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MCCORMICK & CO INC (MKC)

CIK: 0000063754. SIC: 2090 Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-01-22.

SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Food And Kindred Products > SIC 2090 Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=63754. Latest filing source: 0000063754-26-000037.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue6,840,300,000USD20252026-01-22
Net income789,400,000USD20252026-01-22
Assets13,200,400,000USD20252026-01-22

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-01-22. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000063754.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue4,411,500,0004,730,300,0005,302,800,0005,347,400,0005,601,300,0006,317,900,0006,350,500,0006,662,200,0006,723,700,0006,840,300,000
Net income472,300,000477,400,000933,400,000702,700,000747,400,000755,300,000682,000,000680,600,000788,500,000789,400,000
Operating income641,000,000699,800,000891,100,000957,700,000999,500,0001,015,100,000863,600,000963,000,0001,060,300,0001,070,800,000
Gross profit1,831,700,0001,794,000,0002,093,300,0002,145,300,0002,300,400,0002,494,600,0002,274,500,0002,502,500,0002,591,000,0002,592,200,000
Diluted EPS3.693.723.502.622.782.802.522.522.922.93
Operating cash flow658,100,000815,300,000821,200,000946,800,0001,041,300,000828,300,000651,500,0001,237,300,000921,900,000962,200,000
Capital expenditures278,000,000262,000,000263,900,000274,900,000221,800,000
Dividends paid217,800,000237,600,000273,400,000302,200,000330,100,000363,300,000396,700,000418,500,000451,000,000483,000,000
Share buybacks242,700,000137,800,00062,300,00095,100,00047,300,0008,600,00038,800,00035,700,00053,100,00034,800,000
Assets4,635,900,00010,385,800,00010,256,400,00010,362,100,00012,089,700,00012,905,800,00013,124,900,00012,862,300,00013,070,300,00013,200,400,000
Liabilities2,997,800,0007,814,900,0007,074,200,0006,905,400,0008,149,700,0008,480,300,0008,425,700,0007,778,800,0007,753,500,0007,432,300,000
Stockholders' equity3,170,900,0003,444,200,0003,926,100,0004,411,000,0004,680,500,0005,060,700,0005,291,000,0005,736,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents118,400,000186,800,00096,600,000155,400,000423,600,000351,700,000334,000,000166,600,000186,100,00095,900,000
Free cash flow550,300,000389,500,000973,400,000647,000,000740,400,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin10.71%10.09%17.60%13.14%13.34%11.95%10.74%10.22%11.73%11.54%
Operating margin14.53%14.79%16.80%17.91%17.84%16.07%13.60%14.45%15.77%15.65%
Return on equity29.44%20.40%19.04%17.12%14.57%13.45%14.90%13.76%
Return on assets10.19%4.60%9.10%6.78%6.18%5.85%5.20%5.29%6.03%5.98%
Liabilities / equity2.232.002.081.921.801.541.471.30
Current ratio1.000.830.740.720.680.680.700.650.740.70

Financial Charts

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-31. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000063754.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-05-310.44reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-08-310.82reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-02-280.52reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-05-311,659,200,000152,100,0000.56reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-08-311,684,700,000170,100,0000.63reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-11-301,752,800,000219,300,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-02-291,602,700,000166,000,0000.62reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-05-311,643,200,000184,200,0000.68reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-08-311,679,800,000223,100,0000.83reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-11-301,798,000,000215,200,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-02-281,605,500,000162,300,0000.60reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-05-311,659,500,000175,000,0000.65reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-08-311,724,900,000225,500,0000.84reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-11-301,850,400,000226,600,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-02-281,873,900,0001,016,200,0003.77reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0000063754-26-000192.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-03-31. Report date: 2026-02-28.

ITEM 2.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 from the perspective of management. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto, included in Item 1 of this report. We use certain non-GAAP information – more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 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. Unless otherwise noted, the dollar and share information in the charts and tables in MD&A are in millions, except per share data.

Business profile

McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry – retailers, food manufacturers, and the foodservice business. In fiscal year 2025, approximately 39% of our sales were generated outside of the U.S. We also are partners in a number of joint ventures involved in the manufacture and sale of flavorful products. We manage our business in two business segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions.

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Recent Events

On January 2, 2026 we acquired an additional 25% ownership interest in McCormick de Mexico for a purchase price of $750 million, which increased our ownership to a 75% controlling interest. We believe the acquisition creates opportunities for further growth in the Mexican market and provides a strategic platform for further expansion in Latin America. McCormick de Mexico is a prominent food company in Mexico, with a broad portfolio, including mayonnaise, spices, marmalades, mustard, hot sauce, and tea, sold under McCormick brands. The acquisition is described in detail in Note 2 of the notes to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

On February 20, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by the executive branch are not lawful, but did not provide guidance on how importers may claim refunds of IEEPA tariffs previously paid. On March 4, 2026, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to begin the refund process for all importers who were subject to IEEPA duties. The situation continues to evolve, and further legislative, regulatory, or judicial developments may affect the ultimate outcome and the availability or timing of any refunds. We are currently evaluating the impact that the ruling may have on our consolidated financial statements.

On March 31, 2026, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Unilever PLC (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Unilever will separate its Unilever Foods business, excluding its food businesses in India, Nepal and Portugal, and Unilever Foods will merge with a wholly owned subsidiary of McCormick in a transaction intended to qualify as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction. The transaction is generally expected to be tax-free to Unilever’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except to the extent that cash is paid to Unilever’s shareholders in lieu of fractional shares and provided that Unilever does not make the U.S. Asset Sale Election.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we will issue voting and non-voting securities to Unilever shareholders and Unilever in the same proportion as is currently held by our shareholders. The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are expected to result in current Unilever shareholders owning approximately 55.1% of the combined company, our current shareholders owning approximately 35.0% of the combined company, and Unilever retaining approximately 9.9% of the total outstanding equity of the combined company, assuming Unilever does not elect under the Merger Agreement to dispose of such interest. The proposed transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approvals. For additional information regarding the proposed transaction, see Note 12 of the notes to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Executive Summary

In the first quarter of 2026, we achieved net sales growth of 16.7% as compared to the same quarter of 2025, due to the following factors:

•Volume and product mix unfavorably impacted net sales by 0.7%. The Consumer segment experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 0.4% and the Flavor Solutions segment experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 1.0%.

•Pricing favorably impacted net sales by 1.9%. The Consumer segment experienced favorable pricing of 2.2% and the the Flavor Solutions segment experienced favorable pricing of 1.5%.

•The impact of our acquisition of McCormick de Mexico contributed 12.4% of our net sales growth.

•Fluctuations in currency rates positively impacted net sales by 3.1%. Fluctuations in currency rates positively impacted our Consumer segment sales growth by 2.9% and our Flavor Solutions segment sales growth by 3.3%.

Operating income was $227.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $225.2 million in the same period of 2025, reflecting an increase of 1.0%. Our gross profit margin increased by 20 basis points driven by the impact of the McCormick de Mexico acquisition, which included a step-up of acquired inventory recognized as special charges in cost of goods sold as the related inventory was sold, favorable pricing, and cost savings from the Company's Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program, partially offset by increased commodity costs driven primarily by the impact of tariffs. Excluding the effects of special charges included in cost of goods sold, our adjusted gross profit margin increased by 100 basis points. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expense as a percentage of sales increased by 70 basis points, primarily driven by increased investments in technology and increased brand marketing expense. Excluding special charges, adjusted operating income was $267.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting an increase of 18.8% compared to $225.2 million in the 2025 period, primarily driven by the impact of the acquisition of McCormick de Mexico. In constant currency, adjusted operating income increased by 16.0%.

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Diluted earnings per share was $3.77 and $0.60 in the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively. The gain on remeasurement of our previously held equity interest in McCormick de Mexico increased diluted earnings per share by $3.22 and special charges, including transaction and integration costs, lowered diluted earnings per share by $0.11. Excluding the effects of the remeasurement gain and special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.66 and $0.60 in the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share was driven by favorable operating income, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate, higher income attributable to noncontrolling interests and a decrease in other income.

A detailed review of our first quarter 2026 performance compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025 appears in the section titled “Results of Operations – Company” and “Results of Operations – Segments.” For a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2026 Outlook

Our fiscal 2026 outlook continues to reflect prioritized investments in key categories to sustain our volume trends and drive long-term profitable growth while appreciating the uncertainty of the consumer and macro environment, including global trade policies. Our CCI program is continuing to fuel growth investments while also driving operating margin expansion. Our fiscal 2026 outlook also reflects meaningful contributions from the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico, which closed on January 2, 2026. Amounts are rounded with percentages calculated from the underlying amounts.

Our outlook for 2026 adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude or otherwise adjust for items impacting comparability of financial results. We are unable to reconcile projected adjusted operating income to projected reported operating income because we cannot reasonably predict the amount of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses, during this time period. We are unable to reconcile projected adjusted earnings per share to projected reported earnings per share due to the same factors affecting reported operating income.

In 2026, we expect net sales to grow between 13% and 17% compared to 2025, including an 11% to 13% increase as a result of the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico and a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to grow from 1% to 3% on an organic basis. We anticipate that net sales will benefit from favorable volume and product mix and pricing.

In 2026, we expect an increase in adjusted operating income of 16% to 20% compared to 2025, including a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to increase by 15% to 19% on a constant currency basis. This anticipated increase in adjusted operating income reflects recovery of adjusted gross margin, accretion from the acquisition of the controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico and cost savings from our CCI program, partially offset by increased commodity costs and an increase in SG&A expense, including increased investments in technology, performance-based employee compensation expenses and investments aimed at driving volume growth, particularly in brand marketing. We project our brand marketing investments in 2026 to rise by low to mid-teens digits, including the impact from the acquisition of the controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico, compared to 2025.

We estimate that our 2026 adjusted effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, although at a lower amount than in 2025, will be 24.0% as compared to 21.5% in 2025.

Excluding the per share impact of special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.00 in 2025. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is projected to range from $3.05 to $3.13 in 2026. We expect adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase by 2% to 5%, which includes a 1% favorable impact from currency rates, or to increase by 1% to 4% on a constant currency basis.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – COMPANY

Three months ended
February 28, 2026February 28, 2025
Net sales$1,873.9$1,605.5
Percent increase16.7%0.2%
Components of percent change in net sales – increase (decrease):
Pricing actions1.9%(0.2)%
Volume and product mix(0.7)%2.2%
Acquisition12.4%%
Foreign exchange3.1%(1.8)%
Gross profit$708.9$604.0
Gross profit margin37.8%37.6%

Sales for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 16.7% from the same period in 2025 and increased by 1.2% on an organic basis (that is, excluding the impact of acquisitions and foreign currency exchange as more fully described under the caption, Non-GAAP Financial Measures). The acquisition of Mc

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-01-22. Report date: 2025-11-30.

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 from the perspective of management. 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—more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures—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 MD&A are in millions, except per share data.

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McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry–retailers, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions, 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 adjusted operating income 7% to 9%, and increase adjusted earnings per share 9% to 11%. Our actual annual results can vary from our long-term growth objectives.

Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business – driven by brand marketing support, category management, and differentiated customer engagement; 2) new products; and 3) acquisitions.

Base Business – We expect to drive sales growth by optimizing our brand marketing investment through improved speed, quality, and effectiveness. We measure the return on our brand marketing investment and identify digital marketing as one of our highest return investments in brand marketing support. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice, and help them discover new products.

New Products – For our Consumer segment, we believe that scalable and differentiated innovation continues to be one of the best ways to distinguish our brands from our competition, including private label. We are introducing products for every type of cooking occasion, from gourmet, premium items to convenient and value-priced flavors.

For Flavor Solutions customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. We have a strong pipeline of Flavor Solutions products aligned with our customers’ new product launch plans, many of which include clean-label, organic, natural, and “better-for-you” innovation. With over 20 product innovation centers around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our Flavor Solutions customers with products that appeal to local consumers.

Acquisitions – Acquisitions are expected to approximate one-third of our sales growth over time. We focus on acquisition opportunities that meet the growing demand for flavor and health. Geographically, our focus is on acquisitions that build scale where we currently have presence in both developed and emerging markets.

Recent Event

On January 2, 2026 we acquired an additional 25% ownership interest in McCormick de Mexico for a purchase price of $750 million, which increased our ownership to a 75% controlling interest. We believe the acquisition creates opportunities for further growth in the Mexican market and provides a strategic platform for further expansion in Latin America. McCormick de Mexico is a prominent food company in Mexico, with a broad portfolio, including mayonnaise, spices, marmalades, mustard, hot sauce, and tea, sold under McCormick brands.

Executive Summary

In 2025, we achieved net sales growth of 1.7% as compared to 2024 due to the following factors:

•Volume and product mix favorably impacted net sales growth by 1.2%. The Consumer segment experienced favorable volume and product mix of 2.1% and the Flavor Solutions segment experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 0.2%.

•Pricing favorably impacted net sales by 0.7%.

•Fluctuations in currency rates negatively impacted net sales by 0.2%, Fluctuations in currency rates positively impacted our Consumer segment sales growth by 0.2% and negatively impacted our Flavor Solutions segment sales growth by 0.6%.

Operating income was $1,070.8 million in 2025, compared to $1,060.3 million in 2024, reflecting an increase of 1.0%. Our gross profit margin decreased by 60 basis points primarily driven by increased commodity costs including the impact of tariffs, unfavorable product mix, and increased conversion costs including costs to support capacity for future growth, partially offset by pricing actions and CCI-led cost savings. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expense as a percentage of sales decreased by 70 basis points, primarily driven by lower performance-based employee compensation expense, lower distribution expense, and CCI-led cost savings including SG&A streamlining initiatives, partially offset by increased brand marketing expense. Excluding special charges, adjusted operating income was $1,094.0 million in 2025, reflecting an increase of 2.3% compared to $1,069.8 million in 2024. In constant currency, adjusted operating income increased 2.8%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

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Diluted earnings per share was $2.93 in 2025 and $2.92 in 2024, driven by higher operating income and decreased interest expense, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate, higher special charges, a decrease in other income, and a decrease in income from unconsolidated operations. Special charges lowered earnings per share by $0.07 and $0.03 in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Excluding the effects of special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.00 in 2025, compared to $2.95 in 2024, representing an increase of 1.7%.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $962.2 million, $921.9 million, and $1,237.3 million in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. In 2025, we continued to have a balanced use of cash for debt repayment, capital expenditures, and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 40 years, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. In 2025, the return of cash to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $517.8 million.

A detailed review of our fiscal 2025 performance compared to fiscal 2024 appears in the section titled “Results of Operations – 2025 Compared to 2024.” A detailed review of our fiscal 2024 performance compared to our fiscal 2023 performance is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – 2024 Compared to 2023,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

2026 Outlook

Our fiscal 2026 outlook continues to reflect prioritized investments in key categories to sustain our volume trends and drive long-term profitable growth while appreciating the uncertainty of the consumer and macro environment, including global trade policies. Our CCI program is continuing to fuel growth investments while also driving operating margin expansion. Our fiscal 2026 outlook also reflects meaningful contributions from the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico, which closed on January 2, 2026. Amounts are rounded with percentages calculated from the underlying amounts.

Our outlook for 2026 adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude or otherwise adjust for items impacting comparability of financial results. We are unable to reconcile projected adjusted operating income to projected reported operating income because we cannot reasonably predict the amount of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses, during this time period. We expect 2026 transaction and integration expenses to include a step-up in inventory to fair value related to the recent acquisition of an additional 25% ownership interest in McCormick de Mexico. This step-up will be recognized in cost of goods sold as the related inventory is sold.

We are unable to reconcile projected adjusted earnings per share to projected reported earnings per share due to the same factors affecting reported operating income, and because we cannot reasonably predict the amount of the anticipated non-cash gain from remeasuring the previously held equity interest in McCormick de Mexico to fair value.

In 2026, we expect net sales to grow between 13% and 17% compared to 2025, including an 11% to 13% increase as a result of the acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico and a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to grow from 1% to 3% on an organic basis. We anticipate that net sales will benefit from favorable volume and product mix and pricing.

In 2026, we expect an increase in adjusted operating income of 16% to 20% compared to 2025, including a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to increase by 15% to 19% on a constant currency basis. This anticipated increase in adjusted operating income reflects recovery of adjusted gross margin, accretion from the acquisition of the controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico and cost savings from our CCI program, partially offset by increased commodity costs and an increase in SG&A expense, including performance-based employee compensation expenses and investments aimed at driving volume growth, particularly in brand marketing. We project our brand marketing investments in 2026 to rise by low to mid-teens digits, including the impact from the acquisition of the controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico, compared to 2025.

We estimate that our 2026 adjusted effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, although at a lower amount than in 2025, will be 24.0% as compared to 21.5% in 2025.

Excluding the per share impact of special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.00 in 2025. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is projected to range from $3.05 to $3.13 in 2026. We expect adjusted diluted earnings

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per share to increase by 2% to 5%, which includes a 1% favorable impact from currency rates, or to increase by 1% to 4% on a constant currency basis.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2025 COMPARED TO 2024

20252024
Net sales$6,840.3$6,723.7
Percent growth1.7%0.9%
Components of percent change in net sales:
Volume and product mix1.2%0.3%
Pricing actions0.7%0.5%
Divestiture%(0.2)%
Foreign exchange(0.2)%0.3%

Sales for 2025 increased by 1.7% from 2024 and by 1.9% on an organic basis (that is, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange as more fully described under the caption, Non-GAAP Financial Measures). Pricing actions favorably impacted sales by 0.7%. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 1.2% driven by favorable volume and product mix from our Consumer segment of 2.1% offset by unfavorable volume and product mix from our Flavor Solutions segment of 0.2%. Foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.2%.

20252024
Gross profit$2,592.2$2,591.0
Gross profit margin37.9%38.5%

Gross profit for 2025 increased by $1.2 million, which is comparable to 2024. Our gross profit margin was 37.9%, a decrease of 60 basis points, driven by increased commodity costs including the impact of tariffs, unfavorable product mix, and increased conversion cost including costs to support capacity for future growth, partially offset by pricing actions and CCI program-led cost savings. Excluding the impact of special charges related to the step up of acquired inventory included in cost of goods sold, adjusted gross margin was 37.9% for 2025.

20252024
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,500.3$1,521.2
Percent of net sales21.9%22.6%

SG&A expense decreased by $20.9 million in 2025 as compared to 2024, driven primarily by lower performance-based employee compensation expense, lower distribution expense, and CCI-led cost savings including the impact of SG&A streamlining actions, partially offset by increased brand marketing expense and higher selling and marketing costs. SG&A as a percent of net sales decreased by 70 basis points.

20252024
Special charges$21.1$9.5

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.

During 2025, we recorded $21.1 million of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses. Those expenses consisted principally of $15.9 million of employee severance and related benefits associated with our SG&A streamlining actions, $3.3 million associated with other actions and $1.9 million of transaction and integration costs.

During 2024, we recorded $9.5 million of special charges, consisting principally of $4.5 million associated with the Global Operating Effectiveness program and $5.0 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA.

Details with respect to the composition of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses, are included in the accompanying notes to our financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

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20252024
Interest expense$196.2$209.4
Other income, net38.447.4

Interest expense decreased by $13.2 million in 2025 compared to the prior year, due to a reduction in average borrowing levels and lower interest rates on borrowings.

Other income, net, decreased by $9.0 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a lower level of interest income driven by lower interest rates and lower non-service cost income associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

20252024
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$913.0$898.3
Income tax expense195.8184.0
Effective tax rate21.4%20.5%

The effective tax rate for 2025 was 21.4%, compared to 20.5% in 2024, primarily driven by the lower level of net discrete tax benefits recorded for 2025. Specifically, net discrete tax benefits amounted to $27.6 million in 2025, a decrease of $4.1 million from $31.7 million in 2024.

The $27.6 million of net discrete tax benefits for 2025 principally included (i) $10.1 million of tax benefits from the reversal of certain reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest, including $5.9 million associated with the expiration of statutes of limitations, (ii) $7.9 million of tax benefits resulting from state tax matters, and related deferred taxes, (iii) a $5.0 million tax benefit resulting from the revaluation of deferred taxes associated with enacted legislation, (iv) $3.6 million of tax benefits resulting from an adjustment to a prior year tax accrual, and related deferred taxes, based on the final return filed, and (v) $1.1 million of excess tax benefits associated with stock compensation.

The $31.7 million of net discrete tax benefits for 2024 principally included (i) $19.4 million of tax benefits associated with the recognition of a deferred tax asset related to an international legal entity reorganization, (ii) $12.3 million of tax benefit from the reversal of certain reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest associated with both the effective settlement from the conclusion of a tax examination and the expiration of statutes of limitations, (iii) $6.0 million of tax benefits resulting from state tax matters, and related deferred taxes, (iv) $1.8 million of tax benefit from an adjustment to a prior year tax accrual and related deferred taxes based on final returns filed, (v) $6.2 million of tax expense associated with the adjustment of valuation allowances due to changes in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets, and (vi) $1.8 million of tax expense related to certain unremitted prior year earnings.

On July 4, 2025, legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. The OBBBA makes changes to the United States corporate income tax system, including, among other provisions, the immediate expensing of research and development expenditures, and 100 percent bonus depreciation on qualified property. While we expect certain provisions of the OBBBA to change the timing of cash tax payments related to the current fiscal year and future year periods, we do not expect the legislation to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

See Note 12 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20252024
Income from unconsolidated operations$72.2$74.2

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, decreased $2.0 million in 2025, driven by the results of our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, where unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange rates were partially offset by improved operating results. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures. McCormick de Mexico comprised 93% and 95% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2025 and 2024, respectively.

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The following table outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2024 to 2025.

2024 Earnings per share—diluted$2.92
Increase in operating income0.07
Increase in special charges, net of taxes(0.04)
Decrease in other income(0.02)
Decrease in income from unconsolidated operations(0.01)
Decrease in interest expense0.04
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges(0.03)
2025 Earnings per share—diluted$2.93

Results of Operations—Segments

We measure the performance of our business segments based on operating income, excluding special charges. See Note 15 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segment measures as well as for a reconciliation by segment of operating income, excluding special charges. In the following discussion, we refer to our previously described measure of segment profit as "Segment operating income."

Consumer Segment

20252024
Net sales$3,950.3$3,848.5
Percent growth2.6%1.1%
Components of percent change in net sales:
Pricing actions0.3%%
Volume and product mix2.1%0.8%
Foreign exchange0.2%0.3%
Segment operating income$734.9$740.3
Segment operating income margin18.6%19.2%

In 2025, sales of our Consumer segment increased by 2.6% as compared to 2024 and increased by 2.4% on an organic basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 2.1%, driven by growth across all regions. Favorable pricing increased sales by 0.3%. The favorable impact of foreign currency rates increased sales by 0.2% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 2.4% on an organic basis.

In the Americas region, Consumer segment sales increased 2.0% in 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 2.3% on an organic basis. Unfavorable pricing decreased sales by 0.1%. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 2.4% driven by growth across core categories. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.3% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 2.3% on an organic basis.

In the EMEA region, Consumer segment sales increased 6.0% in 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 3.5% on an organic basis. Favorable pricing impacted sales by 2.1%. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 1.4% driven by growth in France and Poland. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 2.5% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.5% on an organic basis.

In the APAC region, Consumer segment sales increased 1.0% in 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 1.9% on an organic basis. Favorable pricing impacted sales by 0.2%. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 1.7% driven by higher sales to foodservice customers in China. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.9% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 1.9% on an organic basis.

Segment operating income for our Consumer segment decreased by $5.4 million, or 0.7%, in 2025 as compared to 2024, driven by a decrease in gross profit, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expense. The decrease in gross profit was driven by unfavorable product mix, increased commodity costs including the impact of tariffs, and increased conversion costs including costs to support increased capacity for future growth, partially offset by higher sales volume, the favorable impact of pricing actions, and CCI-led cost savings. The decrease in SG&A expense was driven by the items described in the consolidated discussion. Segment operating margin decreased by 60 basis points to 18.6%. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income decreased by 0.6%.

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Flavor Solutions Segment

20252024
Net sales$2,890.0$2,875.2
Percent growth0.5%0.7%
Components of percent change in net sales:
Pricing actions1.3%1.2%
Volume and product mix(0.2)%(0.3)%
Divestiture%(0.5)%
Foreign exchange(0.6)%0.3%
Segment operating income$359.1$329.5
Segment operating income margin12.4%11.5%

Sales of our Flavor Solutions segment increased 0.5% in 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 1.1% on an organic basis. Favorable pricing increased sales by 1.3% in 2025 driven by pricing actions in the Americas region. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 0.2% driven by the Americas and EMEA regions partially offset by growth in the APAC region. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.6% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 1.1% on an organic basis.

In the Americas region, Flavor Solutions segment sales increased by 0.5% during 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 1.9% on an organic basis. Favorable pricing impacted sales by 2.6%. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 0.7%. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.4% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 1.9% on an organic basis.

In the EMEA region, Flavor Solutions segment sales in 2025 decreased by 2.2% as compared to 2024 and decreased by 4.3% on an organic basis. Unfavorable pricing impacted sales by 2.1%. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased segment sales by 2.2% driven by the effects of lower sales to packaged food customers. The favorable impact of foreign currency rates increased sales by 2.1% and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 4.3% on an organic basis.

In the APAC region, Flavor Solutions segment sales increased 6.2% in 2025 as compared to 2024 and increased by 6.7% on an organic basis. Unfavorable pricing impacted sales by 1.9%. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 8.6%, driven by growth in China. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.5% and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.7% on an organic basis.

Segment operating income for our Flavor Solutions segment increased by $29.6 million, or 9.0%, in 2025 as compared to 2024 driven by an increase in gross profit and lower SG&A expense. The increase in gross profit was driven by the impacts of favorable pricing and CCI-led cost savings, partially offset by increased commodity costs including the impact of tariffs, and conversion costs including costs to support increased capacity for future growth. The decrease in SG&A expense was driven primarily by lower performance-based employee compensation expense, lower distribution expense, and CCI-led cost savings, partially offset by higher selling and marketing costs. Segment operating margin increased by 90 basis points to 12.4%. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income increased by 10.7%.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following tables include financial measures of organic net sales, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share. 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. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

•Special charges – Special charges consist of expenses and income associated with certain actions undertaken by us 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. Expenses associated with the approved actions are classified as special charges upon recognition and monitored on an ongoing basis through completion. Included in special charges are transaction and integration costs incurred in conjunction with acquisitions.

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Details with respect to the composition of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses, set forth below are included in Note 2 of the notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above 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 financial measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP; however, they should not be viewed as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, as they may calculate them differently than we do. We intend to continue providing these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions, ensuring consistency in our financial reporting.

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial results is provided below:

202520242023
Gross profit$2,592.2$2,591.0$2,502.5
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold2.1
Adjusted gross profit$2,594.3$2,591.0$2,502.5
Gross profit margin(1)37.9%38.5%37.6%
Impact of special charges(1)%%%
Adjusted gross profit margin(1)37.9%38.5%37.6%
Operating income$1,070.8$1,060.3$963.0
Impact of special charges23.29.561.2
Adjusted operating income$1,094.0$1,069.8$1,024.2
% increase versus prior year2.3%4.5%11.6%
Operating income margin(2)15.7%15.8%14.5%
Impact of special charges(2)0.3%0.1%0.9%
Adjusted operating income margin(2)16.0%15.9%15.4%
Income tax expense$195.8$184.0$174.5
Impact of special charges5.52.414.5
Adjusted income tax expense$201.3$186.4$189.0
Income tax rate(3)21.4%20.5%21.8%
Impact of special charges0.1%%0.2%
Adjusted income tax rate(3)21.5%20.5%22.0%
Net income$789.4$788.5$680.6
Impact of special charges17.77.146.7
Adjusted net income$807.1$795.6$727.3
% increase versus prior year1.4%9.4%6.3%
Earnings per share—diluted$2.93$2.92$2.52
Impact of special charges0.070.030.18
Adjusted earnings per share—diluted$3.00$2.95$2.70
% increase versus prior year1.7%9.3%6.7%
(1)Gross margin, impact of special charges, and adjusted gross profit margin are calculated as gross profit, impact of special charges, and adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.
(2)Operating income margin, impact of special charges, and adjusted operating income margin are calculated as operating income, impact of special charges, and adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.
(3)Income tax rate is calculated as income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes. Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes excluding special charges of $936.2 million, $907.8 million, and $859.9 million for the years ended November 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

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We are unable to reconcile projected adjusted earnings per share to projected reported earnings per share because our 2026 adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain elements that will be included in fiscal 2026 GAAP results that cannot be reasonably predicted. Given the recent acquisition date of an additional 25% ownership in McCormick de Mexico on January 2, 2026, we cannot reasonably predict the amount of special charges, including transaction and integration expenses, or the expected non-cash gain associated with remeasuring our previously held equity interest in McCormick de Mexico to fair value.

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 can be volatile. 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 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).

We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions, and divestitures, as applicable, have on year-to-year comparability. A reconciliation of these measures from reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in the tables set forth below.

Percentage changes in organic 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.

Rates of constant currency and organic growth (decline) follow:

For the year ended November 30, 2025
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on both a constant currency and organic basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas2.0%(0.3)%2.3%
EMEA6.0%2.5%3.5%
APAC1.0%(0.9)%1.9%
Total Consumer2.6%0.2%2.4%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas0.5%(1.4)%1.9%
EMEA(2.2)%2.1%(4.3)%
APAC6.2%(0.5)%6.7%
Total Flavor Solutions0.5%(0.6)%1.1%
Total net sales1.7%(0.2)%1.9%
For the year ended November 30, 2025
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment(0.7)%(0.1)%(0.6)%
Flavor Solutions segment9.0%(1.7)%10.7%
Total adjusted operating income2.3%(0.5)%2.8%

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For the year ended November 30, 2024
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basisImpact of Acquisitions & DivestituresPercentage change on organic basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas0.6%(0.1)%0.7%%0.7%
EMEA7.3%3.0%4.3%%4.3%
APAC(5.1)%(1.0)%(4.1)%%(4.1)%
Total Consumer1.1%0.3%0.8%%0.8%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas1.4%(0.1)%1.5%%1.5%
EMEA(3.5)%2.4%(5.9)%(2.3)%(3.6)%
APAC4.1%(1.0)%5.1%%5.1%
Total Flavor Solutions0.7%0.3%0.4%(0.5)%0.9%
Total net sales0.9%0.3%0.6%(0.2)%0.8%
For the year ended November 30, 2024
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment0.7%%0.7%
Flavor Solutions segment14.1%(0.4)%14.5%
Total adjusted operating income4.5%(0.1)%4.6%

To present the percentage change in projected 2026 net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share (diluted) on a constant currency basis, the projected local currency net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted net income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at forecasted exchange rates. These figures are then compared to the 2026 local currency projected results, which are translated into U.S. dollars at the average actual exchange rates in effect during the corresponding months of fiscal year 2025. This comparison determines what the 2026 consolidated U.S. dollar net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share (diluted) would have been if the relevant currency exchange rates had not changed from those of the comparable 2025 periods.

Projections for the Year Ending November 30, 2026
Percentage change in net sales13% to 17%
Impact of favorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in net sales in constant currency12% to 16%
Impact of acquisition11% to 13%
Percentage change in organic net sales1% to 3%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income16% to 20%
Impact of favorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income in constant currency15% to 19%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share - diluted2% to 5%
Impact of favorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share - diluted1% to 4%

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

202520242023
Net cash flow provided by operating activities$962.2$921.9$1,237.3
Net cash flow used in investing activities(255.2)(269.0)(260.5)
Net cash flow used in financing activities(840.9)(583.1)(1,184.2)

The primary objective of our financing strategy is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides the flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. We use a combination of equity and short- and long-term debt. We use short-term debt, primarily in the form of commercial paper, principally to finance ongoing operations, including our requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities). We are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings.

Our cash flow from operations enables us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, service our debt, fund or increase our quarterly dividends, fund capital projects and other investments, and make share repurchases, when appropriate. Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, our cash flow from operations has historically been the strongest during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Due to the timing of the interest payments on our debt, interest payments are higher in the first and third quarters of our fiscal year.

We believe that our sources of liquidity, which include existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, our commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our debt obligations, including any repayment or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, the payment associated with an acquisition and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

In the consolidated cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the translation effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. In addition, in the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effect of acquired or disposed operating assets and liabilities, as the cash flow associated with acquisition or disposition of businesses is presented as an investing activity. 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 non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates can be significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. As of November 30, 2025, the exchange rates for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Polish zloty, and Australian dollar were higher against the U.S. dollar than on November 30, 2024.

Operating Cash Flow – Operating cash flow was $962.2 million in 2025, $921.9 million in 2024, and $1,237.3 million in 2023. Net income as well as our working capital management, as more fully described below, impacted operating cash flow. In 2025, working capital was impacted by a decreased use of cash associated with inventory offset by a lower source of cash associated with accounts payable. In 2024, the decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by higher cash used for working capital, including higher inventory levels and higher employee incentive payments related to the prior year, and the timing of income tax payments partially offset by higher net income. In 2023, the increase was primarily driven by an improvement in cash provided by working capital, which was driven by the lower inventory levels and the lower amount of employee incentive payments associated with the prior year, as well as an increase in dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates. This was partially offset by an increased use of cash associated with accounts payable which partially resulted from our lower level of inventory.

Our working capital management – principally related to inventory, trade accounts receivable, and accounts payable – impacts our operating cash flow. The change in inventory was a moderate source of cash from operations in 2025, a significant use of cash in 2024, and a significant source of cash from operations in 2023. The change in trade accounts receivable was a moderate use of cash in 2025 and 2024, and a source of cash in 2023. The change in accounts payable was a source of cash in 2025, significant source of cash in 2024, and a use of cash in 2023.

In addition to operating cash flow, we also use a 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:

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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:

202520242023
Cash Conversion Cycle423640

The increase in CCC in 2025 from 2024 was primarily due to an increase in our days in inventory as a result of inventory management including the impacts of strategic forward purchases and inventory acquired in conjunction with the Jurado acquisition. The decrease in CCC in 2024 from 2023 was primarily due to a reduction in our days in inventory as a result of inventory management based on demand planning.

As more fully described in Note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, we participate in a Supply Chain Financing program (SCF) with several global financial institutions (SCF Banks). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from us to an SCF Bank, enabling participating suppliers to negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. We are not party to those agreements and have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell a receivable. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within the line item 'Trade accounts payable' in our consolidated balance sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities in our consolidated cash flow statement. As of November 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 the amounts due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in trade accounts payable were approximately $332.1 million, $417.4 million, and $300.5 million, respectively.

The terms of our payment obligations are not impacted by a supplier's participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar materials within individual markets are consistent between those suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those suppliers that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of suppliers included in the SCF. Future changes in our suppliers’ financing policies or economic developments, such as shifts in interest rates, general market liquidity, or our creditworthiness relative to participating suppliers, could affect those suppliers’ participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with them. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.

Investing Cash Flow – Net cash used in investing activities was $255.2 million in 2025, $269.0 million in 2024, and $260.5 million in 2023. Our primary investing cash flows include cash used for capital expenditures as well as cash used in the acquisition of a business. Capital expenditures, including expenditures for capitalized software, were $221.8 million in 2025, $274.9 million in 2024, and $263.9 million in 2023. Cash used for the acquisition of a business was $34.1 million in 2025. We expect 2026 capital expenditures to approximate $275 million.

Financing Cash Flow – Net cash associated with financing activities was a use of cash of $840.9 million in 2025, $583.1 million in 2024, and $1,184.2 million in 2023. The variability between years is principally a result of changes in our net borrowings, share repurchase activity, and dividends, all as described below.

The following table outlines our net borrowing activities:

202520242023
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings$(101.4)$211.1(964.6)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs2.7494.5495.3
Repayments of long-term debt(267.9)(801.1)(268.1)
Net cash (used in) net borrowing activities$(366.6)$(95.5)$(737.4)

In 2025, we repaid $267.9 million of long-term debt, including the $250.0 million, 3.25% notes that matured in November 2025.

In 2024, we repaid $801.1 million of long-term debt, including the $700.0 million, 3.15% notes that matured in August 2024 as well as $55.0 million, 7.63% to 8.12% notes that matured in August and October 2024. We also issued $500.0 million of 4.70% notes due 2034, with net cash proceeds received of $495.5 million.

In 2023, we repaid $268.1 million of long-term debt, including the $250.0 million, 3.50% notes that matured on September 1, 2023. We also issued $500.0 million of 4.95% notes due 2033, with net cash proceeds received of $496.4 million.

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The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase program:

202520242023
Number of shares of common stock0.50.70.5
Dollar amount$34.8$53.1$35.7

As of November 30, 2025, $414 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2019. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors.

During 2025, 2024, and 2023, we received proceeds from exercised stock options of $20.9 million, $17.5 million, and $16.6 million, respectively. We repurchased $13.2 million, $9.0 million, and $10.8 million of common stock during 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, in conjunction with employee tax withholding requirements associated with our stock compensation plans.

Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:

202520242023
Total dividends paid$483.0$451.0$418.5
Dividends paid per share1.801.681.56
Percentage increase per share7.1%7.7%5.4%

In November 2025, the Board of Directors approved a 6.7% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.45 to $0.48 per share.

Most of our cash is in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. We manage our worldwide cash requirements by considering available funds among our subsidiaries through which we conduct our business and the cost effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. Those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects, and future acquisitions. As of November 30, 2025, we have $1.7 billion of earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures that are considered indefinitely reinvested. We have not provided any deferred taxes with respect to items such as foreign withholding taxes, other income taxes, or foreign exchange gains or losses with respect to these earnings. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these reinvested international earnings.

At November 30, 2025 and 2024, we temporarily used $592.5 million and $509.2 million, respectively, of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During the year, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a year or quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $1,089.7 million, $1,043.1 million, and $1,121.9 million, respectively. Those average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 included average commercial paper borrowings of $1,087.2 million, $1,033.8 million, and $1,098.4 respectively. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $4,878.6 million, $4,966.4 million, and $5,197.8 million, respectively.

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 facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.

Our committed revolving credit facilities include a five-year $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, which will expire in May 2030. The current pricing for the five-year credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.125%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.50%. Also, in January 2026, we entered into a 364-day $500 million revolving credit facility, which will expire in January 2027. The current pricing for the 364-day credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.125%. The pricing of the credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.50%.

The provisions of our revolving credit facilities restrict subsidiary indebtedness and require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio. We do not expect that this covenant would limit our access to our revolving credit facilities for the foreseeable future. The terms of those revolving credit facilities are more fully described in Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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We generally use our revolving credit facilities 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 facilities. These facilities are made available by a syndicate of banks, with various commitments per bank. If any of the banks in these syndicates 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. We engage in regular communication with all 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. In addition to our committed revolving credit facilities, we have uncommitted facilities of $346.9 million as of November 30, 2025 that can be withdrawn based upon the lenders' discretion. See Note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements.

We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest, to service debt, and to fund acquisitions. As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments. Our primary obligations include principal and interest payments on our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt. In the next year, our most significant debt service obligation is the maturity of our $500.0 million, 0.90% notes due in February 2026. Detail on these contractual obligations follows:

MATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS

The following table reflects a summary of our future material cash requirements as of November 30, 2025:

TotalLess than 1 year1–3 years3–5 yearsMore than 5 years
Short-term borrowings$381.4$381.4$$$
Long-term debt, including finance leases3,654.7509.1770.2532.31,843.1
Interest payments(a)834.7110.4190.7224.4309.2
Total contractual cash obligations$4,870.8$1,000.9$960.9$756.7$2,152.3

(a)Interest payments include expected interest payments on long-term debt. Our short-term borrowings, principally consisting of commercial paper, have short-term maturities. See Note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Our other cash requirements at November 30, 2025, include raw material purchases, lease payments, income taxes, and pension and postretirement benefits. We acquire various raw materials to satisfy our obligations to our customers, and these outstanding purchase obligations can fluctuate throughout the year based on our response to varying raw material cycles; however, these commitments generally do not extend past one year. In addition, we also have a series of commercial commitments, largely consisting of standby letters of credit. Our standby letters of credit, leases, and pension and other post-retirement obligations are more fully described in Notes 5, 6, and 10, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

On January 2, 2026, we acquired an additional 25% ownership interest in McCormick de Mexico from Grupo Herdez, for $750 million which increased our ownership interest to a 75% controlling interest. The purchase of the additional 25% ownership interest was funded through a combination of cash on hand and commercial paper.

These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash, cash equivalents and internally generated funds, to borrow under our existing credit facilities or under other short-term borrowing facilities, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular debt maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future cash requirements.

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 contributions to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $9.2 million in 2025, $10.0 million in 2024, and $9.2 million in 2023. It is expected that the 2026 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $13.0 million. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent upon 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 16% of assets are invested in equities, 77% in fixed income investments and 7% in other investments. Assets associated

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with our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance, the value of which approximates an investment mix of 40% in equities and 60% in fixed income investments. See Note 10 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.

CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES – See the subsequent section of this discussion under the heading "Market Risk Sensitivity–Credit Risk."

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 5 and 7 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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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 cash flows related to repatriation of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates. Primary exposures include the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Singapore dollar, Swiss franc, and Mexican peso, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty, and finally the Canadian dollar versus the British pound sterling. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.

During 2025, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in our subsidiaries with a functional currency of the Mexican peso, Euro, British pound sterling, Swiss franc, Polish zloty, and Chinese renminbi.

We also utilize cross currency interest rate swap contracts, which are designated as net investment hedges, to manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling and Euro. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2025. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2025 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, 2025

Currency soldCurrency receivedNotional valueAverage contractual exchange rateFair value
British pound sterlingU.S. dollar$258.51.34$2.3
Canadian dollarU.S. dollar53.21.361.1
EuroU.S. dollar41.21.180.5
Polish zlotyU.S. dollar8.43.69(0.1)
U.S. dollarAustralian dollar81.50.651.1
Swiss francU.S. dollar82.30.79(0.3)
U.S. dollarBritish pound sterling45.01.310.4
U.S. dollarEuro129.91.150.5
U.S. dollarChinese renminbi289.47.040.6
Polish zlotyEuro11.44.34(0.2)
British pound sterlingEuro5.80.88

We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2025 with an aggregate notional value of $11.6 million to purchase or sell other currencies. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $(0.1) million at November 30, 2025.

At November 30, 2024, we had foreign currency exchange contracts with an aggregate notional value of $1,034.2 million to purchase or sell other currencies. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $(7.3) million at November 30, 2024.

We also utilized cross currency interest rate swap contracts that are considered net investment hedges.

As of November 30, 2025 and 2024, we had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 0.907% and pay £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and (ii) £194.1 million notional value to receive £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and pay €221.8 million at three-month Euro EURIBOR plus 0.808%. These cross-currency interest rate swap contracts expire in August 2027.

As of November 30, 2025 and 2024, we also had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD SOFR plus 0.684% and pay £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and (ii) £184.1 million notional value to receive £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and pay €219.2 million at Euro ESTR plus 0.667%. These contracts expire in April 2030.

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Interest Rate Risk – Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We are exposed to interest rate volatility, with primary exposures related to movements in U.S. Treasury rates, Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and commercial paper rates.

We also use interest rate swaps to minimize financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. As of November 30, 2025 and 2024, we had interest rate swap contracts of $500 million and $600 million notional value outstanding, respectively, to receive fixed rate interest and pay variable rate interest. 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, 2025. 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, 2025

2026202720282029ThereafterTotalFair value
Debt
Fixed rate$538.7$759.8$10.4$20.7$2,354.7$3,684.3$3,535.5
Average interest rate1.09%3.40%3.45%1.82%3.59%
Variable rate$351.8$$$$$351.8$351.8
Average interest rate4.06%

The table above displays the debt, including finance leases, 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 $750 million of 3.40% notes due in 2027 in August 2017. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $750 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.44%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 3.40% notes due in August 2027 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2027. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.907% with an effective variable rate of 4.98% as of November 30, 2025.

•We issued $500 million of 2.50% notes due April 15, 2030. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.62%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 2.50% notes due in April 2030 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2030. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.684% with an effective variable rate of 4.53% as of November 30, 2025.

•We issued $500 million of 4.95% notes due April 15, 2033. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 5.00%.

•We issued $500 million of 4.70% notes due October 15, 2034. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 4.68%.

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 2025, our most significant raw materials were dairy products, pepper, garlic, onion, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), salt, tomato products, sugar, and soybean oil. 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. Other than soybean oil hedging transactions used by McCormick de Mexico, we generally have not used derivatives to manage the volatility related to this risk.

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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See Note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for further details of these impacts.

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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, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, 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 arrangements. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates, or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on current expectations regarding what was earned through these programs as of the balance sheet date. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. Certain of our customer arrangements are annual arrangements such that the degree of estimates that affects revenue reduces as a year progresses. We do not believe that there will be significant changes to our estimates of customer consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers.

Goodwill Impairment

Our reporting units are aligned with our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions, as detailed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements. We estimate fair value using a discounted cash flow model, which calculates this value by present valuing the future expected cash flows of our reporting units with a market-based discount rate. As required by the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we then compare the calculated estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including intangible assets and goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized.

As of November 30, 2025, we had $5,301.3 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($3,645.6 million in the Consumer segment and $1,655.7 million in the Flavor Solutions segment). Our fiscal year 2025 impairment testing indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill. However, variances between the actual performance of the businesses and the assumptions that were used in developing the estimates of fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We estimate fair values through the use of the relief-from-royalty method and then compare those fair values to the related carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event that the fair value of any of the brand names or trademarks are less than their related carrying amounts, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.

The estimation of fair values of our brand names and trademarks requires us to make significant assumptions, including expectations regarding sales and profits of the respective brands and trademarks, related royalty rates, income tax rates, and appropriate discount rates. These discount rates are based, in part, on current interest rates, adjusted for our assessment of reasonable country- and brand-specific risks, considering both past performance and anticipated future performance of the related brand names and trademarks. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.

As of November 30, 2025, we had $3,048.8 million of brand name assets and trademarks recognized in our consolidated balance sheet, and none of the balances exceeded their estimated fair values at that date. Of the $3,048.8 million in brand name assets and trademarks as of November 30, 2025: (i) $2,320.0 million relates to the

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French’s, Frank’s RedHot, and Cattlemen’s brand names and trademarks which we group for purposes of our impairment analysis; (ii) $380.0 million relates to the Cholula brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of Cholula in November 2020; and (iii) $348.8 million represents various other brand name assets and trademarks with individual carrying values ranging from $0.2 million to $106.4 million. The percentage excess of estimated fair value over respective book values for each of our brand names and trademarks exceeded 20% as of our fourth quarter annual impairment assessment except for three brand names that have an aggregate carrying value of $45.0 million.

Income Taxes

We estimate income taxes and file tax returns in each taxing jurisdiction where we operate and are required to do so. At the end of each year, we record an estimate for income taxes in our financial statements. Tax returns are typically filed in the third or fourth quarter of the subsequent year. At that time, we perform a reconciliation of the estimate to the final tax return, which may result in changes to the original estimate. While we believe our tax return positions are appropriately supported, tax authorities may challenge certain positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Any change in judgment regarding the expected resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change. We believe our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate.

As of November 30, 2025, the Company had $14.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other long-term liabilities. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits could differ materially from those previously included in our income tax expense, potentially impacting our tax provision, net income, and cash flows. We have also recorded valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making this assessment, we have considered future taxable income and tax planning strategies, both of which involve a number of estimates, as more fully described in Note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Pension Benefits

Pension plan costs require the use of assumptions regarding discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, and mortality rates. We review the actuarial assumptions used in our pension benefit reporting annually and compare them with external benchmarks to ensure they accurately reflect our future pension benefit obligations. While we believe these assumptions are appropriate, changes in various factors—such as actual returns on plan assets versus expected returns, as well as projected future rates of return—can affect the pension expense or income recognized. Specifically, a 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact our 2026 pension benefit expense by approximately $0.1 million. Similarly, a 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would affect the 2026 pension expense by approximately $9.4 million.

We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used in the measurement of our pension benefit obligations. In addition, see Note 10 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000063754-25-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-01-23. Report date: 2024-11-30.

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 from the perspective of management. 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—more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures—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 MD&A are in millions, except per share data.

McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry–retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, consumer and flavor solutions, 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 adjusted operating income 7% to 9% and increase adjusted earnings per share 9% to 11%. Our actual annual results can vary from our long-term growth objectives.

Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business – driven by brand marketing support, category management, and differentiated customer engagement; 2) new products; and 3) acquisitions.

Base Business – We expect to drive sales growth by optimizing our brand marketing investment through improved speed, quality, and effectiveness. We measure the return on our brand marketing investment and identify digital marketing as one of our highest return investments in brand marketing support. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice, and help them discover new products.

New Products – For our consumer segment, we believe that scalable and differentiated innovation continues to be one of the best ways to distinguish our brands from our competition, including private label. We are introducing products for every type of cooking occasion, from gourmet, premium items to convenient and value-priced flavors.

For flavor solutions customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. We have a strong pipeline of flavor solutions products aligned with our customers’ new product launch plans, many of which include clean-label, organic, natural, and “better-for-you” innovation. With over 20

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product innovation centers around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our flavor solutions customers with products that appeal to local consumers.

Acquisitions – Acquisitions are expected to approximate one-third of our sales growth over time. We focus on acquisition opportunities that meet the growing demand for flavor and health. Geographically, our focus is on acquisitions that build scale where we currently have presence in both developed and emerging markets.

Executive Summary

In 2024, we achieved net sales growth of 0.9% over the 2023 level due to the following factors:

•Volume and product mix favorably impacted our net sales growth by 0.3%, exclusive of divestitures. The consumer segment experienced favorable volume and product mix of 0.8% and the flavor solutions segment experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 0.3%.

•Pricing actions contributed 0.5% to the increase in net sales, driven by the favorable impact of pricing actions in our flavor solutions segment.

•Divestitures negatively impacted our net sales by 0.2%.

•Net sales were favorably impacted by fluctuations in currency rates by 0.3%.

•Excluding the impact of divestitures and fluctuations in currency rates, we grew sales, on an organic basis, by 0.8% over the prior year.

Operating income was $1,060.3 million in 2024 and $963.0 million in 2023. We recognized $9.5 million and $61.2 million of special charges in 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to organization and streamlining actions. In 2024, operating income was positively impacted by the higher level of sales and an improvement in our gross profit margin as a percentage of sales of 90 basis points as compared to the prior year. The gross profit margin improvement was driven by the effects of favorable pricing actions, favorable product and customer mix, less scrapped inventory, and cost savings led by our CCI and Global Operating Effectiveness (GOE) programs which were partially offset by higher conversion costs, all as compared to the prior year. A higher level of SG&A expenses resulted in a 40 basis point increase in SG&A as a percentage of sales with approximately half of that basis point increase attributable to an increase in advertising and promotion spend. In addition, the higher level of SG&A expenses was driven by increased selling and marketing costs and a higher level of research and development expenses that were partially offset by, lower performance-based employee and stock based compensation expense and cost savings led by our CCI and GOE programs, all as compared to the prior year. Excluding special charges, adjusted operating income was $1,069.8 million in 2024, representing a 4.5% increase compared to $1,024.2 million in 2023. In constant currency, adjusted operating income increased 4.6%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

Diluted earnings per share was $2.92 in 2024 and $2.52 in 2023. In 2024, diluted earnings per share growth was driven primarily by higher operating income, which included the effects of lower special charges, an increase in income from unconsolidated operations and a decrease in the effective tax rate. Special charges lowered earnings per share by $0.03 and $0.18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Excluding the effects of special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.95 in 2024, compared to $2.70 in 2023, representing an increase of 9.3%.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $921.9 million, $1,237.3 million, and $651.5 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we continued to have a balanced use of cash for debt repayment, capital expenditures, and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 39 years, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. In 2024, the return of cash to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $504.1 million.

A detailed review of our fiscal 2024 performance compared to fiscal 2023 appears in the section titled “Results of Operations – 2024 Compared to 2023.” A detailed review of our fiscal 2023 performance compared to our fiscal 2022 performance is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – 2023 Compared to 2022,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

2025 Outlook

In 2025, we expect net sales to grow between 0% and 2% compared to our 2024 net sales, including a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to grow from 1% to 3% on an organic basis. We anticipate that sales in 2025 will benefit from favorable volume and product mix.

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We expect our 2025 gross profit margin to improve by 50 to 100 basis points from the 38.5% gross profit margin reported in 2024. This projected increase is primarily driven by (i) positive effects from product mix changes, (ii) anticipated cost savings from our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program, and (iii) a low single-digit percentage impact of inflation in 2025 compared to 2024.

For 2025, we anticipate an increase in operating income of 3% to 5% over the 2024 level, including a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates. This anticipated increase in operating income reflects the expected rise in our gross profit margin and SG&A cost savings from our CCI program, although these will be partially offset by investments aimed at driving volume growth, particularly in brand marketing. We project our brand marketing investments in 2025 to rise by high-single digits compared to 2024. Additionally, we expect approximately $15 million in special charges related to previously announced organizational and streamlining actions; in 2024, special charges totaled $9.5 million. Excluding these special charges, we expect adjusted operating income in 2025 to increase by 3% to 5%, which includes a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to increase by 4% to 6% on a constant currency basis.

We estimate that our 2025 effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, although at a lower amount than in 2024, will be 22.0% as compared to 20.5% in 2024. Excluding projected taxes associated with special charges, we estimate that our adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 22.0% in 2025, as compared to an adjusted effective tax rate of 20.5% in 2024.

We also expect that our income from unconsolidated operations, including the performance of our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, will decline by a mid-teen percentage rate from the 2024 level, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso.

Diluted earnings per share was $2.92 in 2024. Diluted earnings per share for 2025 is projected to range from $2.99 to $3.04. Excluding the per share impact of special charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.95 in 2024. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding an estimated per share impact from special charges of $0.04, is projected to range from $3.03 to $3.08 in 2025. We expect adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase by 3% to 5%, which includes a 2% unfavorable impact from currency rates, or to increase by 5% to 7% on a constant currency basis over adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.95 in 2024.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2024 COMPARED TO 2023

20242023
Net sales$6,723.7$6,662.2
Percent growth0.9%4.9%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix0.3%(2.6)%
Pricing actions0.5%8.5%
Divestiture(0.2)%(0.4)%
Foreign exchange0.3%(0.6)%

Sales for 2024 increased by 0.9% from 2023 and by 0.8% on an organic basis (that is, excluding the impact of divestitures and foreign currency exchange as more fully described under the caption, Non-GAAP Financial Measures). Pricing actions, primarily implemented during the prior year, increased sales by 0.5% as compared to 2023. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 0.3%. The divestiture of our Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.2% as compared to the prior year. Sales were impacted by favorable foreign currency rates that increased sales by 0.3% in 2024 as compared to the prior year. Excluding divestitures and the impact of foreign currency rates, our organic sales growth was 0.8%, as compared to 2023.

20242023
Gross profit$2,591.0$2,502.5
Gross profit margin38.5%37.6%

In 2024, gross profit increased by $88.5 million, or 3.5%, from 2023. Our gross profit margin for 2024 was 38.5%, an increase of 90 basis points from 37.6% in 2023. The increase was driven by the favorable impact of our pricing actions, favorable product and customer mix, less scrapped inventory and cost savings led by our CCI and GOE programs. These favorable impacts were partially offset by higher conversion costs, as compared to 2023.

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20242023
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,521.2$1,478.3
Percent of net sales22.6%22.2%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased by $42.9 million in 2024 as compared to 2023. That increase in SG&A expense was primarily a result of increased advertising and promotional spend, increased selling and marketing costs and a higher level of research and development expenses which were partially offset by lower performance-based employee and stock-based compensation expense, all as compared to 2023. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2024 increased by 40 basis points from the prior year level, as the net impact of the previously mentioned factors was partially offset by the impact of the higher sales base.

20242023
Total special charges$9.5$61.2

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.

During 2024, we recorded $9.5 million of special charges, consisting principally of $4.5 million associated with the GOE program and $5.0 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA.

During 2023, we recorded $61.2 million of special charges, consisting principally of $42.8 million associated with the GOE program, $8.7 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, and streamlining actions of $8.8 million in the Americas region and $0.9 million in the EMEA region.

Details with respect to the composition of special charges are included in the accompanying notes to our financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

20242023
Operating income$1,060.3$963.0
Percent of net sales15.8%14.5%

Operating income increased by $97.3 million, or 10.1%, from $963.0 million in 2023 to $1,060.3 million in 2024. Special charges decreased by $51.7 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, positively impacting operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased by 130 basis points in 2024, to 15.8% in 2024 from 14.5% in 2023 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges, adjusted operating income was $1,069.8 million in 2024 as compared to $1,024.2 million in 2023, an increase of $45.6 million or 4.5% from the 2023 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales increased by 50 basis points in 2024, to 15.9% in 2024 from 15.4% in 2023.

20242023
Interest expense$209.4$208.2
Other income, net47.443.9

Interest expense was $1.2 million higher in 2024 as compared to the prior year, as a reduction in average borrowing levels was more than offset by the effects of higher interest rates on borrowings. Other income increased $3.5 million as compared to the prior period, driven by an increase in interest income, partially offset by a higher level of foreign currency exchange losses.

20242023
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$898.3$798.7
Income tax expense184.0174.5
Effective tax rate20.5%21.8%

The effective tax rate for 2024 was 20.5%, compared to 21.8% in 2023. This reduction in our effective tax rate is primarily due to a higher level of net discrete tax benefits recorded for 2024. Specifically, net discrete tax benefits amounted to $31.7 million in 2024, an increase of $22.1 million from $9.6 million in 2023.

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The $31.7 million of net discrete tax benefits for 2024 principally included (i) $19.4 million of tax benefits associated with the recognition of a deferred tax asset related to an international legal entity reorganization, (ii) $12.3 million of tax benefit from the reversal of certain reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest associated with both the effective settlement from the conclusion of a tax examination and the expiration of statutes of limitations, (iii) $6.0 million of tax benefits resulting from state tax matters, and related deferred taxes, (iv) $1.8 million of tax benefit from an adjustment to a prior year tax accrual and related deferred taxes based on final returns filed, (v) $6.2 million of tax expense associated with the adjustment of valuation allowances due to changes in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets, and (vi) $1.8 million of tax expense related to certain unremitted prior year earnings.

The $9.6 million of net discrete tax benefits for 2023 principally included (i) $5.6 million of tax benefit from the reversal of certain reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest associated with both the settlement and the expiration of statutes of limitation, (ii) $3.2 million of tax benefit associated with the release of valuation allowances due to changes in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets, (iii) $0.9 million of tax benefit from an adjustment to a prior year tax accrual and related deferred taxes based on final returns filed, and (iv) $1.8 million of tax expense related to certain unremitted prior year earnings.

See Note 12 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

Numerous countries have enacted the Organization of Economic Corporation and Development’s framework on a global 15% minimum tax, referred to as Pillar 2, which are generally effective for our fiscal year ending November 30, 2025. We do not expect a material increase to our effective tax rate associated with the adoption of these model rules in the countries in which we operate.

20242023
Income from unconsolidated operations$74.2$56.4

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, increased $17.8 million in 2024 from the prior year. The increase was driven by higher earnings of our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 95% of the income of our unconsolidated operations for both 2024 and 2023.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.92 in 2024, compared to $2.52 in 2023. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2023 to 2024.

2023 Earnings per share—diluted$2.52
Increase in operating income0.13
Decrease in special charges, net of taxes0.15
Increase in other income0.01
Increase in income from unconsolidated operations0.06
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges0.05
2024 Earnings per share—diluted$2.92

Results of Operations—Segments

We measure the performance of our business segments based on operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions, as applicable. See Note 15 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segment measures as well as for a reconciliation by segment of operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. In the following discussion, we refer to our previously described measure of segment profit as "Segment operating income."

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Consumer Segment

20242023
Net sales$3,848.5$3,807.3
Percent - increase1.1%1.3%
Components of percent change in net sales - increase (decrease):
Pricing actions%6.5%
Volume and product mix0.8%(3.9)%
Divestiture%(0.5)%
Foreign exchange0.3%(0.8)%
Segment operating income$740.3$735.5
Segment operating income margin19.2%19.3%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2024 increased by 1.1% as compared to 2023 and increased by 0.8% on an organic basis. This increase was driven by higher sales of our consumer business in EMEA and the Americas, with a partial offset from a sales decline in the Asia-Pacific region. Asia-Pacific region sales declines were principally attributable to the macro environment in China. Higher volume and product mix added 0.8% to net sales, as compared to 2023. Volume and product mix includes a 0.2% unfavorable impact associated with our decision during 2023 to exit certain low margin business. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 0.3% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 0.8% on an organic basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales increased 0.6% in 2024 as compared to 2023 and increased by 0.7% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, including actions taken in response to price gap management as well as promotional activities, decreased sales by 0.3% as compared to the prior year period. Favorable volume and product mix, driven by growth across core categories, increased sales by 1.0% as compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Volume and product mix includes a 0.3% unfavorable impact of our decision to discontinue certain low margin business. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.1% in the year and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 0.7% on an organic basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 7.3% in 2024 as compared to 2023 and increased by 4.3% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, principally implemented in the prior year, increased sales by 0.6% as compared to 2023. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 3.7% from the prior year level, driven by growth in our major markets across their product categories. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 3.0% compared to 2023 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 4.3% on an organic basis.

In the APAC region, consumer sales decreased 5.1% in 2024 as compared to 2023 and decreased by 4.1% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, principally implemented in the prior year, increased sales by 0.8% as compared to 2023. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 4.9% from the prior year, as slower demand in China was partially mitigated by growth in other parts of the region. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.0% compared to the year-ago period and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 4.1% on an organic basis.

Segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by $4.8 million, or 0.7%, in 2024 as compared to 2023. The increase in segment operating income was driven by the effects of an increase in gross profit, as a higher level of sales volume, CCI-led and GOE cost savings and lower scrapped inventory was partially offset by higher conversion costs. Segment operating income was also impacted by higher SG&A expenses, including increased advertising and promotional spend, partially offset by lower performance-based employee incentive expenses and lower distribution costs, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment decreased by 10 basis points in 2024 to 19.2%, as a decrease in consumer gross profit margin was partially offset by a lower level of SG&A as a percentage of net sales, all as compared to the 2023 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by 0.7% in 2024, as compared to 2023.

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Flavor Solutions Segment

20242023
Net sales$2,875.2$2,854.9
Percent growth0.7%10.1%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Pricing actions1.2%11.4%
Volume and product mix(0.3)%(1.0)%
Divestiture(0.5)%(0.1)%
Foreign exchange0.3%(0.2)%
Segment operating income$329.5$288.7
Segment operating income margin11.5%10.1%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 0.7% in 2024 as compared to 2023 and increased by 0.9% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, principally implemented in the prior year, increased sales by 1.2% in 2024 and were partially offset by 0.3% of unfavorable volume and product mix, both in comparison to the prior year levels. In 2024, the divestiture of our Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.5% and a favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 0.3%, both as compared to the prior year, and are excluded from our flavor solutions segment organic sales growth of 0.9%.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 1.4% during 2024 as compared to 2023 and increased by 1.5% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, principally implemented in the prior year, favorably impacted sales by 1.6% during 2024. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 0.1% during 2024, as compared to the prior year. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.1% compared to 2023 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 1.5% on an organic basis.

In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2024 decreased by 3.5% as compared to 2023 and decreased by 3.6% on an organic basis. Pricing actions unfavorably impacted sales by 0.3% in 2024 as compared to the prior period level. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased segment sales by 3.3% in 2024 as compared to 2023, including the effects of lower sales at quick service restaurants, and a 1.2% unfavorable impact of our decision to exit a low margin business. The divestiture of our Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 2.3% and a favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 2.4%, both as compared to 2023 and are excluded from our measure of sales decline of 3.6% on an organic basis.

In the APAC region, flavor solutions sales increased 4.1% in 2024 as compared to 2023 and increased by 5.1% on an organic basis. Pricing actions, principally implemented in the prior year, favorably impacted sales by 0.9% as compared to the prior year period. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 4.2%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers in China. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.0% compared to 2023 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.1% on an organic basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by $40.8 million, or 14.1%, in 2024 as compared to 2023. The increase in segment operating income was driven by the effects of an increase in gross profit primarily due to the impacts of pricing actions, product mix and CCI-led and GOE cost savings which more than offset increased conversion costs and the higher level of SG&A expenses, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment increased by 140 basis points in 2024 to 11.5%, driven by a higher segment gross margin, as previously described, which was partially offset by a higher level of SG&A as a percentage of net sales, as compared to 2023. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by 14.5% in 2024, as compared to 2023.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following tables include financial measures of organic net sales, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share. 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. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

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•Special charges – Special charges consist of expenses and income associated with certain actions undertaken to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve 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. 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 ongoing basis through completion. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Special charges are more fully described in Note 2 of notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

•Transaction and integration expenses associated with acquisitions – We exclude certain costs associated with our acquisitions, including our acquisition of FONA in December 2020, and the subsequent integration into the Company. Such costs, which we refer to as “Transaction and integration expenses,” include transaction costs associated with the acquisition, as well as integration costs following the acquisition, including the impact of the acquisition date fair value adjustment for inventories, together with the impact of discrete tax items, if any, directly related to the acquisition.

•Gain on sale of Kitchen Basics – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of the Kitchen Basics business in August 2022. As more fully described in Note 16 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the pre-tax gain associated with the sale was $49.6 million and is included in Other income, net in our consolidated income statement for the year ended November 30, 2022.

Details with respect to the special charges and gain on sale of Kitchen Basics for the years and in the amounts set forth below are included in Notes 2 and 16 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above 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 financial measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP; however, they should not be viewed as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, as they may calculate them differently than we do. We intend to continue providing these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions, ensuring consistency in our financial reporting.

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A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial results is provided below:

202420232022
Operating income$1,060.3$963.0$863.6
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)2.2
Impact of special charges(2)9.561.251.6
Adjusted operating income$1,069.8$1,024.2$917.4
% increase (decrease) versus prior year4.5%11.6%(16.7)%
Operating income margin(3)15.8%14.5%13.6%
Impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges(3)0.1%0.9%0.8%
Adjusted operating income margin(3)15.9%15.4%14.4%
Income tax expense$184.0$174.5$168.6
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.6
Impact of special charges(2)2.414.513.3
Impact of sale of Kitchen Basics(11.6)
Adjusted income tax expense$186.4$189.0$170.9
Income tax rate(4)20.5%21.8%20.7%
Impact of transaction and integration expenses, special charges, and sale of Kitchen Basics(4)%0.2%0.2%
Adjusted income tax rate(4)20.5%22.0%20.9%
Net income$788.5$680.6$682.0
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)1.6
Impact of special charges(2)7.146.738.3
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(38.0)
Adjusted net income$795.6$727.3$683.9
% increase (decrease) versus prior year9.4%6.3%(17.0)%
Earnings per share—diluted$2.92$2.52$2.52
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.01
Impact of special charges(2)0.030.180.14
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(0.14)
Adjusted earnings per share—diluted$2.95$2.70$2.53
(1)Transaction and integration expenses include integration expenses associated with our acquisition of FONA.
(2)Special charges are more fully described in Note 2 of notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $10.0 million non-cash intangible asset impairment charge associated with our exit of our business operations in Russia. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name.
(3)Operating income margin, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted operating income margin are calculated as operating income, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.
(4)Income tax rate is calculated as income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes. Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes excluding transaction and integration expenses, special charges and gain on the sale of Kitchen Basics or $907.8 million, $859.9 million, and $817.0 million for the years ended November 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

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Estimate for the year ending November 30, 2025
Earnings per share – diluted$2.99 to $3.04
Impact of special charges0.04
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted$3.03 to $3.08

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 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).

We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions, and divestitures, as applicable, have on year-to-year comparability. A reconciliation of these measures from reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in the tables set forth below.

Percentage changes in organic 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 2024 on a constant currency basis, net sales and adjusted operating income for 2024 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2023 and compared to the reported results for 2023; and (2) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2023 on a constant currency basis, net sales and operating income for 2023 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2022 and compared to the reported results for 2022.

For the year ended November 30, 2024
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basisImpact of Acquisitions & DivestituresPercentage change on organic basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas0.6%(0.1)%0.7%%0.7%
EMEA7.3%3.0%4.3%%4.3%
APAC(5.1)%(1.0)%(4.1)%%(4.1)%
Total Consumer1.1%0.3%0.8%%0.8%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas1.4%(0.1)%1.5%%1.5%
EMEA(3.5)%2.4%(5.9)%(2.3)%(3.6)%
APAC4.1%(1.0)%5.1%%5.1%
Total Flavor Solutions0.7%0.3%0.4%(0.5)%0.9%
Total net sales0.9%0.3%0.6%(0.2)%0.8%

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For the year ended November 30, 2024
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment0.7%%0.7%
Flavor Solutions segment14.1%(0.4)%14.5%
Total adjusted operating income4.5%(0.1)%4.6%
For the year ended November 30, 2023
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basisImpact of Acquisitions & DivestituresPercentage change on organic basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas0.4%(0.4)%0.8%(0.7)%1.5%
EMEA7.1%0.9%6.2%%6.2%
APAC(1.1)%(6.2)%5.1%%5.1%
Total Consumer1.3%(0.8)%2.1%(0.5)%2.6%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas10.7%1.1%9.6%%9.6%
EMEA10.3%(1.9)%12.2%(0.7)%12.9%
APAC5.6%(5.4)%11.0%%11.0%
Total Flavor Solutions10.1%(0.2)%10.3%(0.1)%10.4%
Total net sales4.9%(0.6)%5.5%(0.4)%5.9%
For the year ended November 30, 2023
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment3.5%(0.9)%4.4%
Flavor Solutions segment39.7%1.2%38.5%
Total adjusted operating income11.6%(0.4)%12.0%

To present the percentage change in projected 2025 net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share (diluted) on a constant currency basis, the projected local currency net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted net income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at forecasted exchange rates. These figures are then compared to the 2025 local currency projected results, which are translated into U.S. dollars at the average actual exchange rates in effect during the corresponding months of fiscal year 2024. This comparison determines what the 2025 consolidated U.S. dollar net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share (diluted) would have been if the relevant currency exchange rates had not changed from those of the comparable 2024 periods.

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Projections for the Year Ending November 30, 2025
Percentage change in net sales0% to 2%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in organic net sales1% to 3%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income3% to 5%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income in constant currency4% to 6%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share - diluted3% to 5%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange2%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share - diluted5% to 7%

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

202420232022
Net cash provided by operating activities$921.9$1,237.3$651.5
Net cash used in investing activities(269.0)(260.5)(146.4)
Net cash used in financing activities(583.1)(1,184.2)(487.2)

The primary objective of our financing strategy is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides the flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. We use a combination of equity and short- and long-term debt. We use short-term debt, primarily in the form of commercial paper, principally to finance ongoing operations. This includes our requirements for working capital, which encompasses accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities. We are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings.

Our cash flows from operations enable us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, service our debt, fund or increase our quarterly dividends, fund capital projects and other investments, and make share repurchases, when appropriate. Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, our cash flow from operations has historically been the strongest during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Due to the timing of the interest payments on our debt, interest payments are higher in the first and third quarter of our fiscal year.

We believe that our sources of liquidity, which include existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, our commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our debt obligations, including any repayment or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

In the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the translation effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. In addition, in the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effect of disposed operating assets and liabilities, as the cash flow associated with dispositions of businesses is presented as an investing activity. 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 non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates can be significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. As of November 30, 2024, the exchange rates for the British pound sterling were higher against the U.S. dollar than on November 30, 2023. Conversely, as of November 30, 2024, the exchange rates for the Euro, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Polish zloty, and Australian dollar were lower against the U.S. dollar compared to November 30, 2023.

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Operating Cash Flow – Operating cash flow was $921.9 million in 2024, $1,237.3 million in 2023, and $651.5 million in 2022. Net income as well as our working capital management, as more fully described below, impacted operating cash flow. In 2024, the decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by higher cash used for working capital, including higher inventory levels and higher employee incentive payments related to the prior year, and the timing of income tax payments partially offset by higher net income. In 2023, the increase was primarily driven by an improvement in cash provided by working capital, which was driven by the lower inventory levels and the lower amount of employee incentive payments associated with the prior years, as well as an increase in dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates. This was partially offset by an increased use of cash associated with accounts payable which partially resulted from our lower level of inventory. In 2022, the decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by lower net income, including the effect of net income associated with the gain on sale of our Kitchen Basics business and an intangible asset that are reflected as investing cash flows as well as the higher amount of employee incentive payments associated with the prior year.

Our working capital management – principally related to inventory, trade accounts receivable, and accounts payable – impacts our operating cash flow. The change in inventory was a significant use of cash from operations in 2024 and 2022 and a significant source of cash from operations in 2023. The change in trade accounts receivable was a moderate use of cash in 2024 and 2022 and a source of cash in 2023. The change in accounts payable was a significant source of cash in 2024 and 2022 and a use of cash in 2023.

In addition to operating cash flow, we also use a 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:

202420232022
Cash Conversion Cycle364051

The decrease in CCC in 2024 from 2023 was primarily due to a reduction in our days in inventory as a result of inventory management based on demand planning. The decrease in CCC in 2023 from 2022 was primarily due to a reduction in our days in inventory as a result of reducing our inventory based on demand planning and elimination of excess safety stock utilized to remedy service issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more fully described in Note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, we participate in a Supply Chain Financing program (SCF) with several global financial institutions (SCF Banks). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from us to an SCF Bank, enabling participating suppliers to negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. We are not party to those agreements and have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell a receivable. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within the line item 'Trade accounts payable' in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of November 30, 2024 and 2023, the amounts due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in trade accounts payable were approximately $417.4 million and $300.5 million, respectively.

The terms of our payment obligations are not impacted by a supplier's participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar materials within individual markets are consistent between those suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those suppliers that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of suppliers included in the SCF. Future changes in our suppliers’ financing policies or economic developments, such as shifts in interest rates, general market liquidity, or our creditworthiness relative to participating suppliers, could affect those suppliers’ participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with them. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.

Investing Cash Flow – Net cash used in investing activities was $269.0 million in 2024, $260.5 million in 2023, and $146.4 million in 2022. Our primary investing cash flows include cash used for capital expenditures as well as cash provided by the sale of businesses or other assets. Capital expenditures, including expenditures for capitalized software, were $274.9 million in 2024, $263.9 million in 2023, and $262.0 million in 2022. We expect 2025 capital

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expenditures to approximate $300 million. In 2022, we received $95.2 million net cash proceeds from the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $13.6 million net cash proceeds from the sale of the Kohinoor brand name.

Financing Cash Flow – Net cash associated with financing activities was a use of cash of $583.1 million in 2024, $1,184.2 million in 2023, and $487.2 million in 2022. The variability between years is principally a result of changes in our net borrowings, share repurchase activity, and dividends, all as described below.

The following table outlines our net borrowing activities:

202420232022
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings$211.1$(964.6)$698.3
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs494.5495.3
Repayments of long-term debt(801.1)(268.1)(772.0)
Net cash (used in) net borrowing activities$(95.5)$(737.4)$(73.7)

In 2024, we repaid $801.1 million of long-term debt, including the $700.0 million, 3.15% notes that matured in August 2024 as well as $55.0 million, 7.63% to 8.12% notes that matured in August and October 2024. We also issued $500.0 million of 4.70% notes due 2034, with net cash proceeds received of $495.5 million.

In 2023, we repaid $268.1 million of long-term debt, including the $250.0 million, 3.50% notes that matured on September 1, 2023. We also issued $500.0 million of 4.95% notes due 2033, with net cash proceeds received of $496.4 million.

In 2022, we repaid $772.0 million of long-term debt, including the $750 million, 2.70% notes that matured on August 15, 2022.

The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase program:

202420232022
Number of shares of common stock0.70.50.4
Dollar amount$53.1$35.7$38.8

As of November 30, 2024, $448 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2019. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors.

During 2024, 2023, and 2022, we received proceeds from exercised stock options of $17.5 million, $16.6 million, and $41.4 million, respectively. We repurchased $9.0 million, $10.8 million, and $19.4 million of common stock during 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, in conjunction with employee tax withholding requirements associated with our stock compensation plans.

Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:

202420232022
Total dividends paid$451.0$418.5$396.7
Dividends paid per share1.681.561.48
Percentage increase per share7.7%5.4%8.8%

In November 2024, the Board of Directors approved a 7.1% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.42 to $0.45 per share.

Most of our cash is in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. 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. Those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects, and future acquisitions. As of November 30, 2024, we have $1.6 billion of earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures that are considered indefinitely reinvested. We have not provided any deferred taxes with respect to items such as foreign withholding taxes, other income taxes, or foreign exchange gains or losses with respect to these earnings. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these reinvested international earnings.

At November 30, 2024 and 2023, we temporarily used $509.2 million and $531.4 million, respectively, of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During the year, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a year or quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended

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November 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 were $1,043.1 million, $1,121.9 million, and $1,117.0 million, respectively. Those average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 included average commercial paper borrowings of $1,033.8 million, $1,098.4 million, and $1,080.4 respectively. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $4,966.4 million, $5,197.8 million, and $5,422.0 million, respectively.

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 facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.

Our committed revolving credit facilities include a five-year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which will expire in June 2026 and a 364-day $500 million revolving credit facility, which was entered into in August 2024 and will expire in August 2025. The current pricing for the five-year credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.25%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.75%. The current pricing for the 364-day credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.23%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.60%.

The provisions of each revolving credit facility restrict subsidiary indebtedness and require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio. We do not expect that this covenant would limit our access to either revolving credit facilities for the foreseeable future. The terms of those revolving credit facilities are more fully described in Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

We generally use our revolving credit facilities 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 facilities. These facilities are made available by a syndicate of banks, with various commitments per bank. If any of the banks in these syndicates 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. We engage in regular communication with all 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. In addition to our committed revolving credit facilities, we have uncommitted facilities of $326.8 million as of November 30, 2024 that can be withdrawn based upon the lenders' discretion. See Note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements.

We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest, to service debt, and to fund acquisitions. As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments. Our primary obligations include principal and interest payments on our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt. In the next year, our most significant debt service obligation is the maturity of our $250.0 million, 3.25% notes due in November 2025. Detail on these contractual obligations follows:

MATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS

The following table reflects a summary of our future material cash requirements as of November 30, 2024:

TotalLess than 1 year1–3 years3–5 yearsMore than 5 years
Short-term borrowings$483.1$483.1$$$
Long-term debt, including finance leases3,919.8265.21,269.028.32,357.3
Interest payments(a)959.2124.5218.5241.5374.7
Total contractual cash obligations$5,362.1$872.8$1,487.5$269.8$2,732.0

(a)Interest payments include expected interest payments on long-term debt. Our short-term borrowings, principally consisting of commercial paper, have short-term maturities. See Note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

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Our other cash requirements at November 30, 2024, include raw material purchases, lease payments, income taxes, and pension and postretirement benefits. We acquire various raw materials to satisfy our obligations to our customers, and these outstanding purchase obligations can fluctuate throughout the year based on our response to varying raw material cycles; however, these commitments generally do not extend past one year. In addition, we also have a series of commercial commitments, largely consisting of standby letters of credit. Our standby letters of credit, leases, and pension and other post-retirement obligations are more fully described in Notes 5, 6 and 10, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash, cash equivalents and internally generated funds, to borrow under our existing credit facilities or under other short-term borrowing facilities, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular debt maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future cash requirements.

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 contributions to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $10.0 million in 2024, $9.2 million in 2023, and $11.4 million in 2022. It is expected that the 2025 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $10 million. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent upon 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 18% of assets are invested in equities, 75% in fixed income investments and 7% in other investments. Assets associated with our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan 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 Note 10 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.

CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES – See the subsequent section of this discussion under the heading "Market Risk Sensitivity–Credit Risk."

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.

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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 5 and 7 of notes to our consolidated 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 cash flows related to repatriation of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates. Primary exposures include the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Singapore dollar, Swiss franc, and Mexican peso, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty, and finally the Canadian dollar versus the British pound sterling. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.

During 2024, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in our subsidiaries with a functional currency of the Mexican peso, Euro, Australian dollar, and Chinese renminbi.

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We also utilize cross currency interest rate swap contracts, which are designated as net investment hedges, to manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling and Euro. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2024. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2024 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, 2024

Currency soldCurrency receivedNotional valueAverage contractual exchange rateFair value
British pound sterlingU.S. dollar$245.31.27$(0.7)
Canadian dollarU.S. dollar65.91.261.9
EuroU.S. dollar27.61.100.8
Polish zlotyU.S. dollar2.83.980.1
U.S. dollarAustralian dollar89.90.650.3
Swiss francU.S. dollar75.01.14(0.9)
U.S. dollarSingapore dollar17.91.350.1
U.S. dollarEuro86.51.050.4
U.S. dollarCanadian dollar21.41.410.1
Australian dollarEuro21.61.66(0.3)
U.S. dollarChinese renminbi268.47.00(8.2)
Polish zlotyEuro5.54.34
Canadian dollarBritish pound sterling27.81.76(0.1)
British pound sterlingEuro45.20.85(0.8)
U.S. dollarMexican peso8.520.66(0.1)

We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2024 with an aggregate notional value of $24.9 million to purchase or sell other currencies. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $0.1 million at November 30, 2024.

At November 30, 2023, we had foreign currency exchange contracts with an aggregate notional value of $1,000.4 million to purchase or sell other currencies. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was a loss of $13.5 million at November 30, 2023.

We also utilized cross currency interest rate swap contracts that are considered net investment hedges.

As of November 30, 2024 and 2023, we had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 0.907% and pay £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and (ii) £194.1 million notional value to receive £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and pay €221.8 million at three-month Euro EURIBOR plus 0.808%. These cross-currency interest rate swap contracts expire in August 2027.

As of November 30, 2024 and 2023, we also had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD SOFR plus 0.684% and pay £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and (ii) £184.1 million notional value to receive £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and pay €219.2 million at Euro ESTR plus 0.667%. These contracts expire in April 2030.

Interest Rate Risk – Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We are exposed to interest rate volatility, with primary exposures related to movements in U.S. Treasury rates, Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and commercial paper rates.

We also use interest rate swaps to minimize financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. As of November 30, 2024 and 2023, we had interest rate swap contracts of $600 million notional value outstanding to receive fixed rate interest and pay variable rate interest. 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, 2024. For foreign currency-denominated debt, the

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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, 2024

2025202620272028ThereafterTotalFair value
Debt
Fixed rate$299.1$509.3$759.7$10.3$2,375.3$3,953.7$3,711.0
Average interest rate3.29%0.95%3.40%3.46%3.57%
Variable rate$449.2$$$$$449.2$449.2
Average interest rate4.71%%

The table above displays the debt, including finance leases, 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 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%. Separately, 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 the notes maturity in 2025. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 1.487% with an effective variable rate of 5.92% as of November 30, 2024.

•We issued $750 million of 3.40% notes due in 2027 in August 2017. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $750 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.44%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 3.40% notes due in August 2027 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2027. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.907% with an effective variable rate of 5.73% as of November 30, 2024.

•We issued $500 million of 2.50% notes due April 15, 2030. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.62%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 2.50% notes due in April 2030 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2030. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.684% with an effective variable rate of 5.22% as of November 30, 2024.

•We issued $500 million of 4.95% notes due April 15, 2033. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 5.00%.

•We issued $500 million of 4.70% notes due October 15, 2034. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 4.68%.

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 2024, our most significant raw materials were dairy products, pepper, onion, garlic, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), tomato products, sugar and salts. 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.

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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See Note 1 of notes to our consolidated 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

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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, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, 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 arrangements. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates, or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on current expectations regarding what was earned through these programs as of the balance sheet date. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. Certain of our customer arrangements are annual arrangements such that the degree of estimates that affects revenue reduces as a year progresses. We do not believe that there will be significant changes to our estimates of customer consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers.

Goodwill Impairment

Our reporting units are aligned with our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions, as detailed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements. We estimate fair value using a discounted cash flow model, which calculates this value by present valuing the future expected cash flows of our reporting units with a market-based discount rate. As required by the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we then compare the calculated estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including intangible assets and goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized.

As of November 30, 2024, we had $5,227.5 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($3,583.1 million in the consumer segment and $1,644.4 million in the flavor solutions segment). Our fiscal year 2024 impairment testing indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill. However, variances between the actual performance of the businesses and the assumptions that were used in developing the estimates of fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We estimate fair values through the use of the relief-from-royalty method and then compare those fair values to the related carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event that the fair value of any of the brand names or trademarks are less than their related carrying amounts, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.

The estimation of fair values of our brand names and trademarks requires us to make significant assumptions, including expectations regarding sales and profits of the respective brands and trademarks, related royalty rates, income tax rates, and appropriate discount rates. These discount rates are based, in part, on current interest rates, adjusted for our assessment of reasonable country- and brand-specific risks, considering both past performance and anticipated future performance of the related brand names and trademarks. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.

As of November 30, 2024, we had $3,043.9 million of brand name assets and trademarks recognized in our consolidated balance sheet, and none of the balances exceeded their estimated fair values at that date. Of the $3,043.9 million in brand name assets and trademarks as of November 30, 2024: (i) $2,320.0 million relates to the French’s, Frank’s RedHot, and Cattlemen’s brand names and trademarks which we group for purposes of our impairment analysis; (ii) $380.0 million relates to the Cholula brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of Cholula in November 2020; and (iii) the remaining $343.9 million represents various other brand name assets and trademarks with individual carrying values ranging from $106.4 million to $0.2 million. The percentage excess of estimated fair value over respective book values for each of our brand names and trademarks exceeded 20% as of our fourth quarter annual impairment assessment except for one brand name that has a carrying value of $4.6 million.

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Income Taxes

We estimate income taxes and file tax returns in each taxing jurisdiction where we operate and are required to do so. At the end of each year, we record an estimate for income taxes in our financial statements. Tax returns are typically filed in the third or fourth quarter of the subsequent year. At that time, we perform a reconciliation of the estimate to the final tax return, which may result in changes to the original estimate. While we believe our tax return positions are appropriately supported, tax authorities may challenge certain positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Any change in judgment regarding the expected resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change. We believe our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate.

As of November 30, 2024, the Company had $20.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other long-term liabilities. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits could differ materially from those previously included in our income tax expense, potentially impacting our tax provision, net income, and cash flows. We have also recorded valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making this assessment, we have considered future taxable income and tax planning strategies, both of which involve a number of estimates, as more fully described in Note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Pension Benefits

Pension plan costs require the use of assumptions regarding discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, and mortality rates. We review the actuarial assumptions used in our pension benefit reporting annually and compare them with external benchmarks to ensure they accurately reflect our future pension benefit obligations. While we believe these assumptions are appropriate, changes in various factors—such as actual returns on plan assets versus expected returns, as well as projected future rates of return—can affect the pension expense or income recognized. Specifically, a 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact our 2025 pension benefit expense by approximately $0.1 million. Similarly, a 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would affect the 2025 pension expense by approximately $9.5 million.

We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used in the measurement of our pension benefit obligations. In addition, see Note 10 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000063754-24-000027.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-01-25. Report date: 2023-11-30.

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 from the perspective of management. 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 — more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures — 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 MD&A are in millions, except per share data.

McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry–retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, consumer and flavor solutions, as described in Item 1 of this report.

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Our long-term annual growth objectives in constant currency are to increase sales 4% to 6%, increase adjusted operating income 7% to 9% and increase adjusted earnings per share 9% to 11%. Our actual results for a year can vary from our long-term growth objectives.

Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business – driven by brand marketing support, category management, and differentiated customer engagement; 2) new products; and 3) acquisitions.

Base Business – We expect to drive sales growth by optimizing our brand marketing investment through improved speed, quality, and effectiveness. We measure the return on our brand marketing investment and have identified digital marketing as one of our highest return investments in brand marketing support. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice and help them discover new products.

New Products – For our consumer segment, we believe that scalable and differentiated innovation continues to be one of the best ways to distinguish our brands from our competition, including private label. We are introducing products for every type of cooking occasion, from gourmet, premium items to convenient and value-priced flavors.

For flavor solutions customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. We have a strong pipeline of flavor solutions products aligned with our customers’ new product launch plans, many of which include clean-label, organic, natural, and “better-for-you” innovation. With over 20 product innovation centers around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our flavor solutions customers with products that appeal to local consumers.

Acquisitions – Acquisitions are expected to approximate one-third of our sales growth over time. Since the beginning of 2018, we have completed two acquisitions, including our December 20, 2020 acquisition of FONA International, LLC and certain of its affiliates (FONA) and our November 30, 2020 acquisition of the parent company of Cholula Hot Sauce ® (Cholula) from L Catterton. These acquisitions are driving sales in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. We focus on acquisition opportunities that meet the growing demand for flavor and health. Geographically, our focus is on acquisitions that build scale where we currently have presence in both developed and emerging markets.

Executive Summary

In 2023, we achieved net sales growth of 4.9% over the 2022 level due to the following factors:

•Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, contributed 8.5% to the increase in net sales.

•Volume and product mix unfavorably impacted our net sales growth by 2.6%, exclusive of divestitures. Both our consumer and flavor solutions segments experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 3.9% and 1.0%, respectively, including the impact of price elasticity. Our decisions to exit our consumer operations in Russia and certain low margin businesses contributed approximately 0.9% to the unfavorable impact of volume and product mix.

•Divestitures negatively impacted our net sales increase by 0.4%.

•Net sales growth was negatively impacted by fluctuations in currency rates that decreased sales growth by 0.6%. Excluding this impact, we grew sales by 5.5% over the prior year on a constant currency basis.

Operating income was $963.0 million in 2023 and $863.6 million in 2022. We recorded $61.2 million and $51.6 million of special charges in 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to organization and streamlining actions. In 2022, we also recorded $2.2 million of transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisition of FONA that reduced operating income. In 2023, the effects of pricing actions taken in response to increased costs and cost savings from our GOE and CCI programs during 2022 were partially offset by increased employee incentive compensation and higher distribution costs. Excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisition of FONA, adjusted operating income was $1,024.2 million in 2023, an increase of 11.6%, compared to $917.4 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, adjusted operating income increased 12.0%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

Diluted earnings per share was $2.52 in 2023 and 2022. In 2023, diluted earnings per share was driven primarily by the impact of higher operating income, an increase in interest expense, the unfavorable effects of a decrease in other income, and an increase in income from unconsolidated operations. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses lowered earnings per share by $0.18 and $0.15 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. A gain on our

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sale of a business increased earnings per share by $0.14 in 2022. Excluding the effects of special charges, transaction and integration expenses, and the gain realized from the sale of a business, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.70 in 2023 and $2.53 in 2022, or an increase of 6.7%.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,237.3 million, $651.5 million and $828.3 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. In 2023, we continued to have a balanced use of cash for debt repayment, capital expenditures and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 38 years, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. In 2023, the return of cash to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $454.2 million.

A detailed review of our fiscal 2023 performance compared to fiscal 2002 appears in the section titled “Results of Operations – 2023 Compared to 2022”.

Recent Events

During fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, we experienced inflationary cost increases in our commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. While we continued to experience significant input cost inflation throughout fiscal 2023, our pricing actions, combined with cost savings from our Global Operating Effectiveness (GOE) program and our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program assisted in a 180-basis point recovery to gross margin. Additionally, in some instances, the pricing actions we take have been impacted by consumer behavior, or price elasticity, which unfavorably impacts our sales volume and mix. While we are seeing moderation in input cost inflation, we do expect inflationary pressures to persist into fiscal 2024. However, we anticipate GOE program and CCI program-led cost savings as well as previously implemented pricing actions to mitigate those inflationary pressures. We will also be lapping 2023 price increases and anticipate favorable net price realization in 2024.

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 of notes to our consolidated financial statements that includes our GOE program. Our CCI and GOE programs both delivered cost savings in 2023. Our CCI program funds brand marketing support, product innovation and other growth initiatives. We expect our CCI program, GOE program, and organization and streamlining actions to deliver additional savings in 2024.

We are making investments to build the McCormick of the future, including in our Global Business Services (GBS) organization, to transform McCormick through globally aligned, innovative services to enable growth. As technology provides the backbone for this greater process alignment, information sharing and scalability, we are also making investments in our information systems. We continue to progress our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) replacement program which will enable us to accelerate the transformation of our ways of working and provide a scalable platform for growth.

We will concentrate our global ERP focus on our operations in the U.S. over the next several years, or through 2027. We expect that our annual capital expenditures, including the capitalized software associated with our ERP program, over the next several years will continue to approximate 4% of our sales. We expect that our operating expenses associated with our global ERP program through 2027 will approximate $35 million to $50 million annually.

2024 Outlook

In 2024, we expect net sales to range from a decline of 2% to 0% from our net sales in 2023 including a 1% unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates, or to range from a decline of 1% to an increase of 1% on a constant currency basis. We anticipate that the 2024 sales change will include a favorable impact from previously implemented pricing actions. We anticipate that our volume and product mix will be impacted by the divestiture of our Giotti canning business in the third quarter of last year, and the pruning of low margin businesses.

We expect our 2024 gross profit margin to range from 50 basis points to 100 basis points higher than our gross profit margin of 37.6% in 2023. The projected 2024 increase in gross profit margin is principally due to the net effect of (i) the favorable impact of pricing actions, (ii) the favorable impacts of product mix, (iii) the favorable impact of anticipated Global Operating Effectiveness Program and CCI cost savings, and (iv) a low single-digit percentage impact of inflation in 2024 compared to 2023.

In 2024, we expect an increase in operating income of 8% to 10%, which includes a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates, over the 2023 level. The projected 2024 change in operating income includes the effects of

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the anticipated increase in our gross profit margin as well as SG&A cost savings from our CCI and GOE programs, which will be partially offset by our investments to drive volume growth, including brand marketing. We expect our brand marketing investments in 2024 to increase in the high-single digits over the 2023 level. We also expect approximately $15 million of special charges in 2024 that relate to previously announced organization and streamlining actions; in 2023, special charges were $61.2 million. Excluding special charges, we expect 2024’s adjusted operating income to increase by 3% to 5%, which includes a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates, or to increase by 4% to 6% on a constant currency basis.

We estimate that our 2024 effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, will be 22% as compared to 21.8% in 2023. Excluding projected taxes associated with special charges, we estimate that our adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 22% in 2024, or comparable to an adjusted effective tax rate of 22.0% in 2023.

We also expect that our income from unconsolidated operations, including the performance of our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, will increase by a mid-teens percentage rate over the 2023 level.

Diluted earnings per share was $2.52 in 2023. Diluted earnings per share for 2024 is projected to range from $2.76 to $2.81. Excluding the per share impact of special charges of $61.2 million adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.70 in 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding an estimated per share impact from special charges of $0.04, is projected to range from $2.80 to $2.85 in 2024, or an increase of 4% to 6% over adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.70 in 2023.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2023 COMPARED TO 2022

20232022
Net sales$6,662.2$6,350.5
Percent growth4.9%0.5%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Pricing actions8.5%7.7%
Volume and product mix(2.6)%(4.5)%
Acquisitions%0.2%
Divestiture(0.4)%(0.4)%
Foreign exchange(0.6)%(2.5)%

Sales for 2023 increased by 4.9% from 2022 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). Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 8.5% compared to the prior year period. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 2.6% with declines in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. Our decisions to exit our consumer operations in Russia and discontinue certain low margin businesses contributed approximately 0.9% to the unfavorable impact of volume and product mix. The divestiture of our Kitchen Basics business and the Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.4% as compared to the prior year. Sales were impacted by unfavorable foreign currency rates that decreased sales by 0.6% in 2023 as compared to the prior year and are excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.5% on a constant currency basis.

20232022
Gross profit$2,502.5$2,274.5
Gross profit margin37.6%35.8%

In 2023, gross profit increased by $228.0 million, or 10.0%, from 2022. Our gross profit margin for 2023 was 37.6%, an increase of 180 basis points from 35.8% in 2022. The increase was driven by the favorable impact of our pricing actions taken in response to increased costs, favorable product mix within our segments, and cost savings led by our CCI and GOE programs. These favorable impacts were partially offset by increased commodity costs, higher conversion costs, and unfavorable segment mix, all as compared to the 2022 period.

20232022
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,478.3$1,357.1
Percent of net sales22.2%21.4%

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Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased by $121.2 million in 2023 as compared to 2022. That increase in SG&A expense was primarily a result of higher performance-based employee incentive expense, increased distribution costs, increased selling and marketing costs, and higher advertising and promotional spend which were partially offset by CCI-led and GOE cost savings and favorable investment results associated with non-qualified retirement plan assets, all as compared to 2022. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2023 increased by 80 basis points from the prior year level, as the net impact of the previously mentioned factors was partially offset by the impact of the higher sales base.

20232022
Total special charges$61.2$51.6

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.

During 2023, we recorded $61.2 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $42.8 million associated with the GOE program, (ii) $8.7 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, and (iii) streamlining actions of $8.8 million in the Americas region and $0.9 million in the EMEA region.

During 2022, we recorded $51.6 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $23.3 million associated with the exit of our consumer business in Russia, (ii) $21.5 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, and (iii) streamlining actions of $8.0 million in the Americas region and $7.1 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) $5.6 million associated with a U.S. voluntary retirement program. As more fully described in note 3 of our notes of consolidated financial statements, these charges were partially offset by a $13.6 million gain on the sale of our Kohinoor brand that was associated with the rice product line in India that we exited in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, as well as a reversal of $2.2 million of estimated costs associated with that rice product line exit upon settlement of a supply agreement related to that product line.

Details with respect to the composition of special charges are included in the accompanying notes to our financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

20232022
Total transaction and integration expenses$$2.2

During 2022, we recorded integration expenses of $2.2 million related to our acquisition of FONA.

20232022
Operating income$963.0$863.6
Percent of net sales14.5%13.6%

Operating income increased by $99.4 million, or 11.5%, from $863.6 million in 2022 to $963.0 million in 2023. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses increased by $7.4 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, and negatively impacted operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased by 90 basis points in 2023, to 14.5% in 2023 from 13.6% in 2022 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $1,024.2 million in 2023 as compared to $917.4 million in 2022, an increase of $106.8 million or 11.6% from the 2022 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales increased by 100 basis points in 2023, to 15.4% in 2023 from 14.4% in 2022.

20232022
Interest expense$208.2$149.1
Other income, net43.998.3

Interest expense was $59.1 million higher in 2023 as compared to the prior year as the effects of the higher interest rate environment more than offset lower average borrowing levels. Other income, net for 2022 included a $49.6 million gain on the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $18.7 million associated with the settlement of treasury lock arrangements both of which are more fully described in the notes to the accompanying condensed

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consolidated financial statements. These were partially offset by higher interest income in 2023, also principally associated with the higher interest rate environment.

20232022
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$798.7$812.8
Income tax expense174.5168.6
Effective tax rate21.8%20.7%

The effective tax rate was 21.8% in 2023 as compared to 20.7% in 2022. The increase in our effective tax rate was principally attributable to the effects of the lower level of net discrete tax benefits in 2023 as compared to 2022. Net discrete tax benefits were $9.6 million in 2023, a decrease of $18.0 million from $27.6 million in 2022. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2023 and 2022 periods included excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation ($0.8 million and $9.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits ($5.6 million and $6.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively) due to, in 2023 the net reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest in non-U.S. jurisdictions and tax benefits related to a tax settlement, and in both years due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations, the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets ($3.2 million and $4.6 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively), and other discrete items. In 2023, other discrete tax benefits included $0.9 million of tax benefits resulting from an adjustment to a prior year tax accrual, and related deferred taxes, based on the final returns filed and $1.8 million of tax expense related to certain unremitted prior year earnings. In 2022, other discrete tax benefits included $3.9 million related to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from enacted legislation and $2.3 million of tax benefits related to the sale of an asset associated with a previously exited line of business. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20232022
Income from unconsolidated operations$56.4$37.8

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, increased by $18.6 million in 2023 from the prior year. The increase for 2023 as compared to 2022 was primarily driven by higher earnings of McCormick de Mexico. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 95% and 84% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.52 in 2023 and 2022. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2022 to 2023.

2022 Earnings per share—diluted$2.52
Increase in operating income0.31
Increase in special charges, net of taxes(0.04)
Decrease in transaction and integration expenses, net of taxes0.01
Impact from gain on the sale of a business, net of taxes(0.14)
Decrease in other income, excluding gain on the sale of a business(0.01)
Increase in interest expense(0.17)
Increase in income from unconsolidated operations0.07
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges, transaction and integration expenses, and the sale of a business(0.03)
2023 Earnings per share—diluted$2.52

Results of Operations—Segments

We measure the performance of our business segments based on operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. See note 16 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segment measures as well as for a reconciliation by segment of operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. In

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the following discussion, we refer to our previously described measure of segment profit as "Segment operating income."

Consumer Segment

20232022
Net sales$3,807.3$3,757.9
Percent - increase (decline)1.3%(4.6)%
Components of percent change in net sales - increase (decrease):
Pricing actions6.5%7.4%
Volume and product mix(3.9)%(9.3)%
Divestiture(0.5)%(0.6)%
Foreign exchange(0.8)%(2.1)%
Segment operating income$735.5$710.7
Segment operating income margin19.3%18.9%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2023 increased by 1.3% as compared to 2022 and increased by 2.1% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions taken in our consumer business in all regions increased sales by 6.5% in 2023 as compared to 2022. Lower volume and unfavorable product mix decreased sales by 3.9%, driven primarily by the impact of price elasticity. Volume and product mix includes the unfavorable impact of our decisions to exit our consumer business in Russia and discontinue certain low margin businesses of 1.3%. The divestiture of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.5% as compared to 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.8% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales increase of 2.1% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales increased 0.4% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 0.8% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 5.8% as compared to the prior year period. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 4.3% as compared to the corresponding period in 2022, including the unfavorable impact of price elasticity and the effects of the inflationary environment impacting consumer spending. This reduction included an approximately 1.2% impact of our decision to discontinue a low margin business. The sale of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.7% as compared to 2022. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.4% in the year and is excluded from our measure of sales increase of 0.8% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 7.1% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 6.2% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 11.1% as compared to 2022. Sales were impacted by unfavorable volume and product mix that decreased sales by 4.9% from the prior year level, including a 2.0% impact associated with the exit of our consumer operations in Russia. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 0.9% compared to 2022 and is excluded from our measure of sales increase of 6.2% on a constant currency basis.

In the APAC region, consumer sales decreased 1.1% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 5.1% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 5.1% as compared to the prior year period. Volume and product mix were comparable to 2022. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 6.2% compared to the year-ago period and is excluded from our measure of sales increase of 5.1% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by $24.8 million, or 3.5%, in 2023 as compared to 2022. The increase in segment operating income was driven by the effects of an increase in gross profit primarily driven by the higher level of sales, favorable pricing actions in response to increased costs, favorable product mix within the segment, and CCI-led and GOE cost savings, which were partially offset by higher commodity costs and higher SG&A expenses, including higher performance-based employee incentive expenses, increased distribution costs, and increased advertising and promotional expenses, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment increased by 40 basis points in 2023 to 19.3%, driven by an increase in consumer gross profit margin as previously discussed which was partially offset by a higher level of SG&A as a percentage of sales, principally due to the factors previously described, all as compared to the 2022 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by 4.4% in 2023, as compared to 2022.

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Flavor Solutions Segment

20232022
Net sales$2,854.9$2,592.6
Percent growth10.1%8.9%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Pricing actions11.4%8.2%
Volume and product mix(1.0)%3.5%
Acquisition%0.4%
Divestiture(0.1)%%
Foreign exchange(0.2)%(3.2)%
Segment operating income$288.7$206.7
Segment operating income margin10.1%8.0%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 10.1% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 10.3% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to increased costs, across all regions increased sales by 11.4% in 2023 and was partially offset by 1.0% of unfavorable volume and product mix, both in comparison to the prior year levels. The divestiture of our Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.1% as compared to the prior year. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.2% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 10.3% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 10.7% during 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 9.6% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 9.8% during 2023, as compared to the prior year. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 0.2% during 2023, including the effects of growth in sales to packaged food and beverage and nutrition and healthcare companies, as compared to the prior year. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 1.1% compared to 2022 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 9.6% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2023 increased by 10.3% as compared to 2022 and increased by 12.2% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 18.8% in 2023 as compared to the prior period level. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased segment sales by 5.9% in 2023 as compared to 2022, including the effects of the inflationary environment impacting consumer spending at quick service restaurants and packaged food and beverage companies and approximately 1.3% impact of our decision to discontinue a low margin business. The divestiture of our Giotti canning business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.7% as compared to the prior year. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.9% compared to 2022 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 12.2% on a constant currency basis.

In the APAC region, flavor solutions sales increased 5.6% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and increased by 11.0% on a constant currency basis. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 7.0% as compared to the prior year period. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 4.0%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers, partially impacted by the timing of customers' promotional activities. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 5.4% compared to 2022 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 11.0% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by $82.0 million, or 39.7%, in 2023 as compared to 2022. The increase in segment operating income was driven by the effects of an increase in gross profit primarily due to the higher level of sales, favorable pricing in response to increased costs, favorable product mix within the segment, and CCI-led and GOE cost savings which more than offset increased commodity and conversion costs and the higher level of SG&A expenses, including higher performance-based employee incentive expense and increased distribution costs, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment increased by 210 basis points in 2023 to 10.1%, driven by a higher segment gross margin, as previously described. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by 38.5% in 2023, as compared to 2022.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2022 COMPARED TO 2021

20222021
Net sales$6,350.5$6,317.9
Percent growth0.5%12.8%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix(4.5)%5.5%
Pricing actions7.7%0.8%
Acquisitions0.2%4.1%
Divestiture(0.4)%%
Foreign exchange(2.5)%2.4%

Sales for 2022 increased by 0.5% from 2021 and by 3.0% 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). Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 4.5% with growth in our flavor solutions segment being more than offset by a decline in our consumer segment. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China, the exit of our consumer operations in Russia, and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 1.0% to that decline as compared to 2021. In addition, pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, added 7.7% to sales, as compared to the prior year. Acquisitions and a divestiture added to and decreased sales by 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, both as compared to the prior year. Sales were impacted by unfavorable foreign currency rates that decreased sales by 2.5% in 2022 as compared to the prior year and are excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.0% on a constant currency basis.

20222021
Gross profit$2,274.5$2,494.6
Gross profit margin35.8%39.5%

In 2022, gross profit decreased by $220.1 million, or 8.8%, from 2021. Our gross profit margin for 2022 was 35.8%, a decrease of 370 basis points from 39.5% in 2021. The decline was driven by the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions taken in response to the inflationary cost environment of approximately 240 basis points, increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, higher conversion costs and a less favorable product mix both within and between our segments, each as compared to 2021. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by cost savings led by our CCI program. In addition, our gross profit for 2021 was burdened by (i) $6.3 million of transaction expense, representing the amortization of the fair value adjustment to the acquired inventories of Cholula and FONA upon our sale of those acquired inventories in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and (ii) a non-cash special charge of $4.7 million associated with the exit of a low margin business in our APAC region. Excluding those transaction and integration expenses and special charges, adjusted gross profit margin declined 390 basis points to 35.8% in 2022 from 39.7% in 2021.

20222021
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,357.1$1,404.1
Percent of net sales21.4%22.3%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased by $47.0 million in 2022 as compared to 2021. That decrease in SG&A expense was primarily a result of lower performance-based employee incentive expenses and variable selling costs, both as compared to the prior year. This decrease was partially offset by (i) higher distribution costs; (ii) unfavorable investment results associated with non-qualified retirement plan assets; and (iii) higher investment associated with the implementation of our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2022 decreased by 90 basis points from the prior year level, due primarily to the net impact of the previously mentioned factors.

20222021
Special charges included in cost of goods sold$$4.7
Other special charges51.646.4
Total special charges$51.6$51.1

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

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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.

During 2022, we recorded $51.6 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $23.3 million associated with the exit of our consumer business in Russia, (ii) $21.5 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, and (iii) streamlining actions of $8.0 million in the Americas region and $7.1 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) $5.6 million associated with a U.S. voluntary retirement program. As more fully described in note 3 of our notes of consolidated financial statements, these charges were partially offset by a $13.6 million gain on the sale of our Kohinoor brand that was associated with the rice product line in India that we exited in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, as well as a reversal of $2.2 million of estimated costs associated with that rice product line exit upon settlement of a supply agreement related to that product line.

During 2021, we recorded $51.1 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $19.5 million associated with our exit of our rice product line in India (ii) $6.2 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, (iii) streamlining actions of $10.3 million in the Americas region and $4.8 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) a non-cash asset impairment charge of $6.0 million associated with an administrative site that was sold in conjunction with our decision to employ a hybrid work environment.

Details with respect to the composition of special charges are including the accompanying notes to our financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

20222021
Transaction expenses included in cost of goods sold$$6.3
Other transaction and integration expenses2.229.0
Total transaction and integration expenses$2.2$35.3

During 2022, we recorded $2.2 million of integration expenses related to our acquisition of FONA. During 2021, we recorded transaction and integration expenses of $35.3 million related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These costs consisted of (i) $6.3 million of amortization of the acquisition-date fair value adjustment of inventories that is included in Cost of goods sold, (ii) $13.8 million of other transaction expenses primarily related to outside advisory, service and consulting costs, and (iii) $15.2 million of integration expenses.

20222021
Operating income$863.6$1,015.1
Percent of net sales13.6%16.1%

Operating income decreased by $151.5 million, or 14.9%, from $1,015.1 million in 2021 to $863.6 million in 2022. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses decreased by $32.6 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, and positively impacted operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 250 basis points in 2022, to 13.6% in 2022 from 16.1% in 2021 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $917.4 million in 2022 as compared to $1,101.5 million in 2021, a decrease of $184.1 million or 16.7% from the 2021 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 300 basis points in 2022, to 14.4% in 2022 from 17.4% in 2021.

20222021
Interest expense$149.1$136.6
Other income, net98.317.3

Interest expense was $12.5 million higher in 2022 as compared to the prior year as an increase in interest rates during the latter part of 2022 was partially offset by a decrease in average total borrowings. Other income, net for 2022 increased by $81.0 million, including the impact of a $49.6 million gain on the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $18.7 million associated with the settlement of treasury lock arrangements, both of which are more fully described in the notes to the accompanying financial statements. The remaining increase was principally driven by an increase in interest income, as compared to the prior year.

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20222021
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$812.8$895.8
Income tax expense168.6192.7
Effective tax rate20.7%21.5%

The effective tax rate was 20.7% in 2022 as compared to 21.5% in 2021. The decrease in our effective tax rate was principally attributable to the effects of the lower level of income before income taxes and the higher level of net discrete tax benefits in 2022 as compared to 2021. Net discrete tax benefits were $27.6 million in 2022, an increase of $1.0 million from $26.6 million in 2021. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2022 and 2021 periods included excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation ($9.1 million and $4.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits ($6.9 million and $22.5 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively) due to, in 2021, the partial release of certain reserves for an unrecognized tax benefit and related interest in a non-U.S. jurisdiction based on a change in our assessment of the technical merits of that position associated with the availability of new information, and in both years due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations, the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets ($4.6 million and $4.4 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), tax benefits related to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from enacted legislation ($3.9 million and $4.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), and other discrete items. In 2022, other discrete tax items included $2.3 million of tax benefits related to the sale of an asset associated with a previously exited line of business. In 2021, other discrete tax items included $10.4 million of deferred state tax expense directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20222021
Income from unconsolidated operations$37.8$52.2

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, decreased $14.4 million in 2022 from the prior year. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 84% and 62% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease for 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily driven by the after-tax gain of $13.4 million on the sale of an unconsolidated operation that occurred in 2021.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.52 in 2022, compared to $2.80 in 2021. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2021 to 2022. The decrease in operating income in the table below includes the impact from unfavorable currency exchange rates in 2022.

2021 Earnings per share—diluted$2.80
Decrease in operating income(0.54)
Decrease in special charges, net of taxes0.02
Decrease in transaction and integration expenses, including impact of net discrete tax item related to FONA acquisition0.13
Gain on the sale of a business, net of taxes0.14
Increase in other income, excluding gain on the sale of a business0.09
Decrease in income from unconsolidated operations, including the after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operation of $0.05 per diluted share in 2021(0.05)
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges, transaction and integration expenses, and the sale of a business(0.03)
Increase in interest expense(0.04)
2022 Earnings per share—diluted$2.52

Results of Operations—Segments

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Consumer Segment

20222021
Net sales$3,757.9$3,937.5
Percent - (decline) increase(4.6)%9.5%
Components of percent change in net sales–(decrease) increase:
Volume and product mix(9.3)%4.3%
Pricing actions7.4%0.6%
Acquisition%2.4%
Divestiture(0.6)%%
Foreign exchange(2.1)%2.2%
Segment operating income$710.7$804.9
Segment operating income margin18.9%20.4%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2022 decreased by 4.6% as compared to 2021 and decreased by 2.5% on a constant currency basis. The sales decrease was driven by lower sales of our consumer business in the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions. Lower volume and unfavorable product mix decreased sales by 9.3%. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China, the exit of our consumer operations in Russia, and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 1.5% to that decline as compared to 2021. Pricing actions, taken in response to inflationary cost pressures, increased sales by 7.4% in 2022 as compared to the prior year level. The divestiture of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.6% as compared to 2021. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 2.1% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 2.5% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales decreased 1.1% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 0.9% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 8.6% as compared to the corresponding period in 2021, including the unfavorable impact of price elasticity. Pricing actions, taken in response to higher costs, increased sales by 8.6% as compared to the prior year. The sale of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.9% as compared to 2021. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.2% in the year and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 0.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales decreased 14.7% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 5.1% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 10.5% as compared to the corresponding period of 2021. The decrease was driven by lower sales of our consumer business in France as compared to the prior year. The exit of our consumer operations in Russia also contributed approximately 2.1% to the region's decline in volume and mix. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 5.4% as compared to the 2021 period. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 9.6% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 5.1% on a constant currency basis.

In the APAC region, consumer sales decreased 10.1% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 8.1% on a constant currency basis. Lower volume and unfavorable product mix decreased sales by 11.5% as compared to the corresponding period in 2021. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 9.5% to that decline as compared to 2021. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 3.4% as compared to the prior year. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 2.0% compared to the year-ago period and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 8.1% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our consumer segment decreased by $94.2 million, or 11.7%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. The decrease in segment operating income was driven by lower sales and increased commodity, transportation and conversion costs, partially offset by pricing actions in response to increased costs, CCI-led cost savings and lower performance-based employee incentive expenses, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment decreased by 150 basis points in 2022 to 18.9%, driven by a decrease in consumer gross profit margin, including the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions, the impact of the inflationary cost environment, and higher conversion costs, which was partially offset by the impact of CCI-led cost savings, all as compared to the 2021 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment decreased by 10.9% in 2022, as compared to 2021.

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Flavor Solutions Segment

20222021
Net sales$2,592.6$2,380.4
Percent growth8.9%18.7%
Components of percent change in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix3.5%7.2%
Pricing actions8.2%1.4%
Acquisitions0.4%7.3%
Foreign exchange(3.2)%2.8%
Segment operating income$206.7$296.6
Segment operating income margin8.0%12.5%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 8.9% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 12.1% on a constant currency basis. Volume and product mix contributed 3.5% of the increase in addition to pricing actions which added 8.2% to sales for 2022, both in comparison to the prior year levels. The incremental impact of our acquisition of FONA added 0.4% to segment sales for 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 3.2% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 12.1% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 11.4% during 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 11.7% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 2.2% during 2022, as growth in sales to packaged food and beverage companies was partially offset by lower sales to quick service restaurants, both as compared to the year ago period. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 8.9% during 2022 as compared to the prior year. The incremental impact of our acquisition of FONA added 0.6% to segment sales for 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.3% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 11.7% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2022 increased by 5.5% as compared to 2021 and increased by 17.2% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 9.5% in 2022 as compared to 2021. The increase was driven by higher sales to quick service restaurants, branded foodservice and package food and beverage company customers. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 7.7% in 2022 as compared to the prior period level. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 11.7% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 17.2% on a constant currency basis.

In the APAC region, flavor solutions sales decreased 0.2% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 5.2% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 0.3%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers, partially impacted by the timing of customers' promotional activities. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 4.9% as compared to the prior year. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 5.4% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment decreased by $89.9 million, or 30.3%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. The decrease in segment operating income was driven by increased commodity, transportation and conversion costs, as well as costs related to supply chain investments, which were partially offset by a higher level of sales, including pricing actions in response to the inflationary cost environment, and CCI-led cost savings, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment decreased by 450 basis points in 2022 to 8.0% driven by a lower segment gross margin, including the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions, the impact of the inflationary cost environment, and higher conversion costs, including the costs related to our supply chain investments, partially offset by CCI-led cost savings and a decrease in SG&A as percentage of sales associated with the favorable impact of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base, all as compared to the 2021 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment decreased by 27.9% in 2022, as compared to 2021.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following tables include financial measures of adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. 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. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

•Special charges – Special charges consist of expenses and income associated with certain actions undertaken by us 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. 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 ongoing basis through completion. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Special charges are more fully described in note 3 of notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

•Transaction and integration expenses associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions – We exclude certain costs associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA in November and December 2020, respectively, and their subsequent integration into the Company. Such costs, which we refer to as “Transaction and integration expenses,” include transaction costs associated with each acquisition, as well as integration costs following the respective acquisition, including the impact of the acquisition date fair value adjustment for inventories, together with the impact of discrete tax items, if any, directly related to each acquisition.

•Income from sale of unconsolidated operations – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of an unconsolidated operation in March 2021. As more fully described in note 5 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the sale of our 26% interest in Eastern Condiments resulted in a gain of $13.4 million, net of tax of $5.7 million. The gain is included in Income from unconsolidated operations in our consolidated income statement for the year ended November 30, 2021.

•Gain on sale of Kitchen Basics – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of the Kitchen Basics business in August 2022. As more fully described in note 17 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the pre-tax gain associated with the sale was $49.6 million and is included in Other income, net in our consolidated income statement for the year ended November 30, 2022.

Details with respect to the composition of transaction and integration expenses, special charges, income from the sale of unconsolidated operations, and gain on sale of Kitchen Basics for the years and in the amounts set forth below are included in notes 2, 3, and 5, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above 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 financial 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 that we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting.

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A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial results is provided below:

202320222021
Gross profit$2,502.5$2,274.5$2,494.6
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold(1)6.3
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Adjusted gross profit$2,502.5$2,274.5$2,505.6
Gross profit margin(3)37.6%35.8%39.5%
Impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges(3)%%0.2%
Adjusted gross profit margin(3)37.6%35.8%39.7%
Operating income$963.0$863.6$1,015.1
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold(1)6.3
Impact of other transaction and integration expenses(1)2.229.0
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Impact of other special charges(2)61.251.646.4
Adjusted operating income$1,024.2$917.4$1,101.5
% (decrease) increase versus prior year11.6%(16.7)%8.1%
Operating income margin(3)14.5%13.6%16.1%
Impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges(3)0.9%0.8%1.3%
Adjusted operating income margin(3)15.4%14.4%17.4%
Income tax expense$174.5$168.6$192.7
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.6(2.7)
Impact of special charges(2)14.513.37.1
Impact of sale of Kitchen Basics(11.6)
Adjusted income tax expense$189.0$170.9$197.1
Income tax rate(4)21.8%20.7%21.5%
Impact of transaction and integration expenses, special charges, and sale of Kitchen Basics(4)0.2%0.2%(1.4)%
Adjusted income tax rate(4)22.0%20.9%20.1%
Net income$680.6$682.0$755.3
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)1.638.0
Impact of special charges(2)46.738.344.0
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(38.0)
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(13.4)
Adjusted net income$727.3$683.9$823.9
% (decrease) increase versus prior year6.3%(17.0)%8.0%
Earnings per share—diluted$2.52$2.52$2.80
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.010.14
Impact of special charges(2)0.180.140.16
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(0.14)
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(0.05)
Adjusted earnings per share—diluted$2.70$2.53$3.05

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(1)Transaction and integration expenses are more fully described in note 2 of notes to our consolidated financial statements and include transaction and integration expenses associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These expenses include the effect of the fair value adjustment to acquired inventories on cost of goods sold and the impact of a discrete deferred state income tax expense item, directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. The discrete tax item had an unfavorable impact of $10.4 million or $0.04 per diluted share for the year ended November 30, 2021.
(2)Special charges are more fully described in note 3 of notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $10.0 million non-cash intangible asset impairment charge associated with our exit of our business operations in Russia. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2021 include $4.7 million which is reflected in Cost of goods sold and an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge associated with the impairment of certain intangible assets.
(3)Gross profit margin, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted gross profit margin are calculated as gross profit, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales for each period presented. Similarly, operating income margin, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted operating income margin are calculated as operating income, impact of transaction and integration expenses and special charges, and adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales for each period presented.
(4)Income tax rate is calculated as income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes. Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes excluding transaction and integration expenses, special charges and gain on the sale of Kitchen Basics or $859.9 million, $817.0 million, and $982.2 million for the years ended November 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Estimate for the year ending November 30, 2024
Earnings per share – diluted$2.76 to $2.81
Impact of special charges0.04
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted$2.80 to $2.85

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 2023 on a constant currency basis, net sales and adjusted operating income for 2023 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2022 and compared to the reported results for 2022; and (2) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2022 on a constant currency basis, net sales and operating income for 2022 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2021 and compared to the reported results for 2021.

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For the year ended November 30, 2023
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas0.4%(0.4)%0.8%
EMEA7.1%0.9%6.2%
APAC(1.1)%(6.2)%5.1%
Total Consumer1.3%(0.8)%2.1%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas10.7%1.1%9.6%
EMEA10.3%(1.9)%12.2%
APAC5.6%(5.4)%11.0%
Total Flavor Solutions10.1%(0.2)%10.3%
Total net sales4.9%(0.6)%5.5%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment3.5%(0.9)%4.4%
Flavor Solutions segment39.7%1.2%38.5%
Total adjusted operating income11.6%(0.4)%12.0%
For the year ended November 30, 2022
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas(1.1)%(0.2)%(0.9)%
EMEA(14.7)%(9.6)%(5.1)%
APAC(10.1)%(2.0)%(8.1)%
Total Consumer(4.6)%(2.1)%(2.5)%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas11.4%(0.3)%11.7%
EMEA5.5%(11.7)%17.2%
APAC(0.2)%(5.4)%5.2%
Total Flavor Solutions8.9%(3.2)%12.1%
Total net sales0.5%(2.5)%3.0%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment(11.7)%(0.8)%(10.9)%
Flavor Solutions segment(30.3)%(2.4)%(27.9)%
Total adjusted operating income(16.7)%(1.2)%(15.5)%

To present the percentage change in projected 2024 net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted on a constant currency basis, 2024 projected local currency net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted net income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at currently prevailing exchange rates and are compared to those 2024 local currency projected results, translated into U.S. dollars at the average actual exchange rates in effect during the corresponding months in fiscal year 2023 to determine what the 2024 consolidated U.S. dollar net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted would have been if the relevant currency exchange rates had not changed from those of the comparable 2023 periods.

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Projections for the Year Ending November 30, 2024
Percentage change in net sales(2)% to 0%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in net sales in constant currency(1)% to 1%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income3% to 5%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income in constant currency4% to 6%

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

202320222021
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,237.3$651.5$828.3
Net cash used in investing activities(260.5)(146.4)(908.6)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(1,184.2)(487.2)22.0

The primary objective of our financing strategy is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. We use a combination of equity and short- and long-term debt. We use short-term debt, comprised primarily of commercial paper, principally to finance ongoing operations, including our requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities). We are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings.

Our cash flows from operations enable us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, service our debt, fund or increase our quarterly dividends, fund capital projects and other investments, and make share repurchases when appropriate. Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, our cash flow from operations has historically been the strongest during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Due to the timing of the interest payments on our debt, interest payments are higher in the first and third quarter of our fiscal year.

We believe that our sources of liquidity, which include existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, our commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our debt obligations, including any repayment of debt or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

In the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the translation effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. In addition, in the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effect of acquired or disposed operating assets and liabilities, as the cash flows associated with acquisition or dispositions of businesses is presented as an investing activity. 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, 2023, the exchange rates for the Euro, British pound sterling, Mexican peso, and Polish zloty were higher than the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2022. At November 30, 2023, the exchange rates for the Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, and Australian dollar were lower than the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2022.

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Operating Cash Flow – Operating cash flow was $1,237.3 million in 2023, $651.5 million in 2022, and $828.3 million in 2021. Net income as well as our working capital management, as more fully described below, impacted operating cash flow. In 2023, the increase was primarily driven by an improvement in cash provided by working capital, which was driven by the lower inventory levels and the lower amount of employee incentive payments associated with the prior year as well as an increase in dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates. This was partially offset by an increased use of cash associated with accounts payable which partially resulted from our lower level of inventory. In 2022, the decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by lower net income, including the effect of net income associated with the gain on sale of our Kitchen Basics business and an intangible asset that are reflected as investing cash flows as well as the higher amount of employee incentive payments associated with the prior year. In 2021, the reduction in operating cash flow was the result of increased inventory levels to protect against supply disruption, employee incentive payments, and the payment of transaction and integration costs related to our acquisitions.

Our working capital management – principally related to inventory, trade accounts receivable, and accounts payable – impacts our operating cash flow. The change in inventory was a significant source of cash from operations in 2023 and a significant use of cash from operations in 2022 and 2021. The change in trade accounts receivable was a moderate source of cash in 2023 and a use of cash in 2022 and 2021. The change in accounts payable was a use of cash in 2023, a significant source of cash in 2022, and a more moderate source of cash in 2021.

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:

202320222021
Cash Conversion Cycle405146

The decrease in CCC in 2023 from 2022 was due primarily to a reduction in our days in inventory as a result of reducing our inventory based on demand planning and elimination of excess safety stock utilized to remedy service issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in CCC in 2022 from 2021 was due primarily to an increase in our days in inventory as a result of cost inflation, strategic purchases to avoid shipping challenges, and lower than forecasted sales. During both periods, the increase in days in inventory was partially offset by an increase in our days payable outstanding.

As more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, we participate in a Supply Chain Financing program (SCF) with several global financial institutions (SCF Banks). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from us to an SCF Bank, enabling participating suppliers to negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. We are not party to those agreements and have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell a receivable. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within the line entitled Trade accounts payable in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of November 30, 2023 and 2022, the amounts due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in trade accounts payable were approximately $300.5 million and $347.0 million, respectively.

The terms of our payment obligations are not impacted by a supplier's participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar materials within individual markets are consistent between those suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those suppliers that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of the suppliers that are included in the SCF. Future changes in our suppliers’ financing policies or economic developments, such as changes in interest rates, general market liquidity or our creditworthiness relative to participating suppliers could impact those suppliers’ participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.

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Investing Cash Flow – Net cash used in investing activities was $260.5 million in 2023, $146.4 million in 2022, and $908.6 million in 2021. Our primary investing cash flows include the usage of cash associated with acquisition of businesses and capital expenditures as well as cash provided by sale of businesses, unconsolidated operations, or other assets. Cash usage related to our acquisition of businesses was $706.4 million in 2021. Capital expenditures, including expenditures for capitalized software, were $263.9 million in 2023, $262.0 million in 2022, and $278.0 million in 2021. We expect 2024 capital expenditures to approximate $290 million. In 2022, we received $95.2 million net cash proceeds from the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $13.6 million net cash proceeds received on the sale of the Kohinoor brand name which are more fully discussed in notes 2 and 3, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements. Our primary investing cash inflow in 2021 was the $65.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of an unconsolidated operation, as more fully discussed in note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Financing Cash Flow – Net cash associated with financing activities was a use of cash of $1,184.2 million and $487.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and a source of cash of $22.0 million in 2021. The variability between years is principally a result of changes in our net borrowings, share repurchase activity and dividends, all as described below.

The following table outlines our net borrowing activities:

202320222021
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings$(964.6)$698.3$(346.7)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs495.3999.6
Repayments of long-term debt(268.1)(772.0)(257.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from net borrowing activities$(737.4)$(73.7)$395.8

In 2023, we repaid $268.1 million of long-term debt, including $250.0 million, 3.50% notes that matured September 1, 2023. We also issued $500.0 million of 4.95% notes due 2033, with net cash proceeds received of $496.4 million.

In 2022, we repaid $772.0 million of long-term debt, including the $750 million, 2.70% notes that matured on August 15, 2022.

In 2021, we borrowed $1,001.5 million under long-term borrowing arrangements, including net proceeds of $495.7 million of 0.9% notes due February 2026 and net proceeds of $492.8 million of 1.85% notes due February 2031. The net proceeds from these issuances were used to pay down short-term borrowings, including a portion of the $1,443.0 million of commercial paper issued to fund our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, and for general corporate purposes. We also repaid $257.1 million of long-term debt, including the $250 million, 3.90% notes that matured in July 2021.

The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase programs:

202320222021
Number of shares of common stock0.50.40.1
Dollar amount$35.7$38.8$8.6

As of November 30, 2023, $501 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2019. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. Our share repurchase activity in 2023, 2022, and 2021 has principally been executed in order to mitigate the effect of shares issued upon the exercise of stock options.

During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we received proceeds of $16.6 million, $41.4 million and $13.5 million, respectively, from exercised stock options. We repurchased $10.8 million, $19.4 million and $15.4 million of common stock during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in conjunction with employee tax withholding requirements associated with our stock compensation plans.

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Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:

202320222021
Total dividends paid$418.5$396.7$363.3
Dividends paid per share1.561.481.36
Percentage increase per share5.4%8.8%9.7%

In November 2023, the Board of Directors approved a 7.7% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.39 to $0.42 per share.

Most of our cash is in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. 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. Those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects and future acquisitions. As of November 30, 2023, we have $1.5 billion of earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures that are considered indefinitely reinvested. We have not provided any deferred taxes with respect to items such as foreign withholding taxes, other income taxes, or foreign exchange gains or losses. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these reinvested international earnings.

At November 30, 2023, we temporarily used $531.4 million of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During the year, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a year or quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 were $1,121.9 million and $1,117.0 million, respectively. Those average short-term borrowings outstanding for the year ended November 30, 2023 included average commercial paper borrowings of $1,098.4 million. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 was $5,197.8 million and $5,422.0 million, respectively.

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 facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.

Our committed revolving credit facilities include a five-year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which will expire in June 2026 and a 364-day $500 million revolving credit facility, which was entered into in June 2023 and will expire in June 2024. The current pricing for the five-year credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.25%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.75%. The current pricing for the 364-day credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is Term SOFR plus 1.23%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to Term SOFR plus 1.60%.

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The provisions of each revolving credit facility restrict subsidiary indebtedness and require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio. We do not expect that this covenant would limit our access to either revolving credit facilities for the foreseeable future. The terms of those revolving credit facilities are more fully described in note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

We generally use our revolving credit facilities 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 facilities. These facilities are made available by a syndicate of banks, with various commitments per bank. If any of the banks in these syndicates 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. We engage in regular communication with all 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. In addition to our committed revolving credit facilities, we have uncommitted facilities of $284.8 million as of November 30, 2023 that can be withdrawn based upon the lenders' discretion. See note 6 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements.

We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest, to service debt, and to fund acquisitions. As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments. Our primary obligations include principal and interest payments on our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt. In the next year, our most significant debt service obligation is the maturity of our $700.0 million, 3.15% notes due in August 2024. Detail on these contractual obligations follows:

MATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS

The following table reflects a summary of our future material cash requirements as of November 30, 2023:

TotalLess than 1 year1–3 years3–5 yearsMore than 5 years
Short-term borrowings$272.2$272.2$$$
Long-term debt, including finance leases4,214.1799.3779.1770.11,865.6
Interest payments(a)854.5130.3187.8143.7392.7
Total contractual cash obligations$5,340.8$1,201.8$966.9$913.8$2,258.3

(a)Interest payments include expected interest payments on long-term debt. Our short-term borrowings, principally consisting of commercial paper, have short-term maturities. See note 6 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Our other cash requirements at year end include raw material purchases, lease payments, income taxes, and pension and postretirement benefits. We acquire various raw materials to satisfy our obligations to our customers, and these outstanding purchase obligations can fluctuate throughout the year based on our response to varying raw material cycles; however, these commitments generally do not extend past one year. In addition, we also have a series of commercial commitments, largely consisting of standby letters of credit. Our standby letters of credit, leases, and pension and other post-retirement obligations are more fully described in notes 6, 7 and 11, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash, cash equivalents and internally generated funds, to borrow under our existing credit facilities or under other short-term borrowing facilities, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular debt maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future cash requirements.

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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 contributions to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $9.2 million in 2023, $11.4 million in 2022, and $15.0 million in 2021. It is expected that the 2024 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $12 million. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent upon 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 27% of assets are invested in equities, 62% in fixed income investments and 11% in other investments. Assets associated with our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance, the value of which approximates an investment mix of 63% in equities and 37% in fixed income investments. See note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.

CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES – See the subsequent section of this discussion under the heading "Market Risk Sensitivity–Credit Risk."

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.

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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 8 of notes to our consolidated 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, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Singapore dollar, Swiss franc, and Mexican peso, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty, and finally the Canadian dollar versus British pound sterling. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.

During 2023, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in our subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling, Euro, Polish zloty, Chinese renminbi, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, and Mexican peso.

We also utilize cross currency interest rate swap contracts, which are designated as net investment hedges, to manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling and Euro. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2023. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2023 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, 2023

Currency soldCurrency receivedNotional valueAverage contractual exchange rateFair value
British pound sterlingU.S. dollar$221.61.26$(0.5)
Swiss francU.S. dollar75.70.87(1.2)
Canadian dollarU.S. dollar63.51.331.1
EuroU.S. dollar37.61.100.1
Polish zlotyU.S. dollar5.74.15(0.2)
U.S. dollarAustralian dollar65.00.66(0.2)
Chinese renminbiU.S. dollar245.46.75(11.5)
U.S. dollarSingapore dollar34.41.33(0.2)
U.S. dollarBritish pound sterling40.41.27(0.2)
U.S. dollarEuro59.91.10(0.5)
Australian dollarEuro21.91.68(0.4)
Polish zlotyEuro11.14.54(0.3)
Canadian dollarBritish pound sterling28.71.700.1
British pound sterlingEuro45.40.87(0.2)
U.S. dollarPeso10.517.88
U.S. dollarThai baht9.634.79

We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2023 with an aggregate notional value of $24.0 million to purchase or sell other currencies. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was $0.6 million at November 30, 2023.

At November 30, 2022, we had foreign currency exchange contracts for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Swiss franc and other currencies, with a notional value of $560.5 million. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was a gain of $9.5 million at November 30, 2022.

We also utilized cross currency interest rate swap contracts that are considered net investment hedges.

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As of November 30, 2023 and 2022, we had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 0.907% and pay £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and (ii) £194.1 million notional value to receive £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and pay €221.8 million at three-month Euro EURIBOR plus 0.808%. These cross-currency interest rate swap contracts expire in August 2027. In conjunction with the phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), in 2023 we amended the terms of this cross currency swap such that, effective February 15, 2023, we now pay and receive at USD SOFR plus 0.907% (previously three-month U.S. LIBOR plus 0.685%).

As of November 30, 2023 and 2022, we also had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD SOFR plus 0.684% and pay £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and (ii) £184.1 million notional value to receive £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and pay €219.2 million at Euro ESTR plus 0.667%. These contracts expire in April 2030.

Interest Rate Risk – Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We are exposed to interest rate volatility, with primary exposures related to movements in U.S. Treasury rates, Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and commercial paper rates. Certain of our variable rate debt arrangements previously used LIBOR. The phase out of LIBOR reference rates occurred at different dates and began on January 1, 2022. As more fully disclosed in notes 1 and 8 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, during 2023 and 2022, we amended existing arrangements and entered into new arrangements that no longer use LIBOR as a reference rate. There was no material impact to our consolidated financial statements as a result of the LIBOR phase-out.

We also use interest rate swaps to minimize 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, 2023. 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, 2023

2024202520262027ThereafterTotalFair value
Debt
Fixed rate$762.6$258.8$509.3$759.7$1,876.0$4,166.4$3,793.3
Average interest rate3.50%3.26%0.95%3.40%3.32%
Variable rate$308.9$11.0$$$$319.9$319.9
Average interest rate5.16%2.06%%

The table above displays the debt, including finance leases, 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 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%. Separately, 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 the notes maturity in 2025. In 2023, we amended our $100 million interest rate swaps such that, effective February 15, 2023, we now pay and receive at USD SOFR plus 1.487% (previously U.S. three-month LIBOR plus 1.22%). The effective variable rate was 6.94% as of November 30, 2023.

•We issued $750 million of 3.40% notes due August 15, 2027 in August 2017. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $750 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.44%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 3.40% notes due in August 2027 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2027. In 2023, we amended our $250 million interest rate swaps such that, effective February 15, 2023, we now pay and receive at USD SOFR plus 0.907% (previously U.S. three-month LIBOR plus 0.685%). The effective variable rate was 6.32% as of November 30, 2023.

•We issued $500 million of 2.50% notes due April 15, 2030. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.62%. Separately, the fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 2.50% notes due in April 2030 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2030. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.684% with an effective variable rate of 6.13% as of November 30, 2023.

•We issued $500 million of 4.95% notes due April 15, 2033. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 5.00%.

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 2023, our most significant raw materials were dairy products, pepper, onion, garlic, capsicums (red peppers and

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paprika), tomato products, salts, and wheat products. 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.

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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See note 1 of notes to our consolidated 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, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, 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 arrangements. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on current expectations regarding what was earned through these programs as of the balance sheet date. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. Certain of our customer arrangements are annual arrangements such that the degree of estimates that affects revenue reduces as a year progresses. We do not believe that there will be significant changes to our estimates of customer consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers.

Goodwill Impairment

Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, as more fully described in note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We estimate the 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 a market-based discount rate. We then compare this fair value to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The quantitative goodwill impairment test requires an entity to compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. As of November 30, 2023, we had $5,260.1 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($3,609.6 million in the consumer segment and $1,650.5 million in the flavor solutions segment). Our fiscal year 2023 impairment testing indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill. However, variances between the actual performance of the businesses and the assumptions that were used in developing the estimates of fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods.

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Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We estimate fair values through the use of the relief-from-royalty method and then compare those fair values to the related carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event that the fair value of any of the brand names or trademarks are less than their related carrying amounts, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.

The estimation of fair values of our brand names and trademarks requires us to make significant assumptions, including expectations with respect to sales and profits of the respective brands and trademarks, related royalty rates, income tax rates and appropriate discount rates, which are based, in part, upon current interest rates adjusted for our view of reasonable country- and brand-specific risks based upon the past and anticipated future performance of the related brand names and trademarks. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.

As of November 30, 2023, we had $3,045.6 million of brand names assets and trademarks recognized in our consolidated balance sheet, and none of the balances exceeded their estimated fair values at that date. Of the $3,045.6 million of brand names assets and trademarks as of November 30, 2023: (i) $2,320.0 million relates to the French’s, Frank’s RedHot and Cattlemen’s brand names and trademarks, recognized as part of our acquisition of RB Foods in August 2017, that we group for purposes of our impairment analysis; (ii) $380.0 million relates to the Cholula brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of Cholula in November 2020, (iii) $49.0 million relates to the FONA brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of FONA in December 2020 and (iv) the remaining $296.6 million represents a number of other brand name assets and trademarks with individual carrying values ranging from $0.2 million to $106.4 million. Except for four brand names assets and trademarks with a carrying value of approximately $446 million, including our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, the percentage excess of estimated fair value over respective book values for each of our brand names and trademarks, was 20% or more as of our fourth quarter annual impairment assessment.

The brand names and trademarks related to recent acquisitions, including our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, may be more susceptible to future impairment as their carrying values represent recently determined fair values. A change in assumptions with respect to recently acquired businesses, including those affected by rising interest rates or a deterioration in expectations of future sales, profitability or royalty rates as well as future economic and market conditions, or higher income tax rates, could result in non-cash impairment losses in the future.

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 can challenge certain of our tax positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will be recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change. We believe that our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate. As of November 30, 2023, the Company had $27.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other long-term liabilities. 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, as more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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Pension Benefits

Pension plans’ costs require the use of assumptions for discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, and mortality rates. The actuarial assumptions used in our pension benefit reporting are reviewed annually and compared with external benchmarks to ensure that they appropriately account for our future pension benefit obligations. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, changes in various assumptions and differences between the actual returns on plan assets and the expected returns on plan assets and changes to projected future rates of return on plan assets will affect the amount of pension expense or income ultimately recognized. A 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact 2024 pension benefit expense by approximately $1.1 million. A 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would impact 2024 pension expense by approximately $9.7 million.

We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used in the measurement of our pension benefit obligations. In addition, see note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000063754-23-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-01-26. Report date: 2022-11-30.

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 from the perspective of management. 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 — more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures — 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 MD&A are in millions, except per share data.

McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry–retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, consumer and flavor solutions, as described in Item 1 of this report.

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Our long-term annual growth objectives in constant currency are to increase sales 4% to 6%, increase adjusted operating income 7% to 9% and increase adjusted earnings per share 9% to 11%. Our actual results for a year can vary from our long-term growth objectives.

Recent Events

Recent events impacting our business include global economic conditions, inflationary cost environment, disruption in our supply chain, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, each of which are further discussed below. Each of these factors impacted our fiscal 2022 operating results and we expect each will impact our fiscal 2023 performance. We expect elevated levels of cost inflation to persist throughout 2023, although at lower levels than experienced in 2022. We anticipate in 2023 that these headwinds will be partially mitigated by pricing actions in response to inflation, supply chain productivity improvements and cost savings initiatives. The effects of inflation have also resulted in central banks raising short-term interest rates and, as a result, we expect that our interest expense will increase in 2023. While we expect the impacts of COVID-19 on our business to moderate, there still remains uncertainty around the pandemic, its effect on labor or other macroeconomic factors, its severity and duration, the continued availability and effectiveness of vaccines and actions taken by third parties or by government authorities in response, including restrictions, laws or regulations, or other responses. Also, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed in response to this conflict, have increased global economic and political uncertainty.

While the impact of these factors remains uncertain, we continue to evaluate the extent to which they may impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. These and other uncertainties could result in changes to our current expectations. The potential effects of these recent events also could impact us in a number of other ways including, but not limited to, variations in the level of our sales, profitability, cash flows, fluctuations in foreign currency markets, the availability of future borrowings, the cost of borrowings, valuation of our pension assets and obligations, credit risks of our customers and counterparties, laws and regulations affecting our business, and potential impairment of the carrying value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Global Economic Conditions and Inflationary Cost Environment – During fiscal 2021 and 2022, we experienced inflationary cost increases in our commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. We expect that these inflationary cost increases will continue but we expect they will be partially mitigated by our planned 2023 pricing actions, our organization and streamlining actions, including our Global Operating Effectiveness Program, and by our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program-led cost savings. There has been, and we expect there could continue to be, a difference between the timing of when the impact of cost inflation occurs and when these pricing and other actions impact our results of operations. Additionally, in some instances the pricing actions we take have been impacted by price elasticity which unfavorably impacts our sales volume and mix.

Our interest expense is impacted by the overall global economic and interest rate environment. The inflationary environment has also resulted in central banks raising short-term interest rates. On November 30, 2022, we had total outstanding variable rate debt of approximately $1,295 million. 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 achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. As of November 30, 2022, we had total outstanding fixed to variable interest rate swaps of $600 million notional. We expect that our interest expense will increase in 2023 as a result of the higher interest rate environment.

Supply Chain Disruption – Over the past several years, as we have responded to demand volatility, COVID-19 and overall macroeconomic conditions, we have experienced pressures in our supply chain, including inefficiencies associated with demand volatility. These pressures are in addition to the inflationary cost environment previously noted and have included strained availability of raw materials and transportation capacity, expedited shipping costs, costs incurred in response to COVID-19, incremental warehouse costs to store increased inventory associated with maintaining additional safety stock, additional use of co-manufacturers, and labor shortages and absenteeism, in part, associated with COVID-19. The severity of those supply chain pressures varied over 2022, 2021 and 2020.

In response to the general economic conditions, inflationary cost environment, and the supply chain pressures and related inefficiencies, we expect to eliminate approximately $125 million of costs during 2023 and 2024, including $100 million of supply chain costs and $25 million of costs across the remainder of the organization under our Global Operating Effectiveness program. The supply chain actions we are taking, and will continue to evaluate, include returning our manufacturing facilities to a more normal shift schedule, reducing headcount, and stabilizing turnover rates to reduce our labor costs; increasing our manufacturing capacity and automation to respond to the evaluated demand as well as reduce the use of co-manufacturers; and executing and evaluating initiatives to reduce the safety stock levels of our inventory that were put in place to protect against supply disruptions. The

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elimination of other costs across the organization will include a voluntary retirement program and other streamlining initiatives.

COVID-19 – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our operating results. The extent and nature of government actions, customer and end-consumer demand and the impact on our supply chain varied during the years ended November 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020 based upon the then-current extent and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic within the countries, localities and markets where we do business.

We continue to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business. However, uncertainty remains with the pandemic and such impact will ultimately depend on the length and severity of the pandemic, including new strains and variants of the virus; infection rates in the markets where we do business; the federal, state, and local government actions taken in response; vaccine effectiveness; and the macroeconomic environment. The effects of COVID-19 on consumer behavior have impacted the relative balance of at-home versus away-from-home food consumption and demand. While we continue to see strong levels of at-home consumption compared to pre-pandemic levels, the favorable impact of increased at-home meal preparation was less significant in the year ended November 30, 2022 as compared to 2021. This change in consumer behavior was due in part to a decrease in the prevalence and scale of restrictive measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the 2022 period as compared to 2021. Conversely, we continue to see improvements in away-from-home demand associated with the COVID-19 recovery. During the year ended November 30, 2022, our flavor solutions segment sales improved as away-from-home consumption increased as compared to 2021, in part, due to the continued easing of restrictive COVID-19 mitigation measures in many jurisdictions compared to those that were in place during 2021. However, during 2022 the impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China negatively impacted consumer behavior in China as compared to 2021.

For comparative purposes, the following provides a summary of our compounded annual growth rate in net sales as reported and on a constant currency basis for the year ended 2022 as compared to 2019:

For the year ended November 30, 2022 as compared to the year ended November 30, 2019
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment4.7%(0.2)%4.9%
Flavor Solutions segment7.7%(0.4)%8.1%
Total net sales5.9%(0.3)%6.2%

The percentage change in our compounded annual growth rate in reported net sales and the percentage change on a constant currency basis were favorably impacted by the acquisitions of Cholula and FONA and unfavorably impacted by the sale of Kitchen Basics. In aggregate on a net basis, these factors contributed 0.6%, 2.1% and 1.3% to the consumer segment, flavor solutions segment and total net sales growth rates, respectively, in the preceding table, on both a reported and constant currency basis.

Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine – The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed in response to this conflict, have increased global economic and political uncertainty. It is not possible to predict the broader or longer-term consequences of this conflict, or the sanctions imposed to date, which could include further sanctions, embargoes, regional instability, geopolitical shifts and adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, security conditions, energy and fuel prices, currency exchange rates and financial markets. We announced on March 11, 2022, that we were suspending our business operations in Russia. In May 2022, we made the decision to exit our consumer business in Russia. Our operations in Ukraine were also temporarily paused in order to focus on the safety of our employees, but we have resumed, where appropriate, a reduced level of operating activities. While neither our operations in Russia nor Ukraine constitute a material portion of our business, a significant escalation or expansion of economic disruption or the conflict's current scope could disrupt our supply chain, broaden inflationary costs, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Sales Growth – Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business – driven by brand marketing support, category management, and differentiated customer engagement; 2) new products; and 3) acquisitions.

Base Business – We expect to drive sales growth by optimizing our brand marketing investment through improved speed, quality and effectiveness. We measure the return on our brand marketing investment and have identified

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digital marketing as one of our highest return investments in brand marketing support. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice and help them discover new products.

New Products – For our consumer segment, we believe that scalable and differentiated innovation continues to be one of the best ways to distinguish our brands from our competition, including private label. We are introducing products for every type of cooking occasion, from gourmet, premium items to convenient and value-priced flavors.

For flavor solutions customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. We have a strong pipeline of flavor solutions products aligned with our customers’ new product launch plans, many of which include clean-label, organic, natural, and “better-for-you” innovation. With over 20 product innovation centers around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our flavor solutions customers with products that appeal to local consumers.

Acquisitions – Acquisitions are expected to approximate one-third of our sales growth over time. Since the beginning of 2017, we have completed four acquisitions, which are driving sales in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. We focus on acquisition opportunities that meet the growing demand for flavor and health. Geographically, our focus is on acquisitions that build scale where we currently have presence in both developed and emerging markets. Information with respect to our two most recent acquisitions is provided below:

•On December 30, 2020, we acquired FONA International, LLC and certain of its affiliates (FONA), a privately owned company, for approximately $708 million, net of cash acquired. We financed this fiscal 2021 acquisition with cash and short-term borrowings. FONA is a leading manufacturer of clean and natural flavors providing solutions for a diverse customer base across various applications for the food, beverage and nutritional markets which expands the breadth of our flavor solutions segment into attractive categories, as well as extends our technology platform, strengthens our capabilities, and accelerates the strategic migration of our portfolio to more value-added and technically insulated products.

•On November 30, 2020, we acquired the parent company of Cholula Hot Sauce® (Cholula) from L Catterton for approximately $801 million, net of cash acquired. Cholula is a strong addition to our global branded flavor portfolio, which broadens our offerings in the high growth hot sauce category to consumers and foodservice operators and accelerates our condiment growth opportunities with a complementary authentic Mexican flavor hot sauce in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments.

Cost Savings and Business Transformation – 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 of notes to our consolidated financial statements that includes our expected elimination of approximately $125 million of costs in 2023 and 2024 as part of our Global Operating Effectiveness program, including $100 million of supply costs and $25 million of costs across the remainder of the organization. Our CCI program funds brand marketing support, product innovation and other growth initiatives. We expect our CCI program, Global Operating Effectiveness program, and organization and streamlining actions to deliver savings of approximately $75 million in 2023.

We are making investments to build the McCormick of the future, including in our Global Enablement (GE) organization to transform McCormick through globally aligned, innovative services to enable growth. As technology provides the backbone for this greater process alignment, information sharing and scalability, we are also making investments in our information systems. We continue to progress our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) replacement program which will enable us to accelerate the transformation of our ways of working and provide a scalable platform for growth.

We expect that, in total over the course of the ERP replacement program for our major markets, we will invest approximately $400 million, including expenses related to the go-live activities in our operations, to enable the anticipated completion of the roll out of our new information technology platform to those markets in 2025. Of that projected $400 million, we expect capitalized software to account for approximately 50% and program expenses to account for approximately 50%. Of the approximately $200 million of operating expenses included in our projected total spending, approximately $122 million has been recognized through November 30, 2022. Of the approximately $200 million of capitalized software included in our projected total spending, approximately $137 million has been recognized through November 30, 2022.

Cash Flow – Net cash provided by operating activities was $651.5 million, $828.3 million and $1,041.3 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. In 2022, we continued to have a balanced use of cash for debt repayment,

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capital expenditures and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 37 years, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. In 2022, the return of cash to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $435.5 million.

Operating Results – On a long-term basis, we expect a combination of acquisitions, share repurchases and debt repayments, and the resulting impact on interest expense, to add about 2% to earnings per share growth.

In 2022, we achieved further growth of our business with net sales rising 0.5% over the 2021 level due to the following factors:

•Pricing actions, including those taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, contributed 7.7% of the increase in net sales.

•Volume and product mix unfavorably impacted our net sales growth by 4.5%, exclusive of acquisitions and divestitures. Our consumer segment experienced unfavorable volume and product mix of 9.3% which included the unfavorable impact of price elasticity as well as the impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China, the exit of our consumer operations in Russia, and the exit of our rice product line in India which collectively contributed approximately 1.5% to that decline. Increased volume and product mix of 3.5% in our flavor solutions segment was principally driven by the continued strength of sales to packaged food companies and the continued recovery in away-from-home demand.

•Acquisitions contributed 0.2% of the increase in net sales. Divestitures negatively impacted our net sales increase by 0.4%.

•Net sales growth was negatively impacted by fluctuations in currency rates that decreased sales growth by 2.5%. Excluding this impact, we grew sales by 3.0% over the prior year on a constant currency basis.

Operating income was $863.6 million in 2022 and $1,015.1 million in 2021. We recorded $51.6 million and $51.1 million of special charges in 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to organization and streamlining actions. Special charges in 2021 included $4.7 million in cost of goods sold related the exit of a low margin business. In 2022 and 2021, we also recorded $2.2 million and $35.3 million of transaction and integration expenses, respectively, related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA that reduced operating income. In 2022, compared to the year-ago period, the unfavorable impact of increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs and higher conversion costs more than offset the favorable impact of higher sales, which included the impact of pricing actions taken in response to the inflationary environment, $112 million of cost savings from our CCI program, including organization and streamlining actions, and lower incentive-based compensation. Excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, adjusted operating income was $917.4 million in 2022, a decrease of 16.7%, compared to $1,101.5 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, adjusted operating income declined 15.5%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

Diluted earnings per share was $2.52 in 2022 and $2.80 in 2021. The year-on-year decrease in earnings per share was primarily driven by lower operating income that was partially offset by the favorable effect of a lower level of special charges and transaction and integration expenses in 2022 as compared to 2021. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses lowered earnings per share by $0.15 and $0.30 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. A gain on our sale of a business increased earnings per share by $0.14 in 2022. A gain on our sale of an unconsolidated operation increased earnings per share by $0.05 in 2021. Excluding the effects of special charges, transaction and integration expenses, the gain realized from the sale of a business, and the gain realized from the sale of an unconsolidated operation, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.53 in 2022 and $3.05 in 2021, or a decrease of 17.0%.

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2023 Outlook

In 2023, we expect to grow net sales over the 2022 level by 5% to 7%, which includes a minimal impact of foreign currency rates. We anticipate that the 2023 sales growth will be driven by pricing actions, including the completion of those executed in 2022 combined with new pricing actions we are taking in 2023. We expect volume and product mix to be impacted by pricing elasticities, although, consistent with 2022, at a lower level than we have experienced historically. We anticipate that our volume and product mix will also be impacted by the combined impact of lapping last year’s COVID-related disruptions in China, the divestiture of our Kitchen Basics brand in the third quarter of last year, the exit of our consumer business in Russia during the second quarter of last year, and the pruning of low margin businesses.

We expect our 2023 gross profit margin to range from 25 basis points to 75 basis points higher than our gross profit margin of 35.8% in 2022. The projected 2023 increase in gross profit margin is principally due to the net effect of (i) the favorable impact of pricing actions in response to increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, (ii) the favorable impact of anticipated Global Operating Effectiveness Program and CCI cost savings, and (iii) a low to mid-teen percentage impact of inflation in 2023 compared to 2022. As we recover the cost inflation of our pricing that has lagged in the past two years, we expect cost pressures to be more than offset by pricing actions and our expected cost savings in 2023.

In 2023, we expect an increase in operating income of 10% to 12%, which includes a minimal impact from foreign currency rates, over the 2022 level. The projected 2023 change in operating income includes the effects of cost savings from our Global Operating Effectiveness Program and lapping the COVID-19 restrictive measures in China during 2022, which we anticipate will be partially offset by increased employee incentive compensation and the impact of our Kitchen Basics divestiture. Our CCI-led cost savings target in 2023 is approximately $85 million. We expect that the absence of $2.2 million of integration expenses related to the FONA acquisition in 2022 to favorably impact operating income in 2023. We also expect approximately $50 million of special charges in 2023 that relate to previously announced organization and streamlining actions; in 2022, special charges were $51.6 million. Excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses, we expect 2023’s adjusted operating income to increase by 9% to 11%, which includes a minimal impact from foreign currency rates.

We estimate that our interest expense will range from $200 to $210 million in 2023, with the increase over 2022 being driven by the higher interest-rate environment which will impact our variable rate debt. In 2023, we will also lap the favorable effects associated with the termination of interest rate contracts. These contracts were entered into to manage the interest rate risk associated with our then anticipated issuance of fixed rate debt, which favorably impacted other income, net in 2022.

Our underlying effective tax rate is projected to be higher in 2023 than in 2022. We estimate that our 2023 effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, will be 22% as compared to 20.7% in 2022. Excluding projected taxes associated with special charges, we estimate that our adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 22% in 2023, as compared to an adjusted effective tax rate of 20.9% in 2022.

Diluted earnings per share was $2.52 in 2022. Diluted earnings per share for 2023 is projected to range from $2.42 to $2.47. Excluding the per share impact of (i) special charges of $51.6; (ii) integration expenses of $2.2 million; and (iii) the gain realized upon our sale of Kitchen Basics of $49.6 million, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.53 in 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding an estimated per share impact from special charges of $0.14, is projected to range from $2.56 to $2.61 in 2023. We expect adjusted diluted earnings per share to grow by 1% to 3% over adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.53 in 2022, including a minimal impact from foreign currency rates.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2022 COMPARED TO 2021

20222021
Net sales$6,350.5$6,317.9
Percent growth0.5%12.8%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix(4.5)%5.5%
Pricing actions7.7%0.8%
Acquisitions0.2%4.1%
Divestiture(0.4)%%
Foreign exchange(2.5)%2.4%

Sales for 2022 increased by 0.5% from 2021 and by 3.0% 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). Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 4.5% with growth in our flavor solutions segment being more than offset by a decline in our consumer segment. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China, the exit of our consumer operations in Russia, and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 1.0% to that decline as compared to 2021. In addition, pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, added 7.7% to sales, as compared to the prior year. Acquisitions and a divestiture added to and decreased sales by 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, both as compared to the prior year. Sales were impacted by unfavorable foreign currency rates that decreased sales by 2.5% in 2022 as compared to the prior year and are excluded from our measure of sales growth of 3.0% on a constant currency basis.

20222021
Gross profit$2,274.5$2,494.6
Gross profit margin35.8%39.5%

In 2022, gross profit decreased by $220.1 million, or 8.8%, from the comparable period in 2021. Our gross profit margin for 2022 was 35.8%, a decrease of 370 basis points from 39.5% in 2021. The decline was driven by the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions taken in response to the inflationary cost environment of approximately 240 basis points, increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, higher conversion costs and a less favorable product mix both within and between our segments, each as compared to 2021. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by cost savings led by our CCI program. In addition, our gross profit for 2021 was burdened by (i) $6.3 million of transaction expense, representing the amortization of the fair value adjustment to the acquired inventories of Cholula and FONA upon our sale of those acquired inventories in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and (ii) a non-cash special charge of $4.7 million associated with the exit of a low margin business in our Asia/Pacific region. Excluding those transaction and integration expenses and special charges, adjusted gross profit margin declined 390 basis points to 35.8% in 2022 from 39.7% in 2021.

20222021
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,357.1$1,404.1
Percent of net sales21.4%22.3%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased by $47.0 million in 2022 as compared to 2021. That decrease in SG&A expense was primarily a result of lower performance-based employee incentive expenses and variable selling costs, both as compared to the prior year. This decrease was partially offset by (i) higher distribution costs; (ii) unfavorable investment results associated with non-qualified retirement plan assets; and (iii) higher investment associated with the implementation of our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2022 decreased by 90 basis points from the prior year level, due primarily to the net impact of the previously mentioned factors.

20222021
Special charges included in cost of goods sold$$4.7
Other special charges51.646.4
Total special charges$51.6$51.1

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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.

During 2022, we recorded $51.6 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $23.3 million associated with the exit of our consumer business in Russia, (ii) $21.5 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, and (iii) streamlining actions of $8.0 million in the Americas region, $7.1 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) $5.6 million associated with a U.S. voluntary retirement program. As more fully described in note 3 of our notes of consolidated financial statements, these charges were partially offset by a $13.6 million gain on the sale of our Kohinoor brand that was associated with the rice product line in India that we exited in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, as well as a reversal of $2.2 million of estimated costs associated with that rice product line exit upon settlement of a supply agreement related to that product line.

During 2021, we recorded $51.1 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $19.5 million associated with our exit of our rice product line in India (ii) $6.2 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, (iii) streamlining actions of $10.3 million in the Americas region and $4.8 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) a non-cash asset impairment charge of $6.0 million associated with an administrative site that was sold in conjunction with our decision to employ a hybrid work environment.

Details with respect to the composition of special charges are including the accompanying notes to our financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

20222021
Transaction expenses included in cost of goods sold$$6.3
Other transaction and integration expenses2.229.0
Total transaction and integration expenses$2.2$35.3

During 2022, we recorded $2.2 million of integration expenses related to our acquisition of FONA. During 2021, we recorded transaction and integration expenses of $35.3 million related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These costs consisted of (i) $6.3 million of amortization of the acquisition-date fair value adjustment of inventories that is included in Cost of goods sold, (ii) $13.8 million of other transaction expenses primarily related to outside advisory, service and consulting costs, and (iii) $15.2 million of integration expenses.

20222021
Operating income$863.6$1,015.1
Percent of net sales13.6%16.1%

Operating income decreased by $151.5 million, or 14.9%, from $1,015.1 million in 2021 to $863.6 million in 2022. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses decreased by $32.6 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, and positively impacted operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 250 basis points in 2022, to 13.6% in 2022 from 16.1% in 2021 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $917.4 million in 2022 as compared to $1,101.5 million in 2021, a decrease of $184.1 million or 16.7% from the 2021 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 300 basis points in 2022, to 14.4% in 2022 from 17.4% in 2021.

20222021
Interest expense$149.1$136.6
Other income, net98.317.3

Interest expense was $12.5 million higher in 2022 as compared to the prior year as an increase in interest rates during the latter part of 2022 was partially offset by a decrease in average total borrowings. Other income, net for 2022 increased by $81.0 million, including the impact of a $49.6 million gain on the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $18.7 million associated with the settlement of treasury lock arrangements, both of which are more fully described in the notes to the accompanying financial statements. The remaining increase was principally driven by an increase in interest income, as compared to the prior year.

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20222021
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$812.8$895.8
Income tax expense168.6192.7
Effective tax rate20.7%21.5%

The provision for income taxes is based on the estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the tax impact of items discrete to the fiscal period. We record tax expense or tax benefits that do not relate to ordinary income in the current fiscal year discretely in the period in which such items occur pursuant to the requirements of U.S. GAAP. Examples of such types of discrete items not related to ordinary income include, but are not limited to, excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, changes in estimates of the outcome of tax matters related to prior years, including reversals of reserves upon the lapsing of statutes of limitations, provision-to-return adjustments, the settlement of tax audits, changes in enacted tax rates, changes in the assessment of deferred tax valuation allowances, acquisition related deferred tax adjustments, and the tax effects of certain intra-entity asset transfers (other than inventory).

The effective tax rate was 20.7% in 2022 as compared to 21.5% in 2021. The decrease in our effective tax rate was principally attributable to the effects of the lower level of income before income taxes and the higher level of net discrete tax benefits in 2022 as compared to 2021. Net discrete tax benefits were $27.6 million in 2022, an increase of $1.0 million from $26.6 million in 2021. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2022 and 2021 periods included excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation ($9.1 million and $4.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits ($6.9 million and $22.5 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively) due to, in 2021, the partial release of certain reserves for an unrecognized tax benefit and related interest in a non-U.S. jurisdiction based on a change in our assessment of the technical merits of that position associated with the availability of new information, and in both years due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations, the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets ($4.6 million and $4.4 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), tax benefits related to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from enacted legislation ($3.9 million and $4.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively), and other discrete items. In 2022, other discrete tax items included $2.3 million of tax benefits related to the sale of an asset associated with a previously exited line of business. In 2021, other discrete tax items included $10.4 million of deferred state tax expense directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20222021
Income from unconsolidated operations$37.8$52.2

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, decreased $14.4 million in 2022 from the prior year. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 84% and 62% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease for 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily driven by the after-tax gain of $13.4 million on the sale of an unconsolidated operation that occurred in 2021.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.52 in 2022, compared to $2.80 in 2021. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2021 to 2022. The decrease in operating income in the table below includes the impact from unfavorable currency exchange rates in 2022.

2021 Earnings per share—diluted$2.80
Decrease in operating income(0.54)
Decrease in special charges, net of taxes0.02
Decrease in transaction and integration expenses, including impact of net discrete tax item related to FONA acquisition0.13
Gain on the sale of a business, net of taxes0.14
Increase in other income, excluding gain on the sale of a business0.09
Decrease in income from unconsolidated operations, including the after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operation of $0.05 per diluted share in 2021(0.05)
Impact of change in effective income tax rate, excluding taxes on special charges, transaction and integration expenses, and the sale of a business(0.03)
Increase in interest expense(0.04)
2022 Earnings per share—diluted$2.52

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Results of Operations—Segments

We measure the performance of our business segments based on operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. See note 16 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segment measures as well as for a reconciliation by segment of operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. In the following discussion, we refer to our previously described measure of segment profit as "Segment operating income."

Consumer Segment

20222021
Net sales$3,757.9$3,937.5
Percent - (decline) increase(4.6)%9.5%
Components of percent change in net sales–(decrease) increase:
Volume and product mix(9.3)%4.3%
Pricing actions7.4%0.6%
Acquisitions%2.4%
Divestitures(0.6)%%
Foreign exchange(2.1)%2.2%
Segment operating income$710.7$804.9
Segment operating income margin18.9%20.4%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2022 decreased by 4.6% as compared to 2021 and decreased by 2.5% on a constant currency basis. The sales decrease was driven by lower sales of our consumer business in the Americas, EMEA and Asia/Pacific regions. Lower volume and unfavorable product mix decreased sales by 9.3%. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China, the exit of our consumer operations in Russia, and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 1.5% to that decline as compared to 2021. Pricing actions, taken in response to inflationary cost pressures, increased sales by 7.4% in 2022 as compared to the prior year level. The divestiture of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.6% as compared to 2021. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 2.1% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 2.5% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales decreased 1.1% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 0.9% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 8.6% as compared to the corresponding period in 2021, including the unfavorable impact of price elasticity. Pricing actions, taken in response to higher costs, increased sales by 8.6% as compared to the prior year. The sale of our Kitchen Basics business unfavorably impacted sales by 0.9% as compared to 2021. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.2% in the year and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 0.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales decreased 14.7% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 5.1% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased sales by 10.5% as compared to the corresponding period of 2021. The decrease was driven by lower sales of our consumer business in France as compared to the prior year. The exit of our consumer operations in Russia also contributed approximately 2.1% to the region's decline in volume and mix. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 5.4% as compared to the 2021 period. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 9.6% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 5.1% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales decreased 10.1% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and decreased by 8.1% on a constant currency basis. Lower volume and unfavorable product mix decreased sales by 11.5% as compared to the corresponding period in 2021. The impact of restrictive measures related to COVID-19 resurgences in China and the exit of our rice product line in India, contributed approximately 9.5% to that decline as compared to 2021. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, increased sales by 3.4% as compared to the prior year. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 2.0% compared to the year-ago period and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 8.1% on a constant currency basis.

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Segment operating income for our consumer segment decreased by $94.2 million, or 11.7%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. The decrease in segment operating income was driven by lower sales and increased commodity, transportation and conversion costs, partially offset by pricing actions in response to increased costs, CCI-led cost savings and lower performance-based employee incentive expenses, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment decreased by 150 basis points in 2022 to 18.9%, driven by a decrease in consumer gross profit margin, including the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions, the impact of the inflationary cost environment, and higher conversion costs, which was partially offset by the impact of CCI-led cost savings, all as compared to the 2021 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment decreased by 10.9% in 2022, as compared to 2021.

Flavor Solutions Segment

20222021
Net sales$2,592.6$2,380.4
Percent growth8.9%18.7%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix3.5%7.2%
Pricing actions8.2%1.4%
Acquisitions0.4%7.3%
Foreign exchange(3.2)%2.8%
Segment operating income$206.7$296.6
Segment operating income margin8.0%12.5%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 8.9% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 12.1% on a constant currency basis. Volume and product mix contributed 3.5% of the increase in addition to pricing actions which added 8.2% to sales for 2022, both in comparison to the prior year levels. The incremental impact of our acquisition of FONA added 0.4% to segment sales for 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 3.2% compared to the prior year and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 12.1% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 11.4% during 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 11.7% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 2.2% during 2022, as growth in sales to packaged food and beverage companies was partially offset by lower sales to quick service restaurants, both as compared to the year ago period. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 8.9% during 2022 as compared to the prior year. The incremental impact of our acquisition of FONA added 0.6% to segment sales for 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 0.3% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 11.7% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2022 increased by 5.5% as compared to 2021 and increased by 17.2% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 9.5% in 2022 as compared to 2021. The increase was driven by higher sales to quick service restaurants, branded foodservice and package food and beverage company customers. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 7.7% in 2022 as compared to the prior period level. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 11.7% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 17.2% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, flavor solutions sales decreased 0.2% in 2022 as compared to 2021 and increased by 5.2% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 0.3%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers, partially impacted by the timing of customers' promotional activities. Pricing actions, taken in response to the inflationary cost environment, favorably impacted sales by 4.9% as compared to the prior year. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 5.4% compared to 2021 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment decreased by $89.9 million, or 30.3%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. The decrease in segment operating income was driven by increased commodity, transportation and conversion costs, as well as costs related to supply chain investments, which were partially offset by a higher level of sales, including pricing actions in response to the inflationary cost environment, and CCI-led cost savings, all as compared to the prior year. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment decreased by 450

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basis points in 2022 to 8.0% driven by a lower segment gross margin, including the margin dilutive impact of pricing actions, the impact of the inflationary cost environment, and higher conversion costs, including the costs related to our supply chain investments, partially offset by CCI-led cost savings and a decrease in SG&A as percentage of sales associated with the favorable impact of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base, all as compared to the 2021 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment decreased by 27.9% in 2022, as compared to 2021.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2021 COMPARED TO 2020

20212020
Net sales$6,317.9$5,601.3
Percent growth12.8%4.7%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix5.5%3.7%
Pricing actions0.8%1.6%
Acquisitions4.1%%
Foreign exchange2.4%(0.6)%

Sales for 2021 increased by 12.8% from 2020 and by 10.4% on a constant currency basis. That 12.8% sales increase was driven by higher sales in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. On a consolidated basis, higher volume and favorable product mix increased sales by 5.5% while pricing actions, which were primarily taken in the fourth quarter, added 0.8% to sales. That net volume increase and favorable mix was driven by continued levels of strong demand within our consumer segment, as the shift in consumer behavior toward at-home meal preparation, first seen in 2020 as a response to actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, has persisted. In addition, our flavor solutions segment volume increased principally due to a recovery in demand for away-from-home products, including higher sales to our branded food service customers, as compared to 2020. Sales were also impacted by favorable foreign currency rates that increased net sales 2.4% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 10.4% on a constant currency basis.

20212020
Gross profit$2,494.6$2,300.4
Gross profit margin39.5%41.1%

In 2021, our gross profit margin decreased 160 basis points to 39.5% from 41.1% in 2020. The decline was driven by the impact of increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, higher conversion costs, which includes costs associated with COVID-19, and a less favorable mix in sales between our consumer and flavor solutions segments as compared to 2020. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by savings from our CCI program, pricing actions, improved product mix and the accretive impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions, each as compared to the prior year. In addition, our 2021 gross profit margin was burdened by (i) $6.3 million of transaction expense, representing the amortization of the fair value adjustment to the acquired inventories of Cholula and FONA upon our sale of those acquired inventories, and (ii) a non-cash special charge of $4.7 million associated with the exit of a low margin business in our Asia/Pacific region. Excluding the transaction expense and special charges, adjusted gross profit margin decreased by 140 basis points from 41.1% in 2020 to 39.7% for the year ended November 30, 2021.

20212020
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,404.1$1,281.6
Percent of net sales22.3%22.9%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $1,404.1 million in 2021 compared to $1,281.6 million in 2020, an increase of $122.5 million. That increase in SG&A expense was primarily a result of (i) SG&A associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions; (ii) greater selling and distribution expenses associated with the higher sales volume; and (iii) increased brand marketing costs, all as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Those increases were partially offset by lower performance-based employee incentive expenses, as compared to the prior year. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2021 decreased by 60 basis points from the prior year level, driven by the impact of the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher level of sales during the 2021 period.

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20212020
Special charges included in cost of goods sold$4.7$
Other special charges46.46.9
Total special charges$51.1$6.9

We regularly evaluate whether to implement changes to our organization structure to reduce fixed costs, simplify and/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.

During 2021, we recorded $51.1 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $19.5 million associated with our exit of our rice product line in India, as more fully described below, (ii) $6.2 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, (iii) streamlining actions of $10.3 million in the Americas region and $4.8 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) a non-cash asset impairment charge of $6.0 million associated with an administrative site that was sold in conjunction with our decision to employ a hybrid work environment. As more fully described in note 3 of our notes of consolidated financial statements, the $19.5 million special charge associated with the exit of our rice product line in India consisted of an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge associated with the impairment of certain intangible assets, $3.6 million of employee severance and other related exit costs, and a $4.7 million charge in cost of goods sold which represents a provision for the excess of the carrying value of rice inventories over the estimated net realizable value and a contractual obligation associated with terminating a rice supply agreement.

During 2020, we recorded $6.9 million of special charges, consisting of $5.3 million related to streamlining actions in our EMEA region and $1.6 million related to our GE initiative.

20212020
Transaction expenses included in cost of goods sold$6.3$
Other transaction and integration expenses29.012.4
Total transaction and integration expenses$35.3$12.4

During 2021, we recorded transaction and integration expenses of $35.3 million related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These costs consisted of (i) $6.3 million of amortization of the acquisition-date fair value adjustment of inventories that is included in Cost of goods sold, (ii) $13.8 million of other transaction expenses primarily related to outside advisory, service and consulting costs, and (iii) $15.2 million of integration expenses. Transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA of $11.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were incurred late in fiscal 2020.

20212020
Operating income$1,015.1$999.5
Percent of net sales16.1%17.8%

Operating income increased by $15.6 million, or 1.6%, from $999.5 million in 2020 to $1,015.1 million in 2021. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses increased by $67.1 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, and negatively impacted operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 170 basis points in 2021, to 16.1% in 2021 from 17.8% in 2020 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $1,101.5 million in 2021 as compared to $1,018.8 million in 2020, an increase of $82.7 million or 8.1% over the 2020 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 80 basis points in 2021, to 17.4% in 2021 from 18.2% in 2020.

20212020
Interest expense$136.6$135.6
Other income, net17.317.6

Interest expense was $1.0 million higher for 2021 as compared to the prior year as an increase in average total borrowings was largely offset by a decrease in interest rates. Other income, net for 2021 decreased by $0.3 million

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as lower non-service cost income associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans was partially offset by higher interest income, as compared to 2020. The decrease was also impacted by non-operating foreign currency transaction gains in 2021, as compared to non-operating foreign currency transaction losses in the prior period.

20212020
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$895.8$881.5
Income tax expense192.7174.9
Effective tax rate21.5%19.8%

The provision for income taxes is based on the estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the tax impact of items discrete to the fiscal period. We record tax expense or tax benefits that do not relate to ordinary income in the current fiscal year discretely in the period in which such items occur pursuant to the requirements of U.S. GAAP. Examples of such types of discrete items not related to ordinary income include, but are not limited to, excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, changes in estimates of the outcome of tax matters related to prior years, including reversals of reserves upon the lapsing of statutes of limitations, provision-to-return adjustments, the settlement of tax audits, changes in enacted tax rates, changes in the assessment of deferred tax valuation allowances, acquisition related deferred tax adjustments, and the tax effects of certain intra-entity asset transfers (other than inventory).

The effective tax rate was 21.5% in 2021 as compared to 19.8% in 2020. The increase in our effective tax rate was principally attributable to the lower level of net discrete tax benefits in 2021 as compared to 2020. Net discrete tax benefits were $26.6 million in 2021, a decrease of $16.8 million from $43.4 million in 2020. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2021 and 2020 periods included excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation ($4.3 million and $14.2 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits ($22.5 million and $4.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively) due to, in 2021, the partial release of certain reserves for an unrecognized tax benefit and related interest in a non-U.S. jurisdiction based on a change in our assessment of the technical merits of that position associated with the availability of new information, and in both years due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations, the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets ($4.4 million and $11.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively) and other discrete items. In 2021, discrete tax items included $4.0 million of tax benefits related to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from enacted legislation and $10.4 million of deferred state tax expense directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. In 2020, discrete tax items included $9.9 million of tax benefits associated with intra-entity asset transfers that occurred. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20212020
Income from unconsolidated operations$52.2$40.8

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, increased $11.4 million in 2021 from the prior year, driven by an after-tax gain of $13.4 million on the sale of our 26% interest in Eastern Condiments Private Ltd. (Eastern), an unconsolidated operation, during our second quarter of 2021, as more fully described in note 5 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 62% and 75% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The relative impact of McCormick de Mexico on income from unconsolidated operations in 2021 was impacted by the gain on our sale of an unconsolidated operation.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.80 in 2021, compared to $2.78 in 2020. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2020 to 2021. The increase in operating income in the table below includes the impact from favorable currency exchange rates in 2021.

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2020 Earnings per share—diluted$2.78
Increase in operating income0.25
Increase in special charges(0.15)
Increase in transaction and integration expenses, including impact of net discrete tax item related to FONA acquisition(0.10)
Impact of income taxes, excluding taxes on special charges and transaction and integration expenses(0.01)
Increase in income from unconsolidated operations, including the after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operation of $0.05 per diluted share0.04
Impact of higher shares(0.01)
2021 Earnings per share—diluted$2.80

Results of Operations—Segments

Consumer Segment

20212020
Net sales$3,937.5$3,596.7
Percent growth9.5%10.0%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix4.3%8.8%
Pricing actions0.6%1.5%
Acquisitions2.4%%
Foreign exchange2.2%(0.3)%
Segment operating income$804.9$780.9
Segment operating income margin20.4%21.7%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2021 grew by 9.5% as compared to 2020 and grew by 7.3% on a constant currency basis. This increase included higher sales of our consumer business in each of our three regions. Higher volume and product mix increased sales 4.3% while pricing actions added 0.6% to sales, both as compared to the prior year. The incremental impact of the Cholula acquisition added 2.4% to segment sales during 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased consumer segment sales by 2.2% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 7.3% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales increased 7.3% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a 13.9% increase in sales from the 2019 level as a result of exceptionally strong demand for our products in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased by 6.7% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 3.0% as compared to the corresponding period in 2020, as demand continues to be driven by consumers' sustained preference for eating more at home. In addition, pricing actions, taken in response to higher costs, increased sales by 0.4% as compared to the prior year. The incremental impact of the Cholula acquisition added 3.3% to sales in 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 0.6% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.7% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 5.8% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a 14.5% increase in sales from the 2019 level driven by the COVID-19 impact on greater consumer at-home meal preparation, and increased by 0.9% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 0.3% as compared to the corresponding period of 2020. The impact of pricing actions increased sales by 0.6% as compared to the prior year. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 4.9% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 0.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales increased 31.6% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which reflected a 16.6% decrease in sales from the 2019 level due mainly to COVID-19 disruption on foodservice sales in China, and increased by 22.9% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and favorable product mix increased sales by 21.5% as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase was driven by sales related to the recovery of demand in away-from-home consumption in China. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.4% as compared to 2020. The favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 8.7% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 22.9% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by $24.0 million, or 3.1%, in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase in segment operating income was driven by higher sales, including the impact of acquisitions,

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CCI-led cost savings and lower incentive-based compensation accruals which were partially offset by increased commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs, increased conversion costs, which include incremental expenses related to COVID-19, and higher brand marketing investment, all as compared to the prior year. The impact of COVID-19 on segment operating income during 2021 reflected actions, including the incremental impact of temporary arrangements to utilize co-manufacturing, that increased our cost to produce certain products and measures to enable manufacturing and distribution staff to maintain social distancing and permit enhanced cleaning that reduced productivity. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment decreased by 130 basis points in 2021 to 20.4%, driven by a decrease in segment gross profit margin, including the impact of the inflationary cost environment, which was partially offset by the benefit from the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base as compared to the 2020 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by 1.3% in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Flavor Solutions Segment

20212020
Net sales$2,380.4$2,004.6
Percent growth (decline)18.7%(3.5)%
Components of percent change in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix7.2%(4.2)%
Pricing actions1.4%1.8%
Acquisitions7.3%%
Foreign exchange2.8%(1.1)%
Segment operating income$296.6$237.9
Segment operating income margin12.5%11.9%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 18.7% in 2021 as compared to 2020 and increased by 15.9% on a constant currency basis. Sales were favorably impacted by the recovery of demand as compared to the lower level of demand in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 disruption on our quick service restaurant and branded food service customers, particularly in the Americas and EMEA regions. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 7.2% as compared to 2020, while pricing actions taken in response to increased costs during the period increased sales by 1.4%. The incremental impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions increased sales by 7.3% in 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency rates increased flavor solutions segment sales by 2.8% as compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 15.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 16.6% during 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales decline of 3.5% from the 2019 level driven by lower sales to quick service restaurant and branded food service customers as a result of COVID-19 restrictions imposed in the early stages of the pandemic, and increased by 15.4% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and improved product mix increased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 3.2% during 2021, driven primarily by increased sales to branded foodservice and quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.7% as compared to the prior year. The incremental impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions increased sales by 10.5% in 2021. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 1.2% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 15.4% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2021 increased by 27.3% as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales decline of 5.5% from the 2019 level primarily as a result of decreased sales to quick service restaurants and lower branded food service sales that were partially offset by higher demand from packaged food service companies in response to COVID-19 restrictions implemented in 2020, and increased by 21.5% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 19.8% in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales to branded foodservice, packaged food and quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.7% in 2021 as compared the prior year level. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 5.8% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 21.5% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, flavor solutions sales increased 16.9% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales increase of 0.4% from the 2019 level driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers, and increased by 9.4% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 10.6%,

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driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions decreased sales by 1.2% as compared to the prior year. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 7.5% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 9.4% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by $58.7 million, or 24.7%, in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase in segment operating income was driven by higher sales, including the impact of acquisitions, CCI-led cost savings, lower incentive-based compensation accruals and favorable product mix, which was partially offset by increased commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment increased by 60 basis points in 2021 to 12.5% as the benefits from the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base as compared to the 2020 level, together with the accretive impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions on gross margins, were partially offset by the impact of the inflationary cost environment as compared to 2020. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by 22.5% in 2021, as compared to 2020.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following tables include financial measures of adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. 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. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

•Special charges – Special charges consist of expenses and income associated with certain actions undertaken by us 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. 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 ongoing basis through completion. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021.

•Transaction and integration expenses associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions – We exclude certain costs associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA in November and December 2020, respectively, and their subsequent integration into the Company. Such costs, which we refer to as “Transaction and integration expenses,” include transaction costs associated with each acquisition, as well as integration costs following the respective acquisition, including the impact of the acquisition date fair value adjustment for inventories, together with the impact of discrete tax items, if any, directly related to each acquisition.

•Income from sale of unconsolidated operations – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of an unconsolidated operation in March 2021. As more fully described in note 5 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the sale of our 26% interest in Eastern Condiments resulted in a gain of $13.4 million, net of tax of $5.7 million. The gain is included in Income from unconsolidated operations in our consolidated income statement for the year ended November 30, 2021.

•Gain on sale of Kitchen Basics – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of the Kitchen Basics business in August 2022. As more fully described in note 17 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the pre-tax gain associated with the sale was $49.6 million and is included in Other income, net in our consolidated income statement for the year ended November 30, 2022.

Details with respect to the composition of transaction and integration expenses, special charges, income from the sale of unconsolidated operations, and gain on sale of Kitchen Basics for the years and in the amounts set forth below are included in notes 2, 3, and 5, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above 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 financial 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 that we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting.

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial results is provided below:

202220212020
Gross profit$2,274.5$2,494.6$2,300.4
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold (1)6.3
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Adjusted gross profit$2,274.5$2,505.6$2,300.4
Adjusted gross profit margin (3)35.8%39.7%41.1%
Operating income$863.6$1,015.1$999.5
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold (1)6.3
Impact of other transaction and integration expenses (1)2.229.012.4
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Impact of other special charges(2)51.646.46.9
Adjusted operating income$917.4$1,101.5$1,018.8
% (decrease) increase versus prior year(16.7)%8.1%4.1%
Adjusted operating income margin (3)14.4%17.4%18.2%
Income tax expense$168.6$192.7$174.9
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.6(2.7)1.9
Impact of special charges(2)13.37.12.1
Impact of sale of Kitchen Basics(11.6)
Adjusted income tax expense$170.9$197.1$178.9
Adjusted income tax rate(4)20.9%20.1%19.9%
Net income$682.0$755.3$747.4
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)1.638.010.5
Impact of special charges(2)38.344.04.8
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(38.0)
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(13.4)
Adjusted net income$683.9$823.9$762.7
% (decrease) increase versus prior year(17.0)%8.0%6.3%
Earnings per share—diluted$2.52$2.80$2.78
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.010.140.04
Impact of special charges(2)0.140.160.01
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of Kitchen Basics(0.14)
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(0.05)
Adjusted earnings per share—diluted$2.53$3.05$2.83

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(1)Transaction and integration expenses are more fully described in note 2 of notes to our consolidated financial statements and include transaction and integration expenses associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These expenses include the effect of the fair value adjustment to acquired inventories on cost of goods sold and the impact of a discrete deferred state income tax expense item, directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. The discrete tax item had an unfavorable impact of $10.4 million or $0.04 per diluted share for the year ended November 30, 2021.
(2)Special charges are more fully described in note 3 of notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $10.0 million non-cash intangible asset impairment charge associated with our exit of our business operations in Russia. We exited our Kohinoor rice product line in India in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2022 include a $13.6 million gain associated with the sale of the Kohinoor brand name. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2021 include $4.7 million which is reflected in Cost of goods sold and an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge associated with the impairment of certain intangible assets.
(3)Adjusted gross profit margin is calculated as adjusted gross profit as a percent of net sales for each period presented. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated as adjusted operating income as a percent of net sales for each period presented.
(4)Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes, excluding transaction and integration expenses and special charges, or $817.0 million, $982.2 million, and $900.8 million for the years ended November 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Estimate for the year ending November 30, 2023
Earnings per share – diluted$2.42 to $2.47
Impact of special charges0.14
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted$2.56 to $2.61

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 2022 on a constant currency basis, net sales and adjusted operating income for 2022 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2021 and compared to the reported results for 2021; and (2) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2021 on a constant currency basis, net sales and operating income for 2021 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2020 and compared to the reported results for 2020.

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For the year ended November 30, 2022
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas(1.1)%(0.2)%(0.9)%
EMEA(14.7)%(9.6)%(5.1)%
Asia/Pacific(10.1)%(2.0)%(8.1)%
Total Consumer(4.6)%(2.1)%(2.5)%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas11.4%(0.3)%11.7%
EMEA5.5%(11.7)%17.2%
Asia/Pacific(0.2)%(5.4)%5.2%
Total Flavor Solutions8.9%(3.2)%12.1%
Total net sales0.5%(2.5)%3.0%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment(11.7)%(0.8)%(10.9)%
Flavor Solutions segment(30.3)%(2.4)%(27.9)%
Total adjusted operating income(16.7)%(1.2)%(15.5)%
For the year ended November 30, 2021
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas7.3%0.6%6.7%
EMEA5.8%4.9%0.9%
Asia/Pacific31.6%8.7%22.9%
Total Consumer9.5%2.2%7.3%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas16.6%1.2%15.4%
EMEA27.3%5.8%21.5%
Asia/Pacific16.9%7.5%9.4%
Total Flavor Solutions18.7%2.8%15.9%
Total net sales12.8%2.4%10.4%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment3.1%1.8%1.3%
Flavor Solutions segment24.7%2.2%22.5%
Total adjusted operating income8.1%1.9%6.2%

To present the percentage change in projected 2023 net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted on a constant currency basis, 2023 projected local currency net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted net income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at currently prevailing exchange rates and are compared to those 2023 local currency projected results, translated into U.S. dollars at the average actual exchange rates in effect during the corresponding months in fiscal year 2022 to determine what the 2023 consolidated U.S. dollar net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted would have been if the relevant currency exchange rates had not changed from those of the comparable 2022 periods.

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

202220212020
Net cash provided by operating activities$651.5$828.3$1,041.3
Net cash used in investing activities(146.4)(908.6)(1,025.6)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(487.2)22.0220.9

The primary objective of our financing strategy is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. We use a combination of equity and short- and long-term debt. We use short-term debt, comprised primarily of commercial paper, principally to finance ongoing operations, including our requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities). We are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings.

Our cash flows from operations enable us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, service our debt, fund or increase our quarterly dividends, fund capital projects and other investments, and make share repurchases when appropriate. Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, our cash flow from operations has historically been the strongest during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Due to the timing of the interest payments on our debt, interest payments are higher in the first and third quarter of our fiscal year.

We believe that our sources of liquidity, which include existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, our commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our debt obligations, including any repayment of debt or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

In the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the translation effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as these do not reflect actual cash flows. In addition, in the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effect of acquired or disposed operating assets and liabilities, as the cash flows associated with acquisition or dispositions of businesses is presented as an investing activity. 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, 2022, the exchange rates for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty were lower than the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2021.

Operating Cash Flow – Operating cash flow was $651.5 million in 2022, $828.3 million in 2021, and $1,041.3 million in 2020. Net income as well as our working capital management, as more fully described below, impacted operating cash flow. In 2022, the decrease was primarily driven by lower net income, including the effect of net income associated with the gain on sale of our Kitchen Basics business and an intangible asset that are reflected as investing cash flows as well as the timing of certain employee incentive payments. In 2021, the reduction in operating cash flow was the result of increased inventory levels to protect against supply disruption, employee incentive payments, and the payment of transaction and integration costs related to our recent acquisitions. In 2020, the increase in operating cash flow was the result of a significantly lower use of cash associated with other assets and liabilities, including the timing of certain employee incentive and customer related payments, which was partially offset by the use of cash associated with working capital, driven by the increased level of inventory to meet demand.

Our working capital management – principally related to inventory, trade accounts receivable, and accounts payable – impacts our operating cash flow. The change in inventory was a significant use of cash from operations in 2022, 2021, and 2020. The change in trade accounts receivable was a use of cash in 2022 and 2021 but a source of cash in 2020. The change in accounts payable was a significant source of cash in 2022 and 2020 and a more moderate source of cash in 2021.

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:

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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:

202220212020
Cash Conversion Cycle514639

The increase in CCC in 2022 from 2021 was due primarily to an increase in our days in inventory as a result of cost inflation, strategic purchases to avoid shipping challenges, and lower than forecasted sales. The increase in CCC in 2021 from 2020 was due primarily to an increase in our days in inventory as a result of efforts to protect against supply chain disruption and to meet increased demand. During both periods, the increase in days in inventory was partially offset by an increase in our days payable outstanding.

We offer certain suppliers access to a third-party Supply Chain Finance program (SCF) with several global financial institutions (SCF Banks). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from us to an SCF Bank. These participating suppliers negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. While we are not party to those agreements, the SCF Banks allow the participating suppliers to utilize our creditworthiness in establishing credit spreads and associated costs. This generally provides the suppliers with more favorable terms than they would be able to secure on their own. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell a receivable. Once a qualifying supplier elects to participate in the SCF and reaches an agreement with a SCF Bank, the supplier elects which of our individual invoices they sell to the SCF bank. However, all of our payments to participating suppliers are paid to the SCF Bank on the invoice due date, regardless of whether the individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the SCF Bank. The SCF Bank pays the supplier on the invoice due date for any invoices that were not previously sold by the supplier to the SCF Bank. The program has been in place for over five years and commenced near the same time we began an initiative to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers in response to evolving market practices.

The terms of our payment obligation are not impacted by a supplier’s participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar materials within individual markets are consistent between those suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those suppliers that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of suppliers or related input costs that are included in the SCF. For our participating suppliers, we believe substantially all of their receivables with us are sold to the SCF Banks. Accordingly, we would expect that at each balance sheet date, a similar proportion of amounts originally due to suppliers would instead be payable to SCF Banks. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within the line entitled "Trade accounts payable" in our consolidated balance sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of November 30, 2022 and 2021, the amount due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in "Trade accounts payable" were approximately $347.0 million and $274.3 million, respectively.

Future changes in our suppliers’ financing policies or economic developments, such as changes in interest rates, general market liquidity or our creditworthiness relative to participating suppliers could impact those suppliers’ participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.

Investing Cash Flow – Net cash used in investing activities was $146.4 million in 2022, $908.6 million in 2021, and $1,025.6 million in 2020. Our primary investing cash flows include the usage of cash associated with acquisition of businesses and capital expenditures as well as cash provided by sale of businesses, unconsolidated operations, or other assets. Cash usage related to our acquisition of businesses was $706.4 million and $803.0 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Capital expenditures, including expenditures for capitalized software, were $262.0 million in 2022, $278.0 million in 2021, and $225.3 million in 2020. We expect 2023 capital expenditures to approximate $280 million to support our planned growth. In 2022, we received $95.2 million net cash proceeds received from the sale of our Kitchen Basics business and $13.6 million net cash proceeds received on the sale of the Kohinoor brand name which are more fully discussed in notes 2 and 3, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements. Our primary investing cash inflow in 2021 was the $65.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of an unconsolidated operation, as more fully discussed in note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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Financing Cash Flow – Net cash associated with financing activities was a use of cash of $487.2 million in 2022 and a source of cash of $22.0 million and $220.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The variability between years is principally a result of changes in our net borrowings, share repurchase activity and dividends, all as described below.

The following table outlines our net borrowing activities:

202220212020
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings$698.3$(346.7)$286.5
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs999.6525.9
Repayments of long-term debt(772.0)(257.1)(257.7)
Net cash (used in) provided from net borrowing activities$(73.7)$395.8$554.7

In 2022, we repaid $772.0 million of long-term debt, including the $750 million, 2.70% notes that matured on August 15, 2022.

In 2021, we borrowed $1,001.5 million under long-term borrowing arrangements, including net proceeds of $495.7 million of 0.9% notes due February 2026 and net proceeds of $492.8 million of 1.85% notes due February 2031. The net proceeds from these issuances were used to pay down short-term borrowings, including a portion of the $1,443.0 million of commercial paper issued to fund our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, and for general corporate purposes. We also repaid $257.1 million of long-term debt, including the $250 million, 3.90% notes that matured in July 2021.

In 2020, we borrowed $527.0 million under long-term borrowing arrangements, including net proceeds of $495.0 million of 2.5% notes due April 2030. We also repaid $257.7 million of long-term debt, including $250.0 million associated with our term loans due in August 2022.

The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase programs:

202220212020
Number of shares of common stock0.40.10.5
Dollar amount$38.8$8.6$47.3

As of November 30, 2022, $537 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2019. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. Our share repurchase activity in 2022, 2021, and 2020 has principally been executed in order to mitigate the effect of shares issued upon the exercise of stock options.

During 2022, 2021 and 2020, we received proceeds of $41.4 million, $13.5 million and $56.6 million, respectively, from exercised stock options. We repurchased $19.4 million, $15.4 million and $13.0 million of common stock during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, in conjunction with employee tax withholding requirements associated with our stock compensation plans.

Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:

202220212020
Total dividends paid$396.7$363.3$330.1
Dividends paid per share1.481.361.24
Percentage increase per share8.8%9.7%8.8%

In November 2022, the Board of Directors approved a 5.4% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.37 to $0.39 per share.

Most of our cash is in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. 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. Those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects and future acquisitions. As of November 30, 2022, we have $1.4 billion of earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures that are considered indefinitely reinvested. We have not provided any deferred taxes with respect to items such as foreign withholding taxes, other income taxes, or foreign exchange gains or losses. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these reinvested international earnings.

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At November 30, 2022, we temporarily used $191.0 million of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During the year, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a year or quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2022 and 2021 were $1,117.0 million and $1,029.9 million, respectively. Those average short-term borrowings outstanding for the year ended November 30, 2022 included average commercial paper borrowings of $1,080.4 million. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2022 and 2021 was $5,422.0 million and $5,574.5 million, respectively.

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 facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.

Our committed revolving credit facilities include a five-year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which will expire in June 2026 and a 364-day $500 million revolving credit facility, which was entered into in July 2022 and will expire in July 2023. The current pricing for the five-year credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is LIBOR plus 1.25%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to LIBOR plus 1.75%. The current pricing for the 364-day credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is SOFR plus 1.23%. The pricing of that credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to SOFR plus 1.60%.

The provisions of each revolving credit facility restrict subsidiary indebtedness and require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio. We do not expect that this covenant would limit our access to either revolving credit facilities for the foreseeable future. The terms of those revolving credit facilities are more fully described in note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

We generally use our revolving credit facilities 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 facilities. These facilities are made available by a syndicate of banks, with various commitments per bank. If any of the banks in these syndicates 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. We engage in regular communication with all 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. In addition to our committed revolving credit facilities, we have uncommitted facilities of $302.5 million as of November 30, 2022 that can be withdrawn based upon the lenders' discretion. See note 6 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements.

We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest, to service debt, and to fund acquisitions. As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments. Our primary obligations include principal and interest payments on our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt. In the next year, our most significant debt service obligation is the maturity of our $250.0 million, 3.50% notes due in September 2023. Also in July 2023, our $500 million, 364-day revolving credit facility matures. Detail on these contractual obligations follows:

MATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS

The following table reflects a summary of our future material cash requirements as of November 30, 2022:

TotalLess than 1 year1–3 years3–5 yearsMore than 5 years
Short-term borrowings$1,236.7$1,236.7$$$
Long-term debt, including finance leases3,981.1270.61,066.61,268.81,375.1
Interest payments(a)724.5110.0176.9156.3281.3
Total contractual cash obligations$5,942.3$1,617.3$1,243.5$1,425.1$1,656.4

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(a)Interest payments include interest payments on long-term debt. Our short-term borrowings, principally consisting of commercial paper, have short-term maturities. We anticipate total interest expense for the year ending November 30, 2023 to approximate $200 million to $210 million, which we expect will also approximate cash interest payments for the same period. See note 6 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Our other cash requirements at year end include raw material purchases, lease payments, income taxes, and pension and postretirement benefits. We acquire various raw materials to satisfy our obligations to our customers, and these outstanding purchase obligations can fluctuate throughout the year based on our response to varying raw material cycles; however, these commitments generally do not extend past one year. In addition, we also have a series of commercial commitments, largely consisting of standby letters of credit. Our standby letters of credit, leases, and pension and other post retirement obligations are more fully described in notes 6, 7 and 11, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash, cash equivalents and internally generated funds, to borrow under our existing credit facilities or under other short-term borrowing facilities, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular debt maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future cash requirements.

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 contributions to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $11.4 million in 2022, $15.0 million in 2021, and $11.9 million in 2020. It is expected that the 2023 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $13 million. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent upon 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 55% of assets are invested in equities, 32% in fixed income investments and 13% in other investments. Assets associated with our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance, the value of which approximates an investment mix of 60% in equities and 40% in fixed income investments. See note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.

CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES – See the subsequent section of this discussion under the heading "Market Risk Sensitivity–Credit Risk."

ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions are part of our strategy to increase sales and profits.

On December 30, 2020, we purchased FONA. The purchase price was approximately $708 million, net of cash acquired. FONA is a leading manufacturer of clean and natural flavors providing solutions for a diverse customer base across various applications for the food, beverage and nutritional markets. Our acquisition of FONA expands the breadth of our flavor solutions segment into attractive categories, as well as extends our technology platform and strengthens our capabilities. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. The results of FONA's operations have been included in our financial statements as a component of our flavor solutions segment from the date of acquisition.

On November 30, 2020, we purchased Cholula for approximately $801 million, net of cash acquired. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. Cholula, a premium Mexican hot sauce brand, is a strong addition to our global branded flavor portfolio, which broadens our offerings in the high growth hot sauce category to consumers and foodservice operators and accelerates our condiment growth opportunities with a complementary authentic Mexican flavor hot sauce. The results of Cholula’s operations have been included in our financial statements as a component of our consumer and flavor solutions segments from the date of acquisition.

See note 2 of notes to our consolidated 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

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(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 8 of notes to our consolidated 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, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Singapore dollar, Swiss franc, and Mexican peso, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty, and finally the Canadian dollar versus British pound sterling. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.

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During 2022, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in our subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling, Euro, Polish zloty, Chinese renminbi, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.

We also utilize cross currency interest rate swap contracts, which are designated as net investment hedges, to manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling and Euro. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2022. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2022 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, 2022

Currency soldCurrency receivedNotional valueAverage contractual exchange rateFair value
British pound sterlingU.S. dollar$89.91.28$6.0
Swiss francU.S. dollar69.60.93(0.2)
Canadian dollarU.S. dollar70.41.331.1
EuroU.S. dollar49.01.050.2
Polish zlotyU.S. dollar9.84.67(0.1)
U.S. dollarAustralian dollar55.20.67
U.S. dollarSingapore dollar44.51.380.2
U.S. dollarBritish pound sterling30.41.20(0.3)
U.S. dollarEuro34.01.04(0.3)
Australian dollarEuro22.21.490.8
Polish zlotyEuro14.14.89(0.1)
Canadian dollarBritish pound sterling28.81.541.5
British pound sterlingEuro23.90.860.3
U.S. dollarThai baht7.236.710.4

We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2022 with an aggregate notional value of $11.5 million to purchase or sell other currencies, such as the Romanian leu. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was insignificant at November 30, 2022.

At November 30, 2021, we had foreign currency exchange contracts for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Swiss franc and other currencies, with a notional value of $583.6 million. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was a gain of $5.5 million at November 30, 2021.

We also utilized cross currency interest rate swap contracts that are considered net investment hedges.

As of November 30, 2022 and 2021, we had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at three-month U.S. LIBOR plus 0.685% and pay £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and (ii) £194.1 million notional value to receive £194.1 million at three-month GBP SONIA plus 0.859% and pay €221.8 million at three-month Euro EURIBOR plus 0.808%. These cross-currency interest rate swap contracts expire in August 2027. In conjunction with the phase-out of LIBOR, during 2022 we amended the terms of this cross currency swaps such that, effective February 15, 2022, we now pay and receive at GBP SONIA plus 0.859% (previously GBP LIBOR plus 0.740%).

As of November 30, 2022, we also had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at USD SOFR plus 0.684% and pay £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.5740% and (ii) £184.1 million notional value to receive £184.1 million at GBP SONIA plus 0.574% and pay €219.2 million at Euro ESTR plus 0.667%. These contracts expire in April 2030.

Interest Rate Risk – Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We are exposed to interest rate volatility, with primary exposures related to movements in U.S. Treasury rates, London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and commercial paper rates. The phase out of LIBOR reference rates will occur at different dates and began on January 1, 2022. Arrangements that were entered into during the year ended November 30, 2022, including our $500 million

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364-day revolving credit facility expiring in July 2023, fixed to variable interest rate swaps expiring in April 2030, and cross-currency interest rate swaps expiring in April 2030, no longer use LIBOR as a reference rate. However, LIBOR continues to be the reference rate for our variable rate debt, including our $1.5 billion five-year revolving credit facility expiring in July 2026, interest rate swaps expiring in November 2025 and August 2027, and the cross-currency interest rate swaps expiring in August 2027. Through the year ended November 30, 2022, there was no material impact to our consolidated financial statements as a result of the LIBOR phase-out, nor do we expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements during the duration of the LIBOR transition period.

We also use interest rate swaps to minimize 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, 2022. 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, 2022

2023202420252026ThereafterTotalFair value
Debt
Fixed rate$257.4$763.1$258.7$509.2$2,134.7$3,923.1$3,542.9
Average interest rate3.50%3.50%3.25%0.94%1.74%
Variable rate$1,249.9$33.8$11.0$$$1,294.7$1,294.7
Average interest rate4.20%1.85%1.84%

The table above displays the debt, including finance leases, 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 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 the notes maturity in 2025. Net interest payments are based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.22% with an effective variable rate of 5.83% as of November 30, 2022.

•We issued $750 million of 3.40% notes due August 15, 2027 in August 2017. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $750 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.44%. The fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 3.40% notes due in August 2027 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2027. Net interest payments are based on 3-month LIBOR plus 0.685% with an effective variable rate of 5.29% as of November 30, 2022.

•We issued $500 million of 2.50% notes due April 15, 2030. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $500 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.62%. The fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 2.50% notes due in April 2030 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through the notes maturity in 2030. Net interest payments are based on USD SOFR plus 0.684% with an effective variable rate of 4.94% as of November 30, 2022.

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 2022, our most significant raw materials were dairy products, pepper, onion, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), garlic, wheat products, vegetable oils, 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.

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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See note 1 of notes to our consolidated 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, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, 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 arrangements. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on current expectations regarding what was earned through these programs as of the balance sheet date. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. Certain of our customer arrangements are annual arrangements such that the degree of estimates that affects revenue reduces as a year progresses. We do not believe that there will be significant changes to our estimates of customer consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers.

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Asset Valuation

We use the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, our financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the closing of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. We generally obtain the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

Determining the useful lives of intangible assets also requires judgment. Certain brand intangibles are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and our plans to continue to support and build the acquired brands, while other acquired intangible assets (e.g., customer relationships) are expected to have determinable useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets are primarily based upon historical experience, the competitive and macroeconomic environment, and our operating plans. The costs of definite-lived intangibles are amortized to expense over their estimated life. 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, as more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements. While we believe those estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

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Goodwill Impairment

Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, as more fully described in note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We estimate the 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 a market-based discount rate. We then compare this fair value to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The quantitative goodwill impairment test requires an entity to compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. As of November 30, 2022, we had $5,212.9 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($3,568.2 million in the consumer segment and $1,644.7 million in the flavor solutions segment). Our fiscal year 2022 impairment testing indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill. However, variances between the actual performance of the businesses and the assumptions that were used in developing the estimates of fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We estimate fair values through the use of the relief-from-royalty method and then compare those fair values to the related carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event that the fair value of any of the brand names or trademarks are less than their related carrying amounts, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.

The estimation of fair values of our brand names and trademarks requires us to make significant assumptions, including expectations with respect to sales and profits of the respective brands and trademarks, related royalty rates, income tax rates and appropriate discount rates, which are based, in part, upon current interest rates adjusted for our view of reasonable country- and brand-specific risks based upon the past and anticipated future performance of the related brand names and trademarks. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.

As of November 30, 2022, we had $3,043.4 million of brand names assets and trademarks recognized in our consolidated balance sheet, and none of the balances exceeded their estimated fair values at that date. Of the $3,043.4 million of brand names assets and trademarks as of November 30, 2022: (i) $2,320.0 million relates to the French’s, Frank’s RedHot and Cattlemen’s brand names and trademarks, recognized as part of our acquisition of RB Foods in August 2017, that we group for purposes of our impairment analysis; (ii) $380.0 million relates to the Cholula brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of Cholula in November 2020, (iii) $49.0 million relates to the FONA brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of FONA in December 2020 and (iv) the remaining $294.4 million represents a number of other brand name assets and trademarks with individual carrying values ranging from $0.2 million to $106.4 million. Except for four brand names assets and trademarks with a carrying value of approximately $460 million, including our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, the percentage excess of estimated fair value over respective book values for each of our brand names and trademarks, was 20% or more as of our fourth quarter annual impairment assessment.

The brand names and trademarks related to recent acquisitions, including our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, may be more susceptible to future impairment as their carrying values represent recently determined fair values. A change in assumptions with respect to recently acquired businesses, including those affected by rising interest rates or a deterioration in expectations of future sales, profitability or royalty rates as well as future economic and market conditions, or higher income tax rates, could result in non-cash impairment losses in the future.

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 can challenge certain of our tax positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income

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taxes. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will be recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change. We believe that our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate. As of November 30, 2022, the Company had $29.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other long-term liabilities. 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, as more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Pension Benefits

Pension plans’ costs require the use of assumptions for discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, and mortality rates. The actuarial assumptions used in our pension benefit reporting are reviewed annually and compared with external benchmarks to ensure that they appropriately account for our future pension benefit obligations. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, changes in various assumptions and differences between the actual returns on plan assets and the expected returns on plan assets and changes to projected future rates of return on plan assets will affect the amount of pension expense or income ultimately recognized. A 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact 2023 pension benefit expense by approximately $0.4 million. A 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would impact 2023 pension expense by approximately $9.8 million.

We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used in the measurement of our pension benefit obligations. In addition, see note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000063754-22-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-01-27. Report date: 2021-11-30.

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 from the perspective of management. 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 — more fully described below under the caption Non-GAAP Financial Measures — 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. On November 30, 2020, the Company effected a two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend on all shares of the Company’s two classes of common stock. On November 30, 2020, one like share was issued for each share outstanding to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2020. All common stock and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.

McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food and beverage industry–retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We manage our business in two operating segments, consumer and flavor solutions, 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 adjusted operating income 7% to 9% and increase adjusted earnings per share 9% to 11%.

COVID-19 – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world either recommended or mandated actions to slow the transmission of the virus that included shelter-in-place orders, quarantines, limitations on crowd size, closures of dine-in restaurants and bars, and significant restrictions on travel, as well as work restrictions that prohibited many employees from going to work. Uncertainty with respect to the economic effects of the pandemic has significantly impacted not only our operating results but also the global economy. The extent and nature of government actions varied during the years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020 based upon the then-current extent and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic within their respective countries and localities.

We continue to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business. The effects of COVID-19 on consumer behavior have impacted the relative balance of at-home versus away-from-home food demand. The impact of COVID-19 on our consumer segment since the beginning of the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in at-home consumption and related demand for our products. In 2021, our flavor solutions segment benefited from a recovery in away-from-home eating that more than offset the net sales declines experienced in 2020 as a result of restrictions imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 mitigation measures in 2020 impacting certain of our flavor solutions customers included the following: (i) with respect to dine-in restaurants, closures, limitations on dine-in capacity, or restrictions on the operations of those restaurants to carry-out or delivery only; and (ii) with respect to quick service restaurants, limitations on operations to drive-through pick-up or delivery. Although certain restrictive measures were reinstated during certain periods of 2021, the prevalence and scale of closures and operating limitations were less severe as compared to 2020. For comparative purposes, the following provides a summary of growth in net sales as reported and on a constant currency basis for the year ended 2021 as compared to 2019:

For the year ended November 30, 2021 as compared to the year ended November 30, 2019
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment20.4%2.1%18.3%
Flavor Solutions segment14.6%0.8%13.8%
Total net sales18.1%1.6%16.5%

The percentage change in reported net sales and the percentage change on a constant currency basis were

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favorably impacted by the acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, which, in aggregate, contributed 2.6%, 7.1% and 4.3% to the consumer segment, flavor solutions segment and total net sales growth rates, respectively, in the preceding table, on both a reported and constant currency basis.

In early fiscal 2021, vaccines effective in combating COVID-19 were approved by health agencies in certain countries/regions in which we operate (including the U.S., U.K., European Union, Canada and Mexico) and began to be administered. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines and their acceptance by individuals is difficult to predict, and vaccination levels vary across jurisdictions. The pace and shape of the COVID-19 recovery as well as the impact and extent of COVID-19 variants or potential resurgences is not presently known. These and other uncertainties with respect to COVID-19 could result in changes to our current expectations in addition to a number of adverse impacts to our business, including but not limited to additional disruption to the economy and consumers’ willingness and ability to spend, temporary or permanent closures by businesses that consume our products, such as restaurants, additional work restrictions, and supply chains being interrupted, slowed, or rendered inoperable or, in the case of significant increased demand for our product, we may be unable to fulfill that increased demand. As a result, it may be challenging to obtain and process raw materials to support our business needs, and individuals could become ill, quarantined, or otherwise unable to work and/or travel due to health reasons or governmental restrictions. Also, governments may impose other laws, regulations or taxes related to COVID-19 which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Further, if our customers’ businesses are similarly affected, they might delay or reduce purchases from us. The potential effects of COVID-19 also could impact us in a number of other ways including, but not limited to, variations in the level of our profitability, laws and regulations affecting our business, fluctuations in foreign currency markets, the availability of future borrowings, the cost of borrowings, valuation of our pension assets and obligations, credit risks of our customers and counterparties, and potential impairment of the carrying value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Inflationary Cost Environment and Supply Chain Disruption – During fiscal 2021, we experienced inflationary cost increases in our commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. We expect that these inflationary cost increases will continue but we expect they will be partially mitigated by pricing actions implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, those that we plan to implement in fiscal 2022 and by our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program-led cost savings. During fiscal 2021, we also experienced additional pressure in our supply chain due to strained transportation capacity, as well as due to labor shortages and absenteeism associated with COVID-19, together with the impact of the continued elevated demand. In response to these supply chain pressures, we have taken actions build capacity as well as increase our supply chain related resources. We expect these pressures to continue in 2022.

Sales growth: Over time, we expect to grow sales with similar contributions from: 1) our base business – driven by brand marketing support, category management, and differentiated customer engagement; 2) new products; and 3) acquisitions.

Base business – We expect to drive sales growth by optimizing our brand marketing investment through improved speed, quality and effectiveness. We measure the return on our brand marketing investment and have identified digital marketing as one of our highest return investments in brand marketing support. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice and help them discover new products.

New Products – For our consumer segment, we believe that scalable and differentiated innovation continues to be one of the best ways to distinguish our brands from our competition, including private label. We are introducing products for every type of cooking occasion, from gourmet, premium items to convenient and value-priced flavors.

For flavor solutions customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. We have a solid pipeline of flavor solutions products aligned with our customers’ new product launch plans, many of which include clean-label, organic, natural, and “better-for-you” innovation. With over 20 product innovation centers around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our flavor solutions customers with products that appeal to local consumers.

Acquisitions – Acquisitions are expected to approximate one-third of our sales growth over time. Since the beginning of 2017, we have completed four acquisitions, which are driving sales in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. We focus on acquisition opportunities that meet the growing demand for flavor and health. Geographically, our focus is on acquisitions that build scale where we currently have presence in both developed and emerging markets. Information with respect to our three most recent acquisitions is provided below:

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•On December 30, 2020, we acquired FONA International, LLC and certain of its affiliates (FONA), a privately owned company, for approximately $708 million, net of cash acquired. We financed this fiscal 2021 acquisition with cash and short-term borrowings. FONA is a leading manufacturer of clean and natural flavors providing solutions for a diverse customer base across various applications for the food, beverage and nutritional markets which expands the breadth of our flavor solutions segment into attractive categories, as well as extends our technology platform, strengthens our capabilities, and accelerates the strategic migration of our portfolio to more value-added and technically insulated products.

•On November 30, 2020, we acquired the parent company of Cholula Hot Sauce® (Cholula) from L Catterton for approximately $801 million, net of cash acquired. Cholula is a strong addition to McCormick’s global branded flavor portfolio, which broadens the Company’s offering in the high growth hot sauce category to consumers and foodservice operators and accelerates our condiment growth opportunities with a complementary authentic Mexican flavor hot sauce in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments.

•On August 17, 2017, we acquired Reckitt Benckiser's Food Division (RB Foods) for approximately $4.2 billion. The acquired iconic brands of RB Foods included French’s®, Frank’s RedHot® and Cattlemen’s®, which are a natural strategic fit with our robust global branded flavor portfolio. We believe that these additions moved us to a leading position in the attractive U.S. condiments category and provide significant international growth opportunities for our consumer and flavor solutions segments.

The FONA and Cholula acquisitions contributed approximately one-third of our sales growth in 2021.

Cost savings and business transformation: 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, that also includes savings from the organization and streamlining actions described in note 3 of notes to our consolidated financial statements. In addition to funding brand marketing support, product innovation and other growth initiatives, our CCI program helps offset higher costs and is contributing to higher operating income and earnings per share.

We are making investments to build the McCormick of the future, including in our Global Enablement (GE) organization to transform McCormick through globally aligned, innovative services to enable growth. As more fully described in note 3 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, we expect to incur special charges of approximately $60 million to $65 million associated with our GE initiative of which approximately $40.7 million have been recognized through November 30, 2021. As technology provides the backbone for this greater process alignment, information sharing and scalability, we are also making investments in our information systems. From late 2018 through early 2020, we progressed in implementing our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) replacement program which will enable us to accelerate the transformation of our ways of working and provide a scalable platform for growth. In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we elected to pause activity related to our ERP for the balance of fiscal 2020 due, in part, to COVID-19 restrictions that restricted necessary travel by internal and external ERP team members and made it difficult for local McCormick personnel to actively participate in the ERP development, data cleansing, and testing prior to then scheduled pilots later in fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, we resumed activities related to our ERP replacement program.

We expect that, in total over the course of the ERP replacement program from late 2018 through 2025, we will invest approximately $400 million, including expenses related to the go-live activities in our operations, to enable the anticipated completion of the global roll out of our new information technology platform in 2024. Of that projected $400 million, we expect capitalized software to account for approximately 50% and program expenses to account for approximately 50%. Of the approximately $200 million of operating expenses included in our projected total spending related to our ERP replacement program, approximately $85 million has been recognized through November 30, 2021. Of the approximately $200 million of capitalized software included in our projected total spending related to our ERP program, approximately $115 million has been recognized through November 30, 2021.

The GE initiative is expected to generate annual savings, ranging from approximately $45 million to $55 million, once all actions are implemented, including those that are dependent on the replacement of our global ERP platform.

Cash flow: We continue to generate strong cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities was $828.3 million, $1,041.3 million and $946.8 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. In 2021, we continued to have a balanced use of cash for debt repayment, capital expenditures and the return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We are using our cash to fund shareholder dividends, with annual increases in each of the past 36 years, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. In 2021, the return of cash to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $371.9 million.

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Operating Results: On a long-term basis, we expect a combination of acquisitions, share repurchases and debt repayments, and the resulting impact on interest expense, to add about 2% to earnings per share growth.

In 2021, we achieved further growth of our business with net sales rising 12.8% over the 2020 level due to the following factors:

•We grew volume and product mix, which added 5.5% of sales growth, exclusive of acquisitions. This growth was driven by increases in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. Increased net sales within our consumer segment was driven by strong demand due to a sustained shift in consumer behavior toward at-home meal preparation, which was first seen in 2020 as a response to actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Increased net sales within our flavor solutions segment was principally driven by sales of away-from-home products as compared to 2020, when actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 significantly impacted demand.

•Pricing actions contributed 0.8% of the increase in net sales.

•Acquisitions contributed 4.1% of the increase in net sales.

•Net sales growth was positively impacted by fluctuations in currency rates that increased sales growth by 2.4%. Excluding this impact, we grew sales by 10.4% over the prior year on a constant currency basis.

Operating income was $1,015.1 million in 2021 and $999.5 million in 2020. We recorded $51.1 million and $6.9 million of special charges in 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to organization and streamlining actions. Special charges in 2021 included $4.7 million in cost of goods sold related the exit of a low margin business. In 2021 and 2020, we also recorded $35.3 million and $12.4 million of transaction and integration expenses, respectively, related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA that reduced operating income. In 2021, compared to the year-ago period, the favorable impact of higher sales, $117.0 million of cost savings from our CCI program, including organization and streamlining actions, and lower incentive-based compensation more than offset the impact of increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, higher conversion costs, which include costs associated with COVID-19, and increased brand marketing costs. Excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, adjusted operating income was $1,101.5 million in 2021, an increase of 8.1%, compared to $1,018.8 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, adjusted operating income rose 6.2%. For further details and a reconciliation of non-GAAP to reported amounts, see the subsequent discussion under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

Diluted earnings per share was $2.80 in 2021 and $2.78 in 2020. The year-on-year increase in earnings per share was primarily driven by higher operating income. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses lowered earnings per share by $0.30 and $0.05 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. A gain on our sale of an unconsolidated operation increased earnings per share by $0.05 in 2021. Excluding the effects of special charges, transaction and integration expenses, and the gain realized from the sale of an unconsolidated operation, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.05 in 2021 and $2.83 in 2020, or an increase of 7.8%.

2022 Outlook

In 2022, we expect to grow net sales over the 2021 level by 3% to 5%, which includes an estimated 1% unfavorable impact from currency rates, or 4% to 6% on a constant currency basis. That anticipated 2022 sales growth includes the impact of pricing actions, including those taken in 2021, to partially offset cost increases. We expect the impact of pricing to be a significant driver of our sales growth. We expect volume and product mix to be impacted by pricing elasticities, although at a lower level than we have experienced historically. We anticipate that our volume and product mix will also be impacted by the exit of a lower margin product line in late 2021.

We expect our 2022 gross profit margin to range from an increase of 20 basis points to a decline of 30 basis points from our gross profit margin of 39.5% in 2021. The projected 2022 change in gross profit margin is principally due to the net effect of (i) a mid-teen percentage impact of inflation in 2022 compared to 2021, (ii) the favorable impact of pricing actions in response to increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, (iii) anticipated unfavorable sales mix in 2022 between our consumer and flavor solutions segments as compared to 2021, (iv) the favorable impact of anticipated CCI cost savings, and (v) the lack of $11.0 million of transaction and integration expenses and special charges reflected in cost of goods sold in 2021. We expect our 2022 gross profit margin, excluding the $11.0 million of transaction and integration expenses and special charges in 2021, to range from comparable to a decline of 50 basis points from our 2021 adjusted gross profit margin of 39.7%.

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In 2022, we expect an increase in operating income of 13% to 15%, which includes an estimated 1% unfavorable impact from currency rates, over the 2021 level. Our CCI-led cost savings target in 2022 is approximately $85 million. We anticipate integration expenses related to the FONA acquisition of approximately $3 million to favorably impact operating income in 2022, as compared to $35.3 million of transaction and integration expenses in 2021. We also expect approximately $30 million of special charges in 2022 that relate to previously announced organization and streamlining actions; in 2021, special charges were $51.1 million. Excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses, we expect 2022’s adjusted operating income to increase by 7% to 9%, which includes an estimated 1% unfavorable impact from currency rates, or to increase by 8% to 10% on a constant currency basis over the 2021 level.

Our underlying effective tax rate is projected to be higher in 2022 than in 2021. We estimate that our 2022 effective tax rate, including the net favorable impact of anticipated discrete tax items, will be 22% to 23% as compared to 21.5% in 2021. Excluding projected taxes associated with special charges and transaction and integration expenses, we estimate that our adjusted effective tax rate will be 22% to 23% in 2022, as compared to an adjusted effective tax rate of 20.1% in 2021.

Diluted earnings per share was $2.80 in 2021. Diluted earnings per share for 2022 is projected to range from $3.07 to $3.12. Excluding the per share impact of i) special charges of $0.16; ii) transaction and integration expenses, including the unfavorable impact of a discrete tax item of $0.04 related to our acquisition of FONA, of $0.14; and iii) the gain realized upon our sale of an unconsolidated operation of $0.05, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.05 in 2021. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding an estimated per share impact from special charges of $0.09 and from integration expenses of $0.01, is projected to range from $3.17 to $3.22 in 2022. We expect adjusted diluted earnings per share to grow by 4% to 6%, which includes a 1% unfavorable impact from currency rates, or to grow by 5% to 7% on a constant currency basis over adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.05 in 2021.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2021 COMPARED TO 2020

20212020
Net sales$6,317.9$5,601.3
Percent growth12.8%4.7%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix5.5%3.7%
Pricing actions0.8%1.6%
Acquisitions4.1%%
Foreign exchange2.4%(0.6)%

Sales for 2021 increased by 12.8% from 2020 and by 10.4% on a constant currency basis. That 12.8% sales increase was driven by higher sales in both our consumer and flavor solutions segments. On a consolidated basis, higher volume and favorable product mix increased sales by 5.5% while pricing actions, which were primarily taken in the fourth quarter, added 0.8% to sales. That net volume increase and favorable mix was driven by continued levels of strong demand within our consumer segment, as the shift in consumer behavior toward at-home meal preparation, first seen in 2020 as a response to actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, has persisted. In addition, our flavor solutions segment volume increased principally due to a recovery in demand for away-from-home products, including higher sales to our branded food service customers, as compared to 2020. Sales were also impacted by favorable foreign currency rates that increased net sales 2.4% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 10.4% on a constant currency basis.

20212020
Gross profit$2,494.6$2,300.4
Gross profit margin39.5%41.1%

In 2021, our gross profit margin decreased 160 basis points to 39.5% from 41.1% in 2020. The decline was driven by the impact of increased commodity, packaging materials and transportation costs, higher conversion costs, which includes costs associated with COVID-19, and a less favorable mix in sales between our consumer and flavor solutions segments as compared to 2020. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by savings from our CCI program, pricing actions, improved product mix and the accretive impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions, each as compared to the prior year period. In addition, our 2021 gross profit margin was burdened by (i) $6.3 million of transaction expense, representing the amortization of the fair value adjustment to the acquired inventories of Cholula and FONA upon our sale of those acquired inventories, and (ii) a non-cash special charge of $4.7 million

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associated with the exit of a low margin business in our Asia/Pacific region. Excluding the transaction expense and special charges, adjusted gross profit margin decreased by 140 basis points from 41.1% in 2020 to 39.7% for the year ended November 30, 2021.

20212020
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,404.1$1,281.6
Percent of net sales22.3%22.9%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $1,404.1 million in 2021 compared to $1,281.6 million in 2020, an increase of $122.5 million. That increase in SG&A expense was primarily a result of (i) SG&A associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions; (ii) greater selling and distribution expenses associated with the higher sales volume; and (iii) increased brand marketing costs, all as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Those increases were partially offset by lower performance-based employee incentive expenses, as compared to the prior year period. SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2021 decreased by 60 basis points from the prior year level, driven by the impact of the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher level of sales during the 2021 period.

20212020
Special charges included in cost of goods sold$4.7$
Other special charges46.46.9
Total special charges$51.1$6.9

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.

During 2021, we recorded $51.1 million of special charges, consisting principally of (i) $19.5 million associated with our exit of our rice product line in India, as more fully described below, (ii) $6.2 million associated with the transition of a manufacturing facility in EMEA, (iii) streamlining actions of $10.3 million in the Americas region and $4.8 million in the EMEA region, and (iv) a non-cash asset impairment charge of $6.0 million associated with an administrative site that was sold in conjunction with our decision to employ a hybrid work environment. As more fully described in note 3 of our notes of consolidated financial statements, the $19.5 million special charge associated with the exit of our rice product line in India consisted of an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge associated with the impairment of certain intangible assets, $3.6 million of employee severance and other related exit costs, and a $4.7 million charge in cost of goods sold which represents a provision for the excess of the carrying value of rice inventories over the estimated net realizable value and a contractual obligation associated with terminating a rice supply agreement.

During 2020, we recorded $6.9 million of special charges, consisting of $5.3 million related to streamlining actions in our EMEA region and $1.6 million related to our GE initiative.

20212020
Transaction expenses included in cost of goods sold$6.3$
Other transaction and integration expenses29.012.4
Total transaction and integration expenses$35.3$12.4

During 2021, we recorded transaction and integration expenses of $35.3 million related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These costs consisted of (i) $6.3 million of amortization of the acquisition-date fair value adjustment of inventories that is included in Cost of goods sold, (ii) $13.8 million of other transaction expenses primarily related to outside advisory, service and consulting costs, and (iii) $15.2 million of integration expenses. Transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA of $11.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were incurred late in fiscal 2020.

20212020
Operating income$1,015.1$999.5
Percent of net sales16.1%17.8%

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Operating income increased by $15.6 million, or 1.6%, from $999.5 million in 2020 to $1,015.1 million in 2021. Special charges and transaction and integration expenses increased by $67.1 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, and negatively impacted operating income. Operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 170 basis points in 2021, to 16.1% in 2021 from 17.8% in 2020 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $1,101.5 million in 2021 as compared to $1,018.8 million in 2020, an increase of $82.7 million or 8.1% over the 2020 level. Adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales declined by 80 basis points in 2021, to 17.4% in 2021 from 18.2% in 2020.

20212020
Interest expense$136.6$135.6
Other income, net17.317.6

Interest expense was $1.0 million higher for 2021 as compared to the prior year as an increase in average total borrowings was largely offset by a decrease in interest rates. Other income, net for 2021 decreased by $0.3 million as lower non-service cost income associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans was partially offset by higher interest income, as compared to 2020. The decrease was also impacted by non-operating foreign currency transaction gains in 2021, as compared to non-operating foreign currency transaction losses in the prior period.

20212020
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$895.8$881.5
Income tax expense192.7174.9
Effective tax rate21.5%19.8%

The provision for income taxes is based on the estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the tax impact of items discrete to the fiscal period. We record tax expense or tax benefits that do not relate to ordinary income in the current fiscal year discretely in the period in which such items occur pursuant to the requirements of U.S. GAAP. Examples of such types of discrete items not related to ordinary income include, but are not limited to, excess tax benefits associated with share-based payments to employees, changes in estimates of the outcome of tax matters related to prior years, including reversals of reserves upon the lapsing of statutes of limitations, provision-to-return adjustments, the settlement of tax audits, changes in enacted tax rates, changes in the assessment of deferred tax valuation allowances and the tax effects of certain intra-entity asset transfers (other than inventory).

The effective tax rate was 21.5% in 2021 as compared to 19.8% in 2020. The increase in our effective tax rate was principally attributable to the lower level of net discrete tax benefits in 2021 as compared to 2020. Net discrete tax benefits were $26.6 million in 2021, a decrease of $16.8 million from $43.4 million in 2020. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2021 and 2020 periods included excess tax benefits associated with share-based payments to employees ($4.3 million and $14.2 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits ($22.5 million and $4.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively) due to, in 2021, the partial release of certain reserves for an unrecognized tax benefit and related interest in a non-U.S. jurisdiction based on a change in our assessment of the technical merits of that position associated with the availability of new information, and in both years due to the expiration of the statues of limitations, the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets ($4.4 million and $11.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively) and other discrete items. In 2021, discrete tax items included $4.0 million of tax benefits related to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from enacted legislation and $10.4 million of deferred state tax expense directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. In 2020, discrete tax items included $9.9 million of tax benefits associated with intra-entity asset transfers that occurred. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20212020
Income from unconsolidated operations$52.2$40.8

Income from unconsolidated operations, which is presented net of the elimination of earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, increased $11.4 million in 2021 from the prior year, driven by an after-tax gain of $13.4 million on the sale of our 26% interest in Eastern Condiments Private Ltd. (Eastern), an unconsolidated operation, during our second quarter of 2021, as more fully described in note 5 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture,

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McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 62% and 75% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The relative impact of McCormick de Mexico on income from unconsolidated operations in 2021 was impacted by the gain on our sale of an unconsolidated operation.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.80 in 2021, compared to $2.78 in 2020. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2020 to 2021. The increase in adjusted operating income in the table below includes the impact from favorable currency exchange rates in 2021.

2020 Earnings per share—diluted$2.78
Increase in operating income0.25
Increase in special charges(0.15)
Increase in transaction and integration expenses, including impact of net discrete tax item related to FONA acquisition(0.10)
Impact of income taxes, excluding taxes on special charges and transaction and integration expenses(0.01)
Increase in income from unconsolidated operations, including an after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operation of $0.05 per diluted share0.04
Impact of higher shares(0.01)
2021 Earnings per share—diluted$2.80

Results of Operations—Segments

We measure the performance of our business segments based on operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. See note 16 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segment measures as well as for a reconciliation by segment of operating income, excluding special charges and transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions. In the following discussion, we refer to our previously described measure of segment profit as "Segment operating income".

Consumer Segment

20212020
Net sales$3,937.5$3,596.7
Percent growth9.5%10.0%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix4.3%8.8%
Pricing actions0.6%1.5%
Acquisitions2.4%%
Foreign exchange2.2%(0.3)%
Segment operating income$804.9$780.9
Segment operating income margin20.4%21.7%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2021 grew by 9.5% as compared to 2020 and grew by 7.3% on a constant currency basis. This increase included higher sales of our consumer business in each of our three regions. Higher volume and product mix increased sales 4.3% while pricing actions added 0.6% to sales, both as compared to the prior year period. The incremental impact of the Cholula acquisition added 2.4% to segment sales during 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased consumer segment sales by 2.2% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 7.3% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, consumer sales increased 7.3% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a 13.9% increase in sales from the 2019 level as a result of exceptionally strong demand for our products in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased by 6.7% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 3.0% as compared to the corresponding period in 2020, as demand continues to be driven by consumers' sustained preference for eating more at home. In addition, pricing actions, taken in response to higher costs, increased sales by 0.4% as compared to the prior year period. The incremental impact of the Cholula acquisition added 3.3% to sales in 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 0.6% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 6.7% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 5.8% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a 14.5% increase in sales from the 2019 level driven by the COVID-19 impact on greater consumer at-home meal

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preparation, and increased by 0.9% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 0.3% as compared to the corresponding period of 2020. The impact of pricing actions increased sales by 0.6% as compared to the prior year period. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 4.9% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 0.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales increased 31.6% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which reflected a 16.6% decrease in sales from the 2019 level due mainly to COVID-19 disruption on foodservice sales in China, and increased by 22.9% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and favorable product mix increased sales by 21.5% as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase was driven by sales related to the recovery of demand in away-from-home consumption in China. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.4% as compared to 2020. The favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 8.7% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 22.9% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by $24.0 million, or 3.1%, in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase in segment operating income was driven by higher sales, including the impact of acquisitions, CCI-led cost savings and lower incentive-based compensation accruals which were partially offset by increased commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs, increased conversion costs, which include incremental expenses related to COVID-19, and higher brand marketing investment, all as compared to the prior year period. The impact of COVID-19 on segment operating income during 2021 reflected actions, including the incremental impact of temporary arrangements to utilize co-manufacturing, that increased our cost to produce certain products and measures to enable manufacturing and distribution staff to maintain social distancing and permit enhanced cleaning that reduced productivity. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment decreased by 130 basis points in 2021 to 20.4%, driven by a decrease in segment gross profit margin, including the impact of the inflationary cost environment, which was partially offset by the benefit from the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base as compared to the 2020 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment increased by 1.3% in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Flavor Solutions Segment

20212020
Net sales$2,380.4$2,004.6
Percent growth (decline)18.7%(3.5)%
Components of percent change in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix7.2%(4.2)%
Pricing actions1.4%1.8%
Acquisitions7.3%%
Foreign exchange2.8%(1.1)%
Segment operating income$296.6$237.9
Segment operating income margin12.5%11.9%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment increased 18.7% in 2021 as compared to 2020 and increased by 15.9% on a constant currency basis. Sales were favorably impacted by the recovery of demand as compared to the lower level of demand in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 disruption on our quick service restaurant and branded food service customers, particularly in the Americas and EMEA regions. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 7.2% as compared to 2020, while pricing actions taken in response to increased costs during the period increased sales by 1.4%. The incremental impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions increased sales by 7.3% in 2021. The favorable impact of foreign currency rates increased flavor solutions segment sales by 2.8% as compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 15.9% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas region, flavor solutions sales increased by 16.6% during 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales decline of 3.5% from the 2019 level driven by lower sales to quick service restaurant and branded food service customers as a result of COVID-19 restrictions imposed in the early stages of the pandemic, and increased by 15.4% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and improved product mix increased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 3.2% during 2021, driven primarily by increased sales to branded foodservice and quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.7% as compared to the prior year period. The incremental impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions increased sales by 10.5% in 2021. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 1.2% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 15.4% on a constant currency basis.

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In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2021 increased by 27.3% as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales decline of 5.5% from the 2019 level primarily as a result of decreased sales to quick service restaurants and lower branded food service sales that were partially offset by higher demand from packaged food service companies in response to COVID-19 restrictions implemented in 2020, and increased by 21.5% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased segment sales by 19.8% in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales to branded foodservice, packaged food and quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.7% in 2021 as compared the prior year level. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 5.8% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 21.5% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, flavor solutions sales increased 16.9% in 2021 as compared to 2020, which experienced a sales increase of 0.4% from the 2019 level driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers, and increased by 9.4% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 10.6%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions decreased sales by 1.2% as compared to the prior year period. A favorable impact from foreign currency rates increased sales by 7.5% compared to 2020 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 9.4% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by $58.7 million, or 24.7%, in 2021 as compared to 2020. The increase in segment operating income was driven by higher sales, including the impact of acquisitions, CCI-led cost savings, lower incentive-based compensation accruals and favorable product mix, which was partially offset by increased commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment increased by 60 basis points in 2021 to 12.5% as the benefits from the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base as compared to the 2020 level, together with the accretive impact of the Cholula and FONA acquisitions on gross margins, were partially offset by the impact of the inflationary cost environment as compared to 2020. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment increased by 22.5% in 2021, as compared to 2020.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—2020 COMPARED TO 2019

20202019
Net sales$5,601.3$5,347.4
Percent growth4.7%0.8%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix3.7%2.5%
Pricing actions1.6%0.2%
Foreign exchange(0.6)%(1.9)%

Sales for 2020 increased by 4.7% from 2019 and by 5.3% on a constant currency basis. That 4.7% sales increase was driven by higher sales in our consumer segment, which increased by 10.0% over the 2019 level, partially offset by lower sales in our flavor solutions segment, which declined by 3.5% from the prior year level. On a consolidated basis, higher volume and favorable product mix increased sales by 3.7% while pricing actions added 1.6% to sales. That net volume increase and favorable mix was driven by higher demand within our consumer segment, as measures imposed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the related change in consumer behavior, resulted in a shift in consumer behavior toward at-home meal preparation that more than offset lower demand within our flavor solutions segment principally associated with our restaurant and branded food service customers. Sales were also impacted by unfavorable foreign currency rates that decreased net sales 0.6% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 5.3% on a constant currency basis.

20202019
Gross profit$2,300.4$2,145.3
Gross profit margin41.1%40.1%

In 2020, our gross profit margin increased 100 basis points to 41.1% from 40.1% in 2019. This improvement was driven by the favorable impact of CCI-led cost savings, favorable pricing actions and the mix of consumer and flavor solutions sales, partially offset by unfavorable conversion costs and increased material costs. Higher conversion costs during 2020 reflected certain matters associated with COVID-19, including the impact of temporary arrangements that increased salaries and benefits paid to our manufacturing employees, measures to enable manufacturing and distribution staff to maintain social distancing and permit enhanced cleaning between shifts that reduced productivity, and the impact of lower production volumes of flavor solutions inventories.

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20202019
Selling, general & administrative expense$1,281.6$1,166.8
Percent of net sales22.9%21.8%

SG&A expense was $1,281.6 million in 2020 compared to $1,166.8 million in 2019, an increase of $114.8 million. That increase in SG&A expense was primarily a result of (i) higher performance-based employee incentive expense accruals, (ii) higher distribution expenses associated with the higher sales volume, (iii) increased brand marketing costs and (iv) a one-time fiscal 2019 expense reduction from the alignment of an employee benefit plan to our global standard that did not recur in 2020, all as compared to 2019. SG&A expense as a percent of net sales increased by 110 basis points from the prior year level, primarily as a result of the previously mentioned factors, partially offset by the impact of the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher level of sales during the 2020 period.

20202019
Total special charges$6.9$20.8

During 2020, we recorded $6.9 million of special charges, consisting of $5.3 million related to streamlining actions in our EMEA region and $1.6 million related to our GE initiative.

During 2019, we recorded $20.8 million of special charges, consisting primarily of (i) $14.1 million of costs related to our multi-year GE business transformation initiative, including $10.6 million of third-party expenses, $2.1 million related to severance and related benefits, and $1.4 million related to other costs; (ii) $2.3 million of severance and related benefits associated with streamlining actions in the Americas; and (iii) $3.9 million related to streamlining actions in our EMEA region.

20202019
Transaction and integration expenses$12.4$

Transaction and integration expenses related to our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA of $11.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were incurred late in fiscal 2020.

20202019
Operating income$999.5$957.7
Percent of net sales17.8%17.9%

Operating income increased by $41.8 million, or 4.4%, from $957.7 million in 2019 to $999.5 million in 2020. Operating income as a percent of net sales declined by 10 basis points in 2020, to 17.8% in 2020 from 17.9% in 2019 as a result of the factors previously described. Excluding the effect of special charges and transaction and integration expenses previously described, adjusted operating income was $1,018.8 million in 2020 as compared to $978.5 million in 2019, an increase of $40.3 million or 4.1% over the 2019 level. Adjusted operating income as a percent of net sales declined by 10 basis points in 2020, to 18.2% in 2020 from 18.3% in 2019.

20202019
Interest expense$135.6$165.2
Other income, net17.626.7

Interest expense was $29.6 million lower for 2020 as compared to the prior year primarily due to a decline in average total borrowings and a lower interest rate environment. Other income, net for 2020 decreased by $9.1 million from the 2019 level due principally to lower non-service cost income associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans that declined by $7.6 million in 2020 from the prior year level.

20202019
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes$881.5$819.2
Income tax expense174.9157.4
Effective tax rate19.8%19.2%

The effective tax rate was 19.8% in 2020 as compared to 19.2% in 2019. The effective tax rate of 19.2% in 2019 includes a non-recurring net tax benefit of $1.5 million associated with the U.S. Tax Act. Net discrete tax benefits were $43.4 million in 2020, which is a decrease of $0.3 million from $43.7 million in 2019, including the $1.5 million

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non-recurring benefit of the U.S. Tax Act in 2019. Discrete tax benefits in both the 2020 and 2019 periods include excess tax benefits associated with share-based payments to employees ($14.2 million and $22.4 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively), the tax benefits associated with intra-entity asset transfers that occurred ($9.9 million and $15.2 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively), the reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits for the expiration of the statues of limitations and other discrete items. In 2020, discrete tax benefits included $11.9 million associated with the release of valuation allowances due to a change in judgment about realizability of deferred tax assets. See note 13 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed reconciliation of the U.S. federal tax rate with the effective tax rate.

20202019
Income from unconsolidated operations$40.8$40.9

Income from unconsolidated operations decreased $0.1 million in 2020 from the prior year. We own 50% of most of our unconsolidated joint ventures, including our largest joint venture, McCormick de Mexico, that comprised 75% and 72% of the income of our unconsolidated operations in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We reported diluted earnings per share of $2.78 in 2020, compared to $2.62 in 2019. The table below outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2019 to 2020. The increase in adjusted operating income in the table below includes the impact from unfavorable currency exchange rates in 2020.

2019 Earnings per share—diluted$2.62
Increase in operating income0.12
Decrease in special charges0.05
Increase in transaction and integration expenses(0.04)
Decrease in interest expense0.09
Decrease in other income(0.03)
Impact of income taxes(0.02)
Impact of higher shares outstanding(0.01)
2020 Earnings per share—diluted$2.78

Results of Operations—Segments

Consumer Segment

20202019
Net sales$3,596.7$3,269.8
Percent growth10.0%0.7%
Components of percent growth in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix8.8%2.4%
Pricing actions1.5%0.1%
Foreign exchange(0.3)%(1.8)%
Segment operating income$780.9$676.3
Segment operating income margin21.7%20.7%

Sales of our consumer segment in 2020 grew by 10.0% as compared to 2019 and grew by 10.3% on a constant currency basis. This increase was driven by sharply higher sales of our consumer business in the Americas and in EMEA, with a partial offset from a sales decline in the Asia/Pacific region. Asia/Pacific region sales declines were driven by lower sales in China, which includes the impact of away-from-home products included in its consumer portfolio. Higher volume and product mix added 8.8% to sales as measures imposed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 resulted in a shift in consumer behavior toward at-home meal preparation. Pricing actions added 1.5% to sales as compared to the prior year period. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates decreased consumer segment sales by 0.3% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 10.3% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas, consumer sales rose 13.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019 and rose by 14.0% on a constant currency basis. Higher volume and product mix added 11.9% to sales driven by significant growth across the McCormick branded portfolio. In addition, pricing actions, taken in response to higher costs, increased sales by 2.1% as compared to the prior year period. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates decreased

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sales by 0.1% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 14.0% on a constant currency basis.

In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 14.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019 and rose by 14.3% on a constant currency basis. Volume and product mix increased sales by 13.9%. The increase was broad based across the region with particular strength in branded spices and seasonings and homemade dessert products in France. The impact of pricing actions increased sales by 0.4%. The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 0.2% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 14.3% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales decreased 16.6% as compared to 2019 and decreased 15.1% on a constant currency basis. Lower volume and product mix reduced sales by 15.0%. The decrease was driven by products related to away-from-home consumption in China. Partially offsetting this decline was growth in cooking-at-home products, particularly in Australia. Pricing actions reduced sales by 0.1% as compared to 2019. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 1.5% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 15.1% on a constant currency basis.

We grew segment operating income for our consumer segment by $104.6 million, or 15.5%, in 2020 as compared to 2019. The increase in segment operating income was driven by the impact of higher sales, as previously described, and CCI-led cost savings, partially offset by higher conversion costs, increased material costs, increased brand marketing costs and higher performance-based employee incentive expense accruals. Higher conversion costs during 2020 reflected certain matters associated with COVID-19, including the impact of temporary arrangements that increased salaries and benefits paid to our manufacturing employees as well as measures to enable manufacturing and distribution staff to maintain social distancing and permit enhanced cleaning between shifts that reduced productivity. Segment operating margin for our consumer segment rose by 100 basis points in 2020 to 21.7%, driven by an increase in consumer gross profit margin that was partially offset by an increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales as compared to the 2019 period. Segment operating margin in 2020 benefited from the leverage of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a higher sales base than compared to the 2019 level. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our consumer segment rose by 15.7% in 2020 in comparison to the same period in 2019.

Flavor Solutions Segment

20202019
Net sales$2,004.6$2,077.6
Percent (decline) growth(3.5)%1.1%
Components of percent change in net sales–increase (decrease):
Volume and product mix(4.2)%2.9%
Pricing actions1.8%0.3%
Foreign exchange(1.1)%(2.1)%
Segment operating income$237.9$302.2
Segment operating income margin11.9%14.5%

Sales of our flavor solutions segment decreased 3.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019 and decreased by 2.4% on a constant currency basis. Driving that decrease in sales was lower demand due to the impact of the COVID-19 disruption on our restaurant and branded food service customers, particularly in the Americas and EMEA regions. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased segment sales by 4.2% as compared to 2019, while pricing actions, taken in response to increased costs, during the period increased sales by 1.8%. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates decreased flavor solutions segment sales by 1.1% as compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 2.4% on a constant currency basis.

In the Americas, flavor solutions sales decreased by 3.5% in 2020 as compared to the prior year level and decreased by 2.5% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased flavor solutions sales in the Americas by 4.4% during 2020, driven by lower sales to branded foodservice and quick service restaurant customers, but was partially offset by higher sales to packaged food companies. Pricing actions increased sales by 1.9% as compared to the prior year period. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.0% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 2.5% on a constant currency basis.

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In the EMEA region, flavor solutions sales in 2020 decreased by 5.5% from the prior year level and decreased by 4.2% on a constant currency basis. Unfavorable volume and product mix decreased segment sales by 7.0% as compared to 2019. The decline was primarily attributable to lower sales to branded foodservice and quick service restaurant customers, partially offset by higher demand from packaged food companies. Pricing actions increased sales by 2.8% in 2020 as compared the prior year level. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.3% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales decline of 4.2% on a constant currency basis.

In the Asia/Pacific region, flavor solutions sales increased 0.4% in 2020 from the prior year level and increased by 1.6% on a constant currency basis. Favorable volume and product mix increased sales by 2.2%, driven by higher sales to quick service restaurant customers. Pricing actions decreased sales by 0.6% as compared to the prior year period. An unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates decreased sales by 1.2% compared to 2019 and is excluded from our measure of sales growth of 1.6% on a constant currency basis.

Segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment decreased by $64.3 million, or 21.3%, in 2020 as compared to 2019. The decrease in segment operating income was driven by lower sales, increased conversion costs, the impact of lower production volumes, increased material costs and higher performance-based employee incentive expense accruals that were partially offset by CCI-led cost savings. Higher conversion costs during 2020 reflected certain matters associated with COVID-19, including the impact of temporary arrangements that increased salaries and benefits paid to our manufacturing employees as well as measures to enable manufacturing and distribution staff to maintain social distancing and permit enhanced cleaning between shifts that reduced productivity, and the impact of lower production volumes of flavor solutions inventories. Segment operating margin for our flavor solutions segment decreased by 260 basis points from the prior year level to 11.9% in 2020, driven by lower flavor solutions segment gross profit margin and an increase in SG&A expense as a percent of net sales. Segment operating margin in 2020 also declined due to the deleveraging impact of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over a lower sales base as compared to the 2019 period. On a constant currency basis, segment operating income for our flavor solutions segment declined by 19.7% in 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following tables include financial measures of adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. 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. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following:

•Special charges – Special charges consist of expenses 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. 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 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 ongoing basis through completion.

•Transaction and integration expenses associated with the Cholula and FONA acquisitions – We exclude certain costs associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA in November and December 2020, respectively, and their subsequent integration into the Company. Such costs, which we refer to as “Transaction and integration expenses”, include transaction costs associated with each acquisition, as well as integration costs following the respective acquisition, including the impact of the acquisition date fair value adjustment for inventory, together with the impact of discrete tax items, if any, directly related to each acquisition.

•Income from sale of unconsolidated operations – We exclude the gain realized upon our sale of an unconsolidated operation in March 2021. As more fully described in note 5 of the notes to the accompanying financial statements, the sale of our 26% interest in Eastern resulted in a gain of $13.4

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million, net of tax of $5.7 million. The gain is included in Income from unconsolidated operations in our consolidated income statement.

•Income taxes associated with the U.S. Tax Act – We recorded a net income tax benefit of $1.5 million during the year ended November 30, 2019 associated with the U.S. Tax Act enacted in December 2017 related provision to return adjustment.

Details with respect to the composition of transaction and integration expenses, special charges and income from the sale of unconsolidated operations recorded for the years and in the amounts set forth below are included in notes 2, 3 and 5, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above 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 financial 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 that we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting.

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A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial results is provided below:

202120202019
Gross profit$2,494.6$2,300.4$2,145.3
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold (1)6.3
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Adjusted gross profit$2,505.6$2,300.4$2,145.3
Adjusted gross profit margin (3)39.7%41.1%40.1%
Operating income$1,015.1$999.5$957.7
Impact of transaction and integration expenses included in cost of goods sold (1)6.3
Impact of other transaction and integration expenses (1)29.012.4
Impact of special charges included in cost of goods sold(2)4.7
Impact of other special charges(2)46.46.920.8
Adjusted operating income$1,101.5$1,018.8$978.5
% increase versus prior year8.1%4.1%5.2%
Adjusted operating income margin (3)17.4%18.2%18.3%
Income tax expense$192.7$174.9$157.4
Non-recurring benefit, net, of the U.S. Tax Act1.5
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)(2.7)1.9
Impact of special charges(2)7.12.14.7
Adjusted income tax expense$197.1$178.9$163.6
Adjusted income tax rate(4)20.1%19.9%19.5%
Net income$755.3$747.4$702.7
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)38.010.5
Impact of special charges(2)44.04.816.1
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(13.4)
Non-recurring benefit, net, of the U.S. Tax Act(1.5)
Adjusted net income$823.9$762.7$717.3
% increase versus prior year8.0%6.3%8.4%
Earnings per share—diluted$2.80$2.78$2.62
Impact of transaction and integration expenses(1)0.140.04
Impact of special charges(2)0.160.010.06
Impact of after-tax gain on sale of unconsolidated operations(0.05)
Adjusted earnings per share—diluted$3.05$2.83$2.68
(1)Transaction and integration expenses are more fully described in note 2 of notes to our consolidated financial statements and include transaction and integration expenses associated with our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA. These expenses include transaction expenses, integration expenses, including the effect of the fair value adjustment to acquired inventories on Cost of goods sold and the impact of a discrete deferred state income tax expense item, directly related to our December 2020 acquisition of FONA. This discrete tax item had an unfavorable impact of $10.4 million or $0.04 per diluted share for the year ended November 30, 2021.
(2)Special charges are more fully described in note 3 of notes to our consolidated financial statements. Special charges for the year ended November 30, 2021 include $4.7 million which is reflected in Cost of goods sold and an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge associated with the impairment of certain intangible assets.
(3)Adjusted gross profit margin is calculated as adjusted gross profit as a percent of net sales for each period presented. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated as adjusted operating income as a percent of net sales for each period presented.
(4)Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes, excluding transaction and integration expenses and special charges, or $982.2 million, $900.8 million, and $840.0 million for the years ended November 30, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Estimate for the year ending November 30, 2022
Earnings per share – diluted$3.07 to $3.12
Impact of integration expenses0.01
Impact of special charges0.09
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted$3.17 to $3.22

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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 2021 on a constant currency basis, net sales and adjusted operating income for 2021 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2020 and compared to the reported results for 2020; and (2) to present our growth in net sales and adjusted operating income for 2020 on a constant currency basis, net sales and operating income for 2020 for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated using the average foreign exchange rates in effect for 2019 and compared to the reported results for 2019.

For the year ended November 30, 2021
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas7.3%0.6%6.7%
EMEA5.8%4.9%0.9%
Asia/Pacific31.6%8.7%22.9%
Total Consumer9.5%2.2%7.3%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas16.6%1.2%15.4%
EMEA27.3%5.8%21.5%
Asia/Pacific16.9%7.5%9.4%
Total Flavor Solutions18.7%2.8%15.9%
Total net sales12.8%2.4%10.4%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment3.1%1.8%1.3%
Flavor Solutions segment24.7%2.2%22.5%
Total adjusted operating income8.1%1.9%6.2%

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For the year ended November 30, 2020
Percentage change as reportedImpact of foreign currency exchangePercentage change on constant currency basis
Net sales:
Consumer segment:
Americas13.9%(0.1)%14.0%
EMEA14.5%0.2%14.3%
Asia/Pacific(16.6)%(1.5)%(15.1)%
Total Consumer10.0%(0.3)%10.3%
Flavor Solutions segment:
Americas(3.5)%(1.0)%(2.5)%
EMEA(5.5)%(1.3)%(4.2)%
Asia/Pacific0.4%(1.2)%1.6%
Total Flavor Solutions(3.5)%(1.1)%(2.4)%
Total net sales4.7%(0.6)%5.3%
Adjusted operating income:
Consumer segment15.5%(0.2)%15.7%
Flavor Solutions segment(21.3)%(1.6)%(19.7)%
Total adjusted operating income4.1%(0.7)%4.8%

To present the percentage change in projected 2022 net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted on a constant currency basis, 2022 projected local currency net sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted net income for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at currently prevailing exchange rates and are compared to those 2022 local currency projected results, translated into U.S. dollars at the average actual exchange rates in effect during the corresponding months in fiscal year 2021 to determine what the 2022 consolidated U.S. dollar net sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share — diluted would have been if the relevant currency exchange rates had not changed from those of the comparable 2021 periods.

Projections for the Year Ending November 30, 2022
Percentage change in net sales3% to 5%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in net sales in constant currency4% to 6%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income7% to 9%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted operating income in constant currency8% to 10%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share— diluted4% to 6%
Impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange1%
Percentage change in adjusted earnings per share— diluted in constant currency5% to 7%

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

202120202019
Net cash provided by operating activities$828.3$1,041.3$946.8
Net cash used in investing activities(908.6)(1,025.6)(171.0)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities22.0220.9(725.8)

The primary objective of our financing strategy is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. We use a combination of equity and short- and long-term debt. We use short-term debt, comprised primarily of commercial paper, principally to finance ongoing operations, including our requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities). We are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings.

Our cash flows from operations enable us to fund operating projects and investments that are designed to meet our growth objectives, service our debt, fund or increase our quarterly dividends, fund capital projects and other investments, and make share repurchases when appropriate. Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, our cash flow from operations has historically been the strongest during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Due to the timing of the interest payments on our debt, interest payments are higher in the first and third quarter of our fiscal year.

We believe that our sources of liquidity, which include existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, our commercial paper program, and access to capital markets, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our debt obligations, including any repayment of debt or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

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. In addition, in the cash flow statement, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effect of acquired operating assets and liabilities, as the cash flows associated with acquisition of businesses is presented as an investing activity. 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, 2021, the exchange rates for the Canadian dollar and Chinese renminbi were higher versus the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2020. At November 30, 2021, the exchange rates for the Euro, British pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Polish zloty were lower versus the U.S. dollar than at November 30, 2020.

Operating Cash Flow – Operating cash flow was $828.3 million in 2021, $1,041.3 million in 2020, and $946.8 million in 2019. Net income as well as our working capital management, as more fully described below, impacted operating cash flow. In 2021, the reduction in operating cash flow was the result of increased inventory levels to protect against supply disruption, employee incentive payments, and the payment of transaction and integration costs related to our recent acquisitions. In 2020, the increases to operating cash flow were the result of a significantly lower use of cash associated with other assets and liabilities, including the timing of certain employee incentive and customer related payments, which was partially offset by the use of cash associated with working capital, driven by the increased level of inventory to meet demand. In 2019, our working capital management favorably impacted operating cash flow. In 2019, those increases were partially offset by a use of cash associated with other assets and liabilities, totaling $81.5 million.

Our working capital management – principally related to inventory, trade accounts receivable, and accounts payable – impacts our operating cash flow. The change in inventory had a significant impact on the variability in cash flow from operations. It was a significant use of cash in 2021 and 2020 and a moderate use of cash in 2019. The change in trade accounts receivable was a use of cash in 2021 but a source of cash in 2020 and 2019. The change in accounts payable was a significant source of cash in 2020 and 2019 and a more moderate source of cash in 2021.

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:

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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:

202120202019
Cash Conversion Cycle463943

The increase in CCC in 2021 from 2020 was due primarily to an increase in our days in inventory as a result of efforts to protect against supply chain disruption and to meet increased demand. This was partially offset by an increase in our days payable outstanding. The decrease in CCC in 2020 from 2019 was due to an increase in our days payable outstanding as a result of extending our payment terms to suppliers, as more fully described below, which was partially offset by an increase in our days in inventory due to maintaining higher levels of inventory.

Prior to fiscal 2019, in response to evolving market practices, we began a program to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers. We also initiated a Supply Chain Finance program (SCF) with several global financial institutions (SCF Banks). Under the SCF, qualifying suppliers may elect to sell their receivables from us to an SCF Bank. These participating suppliers negotiate their receivables sales arrangements directly with the respective SCF Bank. While we are not party to those agreements, the SCF Banks allow the participating suppliers to utilize our creditworthiness in establishing credit spreads and associated costs. This generally provides the suppliers with more favorable terms than they would be able to secure on their own. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell a receivable. Once a qualifying supplier elects to participate in the SCF and reaches an agreement with a SCF Bank, the supplier elects which of our individual invoices they sell to the SCF bank. However, all of our payments to participating suppliers are paid to the SCF Bank on the invoice due date, regardless of whether the individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the SCF Bank. The SCF Bank pays the supplier on the invoice due date for any invoices that were not previously sold by the supplier to the SCF Bank.

The terms of our payment obligation are not impacted by a supplier’s participation in the SCF. Our payment terms with our suppliers for similar materials within individual markets are consistent between those suppliers that elect to participate in the SCF and those suppliers that do not participate. Accordingly, our average days outstanding are not significantly impacted by the portion of suppliers or related input costs that are included in the SCF. For our participating suppliers, we believe substantially all of their receivables with us are sold to the SCF Banks. Accordingly, we would expect that at each balance sheet date, a similar proportion of amounts originally due to suppliers would instead be payable to SCF Banks. All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in the SCF are recorded within the line entitled "Trade accounts payable" in our consolidated balance sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of November 30, 2021 and 2020, the amount due to suppliers participating in the SCF and included in "Trade accounts payable" were approximately $274.3 million and $273.6 million, respectively.

Future changes in our suppliers’ financing policies or economic developments, such as changes in interest rates, general market liquidity or our creditworthiness relative to participating suppliers could impact those suppliers’ participation in the SCF and/or our ability to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers. However, any such impacts are difficult to predict.

Investing Cash Flow – Net cash used in investing activities was $908.6 million in 2021, $1,025.6 million in 2020, and $171.0 million in 2019. Our primary investing cash flows include the usage of cash associated with acquisition of businesses and capital expenditures. Cash usage related to our acquisition of businesses was $706.4 million in 2021 and $803.0 million in 2020. Capital expenditures, including expenditures for capitalized software, were $278.0 million in 2021, $225.3 million in 2020, and $173.7 million in 2019. We expect 2022 capital expenditures to approximate $320 million to support our planned growth, including the multi-year program to replace our ERP system and other initiatives. Our primary investing cash inflow in 2021 was the $65.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of an unconsolidated operation, as more fully discussed in note 5 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Financing Cash Flow – Net cash associated with financing activities was a source of cash of $22.0 million in 2021 and $220.9 million in 2020. Net cash used in financing activities was $725.8 million in 2019. The variability between years is principally a result of changes in our net borrowings, share repurchase activity and dividends, all as described below.

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The following table outlines our net borrowing activities:

202120202019
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings$(346.7)$286.5$41.0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs999.6525.9
Repayments of long-term debt(257.1)(257.7)(447.7)
Net cash provided from (used in) borrowing activities$395.8$554.7$(406.7)

In 2021, we borrowed $1,001.5 million under long-term borrowing arrangements, including net proceeds of $495.7 million of 0.9% notes due February 2026 and net proceeds of $492.8 million of 1.85% notes due February 2031. The net proceeds from these issuances were used to pay down short-term borrowings, including a portion of the $1,443.0 million of commercial paper issued to fund our acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, and for general corporate purposes. We also repaid $257.1 million of long-term debt, including the $250 million, 3.90% notes that matured in July 2021.

In 2020, we borrowed $527.0 million under long-term borrowing arrangements, including net proceeds of $495.0 million of 2.5% notes due April 2030. We also repaid $257.7 million of long-term debt, including $250.0 million associated with our term loans due in August 2022.

In 2019, we repaid $447.7 million of long-term debt, including $436.3 million of our $1,500.0 million term loans issued in August 2017.

The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase programs:

202120202019
Number of shares of common stock0.10.51.3
Dollar amount$8.6$47.3$95.1

As of November 30, 2021, $576 million remained of a $600 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2019. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. Our share repurchase activity in 2021, 2020, and 2019 has principally been executed in order to mitigate the effect of shares issued upon the exercise of stock options.

During 2021, 2020 and 2019, we received proceeds of $13.5 million, $56.6 million and $90.9 million, respectively, from exercised stock options. We repurchased $15.4 million, $13.0 million and $12.7 million of common stock during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, in conjunction with employee tax withholding requirements associated with our stock compensation plans.

Our dividend history over the past three years is as follows:

202120202019
Total dividends paid$363.3$330.1$302.2
Dividends paid per share1.361.241.14
Percentage increase per share9.7%8.8%9.6%

In November 2021, the Board of Directors approved an 8.8% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.34 to $0.37 per share.

Most of our cash is in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. 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. Prior to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act on December 22, 2017, the permanent repatriation of cash balances from certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries could have had adverse tax consequences; however, those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects and future acquisitions. As of November 30, 2021, we have $1.3 billion of earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures that are considered indefinitely reinvested. While federal income tax expense has been recognized as a result of the U.S. Tax Act, we have not provided any additional deferred taxes with respect to items such as foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes, or foreign exchange gains or losses. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings.

At November 30, 2021, we temporarily used $334.8 million of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During the year, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a year or

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quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020 were $1,029.9 million and $518.1 million, respectively. Those average short-term borrowings outstanding for the year ended November 30, 2021 included average commercial paper borrowings of $975.0 million. The total average debt outstanding for the years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020 was $5,574.5 million and $4,327.4 million, respectively.

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 working capital needs and other general corporate requirements.

In June 2021, we entered into a five-year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which will expire in June 2026. The current pricing for the credit facility, on a fully drawn basis, is LIBOR plus 1.25%. The pricing of the credit facility is based on a credit rating grid that contains a fully drawn maximum pricing of the credit facility equal to LIBOR plus 1.75%. The provisions of this revolving credit facility restrict subsidiary indebtedness and require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio. We do not expect that this covenant would limit our access to this revolving credit facility for the foreseeable future. This facility replaced the following prior revolving credit facilities: (i) a five-year $1.0 billion revolving credit facility that was due to expire in August 2022, and (ii) a 364-day $1.0 billion revolving facility, which we entered into in the first quarter of 2021 that was due to expire in December 2021. The terms of those revolving credit facilities are more fully described in note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

We generally use our revolving credit 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. This 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. We engage in regular communication with all banks participating in our credit facility. 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. In addition to our committed revolving credit facility, we have uncommitted facilities of $308.4 million as of November 30, 2021 that can be withdrawn based upon the lenders' discretion. See note 6 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for more details on our financing arrangements.

We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest, to service debt, and to fund acquisitions. As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments. Our primary obligations include principal and interest payments on our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt. In the next year, our most significant debt service obligation is the maturity of our $750.0 million, 2.70% notes due in August 2022. Detail on these contractual obligations follows:

MATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS

The following table reflects a summary of our future material cash requirements as of November 30, 2021:

TotalLess than 1 year1–3 years3–5 yearsMore than 5 years
Short-term borrowings$539.1$539.1$$$
Long-term debt, including finance leases4,754.2770.31,061.7787.22,135.0
Interest payments(a)838.8126.3204.3192.6315.6
Total contractual cash obligations$6,132.1$1,435.7$1,266.0$979.8$2,450.6

(a)Interest payments include interest payments on short-term borrowings and long-term debt. See notes 6 and 7 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

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Our other cash requirements at year end include raw material purchases, lease payments, income taxes, and pension and postretirement benefits. We acquire various raw materials to satisfy our obligations to our customers, and these outstanding purchase obligations can fluctuate throughout the year based on our response to varying raw material cycles; however, these commitments generally do not extend past one year. In addition, we also have a series of commercial commitments, largely consisting of standby letters of credit. Our standby letters of credit, leases, and pension and other post retirement obligations are more fully described in notes 6, 7 and 11, respectively, of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

These obligations impact our liquidity and capital resource needs. To meet those cash requirements, we intend to use our existing cash, cash equivalents and internally generated funds, to borrow under our existing credit facility or under other short-term borrowing facilities, and depending on market conditions and upon the significance of the cost of a particular debt maturity or acquisition to our then-available sources of funds, to obtain additional short- and long-term financing. We believe that cash provided from these sources will be adequate to meet our future cash requirements.

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 contributions to pension plans, including unfunded plans, were $15.0 million in 2021, $11.9 million in 2020, and $11.4 million in 2019. It is expected that the 2022 total pension plan contributions will be approximately $15 million. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent upon 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 55% of assets are invested in equities, 34% in fixed income investments and 11% in other investments. Assets associated with our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance, the value of which approximates an investment mix of 55% in equities and 45% in fixed income investments. See note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements, which provides details on our pension funding.

CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES – See the subsequent section of this discussion under the heading "Market Risk Sensitivity–Credit Risk".

ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions are part of our strategy to increase sales and profits.

In early fiscal 2021, we purchased FONA. The purchase price was approximately $708 million, net of cash acquired. FONA is a leading manufacturer of clean and natural flavors providing solutions for a diverse customer base across various applications for the food, beverage and nutritional markets. Our acquisition of FONA on December 30, 2020 expands the breadth of our flavor solutions segment into attractive categories, as well as extends our technology platform and strengthens our capabilities. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. The results of FONA's operations have been included in our financial statements as a component of our flavor solutions segment from the date of acquisition.

On November 30, 2020, we purchased Cholula for approximately $801 million, net of cash acquired. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term borrowings. Cholula, a premium Mexican hot sauce brand, is a strong addition to McCormick’s global branded flavor portfolio, which broadens the Company’s offering in the high growth hot sauce category to consumers and foodservice operators and accelerates our condiment growth opportunities with a complementary authentic Mexican flavor hot sauce. The results of Cholula’s operations have been included in our financial statements as a component of our consumer and flavor solutions segments from the date of acquisition.

We did not have any acquisitions in fiscal 2019.

See note 2 of notes to our consolidated 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.

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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 8 of notes to our consolidated 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, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Singapore dollar, Mexican peso, Swiss franc, and Thai baht, as well as the Euro versus the British pound sterling and Australian dollar, and finally the Canadian dollar versus British pound sterling. We routinely enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage certain of these foreign currency risks.

During 2021, the foreign currency translation component in other comprehensive income was principally related to the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in our subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling, Euro, Polish zloty, Chinese reminbi, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.

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We also utilize cross currency interest rate swap contracts, which are designated as net investment hedges, to manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency of the British pound sterling and Euro. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the foreign currency exchange contracts held at November 30, 2021. All contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using year-end 2021 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, 2021

Currency soldCurrency receivedNotional valueAverage contractual exchange rateFair value
British pound sterlingU.S. dollar$54.41.41$3.3
Swiss francU.S. dollar72.01.132.1
Canadian dollarU.S. dollar79.51.252.0
U.S. dollarAustralian dollar71.70.72(0.6)
U.S. dollarSingapore dollar51.21.370.1
U.S. dollarBritish pound sterling52.41.33(0.2)
U.S. dollarEuro49.21.130.1
Australian dollarEuro43.61.580.6
Canadian dollarBritish pound sterling30.41.74(0.7)
U.S. dollarMexican peso24.721.37(0.8)
British pound sterlingEuro29.70.860.1
U.S. dollarThai baht8.832.77(0.3)

We had a number of smaller contracts at November 30, 2021 with an aggregate notional value of $16.0 million to purchase or sell other currencies, such as the Romanian leu and Russian ruble. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was a loss of $0.2 million at November 30, 2021.

At November 30, 2020, we had foreign currency exchange contracts for the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Polish zloty, Swiss franc and other currencies, with a notional value of $383.8 million. The aggregate fair value of these contracts was a loss of $6.8 million at November 30, 2020.

We also utilized cross currency interest rate swap contracts that are considered net investment hedges. As of November 30, 2021, we had cross currency interest rate swap contracts of (i) $250 million notional value to receive $250 million at three-month U.S. LIBOR plus 0.685% and pay £194.1 million at three-month GBP LIBOR plus 0.740% and (ii) £194.1 million notional value to receive £194.1 million at three-month GBP LIBOR plus 0.740% and pay €221.8 million at three-month Euro EURIBOR plus 0.808%. These cross-currency interest rate swap contracts expire in August 2027. For more information, refer to note 8 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk – Our policy is to manage interest rate risk by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. We are exposed to interest rate volatility, with primary exposures related to movements in U.S. Treasury rates, London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), and commercial paper rates. LIBOR will be subject to a transition, or phase out, that will commence on January 1, 2022 with the phase out expected to be completed by June 30, 2023. While LIBOR is the current interest rate benchmark used as a reference rate on our variable rate debt, including our revolving credit facility, synthetic lease, interest rate swaps, and cross currency interest rate swaps, we do not anticipate a significant impact to our financial position from the planned phase out of LIBOR, given our current mix of variable and fixed-rate debt.

We also use interest rate swaps to minimize 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, 2021. 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.

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YEARS OF MATURITY AT NOVEMBER 30, 2021

2022202320242025ThereafterTotalFair value
Debt
Fixed rate$756.8$257.8$763.2$258.6$2,644.2$4,680.6$4,848.0
Average interest rate2.71%3.50%3.50%3.26%2.38%
Variable rate$552.6$6.7$34.0$19.4$$612.7$612.7
Average interest rate0.24%1.39%1.69%1.74%%

The table above displays the debt, including finance leases, 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 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%.

•We issued $750 million of 3.40% notes due August 15, 2027 and $300 million due in August 2027 in August 2017. Forward treasury lock agreements settled upon issuance of these notes effectively set the interest rate on these $750 million notes at a weighted-average fixed rate of 3.44%. The fixed interest rate on $250 million of the 3.40% notes due in 2027 was effectively converted to a variable rate by interest rate swaps through 2027. Net interest payments are based on 3-month LIBOR plus 0.685%.

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 2021, our most significant raw materials were dairy products, pepper, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), onion, vanilla, garlic, and salt. 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.

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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New accounting pronouncements are issued periodically that affect our current and future operations. See note 1 of notes to our consolidated 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, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, 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 arrangements. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on a combination of historical patterns and future expectations regarding these programs. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. Certain

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of our customer arrangements are annual arrangements such that the degree of estimates that affects revenue reduces as a year progresses. We do not believe that there will be significant changes to our estimates of customer consideration when any uncertainties are resolved with customers.

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Asset Valuation

We use the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, our financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the closing of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. We generally obtain the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

Determining the useful lives of intangible assets also requires judgment. Certain brand intangibles are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and our plans to continue to support and build the acquired brands, while other acquired intangible assets (e.g., customer relationships) are expected to have determinable useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets are primarily based upon historical experience, the competitive and macroeconomic environment, and our operating plans. The costs of definite-lived intangibles are amortized to expense over their estimated life. 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, as more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements. While we believe those estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

Goodwill Impairment

Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, as more fully described in note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We estimate the 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 a market-based discount rate. We then compare this fair value to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The quantitative goodwill impairment test requires an entity to compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. As of November 30, 2021, we had $5,335.8 million of goodwill recorded in our balance sheet ($3,674.7 million in the consumer segment and $1,661.1 million in the flavor solutions segment). Our fiscal year 2021 impairment testing indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we believe that only significant changes in the cash flow assumptions would result in an impairment of goodwill. However, variances between the actual performance of the businesses and the assumptions that were used in developing the estimates of fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names and trademarks. We estimate fair values through the use of the relief-from-royalty method and then compare those fair values to the related carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the event that the fair value of any of the brand names or trademarks are less than their related carrying amounts, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.

The estimation of fair values of our brand names and trademarks requires us to make significant assumptions, including expectations with respect to sales and profits of the respective brands and trademarks, related royalty rates, income tax rates and appropriate discount rates, which are based, in part, upon current interest rates

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adjusted for our view of reasonable country- and brand-specific risks based upon the past and anticipated future performance of the related brand names and trademarks. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates can have a significant impact on the assessment of fair value which could result in material impairment losses.

As of November 30, 2021, we had $3,067.4 million of brand name assets and trademarks recorded in our balance sheet, and none of the balances exceeded their estimated fair values at that date. Of the $3,067.4 million of brand names assets and trademarks as of November 30, 2021: (i) $2,320.0 million relates to the French’s, Frank’s RedHot and Cattlemen’s brand names and trademarks, recognized as part of our acquisition of RB Foods in August 2017, that we group for purposes of our impairment analysis; (ii) $380.0 million relates to the Cholula brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of Cholula in November 2020, (iii) $49.0 million relates to the FONA brand names and trademarks associated with the acquisition of FONA in December 2020 and (iv) the remaining $318.4 million represents a number of other brand name assets and trademarks with individual carrying values ranging from $0.2 million to $106.4 million. Except for our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, the percentage excess of estimated fair value over respective book values for each of our brand names and trademarks, including the $2,320.0 million related to our French’s, Frank's RedHot and Cattlemen’s brands, was 20% or more as of November 30, 2021.

The brand names and trademarks related to recent acquisitions, including our recent acquisitions of Cholula and FONA, may be more susceptible to future impairment as their carrying values represent recently determined fair values. A change in assumptions with respect to recently acquired businesses, including those affected by rising interest rates or a deterioration in expectations of future sales, profitability or royalty rates as well as future economic and market conditions, or higher income tax rates, could result in non-cash impairment losses in the future.

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 can challenge certain of our tax positions. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the GAAP guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We recognize a tax benefit when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination, based on its technical merits. The tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will be recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change. We believe that our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate. As of November 30, 2021, the Company had $31.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other long-term liabilities. 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, as more fully described in note 1 of notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Pension Benefits

Pension plans’ costs require the use of assumptions for discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases, and mortality rates. The actuarial assumptions used in our pension benefit reporting are reviewed annually and compared with external benchmarks to ensure that they appropriately account for our future pension benefit obligations. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, changes in various assumptions and differences between the actual returns on plan assets and the expected returns on plan assets and changes to projected future rates of return on plan assets will affect the amount of pension expense or income ultimately recognized. A 1% increase or decrease in the actuarial assumption for the discount rate would impact 2022 pension benefit expense by approximately $1 million. A 1% increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would impact 2022 pension expense by approximately $10 million.

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We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used in the measurement of our pension benefit obligations. In addition, see note 11 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these assumptions and the effects on the financial statements.