benefit expense and a 4% increase in brand marketing. The decrease in operating income led to lower operating income margin. Excluding the impact of special charges, the consumer segment operating income margin was 17.3% in 2015 and 18.1% in 2014.
Industrial Segment
Net sales
$
1,661.1
$
1,617.7
Percent growth
2.7
%
2.0
%
Components of percent change in net sales-increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix
4.3
%
0.9
%
Pricing actions
2.6
%
1.8
%
Acquisitions
1.3
%
-
%
Foreign exchange
(5.5
)%
(0.7
)%
Operating income, excluding special charges (our measure of segment profit)
$
157.8
$
133.9
Operating income margin, excluding special charges
9.5
%
8.3
%
Sales of our industrial segment increased by 2.7% in 2015 as compared to 2014 and increased by 8.2% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 4.3% to sales as compared to 2014 and higher pricing related to material cost changes added 2.6%. Our acquisition of Brand Aromatics in March 2015 added 1.3% to sales. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates which reduced sales by 5.5% from the 2014 level and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
In the Americas, industrial sales rose 3.2% as compared to 2014 and increased by 6.4% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix increased sales by 1.3% compared to 2014 and higher pricing increased sales by 3.1%. Higher volume and product mix was led by sales of snack seasonings in both the U.S. and Mexico, as well as branded foodservice products in the U.S. The acquisition of Brand Aromatics added 2.0% to industrial sales in the Americas in 2015. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that reduced sales by 3.2% as compared to 2014 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
In the EMEA region, industrial sales increased by 0.8% as compared to 2014 and increased by 12.6% on a constant currency basis. Sales in 2015 reflected an increase of 10.4% attributable to higher volume and product mix and 2.2% from higher pricing. The strong sales performance reflected our support for the growth and geographic expansion of leading quick service restaurants and food manufacturers in this region. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that decreased sales by 11.8% from the 2014 level and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
In the Asia/Pacific region, industrial sales increased 2.9% as compared to 2014 and increased by 10.2% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix increased sales by 9.9% as compared to the prior year and higher pricing increased sales by 0.3%. In 2015, we increased sales to quick service restaurant customers in China and other markets across this region. These factors offset an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates that decreased sales by 7.3% as compared to 2014 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth on a constant currency basis.
Operating income, excluding special charges-our measure of segment profit-for our industrial segment increased $23.9 million, or 17.8%, compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, operating income for 2015, excluding special charges, increased 24.5% above 2014, with the favorable impact of sales growth and cost savings more than offsetting the unfavorable impact of higher material costs and increased employee benefit expense. The significant increase in operating income led to higher operating income margin. Excluding the impact of special charges, the industrial segment operating income margin was 9.5% in 2015 and 8.3% in 2014. This also reflects a shift in the business mix to more value-added products, including the acquisition of Brand Aromatics.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The tables below include financial measures of adjusted operating income, adjusted income from unconsolidated operations, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, each excluding the impact of special charges in 2016, 2015 and 2014. These represent non-GAAP financial measures, which are prepared as a complement to our financial results prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. In our consolidated income statement, we include a separate line item captioned “special charges” in arriving at our consolidated operating income. Additionally, we recorded $0.3 million and $4.0 million in cost of goods sold in our income statements for 2016 and 2015, respectively, which we classified as special charges.
Special charges consist of expenses, including related impairment charges, associated with certain actions undertaken by the company to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness and are of such significance in terms of both up-front costs and organizational/structural impact to require advance approval by our Management Committee, comprised of our President and Chief Executive Officer; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; President Global Industrial and McCormick International; President Global Consumer and North America; and Senior Vice President, Human Relations. Upon presentation of any such proposed action (including details with respect to estimated costs, which generally consist principally of employee severance and related benefits, together with ancillary costs associated with the action that may include a non-cash component, such as an asset impairment, or a component which relates to inventory adjustments that are included in cost of goods sold; impacted employees or operations; expected timing; and expected savings) to the Management Committee and the Committee’s advance approval, expenses associated with the approved action are classified as special charges upon recognition and monitored on an on-going basis through completion. Certain ancillary expenses related to these actions approved by our Management Committee do not qualify for accrual upon approval but are included as special charges as incurred during the course of the action. Details with respect to the composition of special charges recorded for the periods and in the amounts set forth below are included in note 3 of the accompanying financial statements.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are important to investors. The exclusion of special charges provides additional information that enables enhanced comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. This information is also used by management to measure the profitability of our ongoing operations and analyze our business performance and trends.
These non-GAAP measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because other companies may not calculate them in the same manner as we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions where applicable and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to GAAP financial results is provided below (in millions, except per share data):
(1) In 2016, represents the portion of the total special charge of $2.8 million, associated with our exit of a consolidated joint venture in South Africa, attributable to our former joint venture partner. In 2015, represents the portion of the Kohinoor total special charge of $14.2 million attributable to Kohinoor's 15% minority stakeholder.
(2) Total special charges of $16.0 million for 2016, $65.5 million for 2015 and $5.2 million for 2014 are net of taxes of $3.0 million, $15.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
Because we are a multi-national company, we are subject to variability of our reported U.S. dollar results due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Those changes have been volatile over the past several years. The exclusion of the effects of foreign currency exchange, or what we refer to as amounts expressed “on a constant currency basis”, is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that this non-GAAP measure provides additional information that enables enhanced comparison to prior periods excluding the translation effects of changes in rates of foreign currency exchange and provides additional insight into the underlying performance of our operations located outside of the U.S. It should be noted that our presentation herein of amounts and percentage changes on a constant currency basis does not exclude the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses (that is, the impact of transactions denominated in other than the local currency of any of our subsidiaries in their local currency reported results).
Percentage changes in sales and adjusted operating income expressed on a constant currency basis are presented excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. To present this information for historical periods, current year results for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the prior fiscal year, rather than at the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current year and the prior fiscal year. The tables set forth below present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income on a constant currency basis as follows: (1) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2016 on a constant currency basis, net sales and adjusted operating income for 2016 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2015 and compared to the reported results for 2015; and (2) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2015 on a constant currency basis, net sales and operating income for 2015 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2014 and compared to the reported results for 2014.
For the year ended November 30, 2015
Percentage change as reported
Impact of foreign currency exchange
Percentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas
1.8
%
(1.4
)%
3.2
%
EMEA
(5.0
)%
(15.3
)%
10.3
%
Asia/Pacific
2.6
%
(4.0
)%
6.6
%
Total Consumer
0.4
%
(4.9
)%
5.3
%
Industrial segment:
Americas
3.2
%
(3.2
)%
6.4
%
EMEA
0.8
%
(11.8
)%
12.6
%
Asia/Pacific
2.9
%
(7.3
)%
10.2
%
Total Industrial
2.7
%
(5.5
)%
8.2
%
Total net sales
1.3
%
(5.1
)%
6.4
%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment
(3.8
)%
(3.4
)%
(0.4
)%
Industrial segment
17.8
%
(6.7
)%
24.5
%
Total adjusted operating income
0.9
%
(4.2
)%
5.1
%
In addition to the above non-GAAP measures, we use total debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as a measure of leverage. We define EBITDA as net income plus expenses of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA and the ratio of total debt to EBITDA are both non-GAAP financial measures. This ratio measures our ability to repay outstanding debt obligations. Our target for total debt to EBITDA is 1.5 to 1.8. Our total debt to EBITDA can be temporarily impacted by our acquisition activity. We believe that total debt to EBITDA is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating our financial leverage and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate total debt to EBITDA.
The following table reconciles our EBITDA to our net income:
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
We generate strong cash flow from operations which enables us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, increase our dividend, fund capital projects and make share repurchases
when appropriate. In 2017, we expect to continue our share repurchase activity and fund all or a portion of possible future acquisitions with cash flow from operations.
In the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. Accordingly, the amounts in the cash flow statement do not agree with changes in the operating assets and liabilities that are presented in the balance sheet.
The reported values of our assets and liabilities held in our non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates can be significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. At November 30, 2016, the exchange rates for the British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Polish zloty and Chinese renminbi were lower versus the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2015. At November 30, 2016, the exchange rate for the Australian dollar was higher versus the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2015. At November 30, 2016, the exchange rate for the Euro versus the U.S. dollar approximated the comparable rate at November 30, 2015.
Operating Cash Flow - Operating cash flow was $658.1 million in 2016, $590.0 million in 2015 and $503.6 million in 2014. The improvement in cash flow from operations in 2016 compared to 2015 is predominantly due to higher net income, resulting principally from higher sales and gross profit, a decrease in cash payments related to special charges and the impact of higher employee benefit accruals. The improvement in cash flow from operations in 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily attributable to improvements in the three main components of working capital (trade accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable). The change in trade accounts receivable has varied in the last three years, as it was a use of cash in 2016, a source of cash in 2015 and a use of cash in 2014. While the change in inventory also had an impact on the variability in cash flow from operations, it was a less significant use of cash in 2015 when compared to 2016 and 2014. The change in accounts payable was a significant source of cash in 2016 and 2015, compared to a moderate use of cash in 2014. Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates were higher in 2016 and 2015 when compared to 2014, contributing to the increased cash flow from operations in 2016 and 2015.
In addition to operating cash flow, we also use cash conversion cycle (CCC) to measure our working capital management. This metric is different than operating cash flow in that it uses average balances instead of specific point in time measures. CCC is a calculation of the number of days, on average, that it takes us to convert a cash outlay for resources, such as raw materials, to a cash inflow from collection of accounts receivable. Our goal is to lower our CCC over time. We calculate CCC as follows:
Days sales outstanding (average trade accounts receivable divided by average daily net sales) plus days in inventory (average inventory divided by average daily cost of goods sold) less days payable outstanding (average trade accounts payable divided by average daily cost of goods sold plus the average daily change in inventory).
The following table outlines our cash conversion cycle (in days) over the last three years:
The decrease in CCC in 2016 from 2015 is mainly due to an increase in our days payable outstanding as a result of extending our payment terms to suppliers. The decrease in CCC in 2015 from 2014 is mainly due to a decrease in our days sales outstanding resulting from new contractual terms with a large customer.
Investing Cash Flow - Net cash used in investing activities was $267.1 million in 2016, $338.9 million in 2015 and $131.6 million in 2014. The variability between years is principally a result of cash usage related to our acquisitions of businesses, which amounted to $120.6 million in 2016 and $210.9 million in 2015. We did not make any acquisitions in 2014. See note 2 of the financial statements for further details related to the 2016 and 2015 acquisitions. Capital expenditures were $153.8 million in 2016, $128.4 million in 2015 and $132.7 million in 2014. We expect 2017 capital expenditures to range between $170 million and $190 million to support our growth.
Financing Cash Flow - Net cash used in financing activities was $371.5 million in 2016, $199.6 million in 2015 and $348.9 million in 2014. The variability between years is principally a result of share repurchase activity, described below, and of changes in our net borrowings. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, our net borrowing activity provided cash of $55.7 million, $118.0 million and $56.1 million, respectively. In 2015, we received net cash proceeds of $246.5 million from our issuance of $250 million of 3.25% notes due 2025. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay down short-term borrowings and for general corporate purposes in 2015. In 2016, proceeds from short-term
borrowings were used to pay off $200 million of 5.20% notes that matured in December 2015 and for general corporate purposes.
The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase programs:
As of November 30, 2016, $327 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in March 2015.
The common stock issued in 2016, 2015 and 2014 relates to our stock compensation plans.
Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:
In November 2016, the Board of Directors approved a 9.3% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.43 to $0.47 per share.
The decrease in our total debt to EBITDA from 2015 to 2016 is due to higher net income. EBITDA used in the 2016 calculation is $97.9 million higher than the EBITDA used in the 2015 calculation. EBITDA for 2015 was lower, in part, due to the impact of a higher level of special charges. The increase in our total debt to EBITDA from 2014 to 2015 is mainly due to higher long-term debt borrowings in 2015 to fund our acquisitions of Brand Aromatics, D&A and Stubb’s, combined with the lower EBITDA for 2015. Special charges were $16.0 million, $65.5 million and $5.2 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Those special charges reduced EBITDA and, accordingly, increased the ratios of total debt to EBITDA for 2016, 2015 and 2014 shown in the preceding table by 0.03, 0.16 and 0.01, respectively.
Most of our cash is in our foreign subsidiaries. We manage our worldwide cash requirements by considering available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct our business and the cost effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. The permanent repatriation of cash balances from certain of our subsidiaries could have adverse tax consequences; however, those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects and future acquisitions. At November 30, 2016, we temporarily used $218.9 million of cash from our foreign subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 were $603.8 million and $546.0 million, respectively. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,658.8 million and $1,571.9 million, respectively.
See notes 6 and 7 of the financial statements for further details of these transactions.
Credit and Capital Markets - The following summarizes the more significant impacts of credit and capital markets on our business:
CREDIT FACILITIES - Cash flows from operating activities are our primary source of liquidity for funding growth, share repurchases, dividends and capital expenditures. We also rely on our revolving credit facility, or borrowings backed by this facility, to fund seasonal working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.
In June 2015, we entered into a five-year $750 million revolving credit facility which will expire in June 2020. The pricing for this credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is LIBOR plus 0.75%. We generally use this facility to support our issuance of commercial paper. If the commercial paper market is not available or viable, we could borrow directly under our revolving credit facility. The facility is made available by a syndicate of banks, with various commitments per bank. If any of the banks in this syndicate are unable to perform on their commitments, our liquidity could be impacted, which could reduce our ability to grow through funding of seasonal working capital. In addition to our committed revolving credit facility, we have uncommitted credit facilities for $182.8 million as of November 30, 2016 that will expire in 2017. We engage in regular communication with all of the banks participating in our credit facilities. During these communications, none of the banks have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. In addition, we periodically review our banking and financing relationships, considering the stability of the institutions and other aspects of the relationships. Based on these communications and our monitoring activities, we believe our banks will perform on their commitments. See also note 6 of the financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements. We believe that our internally generated funds and the existing sources of liquidity under our credit facilities are sufficient to fund ongoing operations.
PENSION ASSETS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS - We hold investments in equity and debt securities in both our qualified defined benefit pension plans and through a rabbi trust for our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan. Cash payments to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $25.1 million in 2016, $15.7 million in 2015 and $16.8 million in 2014. It is expected that the 2017 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $13 million primarily for international plans. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent on changes in interest rates and the actual return on plan assets. We base our investment of plan assets, in part, on the duration of each plan’s liabilities. Across all of our qualified defined benefit pension plans, approximately 65% of assets are invested in equities, 26% in fixed income investments and 9% in other investments. Assets in the rabbi trust are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance, the value of which approximates an investment mix of 50% in equities and 50% in fixed income investments. See also note 10 of the financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.
CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES - See the subsequent section of this discussion under Market Risk Sensitivity-Credit Risk.
ACQUISITIONS
Acquisitions are part of our strategy to increase sales and profits.
On December 15, 2016 (after our fiscal year end), we purchased 100% of the shares of Enrico Giotti SpA (Giotti), a leading European flavor manufacturer located in Italy, for a cash payment of $125.5 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. Giotti is well known in the industry for its innovative beverage, sweet, savory and dairy flavor applications. Our acquisition of Giotti in fiscal 2017 expands the breadth of value-added products for McCormick's industrial segment, including additional expertise in flavoring health and nutrition products.
In fiscal year 2016, we made the following acquisitions:
•
On April 19, 2016, we completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of Botanical Food Company, Pty Ltd, owner of the Gourmet Garden brand of packaged herbs (Gourmet Garden), a privately held company based in Australia. Gourmet Garden is a global market leader in chilled convenient packaged herbs. Gourmet Garden's products complement our existing branded herb portfolio with the addition of chilled convenient herbs located in the perimeter of the grocery store. We plan to drive sales of the Gourmet Garden brand by expanding global distribution and building awareness with increased brand investment. The purchase price was $116.2 million, net of cash acquired of $3.3 million, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. Gourmet Garden has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition. While this business has an industrial component, the industrial component is not currently material to its overall business.
•
On September 1, 2016, we acquired the Cajun Injector business for $4.4 million. Cajun Injector has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition.
In fiscal year 2015, we made the following acquisitions:
•
We purchased 100% of the shares of Brand Aromatics, a privately held company located in the U.S. Brand Aromatics is a supplier of natural savory flavors, marinades, and broth and stock concentrates to the packaged food industry. Its addition expanded the breadth of value-added products in our industrial segment. The purchase price for Brand Aromatics was $62.4 million, net of post-closing adjustments and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. Brand Aromatics has been included in our industrial segment since its acquisition.
•
We purchased 100% of the shares of D&A, a privately held company based in Italy, and a leader of the spice and seasoning category in Italy that supplies both branded and private label products to consumers. The purchase price for D&A consisted of a cash payment of $49.0 million, net of cash acquired of $2.8 million, subject to certain closing adjustments, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. In addition, the purchase agreement calls for a potential earn out payment in 2018 of up to €35 million, based upon the performance of the acquired business in 2017. D&A has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition.
•
We purchased 100% of the shares of One World Foods, Inc., owner of the Stubb's brand of barbeque products (Stubb's), a privately held company located in Austin, Texas. Stubb's is a leading premium barbeque sauce brand in the U.S. In addition to sauces, Stubb's products include marinades, rubs and skillet sauces. Its addition expanded the breadth of value-added products in our consumer segment. The purchase price for Stubb's was $99.4 million, subject to certain closing adjustments, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. Stubb's has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition.
See notes 2 and 19 of the financial statements for further details regarding these acquisitions.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH-SHAREHOLDER RETURN
The following line graph compares the yearly change in McCormick’s cumulative total shareholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvestment of dividends) on McCormick’s Non-Voting Common Stock with (1) the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Price Index, assuming reinvestment of dividends, and (2) the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s Packaged Foods & Meats Index, assuming reinvestment of dividends.
MARKET RISK SENSITIVITY
We utilize derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risk, including foreign exchange and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The use of derivative financial instruments is monitored through regular communication with senior management and the utilization of written guidelines. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with notes 6 and 7 of the financial statements.
Foreign Exchange Risk - We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency in the following main areas: cash flows related to raw material purchases; the translation of foreign currency earnings to U.S. dollars; the effects of foreign currency on loans between subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates and on cash flows related to repatriation of earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Primary exposures include the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Polish zloty, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Indian rupee and Thai baht, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar and Swiss franc. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.
During 2016, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in France, the U.K., Poland, Mexico, Canada and Australia. We did not hedge our net investments in subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates.
The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2016. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2016 exchange rates and have been designated as hedges of foreign currency transactional exposures, firm commitments or anticipated transactions.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS AT NOVEMBER 30, 2016
Currency sold
Currency received
Notional
value
Average
contractual
exchange
rate
Fair
value
Euro
U.S. dollar
$
16.3
1.13
$
0.9
British pound sterling
U.S. dollar
30.2
1.27
0.3
Canadian dollar
U.S. dollar
40.1
0.77
1.3
Australian dollar
U.S. dollar
3.6
0.75
0.1
Polish zloty
U.S. dollar
16.5
3.85
1.4
Australian dollar
Euro
45.3
1.53
(2.4
)
Swiss franc
Euro
65.0
1.09
(1.2
)
U.S. dollar
Canadian dollar
59.6
0.74
0.2
U.S. dollar
Australian dollar
79.8
0.75
(0.9
)
U.S. dollar
British pound sterling
49.9
1.24
0.3
Mexican peso
U.S. dollar
19.5
21.02
(0.1
)
We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2016 with an aggregate notional value of $23.4 million to purchase or sell other currencies, such as the Swiss franc and the Thai baht. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $(0.4) million at November 30, 2016.
Included in the table are $189.4 million notional value of contracts that have durations of less than seven days that are used to hedge short-term cash flow funding. Remaining contracts have durations of one to 12 months.
At November 30, 2015, we had foreign currency exchange contracts for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Polish zloty with a notional value of $264.5 million, all of which matured in 2016. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $2.7 million at November 30, 2015.
Interest Rate Risk - Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We also use interest rate swaps to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The table that follows provides principal cash flows and related interest rates, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps and the amortization of any discounts or fees, by fiscal year of maturity at November 30, 2016. For foreign currency-denominated debt, the information is presented in U.S. dollar equivalents. Variable interest rates are based on the weighted-average rates of the portfolio at the end of the year presented.
YEARS OF MATURITY AT NOVEMBER 30, 2016
Thereafter
Total
Fair value
Debt
Fixed rate
$
0.6
$
250.6
$
0.4
$
0.2
$
812.0
$
1,063.8
$
1,116.0
Average interest rate
6.30
%
5.74
%
7.65
%
10.39
%
3.86
%
-
-
Variable rate
$
392.6
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
392.6
$
392.6
Average interest rate
1.45
%
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
The table above displays the debt by the terms of the original debt instrument without consideration of fair value, interest rate swaps and any loan discounts or origination fees. Interest rate swaps have the following effects:
•
We issued $250 million of 5.75% notes due in December 2017 in December 2007. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 6.25%.
•
We issued $250 million of 3.90% notes due in 2021 in July 2011. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 4.01%.
•
We issued $250 million of 3.50% notes due in 2023 in August 2013. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.30%.
•
We issued $250 million of 3.25% notes due in 2025 in November 2015. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.45%. The fixed interest rate on $100 million of the 3.25% notes due in December 2025 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through 2025. Net interest payments are based on 3 month LIBOR plus 1.22% during this period.
Commodity Risk - We purchase certain raw materials which are subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions, growing and harvesting conditions, governmental actions and other factors beyond our control. In 2016, our most significant raw materials were pepper, dairy products, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), garlic, onion, rice, wheat flour and vanilla. While future movements of raw material costs are uncertain, we respond to this volatility in a number of ways, including strategic raw material purchases, purchases of raw material for future delivery and customer price adjustments. We generally have not used derivatives to manage the volatility related to this risk. To the extent that we have used derivatives for this purpose, it has not been material to our business.
Credit Risk - The customers of our consumer segment are predominantly food retailers and food wholesalers. Consolidations in these industries have created larger customers. In addition, competition has increased with the growth in alternative channels including mass merchandisers, dollar stores, warehouse clubs, discount chains and e-commerce. This has caused some customers to be less profitable and increased our exposure to credit risk. Some of our customers and counterparties are highly leveraged. We continue to closely monitor the credit worthiness of our customers and counterparties. We feel that the allowance for doubtful accounts properly recognizes trade receivables at realizable value. We consider nonperformance credit risk for other financial instruments to be insignificant.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following table reflects a summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of November 30, 2016:
CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS DUE BY YEAR
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3
years
3-5
years
More than
5 years
Short-term borrowings
$
390.3
$
390.3
$
-
$
-
$
-
Long-term debt
1,066.1
2.9
251.0
250.4
561.8
Operating leases
108.7
27.8
36.1
21.0
23.8
Interest payments
233.2
44.5
67.5
60.2
61.0
Contingent consideration liability(a)
28.9
-
28.9
-
-
Raw material purchase obligations(b)
460.9
460.9
-
-
-
Other purchase obligations(c)
29.8
24.5
5.3
-
-
Total contractual cash obligations
$
2,317.9
$
950.9
$
388.8
$
331.6
$
646.6
(a)
The contingent consideration liability outstanding as of November 30, 2016 represents the estimated fair value of a contractual earn out provision associated with our acquisition of D&A. As more fully described in note 2 of the financial statements, the D&A purchase agreement calls for a potential earn out payment in 2018 of up to €35 million, based upon the performance of the acquired business in
2017. Changes in the fair value of this liability, including any increase or decrease to our estimate of the ultimate payout, determined under the contractual provisions, and accretion of interest on the discounted liability, will occur prior to the ultimate payment in 2018.
(b)
Raw material purchase obligations outstanding as of year-end may not be indicative of outstanding obligations throughout the year due to our response to varying raw material cycles.
(c)
Other purchase obligations primarily consist of advertising media commitments and electricity contracts.
The contractual cash obligations table above does not reflect any estimated lease payment obligation with respect to a 15-year lease for a headquarters building in Hunt Valley, Maryland, which was entered into in July 2016. The lease, which is expected to commence upon completion of building construction and fit-out, currently scheduled for the second half of 2018, will require monthly lease payments of approximately $0.9 million beginning six months after lease commencement. That monthly lease payment is subject to adjustment after an initial 60-month period and thereafter on an annual basis as specified in the lease agreement. In addition, the initial $0.9 million monthly lease payment is subject to an increase in the event of agreed-upon changes to specifications related to the headquarters building. See note 6 of the financial statements for additional details.
Pension and postretirement funding can vary significantly each year due to changes in legislation, our significant assumptions and investment return on plan assets. As a result, we have not presented pension and postretirement funding in the table above.
COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS EXPIRATION BY YEAR
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3
years
3-5
years
More than
5 years
Guarantees
$
0.6
$
0.6
$
-
$
-
$
-
Standby letters of credit
7.2
7.2
-
-
-
Total commercial commitments
$
7.8
$
7.8
$
-
$
-
$
-
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of November 30, 2016 and 2015.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See note 1 of the financial statements for further details of these impacts.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
In preparing the financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported. These estimates can also affect supplemental information disclosed by us, including information about contingencies, risk and financial condition. We believe, given current facts and circumstances, our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, adhere to U.S. GAAP and are consistently applied. Inherent in the nature of an estimate or assumption is the fact that actual results may differ from estimates, and estimates may vary as new facts and circumstances arise. In preparing the financial statements, we make routine estimates and judgments in determining the net realizable value of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets and prepaid allowances. Our most critical accounting estimates and assumptions are in the following areas:
Customer Contracts
In several of our major geographic markets, the consumer segment sells our products by entering into annual or multi-year customer contracts. These contracts include provisions for items such as sales discounts, marketing allowances and performance incentives. These items are recognized based on certain estimated criteria such as sales volume of indirect customers, customers reaching anticipated volume thresholds and marketing spending. We routinely review these criteria and make adjustments as facts and circumstances change.
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Valuation
We review the carrying value of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets and conduct tests of impairment on an annual basis as described below. We also test for impairment if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived purchased intangible asset is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue
growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, assumed royalty rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.
Goodwill Impairment
Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments. We calculate fair value of a reporting unit by using a discounted cash flow model. Our discounted cash flow model calculates fair value by present valuing future expected cash flows of our reporting units using our internal cost of capital as the discount rate. We then compare this fair value to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the calculated fair value, then we would determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value. As of November 30, 2016, we had $1,771.4 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($1,608.3 million in the consumer segment and $163.1 million in the industrial segment). Our testing indicates that the current fair values of our reporting units are significantly in excess of carrying values. Accordingly we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill.
Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We calculate fair value by using a relief-from-royalty method or discounted cash flow model and then compare that to the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.
As of November 30, 2016, we had $312.2 million of brand name assets and trademarks recorded in our balance sheet and none of the balances exceed their calculated fair values. Excluding (i) the Kohinoor brand name that was written down to its estimated fair value in the third quarter of 2015, (ii) the brand names associated with Brand Aromatics, D&A and Stubb's that had their fair value brand valuations finalized during fiscal 2016, and (iii) the Gourmet Garden brand name preliminarily determined in fiscal 2016, the percentage excess of calculated fair value over book value of our major brand names and trademarks is 40% or more as of November 30, 2016.
Below is a table which outlines the book value of our major brand names and trademarks as of November 30, 2016:
Zatarain’s
$
106.4
Lawry’s
48.0
Kamis
30.0
Stubb's
27.1
DaQiao/ChuShiLe
25.3
Gourmet Garden (a)
19.7
Simply Asia/Thai Kitchen
18.4
Drogheria & Alimentari
12.1
Kohinoor
8.1
Brand Aromatics
4.2
Other
12.9
Total
$
312.2
(a) Book value for the Gourmet Garden brand name as of November 30, 2016 is based on a preliminary valuation and will be adjusted upon finalization of this valuation in 2017.
Income Taxes
We estimate income taxes and file tax returns in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate and are required to file a tax return. At the end of each year, an estimate for income taxes is recorded in the financial statements. Tax returns are generally filed in the third or fourth quarter of the subsequent year. A reconciliation of the estimate to the final tax return is done at that time which will result in changes to the original estimate. We believe that our tax return positions are appropriately supported, but tax authorities may challenge certain positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the U.S. GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We believe that our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest, is adequate. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax expense and, therefore, could have a material impact on our tax provision, net income and cash flows. We have recorded valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In doing so, we have considered future taxable income and tax planning strategies in assessing the
need for a valuation allowance. Both future taxable income and tax planning strategies include a number of estimates.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Pension and other postretirement plans’ costs require the use of assumptions for discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, mortality rates and health care cost trend rates. The actuarial assumptions used in our pension and postretirement benefit reporting are reviewed annually and compared with external benchmarks to ensure that they appropriately account for our future pension and postretirement benefit obligations. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences between assumed and actual experience may affect our operating results. A 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact 2017 pension and postretirement benefit expense by approximately $14 million. A 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would impact 2017 pension expense by approximately $8 million.
Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our pension plan is a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and therefore the amount of expense we will recognize.
In 2014 the Society of Actuaries released a series of updated mortality tables resulting from studies they conducted that measured mortality rates for various groups of individuals and mortality information from the Social Security Administration. The updated mortality tables released by the Society of Actuaries in 2014 reflected improved trends in longevity, and therefore increased the estimate of benefits to be received by plan participants. In 2015, the Society of Actuaries released a series of updated mortality tables that reflected updated Social Security Administration data and that reflected smaller improvements in longevity than its 2014 mortality tables.
In determining the mortality assumptions for our U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we have considered the updated mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in 2014 and 2015, coupled with other mortality information from the Social Security Administration and from our consulting actuaries that we believe is more closely aligned with our industry and participant mix to develop assumptions that we believe are most representative of the characteristics of our participant populations. Our use of these updated mortality assumptions increased pension and postretirement benefit expense by approximately $2 million in 2015. Based on our evaluation as of November 30, 2015, in conjunction with advice from our consulting actuaries, we determined that no further change was required to our mortality assumptions in 2015, other than the following refinement with respect to our U.S. other postretirement benefit plan. In determining the most appropriate mortality assumptions for our U.S. other postretirement benefit plans at November 30, 2015, we modified those mortality assumptions to reflect a headcount-weighted version of such assumptions that we believe is most representative of the characteristics of our other postretirement benefits population. The effect of this modification decreased the benefit obligation for our U.S. other postretirement benefit plan by approximately $1.7 million and had an immaterial effect on our related 2016 expense. Based on our evaluation as of November 30, 2016, in conjunction with advice from our consulting actuaries, we have updated the mortality improvement scale for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans to reflect actual data from the Social Security Administration through 2013. The effect of this modification decreased the benefit obligation for our U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans by approximately $2.6 million and will have an immaterial effect on our related 2017 expense.
We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of mortality and other assumptions used in the measurement of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. In addition, see note 10 of the financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation
We estimate the fair value of our stock-based compensation using fair value pricing models which require the use of significant assumptions for expected volatility of stock, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. Our valuation methodology and significant assumptions used are disclosed in note 11 of the financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
This information is set forth in the “Market Risk Sensitivity” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and in note 7 of the financial statements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
We are responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based on our estimates and judgments. All other financial information in this report has been presented on a basis consistent with the information included in the financial statements.
We are also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We maintain a system of internal control that is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the fair and reliable preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition.
Our control environment is the foundation for our system of internal control over financial reporting and is embodied in our Business Ethics Policy. It sets the tone of our organization and includes factors such as integrity and ethical values. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by formal policies and procedures which are reviewed, modified and improved as changes occur in business conditions and operations.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of independent directors, meets periodically with members of management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to review and discuss internal control over financial reporting and accounting and financial reporting matters. The independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors report to the Audit Committee and accordingly have full and free access to the Audit Committee at any time.
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Although there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, based on our evaluation, we have concluded with reasonable assurance that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 30, 2016.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2016 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP.
Lawrence E. Kurzius
President &
Chief Executive Officer
Michael R. Smith
Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
Christina M. McMullen
Vice President & Controller
Chief Accounting Officer
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
We have audited McCormick & Company, Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). McCormick & Company, Incorporated’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, McCormick & Company, Incorporated maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of McCormick & Company, Incorporated as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of shareholders’ equity and cash flow statements for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2016 and our report dated January 25, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Baltimore, Maryland
January 25, 2017
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of McCormick & Company, Incorporated as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of shareholders’ equity and cash flow statements for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of McCormick & Company, Incorporated at November 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), McCormick & Company, Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated January 25, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Baltimore, Maryland
January 25, 2017
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation
The financial statements include the accounts of our majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, over which we exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. Accordingly, our share of net income or loss of unconsolidated affiliates is included in net income.
Foreign Currency Translation
For majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates, if located outside of the U.S., with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date and the resultant translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates - that is, transactions denominated in other than the functional currency - are included in net earnings.
Our unconsolidated affiliates located outside the U.S. generally use their local currencies as their functional currencies. The asset and liability accounts of those unconsolidated affiliates are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date, with the resultant translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of those affiliates. Income and expense items of those affiliates are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. We record our ownership share of the net assets and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of our unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated balance sheet on the lines entitled “Investments and other assets” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” respectively. We record our ownership share of the net income of our unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statement of income on the line entitled “Income from unconsolidated operations”.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of financial statements that follow accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using standard or average costs which approximate the first-in, first-out costing method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method for financial reporting and both accelerated and straight-line methods for tax reporting. The estimated useful lives range from 20 to 50 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery, equipment and computer software. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
We also capitalize costs of software developed or obtained for internal use. Capitalized software development costs include only (1) direct costs paid to others for materials and services to develop or buy the software, (2) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who work directly on the software development project and (3) interest costs while developing the software. Capitalization of these costs stops when the project is substantially complete and ready for use. Software is amortized using the straight-line method over a range of 3 to 8 years, but not exceeding the expected life of the product. We capitalized $21.8 million of software development costs during the year ended November 30, 2016, $9.4 million during the year ended November 30, 2015 and $11.7 million during the year ended November 30, 2014.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We review the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and conduct tests of impairment on an annual basis as described below. We also test goodwill for impairment if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount and test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those lives.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived purchased intangible asset is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, assumed royalty rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from these estimates.
Goodwill Impairment
Our reporting units used to assess potential goodwill impairment are the same as our business segments. We calculate fair value of a reporting unit by using a discounted cash flow model and then compare that to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the calculated fair value, then we would determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value.
Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We calculate fair value by using a relief-from-royalty method or discounted cash flow model and then compare that to the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded to the extent the recorded indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the fair value.
Long-lived Fixed Asset Impairment
Fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to determine if an impairment exists. If an impairment is determined to exist, the loss is calculated based on estimated fair value.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when we have an agreement with the customer - upon either shipment or delivery, depending upon contractual terms - and when the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We reduce revenue for estimated product returns, allowances and price discounts based on historical experience and contractual terms.
Trade allowances, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and rebates, merchandising funds and consumer coupons, are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Revenue is recorded net of trade allowances.
Trade accounts receivable are amounts billed and currently due from customers. We have an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our receivables to their net realizable value. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the aging of our receivables and our history of collections.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs on our products sold to customers are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the income statement. Shipping and handling expense was $97.2 million, $95.8 million and $100.3 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the income statement. Research and development expense was $61.0 million, $60.8 million and $62.0 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Brand Marketing Support
Total brand marketing support costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the income statement, were $252.2 million, $240.6 million and $226.6 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Brand marketing support costs include advertising, promotions and customer trade funds used for cooperative advertising. Promotion costs include public relations, shopper marketing, social marketing activities, general consumer promotion activities and depreciation on assets used in these promotional activities. Advertising costs include the development, production and communication of advertisements through television, digital, print and radio. Development and production costs are expensed in the period in which the advertisement is first run. All other
costs of advertisement are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $102.9 million, $106.8 million and $100.4 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and certain foreign locations. In addition, we sponsor defined contribution plans in the U.S. and contribute to government-sponsored retirement plans in locations outside the U.S. We also currently provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain U.S. employees.
We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans as an asset or a liability in the balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recorded through other comprehensive income in the year in which those changes occur.
The expected return on plan assets is determined using the expected rate of return and a calculated value of plan assets referred to as the market-related value of plan assets. Differences between assumed and actual returns are amortized to the market-related value of assets on a straight-line basis over five years.
We use the corridor approach in the valuation of defined benefit pension plans. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and actuarial assumptions. For defined benefit pension plans, these unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized over the average remaining service period to retirement date of active plan participants.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2016
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The standard is intended to eliminate diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2019. We have elected to early adopt ASU No. 2016-15, as permitted, as of the year ended November 30, 2016. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). This guidance requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent and is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2018. We have elected to early adopt ASU No. 2015-17, as permitted, as of November 30, 2016, and have retrospectively reclassified all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2015. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (Topic 805). This guidance eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated and is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2017. As described in note 2, we elected to early adopt ASU No. 2015-16, as permitted, in fiscal year 2016 with the completion of our final valuation related to the purchase of 100% of the shares of One World Foods, Inc.
In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance eliminates the pre-existing requirement to recognize debt issuance costs as a deferred charge (that is, an asset) by replacing the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new guidance is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2017. We have elected to early adopt ASU No. 2015-03 as of November 30, 2016, as permitted, and have retrospectively reclassified debt issuance costs from investments and other assets to long-term debt in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2015. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - Pending Adoption
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The new guidance requires that excess tax benefits (which represent the excess of actual tax benefits received at the date of vesting or settlement over the benefits recognized over the vesting period or upon issuance of share-based payments) and tax deficiencies (which represent the amount by which actual tax benefits received at the date of vesting or settlement is lower than the benefits recognized over the vesting period or upon issuance of share-based payments) be recorded in the income statement as a reduction of income taxes when the awards vest or are settled. The new guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. The new guidance is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2018. We expect to early adopt the new guidance, as permitted, effective as of the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2017. We expect that the adoption of this new guidance in fiscal 2017 will reduce our reported income taxes and will increase cash flows from operating activities; however, the amounts of that reduction/increase is dependent upon the underlying vesting or exercise activity and related future stock prices.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). This guidance revises existing practice related to accounting for leases under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840 Leases (ASC 840) for both lessees and lessors. Our leases as of November 30, 2016 principally relate to: (i) certain real estate, including that related to a number of administrative, distribution and manufacturing locations; (ii) certain machinery and equipment, including a corporate airplane and automobiles; and (iii) certain software. In addition, as of that date, we have entered into a 15-year lease for a headquarters building, which is expected to commence upon completion of building construction and fit-out, currently scheduled for the second half of 2018. The new guidance in ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The lease liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments and the right-of-use asset will be based on the lease liability, subject to adjustment such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the new standard retains a dual model similar to ASC 840, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. For lessees, operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current accounting by lessees for operating leases under ASC 840) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current accounting by lessees for capital leases under ASC 840). While the new standard maintains similar accounting for lessors as under ASC 840, the new standard reflects updates to, among other things, align with certain changes to the lessee model. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11 Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330). This guidance is intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. It will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07 Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (Topic 820). This guidance is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice related to how certain investments measured at net asset value with future redemption dates are categorized. The proposed amendments would remove those investments from the fair value hierarchy for which fair values are measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The proposed amendments will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented, which requires that an investment for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in our financial statements upon adoption. This guidance will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this new accounting pronouncement to have a material impact on our financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance is intended to improve-and converge with international standards-the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, but not before the original effective date for public business entities (that is, annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 or our fiscal year ending November 30, 2018). We do not expect to early adopt this new accounting
pronouncement. In preparation for our adoption of the new standard in our fiscal year ending November 30, 2019, we have obtained representative samples of contracts and other forms of agreements with our customers in the U.S. and international locations and are evaluating the provisions contained therein in light of the five-step model specified by the new guidance. That five-step model includes: (1) determination of whether a contract-an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations-exists; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. We are also evaluating the impact of the new standard on certain common practices currently employed by us and by other manufacturers of consumer products, such as slotting fees, co-operative advertising, rebates and other pricing allowances, merchandising funds and consumer coupons. We have not yet determined the impact of the new standard on our financial statements or whether we will adopt on a prospective or retrospective basis in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2019.
2. ACQUISITIONS
Acquisitions are part of our strategy to increase sales and profits.
On April 19, 2016, we completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of Botanical Food Company, Pty Ltd, owner of the Gourmet Garden brand of packaged herbs (Gourmet Garden), a privately held company based in Australia. Gourmet Garden is a global market leader in chilled convenient packaged herbs. Gourmet Garden's products complement our existing branded herb portfolio with the addition of chilled convenient herbs located in the perimeter of the grocery store. We plan to drive sales of the Gourmet Garden brand by expanding global distribution and building awareness with increased brand investment. At the time of acquisition, annual sales of Gourmet Garden were approximately 70 million Australian dollars. The purchase price was $116.2 million, net of cash acquired of $3.3 million, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. A preliminary valuation of the acquired net assets of Gourmet Garden resulted in $20.4 million allocated to net tangible assets acquired, $20.3 million allocated to indefinite-lived brand asset, $14.2 million allocated to definite-lived intangible assets with a weighted-average life of 12.0 years and $61.3 million allocated to goodwill. Goodwill related to the Gourmet Garden acquisition, which is not deductible for tax purposes, primarily represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, our insights in demand from consumers for herbs, and our supply chain capabilities, as well as expected synergies from the combined operations and assembled workforce. The preliminary valuation, based on a comparison of acquisitions of similar consumer businesses, provided average percentages of purchase prices assigned to goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, which we used to initially value the Gourmet Garden acquisition. We expect to finalize the determination of the fair value of the acquired net assets of Gourmet Garden in early 2017. Gourmet Garden has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition. While this business has an industrial component, the industrial component is not currently material to its overall business.
On September 1, 2016, we acquired a small niche business for $4.4 million. That business, Cajun Injector, whose annual sales were approximately $5 million at the time of acquisition, sells injectable marinades, along with seasonings and fry mixes that feature New Orleans flavors. Cajun Injector, which has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition, complements our Zatarain’s brand.
On August 20, 2015, we completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of One World Foods, Inc., owner of the Stubb's brand of barbeque products (Stubb's), a privately held company located in Austin, Texas. Stubb's is a leading premium barbeque sauce brand in the U.S. In addition to sauces, Stubb's products include marinades, rubs and skillet sauces. Its addition expanded the breadth of value-added products in our consumer segment. At the time of acquisition, annual sales of Stubb's were approximately $30 million. The purchase price for Stubb's was $99.4 million, net of cash acquired of $0.8 million, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. During 2016, we completed the final valuation of the Stubb's acquisition, which resulted in the following changes from the preliminary valuation to the acquired assets and liabilities: (i) the indefinite-lived brand asset increased by $13.8 million to $27.1 million; (ii) definite-lived intangible assets increased by $11.9 million to $24.4 million (with a weighted average life of 13.9 years); (iii) tangible assets acquired increased by $0.3 million to $5.7 million; (iv) liabilities assumed (including the deferred tax liabilities associated with identified intangible assets) increased by $7.0 million to $19.4 million; and (v) goodwill decreased by $19.0 million to $61.6 million. As a result of these changes in the final valuation, additional amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets of $0.9 million was recorded for the year ended November 30, 2016. Goodwill related to the Stubb's acquisition, which is not deductible for tax purposes, primarily represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate
recognition, such as the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, our insights in demand from consumers for unique and authentic barbeque and grilling flavors, and our supply chain capabilities, as well as expected synergies from the combined operations and assembled workforce. With the completion of the final valuation of Stubb's, we have elected to adopt ASU No. 2015-16, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. Stubb's has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition.
On May 29, 2015, we completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of Drogheria & Alimentari (D&A), a privately held company based in Italy, and a leader of the spice and seasoning category in Italy that supplies both branded and private label products to consumers. This acquisition complemented our strong brands and expanded our current spice and seasoning leadership in Europe with a sizable footprint in Italy. The purchase price for D&A consisted of a cash payment of $49.0 million, net of cash acquired of $2.8 million, and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. In addition, the purchase agreement calls for a potential earn out payment in 2018 of up to €35 million, based upon the performance of the acquired business in 2017. This potential earn out payment had an acquisition-date fair value of $27.7 million (or approximately €25 million), based on estimates of projected performance in 2017, payable in fiscal 2018, and discounted using a probability-weighted approach. At the time of the acquisition, annual sales of D&A were approximately €50 million. During 2016, we completed the final valuation of the D&A acquisition, which resulted in $3.2 million allocated to tangible net assets, $12.6 million allocated to indefinite-lived brand assets, $19.8 million allocated to definite-lived intangible assets with a weighted-average life of 13.8 years and $41.1 million allocated to goodwill. Goodwill related to the D&A acquisition, which is not deductible for tax purposes, primarily represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, our customer insights in demand from consumers for unique and authentic ethnic flavors and our supply chain capabilities, as well as expected synergies from the combined operations and assembled workforce. The completion of the final valuation did not result in material changes to our consolidated income statement or consolidated balance sheet from our preliminary purchase price allocation. D&A has been included in our consumer segment since its acquisition.
On March 9, 2015, we acquired 100% of the shares of Brand Aromatics, a privately held company located in the U.S. Brand Aromatics is a supplier of natural savory flavors, marinades, and broth and stock concentrates to the packaged food industry. Its addition expanded the breadth of value-added products in our industrial segment. The purchase price for Brand Aromatics was $62.4 million, net of post-closing adjustments and was financed with a combination of cash and short-term borrowings. At the time of acquisition, annual sales of Brand Aromatics were approximately $30 million. As of November 30, 2015, we completed the final valuation of the Brand Aromatics acquisition, which resulted in $5.2 million allocated to tangible net assets, $4.2 million allocated to a brand name indefinite lived intangible asset, $18.7 million allocated to definite lived intangible assets with a weighted average life of 11.9 years, and $34.3 million allocated to goodwill. Goodwill related to the Brand Aromatics acquisition, which is deductible for tax purposes, primarily represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the value of leveraging the customer intimacy and value-added flavor solutions we provide to our industrial customers to Brand Aromatics’ relationships with industrial customers of their stocks, marinades and other savory flavors, as well as from expected synergies from the combined operations and assembled workforces, and the future development initiatives of the assembled workforces. The completion of the final valuation did not result in material changes to our consolidated income statement or our consolidated balance sheet from our preliminary purchase price allocation. Brand Aromatics has been included in our industrial segment since its acquisition.
During the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded $5.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, in transaction-related expenses associated with the above acquisitions (including, for 2016, an acquisition completed subsequent to year end as described in note 19) in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated income statement.
Since the dates of each acquisition in 2016, Gourmet Garden and Cajun Injector added $40.0 million, in aggregate, to our sales for the year ended November 30, 2016. Due to financing, acquisition and integration costs, the aggregate operating income contribution of Gourmet Garden and Cajun Injector was not significant to our overall results for 2016. Pro forma financial information for our 2016 and 2015 acquisitions has not been presented because the financial impact is not material.
3. SPECIAL CHARGES
We continue to evaluate changes to our organization structure to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness.
In our consolidated income statement, we include a separate line item captioned “special charges” in arriving at our consolidated operating income. Special charges consist of expenses, including related impairment charges, associated with certain actions undertaken by the company to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness and are of such significance in terms of both up-front costs and organizational/structural impact to require advance approval by our Management Committee, comprised of our senior management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer. Upon presentation of any such proposed action (generally including details with respect to estimated costs, which typically consist principally of employee severance and related benefits, together with ancillary costs associated with the action that may include a non-cash component, such as an asset impairment, or a component which relates to inventory adjustments that are included in cost of goods sold; impacted employees or operations; expected timing; and expected savings) to the Management Committee and the Committee’s advance approval, expenses associated with the approved action are classified as special charges upon recognition and monitored on an on-going basis through completion. Certain ancillary expenses related to these actions approved by our Management Committee do not qualify for accrual upon approval but are included as special charges as incurred during the course of the actions.
The following is a summary of special charges recognized in the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in millions):
(1)
Included in special charges for 2016 are non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $2.6 million recognized upon the exit of a consolidated joint venture. Included in special charges for 2015 are non-cash brand impairment charges of $9.6 million and non-cash fixed asset impairment charges of $1.1 million.
The following is a breakdown of special charges by business segments in the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in millions):
During 2016, we recorded $16.0 million of special charges, principally consisting of: (i) $5.7 million related to additional organization and streamlining actions associated with our Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, which began in 2015 and are included in the table below; (ii) $2.8 million associated with the exit from our consolidated joint venture in South Africa, which is described below; (iii) $1.9 million for employees severance actions and other exit costs related to the discontinuance of non-profitable product lines of our Kohinoor business in India, which began in 2015 and is further described below; (iv) $1.8 million associated with actions in connection with our planned exit of two leased manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Thailand, which are described below; and (v) $1.7 million for employee severance actions and related costs associated with our North American effectiveness initiative, which began in 2015 and are included in the table below. The remainder principally relates to other streamlining actions in 2016, as approved by our Management Committee, in our operations in North America, EMEA and Asia/Pacific.
As approved by our Management Committee, we reached agreement with our joint venture partner in South Africa to exit the consolidated joint venture and recognized special charges of $2.8 million, principally related to the write-off of $2.6 million of goodwill upon the receipt of regulatory approval to terminate the joint venture in the fourth quarter of 2016. As part of the negotiated agreement related to the exit, our former joint venture partner paid the joint venture $5.1 million for inventory and fixed assets and the joint venture paid $0.9 million to the former partner to settle their joint venture interest. We will liquidate the remaining assets and liabilities of the now wholly owned
venture in 2017 and, upon liquidation, will write off the foreign currency translation adjustment associated with this entity, which is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. That amount, which totals $0.7 million at November 30, 2016, will fluctuate in 2017 with changes in the value of the South African rand versus the U.S. dollar and will be included as special charges upon the entity’s liquidation.
In 2016, our Management Committee approved a plan to construct a new manufacturing facility in Thailand for our Asia/Pacific region, with anticipated completion in 2018. Upon completion of construction, we will exit two leased manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Thailand. The $1.8 million of special charges recorded in 2016 principally relates to severance and other related costs associated with employees located at the existing leased facility in Singapore. We expect to record additional special charges related to this action of approximately $2.2 million over the next two years associated with other exit costs.
Of the $65.5 million of special charges recognized in 2015, $29.2 million related to our North American effectiveness initiative, $24.4 million related to streamlining actions in our EMEA region, and $14.2 million related to our Kohinoor business in India as more fully described below. Partially offsetting these charges was a reduction of $2.3 million associated with the 2015 reversal of reserves previously accrued as part of actions undertaken in 2013 and 2014.
In 2015, we offered a voluntary retirement plan, which included enhanced separation benefits but did not include supplementary pension benefits, to certain U.S. employees aged 55 years or older with at least ten years of service to the company. Upon our receipt of notification from participants that they accepted this plan, which closed early in 2015, we accrued special charges of $23.9 million, consisting of employee severance and related benefits that have been largely paid in 2015 as substantially all of the affected employees had left the company in 2015. The voluntary retirement plan is part of our North American effectiveness initiative. In addition to the cost of the voluntary retirement plan, we recognized an additional $5.3 million of special charges in 2015 as part of our North American effectiveness initiative, of which $3.0 million represented additional employee severance and related benefits and $2.3 million represented other related expenses. In 2016, we recorded an additional $1.7 million associated with employee severance and related expenses as part of our North American effectiveness initiative.
Our North American effectiveness initiative generated cost savings of approximately $15 million in 2015 and full year annual cost savings of approximately $27 million in 2016. As of November 30, 2016, our North American effectiveness initiative is effectively completed. The following table outlines the major components of accrual balances and activity relating to the special charges associated with our North American effectiveness initiative for the years ended November 30, 2015 and 2016 (in millions):
In 2015, we recorded special charges of $24.4 million, principally consisting of severance and related costs, to enhance organization efficiency and streamline processes in EMEA in order to support our competitiveness and long-term growth. These initiatives center on actions intended to reduce fixed costs and improve business processes, as well as continue to drive simplification across the business and supply chain. These actions include the transfer of certain additional activities to our shared services center in Poland. In 2016, we recorded $5.7 million of special charges, principally consisting of other related costs, for EMEA reorganization and streamlining activities that began in 2015. We expect to record additional special charges in 2017, of approximately $1.6 million for future actions approved under these EMEA reorganization and streamlining initiatives that began in 2015, which will be settled in cash and reflected in special charges upon recognition in 2017. Related annual cost savings were $7.5 million in 2016 and are projected to be approximately $13 million by the end of 2017.
The following table outlines the major components of accrual balances and activity relating to the special charges associated with the EMEA reorganization plans initiated in 2015 (in millions):
Also in 2015, we recorded a total of $14.2 million of special charges related to initiatives to improve the profitability of our Kohinoor consumer business in India. This action principally relates to the discontinuance of Kohinoor's non-profitable bulk-packaged and broken basmati rice product lines and other ancillary activities to enable the business to focus on both its existing consumer-packaged basmati rice product lines and the launch of consumer-packaged herbs and spices under the Kohinoor brand name.
Due to the anticipated sales reduction associated with Kohinoor's discontinuance of its bulk-packaged and broken basmati rice product lines, only partially offset by the launch of consumer-packaged herbs and spices, we determined that an impairment of the Kohinoor brand name had occurred in 2015. Using a relief from royalty method (and a discount rate associated with the risk of the launch of consumer-packaged herbs and spices), a Level 3 fair value measurement, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $9.6 million in 2015. The remaining carrying value of our Kohinoor brand name as of November 30, 2016 is $8.1 million. In addition, as a result of the Kohinoor product line discontinuance in 2015, we recognized a $4.0 million charge in cost of goods sold, which represents a provision for the excess of the carrying value of inventories of bulk and broken basmati rice, determined on a lower of cost or market basis, over the estimated net realizable value of such discontinued inventories. We also recorded $0.6 million of other exit costs associated with this plan of which $0.4 million were paid in 2015 and the balance of $0.2 million paid in 2016. In addition to the $14.2 million of special charges outlined above and recorded in 2015, we recorded and paid $1.9 million of special charges in 2016 consisting of costs associated with exiting certain contractual arrangements to improve Kohinoor's profitability and other severance and related costs directly associated with the plan.
In late 2013, we announced a reorganization of parts of our EMEA region to further improve EMEA’s profitability and process standardization while supporting its competitiveness and long-term growth. These actions include the closure of our sales and distribution operations in The Netherlands, with the transition to a third-party distributor model to continue to sell the Silvo® brand, as well as actions intended to streamline selling, general and administrative activities throughout EMEA, including the centralization of certain shared service activity across parts of the region into a newly created shared services center in Poland. In 2013, we recorded $25.0 million of charges related to this reorganization. In 2014, we recorded an additional $2.1 million of special charges associated with this EMEA reorganization, with $1.1 million related to employee severance and $1.0 million for other exit costs. In 2015, we reversed $1.9 million of these special charges due to attrition that rendered the severance accruals unnecessary.
The following table outlines the major components of accrual balances relating to the special charges associated with this EMEA reorganization as of November 30, 2014, 2015 and 2016 (in millions):
In 2014, in addition to the $2.1 million of special charges recognized related to the previously described 2013 EMEA reorganization, we also undertook reorganization actions in our U.S. and Australian businesses in 2014 and recognized $3.1 million of special charges. Actions associated with these U.S and Australian plans have been completed as of 2016 and generated annual savings of $4.0 million.
As of November 30, 2016, reserves associated with special charges are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table displays intangible assets as of November 30, 2016 and 2015:
Intangible asset amortization expense was $11.3 million, $7.3 million and $5.6 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At November 30, 2016, finite-lived intangible assets had a weighted-average remaining life of approximately 11 years.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
5. INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
Summarized annual and year-end information from the financial statements of unconsolidated affiliates representing 100% of the businesses follows:
Our share of undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $95.8 million at November 30, 2016. Royalty income from unconsolidated affiliates was $16.1 million, $17.8 million and $18.7 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Our principal earnings from unconsolidated affiliates is from our 50% interest in McCormick de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Profit from this joint venture represented 83% of income from unconsolidated operations in 2016, 89% in 2015 and 91% in 2014.
As of November 30, 2016, $102.3 million of our consolidated retained earnings represents undistributed earnings of investments in unconsolidated affiliates for which we have not provided deferred income tax liabilities.
6. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Our outstanding debt was as follows at November 30:
(1)
Interest rate swaps, settled upon the issuance of these notes in 2007, effectively set the interest rate on the $250 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 6.25%.
(2)
Interest rate swaps, settled upon the issuance of these notes in 2011, effectively set the interest rate on the $250 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 4.01%.
(3)
Interest rate swaps, settled upon the issuance of these notes in 2013, effectively set the interest rate on the $250 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.30%.
(4)
Interest rate swaps, settled upon the issuance of these notes in 2015, effectively set the interest rate on the $250 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.45%. The fixed interest rate on $100 million of the 3.25% notes due in 2025 is effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through 2025. Net interest payments are based on 3 month LIBOR plus 1.22% during this period (our effective rate as of November 30, 2016 was 2.13%).
Maturities of long-term debt during the fiscal years subsequent to November 30, 2016 are as follows (in millions):
$
250.6
0.4
0.2
250.2
Thereafter
561.8
In November 2015, we issued $250 million of 3.25% notes due 2025, with net cash proceeds received of $246.5 million. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears in May and November of each year. Of these notes, $100 million were subject to interest rate hedges and $100 million of fair value hedges as further disclosed in note 7. The net proceeds from this issuance were used to pay down short-term borrowings and for general corporate purposes. In December of 2015, proceeds from short-term borrowings were used to pay off $200 million of 5.20% notes that matured in that month.
We have available credit facilities with domestic and foreign banks for various purposes. Some of these lines are committed lines and others are uncommitted lines and could be withdrawn at various times. In June 2015, we entered into a five-year $750 million revolving credit facility which will expire in June 2020. The pricing for this credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is LIBOR plus 0.75%. This credit facility supports our commercial paper program and, after $356.9 million was used to support issued commercial paper, we have $393.1 million of capacity at November 30, 2016. In addition, we have several uncommitted lines totaling $182.8 million, which have a total unused capacity at November 30, 2016 of $151.1 million. These lines by their nature can be withdrawn based on the lenders’ discretion. Committed credit facilities require a fee, and annual commitment fees were $0.5 million for 2016 and 2015.
Rental expense under operating leases (primarily buildings and equipment) was $41.6 million in 2016, $39.0 million in 2015 and $40.3 million in 2014. Future annual fixed rental payments(1) for the years ending November 30 are as follows (in millions):
$
27.8
21.3
14.8
11.6
9.4
Thereafter
23.8
(1) In July 2016, we entered into a 15-year lease for a headquarters building in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The lease, which is expected to commence upon completion of building construction and fit-out, currently scheduled for the second half of 2018, requires monthly lease payments of approximately $0.9 million beginning six months after lease commencement. The $0.9 million monthly lease payment is subject to adjustment after an initial 60-month period and thereafter on an annual basis as specified in the lease agreement. In addition, the initial $0.9 million monthly lease payment is subject to increase in the event of agreed-upon changes to specifications related to the headquarters building. We expect to consolidate our Corporate staff and certain non-manufacturing U.S. employees, currently housed in four locations in the suburban Baltimore, Maryland area, to the new headquarters building. Due to uncertainty as to the exact date when the lease will commence, these lease payments are not reflected in the preceding table of annual fixed rental payments for the years ending November 30, 2017 through 2021 and thereafter.
At November 30, 2016, we had guarantees outstanding of $0.6 million with terms of one year or less. At November 30, 2016 and 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit of $7.2 million and $8.6 million, respectively. These letters of credit typically act as a guarantee of payment to certain third parties in accordance with specified terms and conditions. The unused portion of our letter of credit facility was $13.8 million at November 30, 2016.
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We use derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risk, including foreign currency and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument and all derivatives are designated as hedges. We are not a party to master netting arrangements, and we do not offset the fair value of derivative contracts with the same counterparty in our financial statement disclosures. The use of derivative financial instruments is monitored through regular communication with senior management and the use of written guidelines.
Foreign Currency
We are potentially exposed to foreign currency fluctuations affecting net investments, transactions and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. We selectively hedge the potential effect of these foreign currency fluctuations by entering into foreign currency exchange contracts with highly-rated financial institutions.
Contracts which are designated as hedges of anticipated purchases denominated in a foreign currency (generally purchases of raw materials in U.S. dollars by operating units outside the U.S.) are considered cash flow hedges. The gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in cost of goods sold, at which time the net amount deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income is also recognized in cost of goods sold. Gains and losses from contracts which are designated as hedges of assets, liabilities or firm commitments are recognized through income, offsetting the change in fair value of the hedged item.
During fiscal year 2016, we entered into fair value foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the currency component of certain intercompany loans between our subsidiaries. At November 30, 2016, the notional value of these contracts was $109.9 million. During fiscal year 2016, we recognized a $3.5 million loss on the change in fair value of these contracts, which was offset by a $3.1 million gain on the change in the currency component of the underlying loans. Both the loss and the gain were recognized in our consolidated income statement as other income, net.
At November 30, 2016, we had foreign currency exchange contracts to purchase or sell $449.2 million of foreign currencies versus $264.5 million at November 30, 2015. All of these contracts were designated as hedges of anticipated purchases denominated in a foreign currency or hedges of foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material. At November 30, 2016, we had $189.4 million of notional contracts that have durations of less than seven days that are used to hedge short-term cash flow funding. The remaining contracts have durations of one to twelve months.
Interest Rates
We finance a portion of our operations with both fixed and variable rate debt instruments, primarily commercial paper, notes and bank loans. We utilize interest rate swap agreements to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of variable and fixed rate debt.
During fiscal 2015, we entered into a total of $100 million of forward starting interest rate swap agreements to manage our interest rate risk associated with the anticipated issuance of fixed rate notes in November 2015. We cash settled all of these agreements, which were designated as cash flow hedges, for a loss of $1.2 million simultaneous with the issuance of the notes at an all-in effective fixed rate of 3.45% on the full $250 million of debt. The loss on these agreements was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized to increase interest expense over the life of the notes. Hedge ineffectiveness of these agreements was not material.
In November 2015, we entered into an interest rate swap contract for a notional amount of $100 million to receive interest at 3.25% and pay a variable rate of interest based on three-month LIBOR plus 1.22%. We designated these swaps, which expire in November 2025, as fair value hedges of the changes in fair value of $100 million of the $250 million 3.25% medium-term notes due 2025 that we issued in November 2015. Any unrealized gain or loss on these swaps was offset by a corresponding increase or decrease in the value of the hedged debt. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material.
In March 2006, we entered into interest rate swap contracts for a total notional amount of $100 million to receive interest at 5.20% and pay a variable rate of interest based on three-month LIBOR minus 0.05%. We designated these swaps, which expired in December 2015, as fair value hedges of the changes in fair value of $100 million of the $200 million 5.20% medium-term notes due 2015 that we issued in December 2005. Any unrealized gain or loss on these swaps was offset by a corresponding increase or decrease in the value of the hedged debt. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material.
The following tables disclose the derivative instruments on our balance sheet as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, which are all recorded at fair value:
The following tables disclose the impact of derivative instruments on other comprehensive income (OCI), accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and our income statement for the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
The amount of gain or loss recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments is not material. The net amount of accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified into income related to these contracts in the next twelve months is a $3.4 million increase to earnings.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments at November 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Because of their short-term nature, the amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, short-term borrowings and trade accounts payable approximate fair value.
Investments in affiliates are not readily marketable, and it is not practicable to estimate their fair value. Long-term investments are comprised of fixed income and equity securities held on behalf of employees in certain employee benefit plans and are stated at fair value on the balance sheet. The cost of these investments was $80.6 million and $80.0 million at November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
We are potentially exposed to concentrations of credit risk with trade accounts receivable, prepaid allowances and financial instruments. The customers of our consumer segment are predominantly food retailers and food wholesalers. Consolidations in these industries have created larger customers. In addition, competition has increased with the growth in alternative channels including mass merchandisers, dollar stores, warehouse clubs, discount chains and e-commerce. This has caused some customers to be less profitable and increased our exposure to credit risk. We have a large and diverse customer base and, other than with respect to the two customers disclosed in note 16, each of which accounted for greater than 10% of our consolidated sales, there was no material concentration of credit risk in these accounts at November 30, 2016. At November 30, 2016, amounts due from those two customers aggregated approximately 9% of consolidated trade accounts receivable. Current credit markets are highly volatile and some of our customers and counterparties are highly leveraged. We continue to closely monitor the credit worthiness of our customers and counterparties and generally do not require collateral. We believe that the allowance for doubtful accounts properly recognized trade receivables at realizable value. We consider nonperformance credit risk for other financial instruments to be insignificant.
8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value can be measured using valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). Accounting standards utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
•
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
•
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s own assumptions.
Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis at November 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
Fair value measurements using fair
value hierarchy as of November 30, 2015
(millions)
Fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
112.6
$
112.6
$
-
$
-
Insurance contracts
104.1
-
104.1
-
Bonds and other long-term investments
8.5
8.5
-
-
Interest rate derivatives
2.5
-
2.5
-
Foreign currency derivatives
3.4
-
3.4
-
Total
$
231.1
$
121.1
$
110.0
$
-
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives
$
0.6
$
-
$
0.6
$
-
Foreign currency derivatives
0.7
-
0.7
-
Contingent consideration related to acquisition
27.1
-
-
27.1
Total
$
28.4
$
-
$
1.3
$
27.1
The fair values of insurance contracts are based upon the underlying values of the securities in which they are invested and are from quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges for similar type assets. The fair values of bonds and other long-term investments are based on quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges. The fair values for interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are based on values for similar instruments using models with market based inputs.
The acquisition-date fair value of the liability for contingent consideration related to our acquisition of D&A was approximately $27.7 million (see note 2) and was included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the liability both at acquisition and as of each reporting period is estimated using a discounted cash flow technique applied to the expected payout with significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 fair value measurement as defined in the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The significant inputs in the Level 3 measurement not supported by market activity included our probability assessments of expected future earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization related to our acquisition of D&A during the calendar 2017 earn-out period, adjusted for expectations of the amounts and ultimate resolution of likely disputes to be raised by the sellers and by us as provided in the purchase agreement, discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligation, and calculated in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement. Changes in the fair value of the liability for contingent consideration including accretion, but excluding the impact of foreign currency, will be recognized in income on a quarterly basis until settlement in fiscal 2018.
The change in fair value of our Level 3 liabilities, which relates solely to the contingent consideration related to our acquisition of D&A, for the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows (in millions):
9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax where applicable (in millions):
The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into consolidated net income for the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of total pension expense and total other postretirement expense (refer to note 10 for additional details).
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT PLANS
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and certain foreign locations. In addition, we sponsor defined contribution plans in the U.S. and contribute to government-sponsored retirement plans in locations outside the U.S. We also currently provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain U.S. employees.
Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 30, 2016 was $327.8 million ($221.3 million net of tax) related to net unrecognized actuarial losses of $326.6 million and unrecognized prior service costs of $1.2 million that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension or postretirement benefit cost. We expect to recognize $16.6 million ($11.1 million net of tax) in net periodic pension and postretirement benefit expense during 2017 related to the amortization of actuarial losses of $15.9 million and the amortization of prior service costs of $0.7 million.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The significant assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows as of November 30:
The significant assumptions used to determine pension expense are as follows:
Annually, we undertake a process, with the assistance of our external investment consultants, to evaluate the appropriate projected rates of return to use for our pension plans’ assumptions. We engage our investment consultants' research teams to develop capital market assumptions for each asset category in our plans to project investment returns into the future. The specific methods used to develop expected return assumptions vary by asset category. We adjust the outcomes for the fact that plan assets are invested with actively managed funds and subject to tactical asset reallocation.
Our pension expense was as follows:
A rollforward of the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and a reconciliation of the pension plans’ funded status as of November 30, the measurement date, follows:
Included in the U.S. in the preceding table is a benefit obligation of $95.5 million and $89.6 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to a nonqualified defined benefit plan pursuant to which we will pay supplemental pension benefits to certain key employees upon retirement based upon the employees’ years of service and compensation. The accumulated benefit obligation related to this plan was $91.8 million and $86.2 million as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The assets related to this plan, which totaled $80.6 million and $79.5 million as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are held in a rabbi trust and accordingly have not been included in the preceding table.
Amounts recorded in the balance sheet for all defined benefit pension plans consist of the following:
The accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of pension benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed to employee service rendered before the measurement date and based on employee service and compensation prior to that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation or service levels. The accumulated benefit obligation for the U.S. pension plans was $674.9 million and $638.8 million as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for the international pension plans was $296.9 million and $281.5 million as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The investment objectives of the defined benefit pension plans are to provide assets to meet the current and future obligations of the plans at a reasonable cost to us. The goal is to optimize the long-term return across the portfolio of investments at a moderate level of risk. Higher-returning assets include mutual, co-mingled and other funds comprised of equity securities, utilizing both active and passive investment styles. These more volatile assets are balanced with less volatile assets, primarily mutual, co-mingled and other funds comprised of fixed income securities. Professional investment firms are engaged to provide advice on the selection and monitoring of investment funds, and to provide advice on the allocation of plan assets across the various fund managers. This advice is based in part on the duration of each plan’s liability. The investment return performances are evaluated quarterly against specific benchmark indices and against a peer group of funds of the same asset classification.
The allocations of U.S. pension plan assets as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, by asset category, were as follows:
The allocations of the international pension plans’ assets as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, by asset category, were as follows:
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy as described in note 8, pension plan assets at their fair value as of November 30, 2016 and 2015 for the United States and international plans:
As of November 30, 2015
United States
(millions)
Total
fair
value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11.0
$
11.0
$
-
$
-
Equity securities:
U.S. equity securities(a)
270.1
141.2
128.9
-
International equity securities(b)
105.7
105.7
-
-
Fixed income securities:
U.S./government/ corporate bonds(c)
32.3
32.3
-
-
High yield bonds(d)
33.2
-
33.2
-
International/government/ corporate bonds(e)
25.2
25.2
-
-
Insurance contracts(f)
1.1
-
1.1
-
Other types of investments:
Hedge funds(g)
37.6
-
-
37.6
Private equity funds(h)
4.9
-
-
4.9
Real estate (i)
16.5
16.5
-
-
Natural resources (j)
11.0
-
11.0
-
Total investments
$
548.6
$
331.9
$
174.2
$
42.5
As of November 30, 2015
International
(millions)
Total
fair
value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
$
0.9
$
0.9
$
-
$
-
International equity securities(b)
156.8
-
156.8
-
Fixed income securities:
U.S./government/ corporate bonds(c)
110.6
-
110.6
-
Insurance contracts(f)
20.0
-
20.0
-
Total investments
$
288.3
$
0.9
$
287.4
$
-
(a)
This category comprises equity funds and collective equity trust funds that most closely track the S&P index and other equity indices.
(b)
This category comprises international equity funds with varying benchmark indices.
(c)
This category comprises funds consisting of U.S. government and U.S. corporate bonds and other fixed income securities. An appropriate benchmark is the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.
(d)
This category comprises funds consisting of real estate related debt securities with an appropriate benchmark of the Barclays Investment Grade CMBS Index.
(e)
This category comprises funds consisting of international government/corporate bonds and other fixed income securities with varying benchmark indices.
(f)
This category comprises insurance contracts, the majority of which have a guaranteed investment return.
(g)
This category comprises hedge funds investing in strategies represented in various HFRI Fund Indices.
(h)
This category comprises private equity, venture capital and limited partnerships.
(i)
This category comprises funds investing in real estate investment trusts (REIT). An appropriate benchmark is the MSCI U.S. REIT Index.
(j)
This category comprises funds investing in natural resources. An appropriate benchmark is the Alerian master limited partnership (MLP) Index.
The change in fair value of the plans’ Level 3 assets for 2016 is summarized as follows:
The change in fair value of the plans’ Level 3 assets for 2015 is summarized as follows:
(millions)
Beginning
of year
Realized
gains
Unrealized
gains (losses)
Net,
purchases
and (sales)
End of
year
Hedge funds
$
54.7
$
2.0
$
(2.3
)
$
(16.8
)
$
37.6
Private equity funds
5.0
0.7
(0.1
)
(0.7
)
4.9
Total
$
59.7
$
2.7
$
(2.4
)
$
(17.5
)
$
42.5
The value for the Level 3 hedge funds’ assets is determined by an administrator using financial statements of the underlying funds or estimates provided by fund managers. The value for the Level 3 private equity funds’ assets is determined by the general partner or the general partner’s designee. In addition, for the plans’ Level 3 assets, we engage an independent advisor to compare the funds’ returns to other funds with similar strategies. Each fund is required to have an annual audit by an independent accountant, which is provided to the independent advisor. This provides a basis of comparability relative to similar assets in this category.
Equity securities in the U.S. plan included McCormick stock with a fair value of $35.3 million (0.4 million shares and 6.3% of total U.S. pension plan assets) and $39.2 million (0.5 million shares and 7.2% of total U.S. pension plan assets) at November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Dividends paid on these shares were $0.7 million in 2016 and in 2015.
Pension benefit payments in our most significant plans are made from assets of the pension plans. It is anticipated that future benefit payments for the U.S. and International plans for the next 10 fiscal years will be as follows:
(millions)
United States
International
$
29.3
$
8.9
30.3
9.0
31.7
9.8
34.1
10.0
36.3
10.6
2022-2026
215.6
61.1
U.S. Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
For the U.S. defined contribution retirement plan, we match 100% of a participant’s contribution up to the first 3% of the participant’s salary, and 50% of the next 2% of the participant’s salary. In addition we make contributions for U.S. employees not covered by the defined benefit plan. Some of our smaller U.S. subsidiaries sponsor separate 401(k) retirement plans. Our contributions charged to expense under all 401(k) retirement plans were $10.4 million, $9.5 million and $8.7 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
At the participant’s election, 401(k) retirement plans held 2.1 million shares of McCormick stock, with a fair value of $189.6 million, at November 30, 2016. Dividends paid on these shares in 2016 were $3.5 million.
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
We currently provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain U.S. employees who were covered under the active employees’ plan and retire after age 55 with at least five years of service. The subsidy provided under these plans is based primarily on age at date of retirement. These benefits are not pre-funded but paid as incurred. Employees hired after December 31, 2008 are not eligible for a company subsidy. They are eligible for coverage on an access-only basis.
Our other postretirement benefit expense follows:
Rollforwards of the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and a reconciliation of the plans’ funded status at November 30, the measurement date, follow:
Estimated future benefit payments (net of employee contributions) for the next 10 fiscal years are as follows:
(millions)
Retiree
medical
Retiree life
insurance
Total
$
6.1
$
1.3
$
7.4
6.1
1.3
7.4
6.0
1.3
7.3
6.0
1.3
7.3
5.9
1.3
7.2
2022-2026
28.5
6.9
35.4
The assumed discount rate in determining the benefit obligation was 4.1% and 4.2% for 2016 and 2015, respectively.
For 2016, the assumed annual rate of increase in the cost of covered health care benefits is 7.6% (7.1% last year). It is assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% in the year 2028 (5.0% in 2027 last year) and remain at that level thereafter. A one percentage point increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have had an immaterial effect on the benefit obligation and the total of service and interest cost components for 2016.
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We have three types of stock-based compensation awards: restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options and company stock awarded as part of our long-term performance plan (LTPP). Total stock-based compensation expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $25.6 million, $18.7 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to our RSUs and stock options at November 30, 2016 was $14.1 million and the weighted-average period over which this will be recognized is 1.3 years. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to our LTPP is variable in nature and is dependent on the company's execution against established performance metrics under performance cycles related to this plan. As of November 30, 2016, we have 4.7 million shares remaining available for future issuance under our RSUs, stock option and LTPP award programs.
For all awards, forfeiture rates are considered in the calculation of compensation expense.
The following summarizes the key terms and the methods of valuation and expense recognition for each of our stock-based compensation awards.
RSUs
RSUs are valued at the market price of the underlying stock, discounted by foregone dividends, on the date of grant. Substantially all of the RSUs granted vest over a three-year term or upon retirement. Compensation expense is recorded in the income statement ratably over the shorter of the period until vested or the employee's retirement eligibility date.
A summary of our RSU activity for the years ended November 30 follows:
Stock Options
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the stock on the date of grant. Substantially all of the options vest ratably over a three-year period or upon retirement and are exercisable over a 10-year period. Upon exercise of the option, shares are issued from our authorized and unissued shares.
The fair value of the options is estimated with a lattice option pricing model which uses the assumptions in the following table. We believe the lattice model provides an appropriate estimate of fair value of our options as it allows for a range of possible outcomes over an option term and can be adjusted for changes in certain assumptions over time. Expected volatilities are based primarily on the historical performance of our stock. We also use historical data to estimate the timing and amount of option exercises and forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of the options is an output of the option pricing model and estimates the period of time that options are expected to remain unexercised. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Compensation expense is calculated based on the fair value of the options on the date of grant. This compensation is recorded in the income statement ratably over the shorter of the period until vested or the employee's retirement eligibility date.
The per share weighted-average fair value for all options granted was $17.50, $12.52 and $9.48 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These fair values were computed using the following range of assumptions for our various stock compensation plans for the years ended November 30:
Under our stock option plans, we may issue shares on a net basis at the request of the option holder. This occurs by netting the option cost in shares from the shares exercised.
A summary of our stock option activity for the years ended November 30 follows:
As of November 30, 2016, the intrinsic value (the difference between the exercise price and the market price) for all options currently outstanding was $130.0 million and for options currently exercisable was $115.9 million. At November 30, 2016, the differences between options outstanding and options expected to vest and their related weighted-average exercise prices, aggregate intrinsic values and weighted-average remaining lives were not material. The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $25.4 million, $25.7 million and $25.9 million, respectively. A summary of our stock options outstanding and exercisable at November 30, 2016 follows:
LTPP
Our LTPP delivers awards in a combination of cash and company stock. The stock compensation portion of the LTPP awards shares of company stock if certain company performance objectives are met at the end of a three-year period. These awards are valued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recorded in the income statement ratably over the three-year period of the program based on the number of shares ultimately expected to be awarded using our estimate of the most likely outcome of achieving the performance objectives.
A summary of the LTPP award activity for the years ended November 30 follows:
12. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
In 2016, current federal income tax expense increased by $48.9 million from $78.8 million in 2015 to $127.7 million in 2016. That change was largely offset by a net increase in deferred federal tax benefit of $38.9 million, from a deferred expense of $9.3 million in 2015 to a deferred benefit of $29.6 million in 2016. These changes principally
stemmed from higher pretax income in the U.S. in 2016 compared to the prior year as well as to an increase in deductible temporary differences in 2016, with a resultant increase in deferred tax assets, in order to maximize certain available tax credits.
The components of income from consolidated operations before income taxes follow:
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate with the effective tax rate follows:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
At November 30, 2016, our non-U.S. subsidiaries have tax loss carryforwards of $137.1 million. Of these carryforwards, $3.4 million expire in 2017, $11.0 million from 2018 through 2019, $39.2 million from 2020 through 2027 and $83.5 million may be carried forward indefinitely.
At November 30, 2016, our non-U.S. subsidiaries have capital loss carryforwards of $4.7 million. All of these carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely.
At November 30, 2016, we have tax credit carryforwards of $14.8 million, of which $0.3 million expire in 2021, $13.5 million in 2022 and $1.0 million in 2026.
A valuation allowance has been provided to record deferred tax assets at their net realizable value based on a more likely than not criteria. The $4.1 million net decrease in the valuation allowance from 2015 was mainly due to the recognition of deferred tax assets related to subsidiaries' net operating losses which are now more likely than not to be realized, offset by additional valuation allowance related to losses generated in other subsidiaries in 2016 which may not be realized in future periods.
U.S. income taxes are not provided for unremitted earnings of international subsidiaries and affiliates where our intention is to reinvest these earnings permanently. Unremitted earnings of such entities were $1.64 billion at
November 30, 2016. Upon distribution of these earnings, we could be subject to both U.S. income taxes and withholding taxes. Determination of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability is not practical because of the complexities involved with this hypothetical calculation.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2015 were $58.3 million and $56.5 million, respectively. If recognized, $46.1 million of these tax benefits as of November 30, 2016 would affect the effective tax rate.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended November 30:
We record interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense. We recognized interest and penalty expense (income) of $1.2 million, $(0.1) million and $0.5 million for the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of November 30, 2016 and 2015, we had accrued $5.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
Tax settlements or statute of limitation expirations could result in a change to our uncertain tax positions. We believe that the reasonably possible total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2016 that could decrease in the next 12 months as a result of various statute expirations, audit closures and/or tax settlements would not be material.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. The open years subject to tax audits vary depending on the tax jurisdictions. In major jurisdictions, we are no longer subject to income tax audits by taxing authorities for years before 2009.
We are under normal recurring tax audits in the U.S. and in several jurisdictions outside the U.S. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our reserves for uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover existing risks and exposures.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The reconciliation of shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended November 30 follows:
The following table sets forth the stock options and RSUs for the years ended November 30 which were not considered in our earnings per share calculation since they were antidilutive:
14. CAPITAL STOCK
Holders of Common Stock have full voting rights except that (1) the voting rights of persons who are deemed to own beneficially 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are limited to 10% of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of shares of Common Stock regardless of how many shares in excess of 10% are held by such person; (2) we have the right to redeem any or all shares of stock owned by such person unless such person acquires more than 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of our common stock; and (3) at such time as such person controls more than 50% of the vote entitled to be cast by the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock, automatically, on a share-for-share basis, all shares of Common Stock Non-Voting will convert into shares of Common Stock.
Holders of Common Stock Non-Voting will vote as a separate class on all matters on which they are entitled to vote. Holders of Common Stock Non-Voting are entitled to vote on reverse mergers and statutory share exchanges where our capital stock is converted into other securities or property, dissolution of the company and the sale of substantially all of our assets, as well as forward mergers and consolidation of the company.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
During the normal course of our business, we are occasionally involved with various claims and litigation. Reserves are established in connection with such matters when a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. At November 30, 2016 and 2015, no material reserves were recorded. No reserves are established for losses which are only reasonably possible. The determination of probability and the estimation of the actual amount of any such loss are inherently unpredictable, and it is therefore possible that the eventual outcome of such claims and litigation could exceed the estimated reserves, if any. However, we believe that the likelihood that any such excess might have a material adverse effect on our financial statements is remote.
16. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Business Segments
We operate in two business segments: consumer and industrial. The consumer and industrial segments manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products throughout the world. Our consumer segment sells to retail channels, including grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores, and e-commerce under the “McCormick” brand and a variety of brands around the world, including “Lawry’s,” “Zatarain’s,” “Simply Asia,” “Thai Kitchen,” “Ducros,” “Vahiné,” “Schwartz,” “Club House,” “Kamis,” “Kohinoor,” "DaQiao," "Drogheria & Alimentari," "Stubb's" and "Gourmet Garden." Our industrial segment sells to food manufacturers and the foodservice industry both directly and indirectly through distributors.
In each of our segments, we produce and sell many individual products which are similar in composition and nature. With their primary attribute being flavor, we regard the products within each of our segments to be fairly homogenous. It is impracticable to segregate and identify sales and profits for each of these individual product lines.
We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding special charges as these activities are managed separately from the business segments. Although the segments are managed separately due to their distinct distribution channels and marketing strategies, manufacturing and warehousing are often integrated to maximize cost efficiencies. We do not segregate jointly utilized assets by individual segment for internal reporting, evaluating performance or allocating capital. Therefore, asset-related information has been disclosed in the aggregate.
We have a large number of customers for our products. Sales to one of our consumer segment customers, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., accounted for 11% of consolidated sales in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Sales to one of our industrial segment customers, PepsiCo, Inc., accounted for 11% of consolidated sales in 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Accounting policies for measuring segment operating income and assets are consistent with those described in note 1. Because of integrated manufacturing for certain products within the segments, products are not sold from one segment to another but rather inventory is transferred at cost. Inter-segment sales are not material. Corporate assets include cash, deferred taxes, investments and certain fixed assets.
Business Segment Results
A reconciliation of operating income excluding special charges (which we use to measure segment profitability) to operating income for the years ended November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
Geographic Areas
We have net sales and long-lived assets in the following geographic areas:
Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.
17. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
Supplemental income statement, balance sheet and cash flow information follows:
Dividends paid per share were $1.72 in 2016, $1.60 in 2015 and $1.48 in 2014. Dividends declared per share were $1.76 in 2016, $1.63 in 2015, and $1.51 in 2014.
18. SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
Operating income for the first quarter of 2016 included $1.6 million of special charges, with an after-tax impact of $1.3 million and a per share impact of $0.01 for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Operating income for the second quarter of 2016 included $3.9 million of special charges, with an after-tax impact of $2.7 million and a per share impact of $0.02 for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Operating income for the third quarter of 2016 included $4.3 million of special charges, with an after-tax impact of $3.4 million and a per share impact of $0.03 for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2016 included $6.2 million of special charges, including $0.3 million reflected in gross profit, with an after-tax impact of $3.7 million and a per share impact of $0.03 for both basic and diluted earnings per share.
Operating income for the first quarter of 2015 included $28.4 million of special charges, with an after-tax impact of $19.9 million and a per share impact of $0.16 and $0.15 for basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively.
Operating income for the second quarter of 2015 included $19.0 million of special charges, with an after-tax impact of $12.9 million and a per share impact of $0.10 for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Operating income for the third quarter of 2015 included $15.1 million of special charges, including $3.4 million reflected in gross profit, with an after-tax impact of $12.1 million and a per share impact of $0.09 for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 included $3.0 million of special charges, including $0.6 million reflected in gross profit, with an after-tax impact of $3.0 million and a per share impact of $0.02 for both basic and diluted earnings per share.
See note 3 for details with respect to the actions undertaken in connection with these special charges.
Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters may not be equal to the full year earnings per share.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Acquisition - On December 15, 2016, we purchased 100% of the shares of Enrico Giotti SpA (Giotti), a leading European flavor manufacturer located in Italy for a cash payment of $125.5 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. Giotti is well known in the industry for its innovative beverage, sweet, savory and dairy flavor applications. At the time of the acquisition, annual sales of Giotti were approximately €53 million. Our acquisition of Giotti in fiscal 2017 expands the breadth of value-added products for McCormick's industrial segment, including additional expertise in flavoring health and nutrition products.
Employee benefit and retirement plans - Subsequent to our fiscal year ended November 30, 2016, we made several significant changes to the following employee benefit and retirement plans:
•
On December 1, 2016, the Management Committee approved the freezing of benefits under the McCormick U.K. Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (the U.K. plan). The effective date of this freeze is December 31, 2016. Although the U.K. plan will be frozen, employees who are participants in that plan will retain benefits accumulated up to the date of the freeze, based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan.
•
On January 3, 2017, the Management Committee approved the freezing of benefits under the McCormick Pension Plan, the defined benefit pension plan available to U.S. employees hired on or prior to December 31, 2011. The effective date of this freeze is November 30, 2018. Although the U.S. Pension plan will be frozen, employees who are participants in that plan will retain benefits accumulated up to the date of the freeze, based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan.
•
On January 3, 2017, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the freezing of benefits under the McCormick Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). The effective date of this freeze is January 31, 2017. Although the SERP will be frozen, executives who are participants in the SERP as of the date of the freeze, including certain named executive officers, will retain benefits accumulated up to that date, based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the SERP’s terms.
These changes are in alignment with ongoing initiatives to create a market competitive, cost competitive and consistent health, welfare and retirement benefit structure across our organization. As a result of these pension benefit plan changes, we expect to recognize lower retirement benefit expense in 2017 and future periods. That lower retirement benefit expense in 2017 will be partially offset by certain amounts provided by the company to mitigate the impact of the 2017 freeze on certain employees, including: (i) expenses relating to special one-time grants of restricted stock units to be provided to certain executives in 2017 who are participants in the SERP at the time of freeze; and (ii) cash payments, equivalent in value to the Company’s contribution prior to the freeze, provided to effected employees of the U.K. plan as of December 1, 2016 (which will continue for a period of two years).
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting and the report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on internal control over financial reporting are included in our 2016 financial statements in Item 8 of this Report under the captions entitled “Report of Management” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” No change occurred in our “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)) during our last fiscal quarter which has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information responsive to this item is set forth in the sections titled “Corporate Governance,” “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2017 Proxy Statement, incorporated by reference herein, to be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
In addition to the executive officers described in the 2017 Proxy Statement incorporated by reference in this Item 10 of this Report, the following individuals are also executive officers of McCormick: Lisa B. Manzone and Nneka L. Rimmer.
Ms. Manzone is 52 years old and, during the last five years, has held the following positions with McCormick: June 2015 to present-Senior Vice President, Human Relations; January 2015 to June 2015-Vice President Global Human Relations; January 2013 to January 2015-Vice President Compensation and Benefits; October 2010 to January 2013-Vice President, Human Relations U.S. Consumer Products Division.
Ms. Rimmer is 45 years old and joined McCormick in April 2015 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Development. Before joining McCormick, Ms. Rimmer was Partner and Managing Director with the Boston Consulting Group where she had 13 years of experience designing, executing and leveraging successful large-scale transformational initiatives, working with large global consumer goods corporations.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and our Board of Directors. A copy of the code of ethics is available on our internet website at www.mccormickcorporation.com. We will satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any material amendment to our code of ethics, and any waiver from a provision of our code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on our website at the internet website address set forth above.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections titled “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Narrative to the Summary Compensation Table,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Last Fiscal Year,” “Retirement Benefits,” “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” “Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections titled “Principal Stockholders,” “Election of Directors” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Corporate Governance” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Report of Audit Committee and Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
List of documents filed as part of this Report.
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements for McCormick & Company, Incorporated and related notes, together with the Report of Management, and the Reports of Ernst & Young LLP dated January 25, 2017, are included herein in Part II, Item 8.
2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule
Supplemental Financial Schedule:
II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules other than that listed above are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the information called for is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit Index included in this Report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, McCormick has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
By:
/s/ LAWRENCE E. KURZIUS
President & Chief
January 25, 2017
Lawrence E. Kurzius
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of McCormick and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Principal Executive Officer:
By:
/s/ LAWRENCE E. KURZIUS
President & Chief
January 25, 2017
Lawrence E. Kurzius
Executive Officer
Principal Financial Officer:
By:
/s/ MICHAEL R. SMITH
Executive Vice President & Chief
January 25, 2017
Michael R. Smith
Financial Officer
Principal Accounting Officer:
By:
/s/ CHRISTINA M. MCMULLEN
Vice President & Controller
January 25, 2017
Christina M. McMullen
Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons, being a majority of the Board of Directors of McCormick & Company, Incorporated, on the date indicated:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
DATE:
/s/ MICHAEL A. CONWAY
January 25, 2017
Michael A. Conway
/s/ J. MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
January 25, 2017
J. Michael Fitzpatrick
/s/ FREEMAN A. HRABOWSKI, III
January 25, 2017
Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
/s/ LAWRENCE E. KURZIUS
January 25, 2017
Lawrence E. Kurzius
/s/ PATRICIA LITTLE
January 25, 2017
Patricia Little
/s/ MICHAEL D. MANGAN
January 25, 2017
Michael D. Mangan
/s/ MARITZA G. MONTIEL
January 25, 2017
Maritza G. Montiel
/s/ MARGARET M.V. PRESTON
January 25, 2017
Margaret M.V. Preston
January 25, 2017
Gary M. Rodkin
/s/ JACQUES TAPIERO
January 25, 2017
Jacques Tapiero
/s/ ALAN D. WILSON
January 25, 2017
Alan D. Wilson
Supplemental Financial Schedule II Consolidated
McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN MILLIONS)
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are attached or incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit Number
Description
(3
)
(i)
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Restatement of Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 16, 1990
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration No. 33-39582 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 1991.
Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 1, 1992
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-59842 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 1993.
Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated March 27, 2003
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-104084 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2003.
(ii)
By-Laws
By-Laws of McCormick & Company, Incorporated Amended and Restated on November 29, 2016
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 of McCormick's Form 8-K dated November 29 2016, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2016.
(4
)
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
(i)
See Exhibit 3 (Restatement of Charter and By-Laws)
(ii)
Summary of Certain Exchange Rights, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2001, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2001.
(iii)
Indenture dated December 7, 2007 between McCormick and The Bank of New York, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007.
(iv)
Indenture dated July 8, 2011 between McCormick and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated July 5, 2011, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2011.
(v)
Form of 5.75% notes due 2017, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007.
(vi)
Form of 3.90% notes due 2021, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated July 5, 2011, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2011.
(vii)
Form of 3.50% notes due 2023, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated August 14, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2013.
(viii)
Form of 3.25% notes due 2025, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2015.
(10
)
Material contracts
Exhibit Number
Description
(i)
McCormick’s supplemental pension plan for certain senior and executive officers, amended and restated with an effective date of January 1, 2005, adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on November 28, 2008, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(i) of McCormick’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2015.*
(ii)
The 2001 Stock Option Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth on pages 33 through 36 of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 15, 2001, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2001, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(iii)
2004 Directors’ Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, provided to members of McCormick’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of McCormick, is set forth in Exhibit B of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(iv)
Directors’ Share Ownership Program, provided to members of McCormick’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of McCormick, is set forth on page 28 of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(v)
Deferred Compensation Plan, as restated on January 1, 2000, and amended on August 29, 2000, September 5, 2000 and May 16, 2003, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, a copy of which Plan document and amendments was attached as Exhibit 10(viii) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2003, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(vi)
2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated with an effective date of January 1, 2005, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form S-8, Registration No. 333-155775, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2008.*
(vii)
The 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 20, 2008, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2008, and incorporated by reference herein, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, which Amendment is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xi) of McCormick’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2009.*
(viii)
The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form S-8, Registration No. 333-187703, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2013, as amended, which Amendment No. 1 is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(x) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2015, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015.*
(ix)
Form of Long -Term Performance Plan Agreement, formerly known as Mid-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(x) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.
(x)
Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xi) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.
(xi)
Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement for Directors, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xii) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.
(xii)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xiii) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013, as amended, which Amendment No. 1 is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xv) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2015, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015.
Exhibit Number
Description
(xiii)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xiv) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.
(xiv)
Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xv) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2014.
(xv)
Employment Agreement between McCormick (UK) Limited and Malcolm Swift, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of McCormick’s Form 8-K, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2015.*
(xvi)
Severance Plan for Executives, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xix) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2015, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015.*
(21
)
Subsidiaries of McCormick
Filed herewith
(23
)
Consents of experts and counsel
Filed herewith
(31
)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
Filed herewith
(32
)
Section 1350 Certifications
Filed herewith
(101)
The following financial information from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of McCormick for the year ended November 30, 2016, filed electronically herewith, and formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
McCormick hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, copies of additional instruments of McCormick with respect to long-term debt that involve an amount of securities that do not exceed 10% of the total assets of McCormick and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) .