Is McCormick Stock Underperforming the Dow?

With a market cap. of $13.4 billion, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) is a global leader in flavor, manufacturing and distributing herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavors across 150 countries and territories. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, OLD BAY, Cholula, and Gourmet Garden, serving retailers, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses. 

Companies worth between $10 billion and $200 billion are generally classified as “large-cap stocks,” and McCormick comfortably fits this category. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, McCormick operates through its Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments, leveraging its global scale, expertise, and technology to support sustainable growth.

Despite these notable strengths, MKC stock has slipped 31.4% from its 52-week high of $72.41, reached on February 13, 2026. Over the past three months, MKC shares have gained 5.7%, outpacing the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s  ($DOWI) marginal gain over the same period.

MKC shares have declined 27.6% YTD and 25.6% over the past 52 weeks, trailing the Dow’s 7.7% YTD gain and 12.5% return over the past year.

The stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since last year.

McCormick has been underperforming due to market-share losses in its core spice and seasoning business as consumers increasingly shift toward cheaper private-label alternatives. Rising commodity costs, inflation, tariffs, and limited pricing power have also pressured margins and demand. In addition, the planned merger with Unilever’s food business has created uncertainty around shareholder dilution, higher debt, and the complexity of integrating the combined operations.

In comparison, rival The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) has outpaced MKC stock on a YTD basis, with KHC stock gaining marginally. However, KHC stock has declined 6.3% over the past 52 weeks, a milder drop than MKC stock.

Despite the stock’s underperformance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic on MKC. The stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from 14 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $61 suggests potential upside of 22.7% from current MKC levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.