MKC - 8.31.2014 - 10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended August 31, 2014
Commission File Number 001-14920
 
 McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
MARYLAND
52-0408290
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
18 Loveton Circle, P. O. Box 6000,
Sparks, MD
21152-6000
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code    (410) 771-7301
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
 ý
Accelerated Filer
 ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer
 ¨
Smaller Reporting Company
 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
 
Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
August 31, 2014
 
 
Common Stock
12,034,214

 
 
Common Stock Non-Voting
117,110,252

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 3
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1a
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6


2

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
(in millions except per share amounts)
 
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
$
1,042.8

 
$
1,016.4

 
$
3,069.6

 
$
2,953.4

Cost of goods sold
622.7

 
608.8

 
1,845.5

 
1,789.8

Gross profit
420.1

 
407.6

 
1,224.1

 
1,163.6

Selling, general and administrative expense
260.5

 
259.2

 
818.2

 
787.2

Special charges
2.3

 

 
2.3

 

Operating income
157.3

 
148.4

 
403.6

 
376.4

Interest expense
12.4

 
14.0

 
37.3

 
41.4

Other income, net
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
1.7

Income from consolidated operations before income taxes
145.2

 
134.7

 
367.1

 
336.7

Income taxes
31.1

 
35.3

 
97.3

 
94.0

Net income from consolidated operations
114.1

 
99.4

 
269.8

 
242.7

Income from unconsolidated operations
8.8

 
5.0

 
20.1

 
16.3

Net income
$
122.9

 
$
104.4

 
$
289.9

 
$
259.0

Earnings per share – basic
$
0.95

 
$
0.79

 
$
2.22

 
$
1.96

Average shares outstanding – basic
129.6

 
132.1

 
130.3

 
132.2

Earnings per share – diluted
$
0.94

 
$
0.78

 
$
2.21

 
$
1.94

Average shares outstanding – diluted
130.6

 
133.5

 
131.3

 
133.7

Cash dividends paid per share
$
0.37

 
$
0.34

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.02

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


3

Table of Contents

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
 
 
Three months ended August 31,
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
122.9

 
$
104.4

$
289.9

 
$
259.0

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
0.4

 
0.2

2.1

 
1.1

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized components of pension plans
4.9

 
8.5

12.8

 
30.6

Currency translation adjustments
(43.0
)
 
(7.8
)
(38.9
)
 
(53.6
)
Change in derivative financial instruments
1.3

 
5.3

1.3

 
13.0

Deferred taxes
(1.6
)
 
(5.5
)
(4.5
)
 
(13.8
)
Comprehensive income
$
84.9

 
$
105.1

$
262.7

 
$
236.3


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


4

Table of Contents


McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
 
 
August 31,
2014
 
August 31,
2013
 
November 30,
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
93.8

 
$
146.8

 
$
63.0

Trade accounts receivables, net
476.8

 
462.4

 
495.5

Inventories
 
 
 
 
 
Finished products
327.0

 
312.6

 
304.6

Raw materials and work-in-process
378.6

 
328.2

 
372.3

 
705.6

 
640.8

 
676.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
132.6

 
120.9

 
134.8

Total current assets
1,408.8

 
1,370.9

 
1,370.2

Property, plant and equipment
1,460.7

 
1,368.2

 
1,407.7

Less: accumulated depreciation
(881.9
)
 
(818.5
)
 
(831.1
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
578.8

 
549.7

 
576.6

Goodwill
1,769.1

 
1,756.4

 
1,798.5

Intangible assets, net
336.5

 
347.5

 
333.4

Investments and other assets
378.9

 
328.5

 
371.0

Total assets
$
4,472.1

 
$
4,353.0

 
$
4,449.7

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
$
352.2

 
$
107.9

 
$
211.6

Current portion of long-term debt
1.2

 
252.1

 
2.5

Trade accounts payable
338.8

 
324.7

 
387.3

Other accrued liabilities
385.4

 
369.6

 
461.7

Total current liabilities
1,077.6

 
1,054.3

 
1,063.1

Long-term debt
1,014.3

 
1,018.6

 
1,019.0

Other long-term liabilities
410.2

 
482.6

 
419.9

Total liabilities
2,502.1

 
2,555.5

 
2,502.0

Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
363.3

 
348.7

 
352.8

Common stock non-voting
625.2

 
606.4

 
609.6

Retained earnings
993.6

 
1,011.9

 
970.4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(29.6
)
 
(183.6
)
 
(0.3
)
Non-controlling interests
17.5

 
14.1

 
15.2

Total shareholders’ equity
1,970.0

 
1,797.5

 
1,947.7

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
4,472.1

 
$
4,353.0

 
$
4,449.7

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


5

Table of Contents


McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
 
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
289.9

 
$
259.0

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
78.1

 
76.9

Stock-based compensation
15.1

 
16.1

Income from unconsolidated operations
(20.1
)
 
(16.3
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(99.8
)
 
(111.7
)
Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates
12.6

 
3.4

Net cash flow provided by operating activities
275.8

 
227.4

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of business

 
(130.0
)
Capital expenditures
(78.0
)
 
(54.0
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
0.8

 
2.0

Net cash flow used in investing activities
(77.2
)
 
(182.0
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings, net
139.7

 
(31.8
)
Long-term debt borrowings

 
246.2

Long-term debt repayments
(1.4
)
 
(1.2
)
Proceeds from exercised stock options
19.2

 
32.8

Common stock acquired by purchase
(178.4
)
 
(92.1
)
Dividends paid
(144.7
)
 
(135.0
)
Net cash flow (used in) provided by financing activities
(165.6
)
 
18.9

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(2.2
)
 
3.5

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
30.8

 
67.8

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
63.0

 
79.0

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
93.8

 
$
146.8

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

6

Table of Contents

McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all the information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods presented.
The results of consolidated operations for the three and nine month periods ended August 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Historically, our net sales, net income and cash flow from operations are lower in the first half of the fiscal year and increase in the second half. The typical increase in net sales, net income and cash flow from operations in the second half of the year is largely due to the consumer business cycle in the U.S., where customers typically purchase more products in the fourth quarter due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013.

Reclassification

To conform to our current year presentation, inventories of $16.2 million have been reclassified from Finished products to Raw materials and work-in-process in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at August 31, 2013. The effect of this reclassification is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting and Disclosure Changes
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance is intended to improve and converge with international standards the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. It will be effective for our first quarter of 2018 and early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet determined the impact from adoption of this new accounting pronouncement on our financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance is intended to provide disclosure on items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) either in the notes or parenthetically on the face of the income statement. We adopted this new accounting pronouncement with our first quarter of 2014 and have included the necessary disclosures in note 10, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, in this filing. There was no impact on our financial statements from adoption, other than the additional disclosures.


7

Table of Contents

 
2.
ACQUISITIONS

On May 31, 2013, we completed the purchase of the assets of Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments Co. Ltd. (WAPC), a privately held company based in China, for $144.8 million, which included $142.3 million of cash paid, net of closing adjustments, and the assumption of $2.5 million of liabilities. This acquisition was financed with a combination of cash and debt. WAPC manufactures and markets DaQiao and ChuShiLe brand bouillon products, which have a leading position in the central region of China. WAPC is included in our consumer business segment from the date of acquisition. At the time of acquisition, annual sales of WAPC were approximately $122 million. During the second quarter of 2014, we completed the final valuation of the assets of WAPC which resulted in $26.9 million allocated to tangible net assets, $46.1 million allocated to other intangible assets and $71.8 million allocated to goodwill. The completion of the final valuation did not result in material changes to our consolidated income statement or our consolidated balance sheet from our preliminary purchase price allocation.
Proforma financial information for this acquisition has not been presented because the financial impact is not material.

3.  
SPECIAL CHARGES

In the fourth quarter 2013, we announced a reorganization in parts of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to further improve EMEA’s profitability and process standardization while supporting its competitiveness and long-term growth. These actions include the closure of our current sales and distribution operations in The Netherlands, with the transition to a third-party distributor model to continue to sell the Silvo brand, as well as actions intended to streamline selling, general and administrative activities throughout EMEA, including the centralization of shared service activity across the region into Poland. As we announced in the fourth quarter of 2013, we expect to record a total of approximately $27 million of cash and non-cash charges related to this reorganization.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded $25.0 million of special charges related to this reorganization. During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded an additional $1.0 million of special charges related to this reorganization, consisting of employee severance of $0.5 million and other cash exit costs of $0.5 million. We expect to record the remaining special charges and to complete the actions by 2015. We expect cash expenditures to implement these actions to approximate $19 million, with the bulk of the spending occurring in 2014 and early 2015, and to realize related annual cost savings of approximately $10 million by 2015. Of the $25.0 million of special charges recognized in 2013, $15.9 million related to employee severance, $6.4 million to asset write-downs, and $2.7 million to other exit costs. The $6.4 million asset write-down in 2013 related to an impairment charge for the reduction in the value of our Silvo brand name in The Netherlands.

Of the $25.0 million of special charges recorded in 2013, $22.2 million have been recorded in the consumer business segment and $2.8 million have been recorded in the industrial business segment. The $1.0 million of special charges recognized in the third quarter of 2014 related to the EMEA reorganization have been recorded in the consumer business segment.

The following table outlines the major components of accrual balances relating to the special charges associated with the EMEA reorganization as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2014 (in millions):
 
Employee severance
 
Other exit costs
 
Total
Balance as of November 30, 2013
$
15.9

 
$
2.7

 
$
18.6

Special charges
0.5

 
0.5

 
1.0

Amounts utilized
(6.1
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(7.8
)
Balance as of August 31, 2014
$
10.3

 
$
1.5

 
$
11.8

Also during the third quarter of 2014, we recorded special charges in the amount of $1.3 million, principally related to employee severance, to realign certain manufacturing operations in the U.S. industrial business. We expect that this action will be completed by 2015 and, upon completion, generate annual savings of approximately $2.3 million.



8

Table of Contents


4.
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We use derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risk, including foreign currency and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instruments. The use of derivative financial instruments is monitored through regular communication with senior management and the use of written guidelines.
As of August 31, 2014, the maximum time frame for our foreign exchange forward contracts is 15 months. For all derivatives, the net amount of accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified in the next 12 months is $0.2 million as an increase to earnings.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value in the balance sheet and recorded in either current or noncurrent other assets or other accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities depending upon nature and maturity.
The following table discloses the fair values of derivative instruments on our balance sheet (in millions):
 
 
 
 
As of August 31, 2014
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Interest rate contracts
Other current
assets
 
$
100.0

 
$
7.3

 
 
 

 

Foreign exchange contracts
Other current
assets
 
105.9

 
1.6

 
Other accrued
liabilities
 
$
104.6

 
$
0.8

Total
 
 
 
 
$
8.9

 
 
 
 
 
$
0.8

 
 
 
As of August 31, 2013
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Interest rate contracts
Other current
assets
 
$
100.0

 
$
11.5

 
 
 


 


Foreign exchange contracts
Other current
assets
 
57.5

 
1.4

 
Other accrued
liabilities
 
$
66.0

 
$
1.0

Total
 
 
 
 
$
12.9

 
 
 
 
 
$
1.0

 
 
 
As of November 30, 2013
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Interest rate contracts
Other current
assets
 
$
100.0

 
$
12.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current
assets
 
79.2

 
1.1

 
Other accrued
liabilities
 
$
125.7

 
$
1.6

Total
 
 
 
 
$
13.3

 
 
 
 
 
$
1.6



9

Table of Contents

The following tables disclose the impact of derivative instruments on our other comprehensive income (OCI), accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and our income statement for the three and nine month periods ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
 
Fair Value Hedges
Derivative
 
Income statement
location
 
Expense
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended August 31, 2014
 
For the three months ended August 31, 2013
 
For the nine months ended August 31, 2014
 
For the nine months ended August 31, 2013
Interest rate contracts
 
Interest  expense
 
$
1.3

 
$
1.2

 
$
3.8

 
$
3.7

Cash Flow Hedges –
 
 
For the three months ended August 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative
 
Gain or (Loss)
recognized in OCI
 
Income
statement
location
 
Gain or (Loss)
reclassified from
AOCI
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$
4.7

 
Interest
expense
 
$

 
$
(0.3
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
1.1

 
0.2

 
Cost of goods sold
 
(0.3
)
 
0.3

Total
 
$
1.1

 
$
4.9

 
 
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges –
 
 
For the nine months ended August 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative
 
Gain or (Loss)
recognized in OCI
 
Income
statement
location
 
Gain or (Loss)
reclassified from
AOCI
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$
9.2

 
Interest
expense
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(1.0
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
0.6

 
2.3

 
Cost of goods
sold
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.4
)
Total
 
$
0.6

 
$
11.5

 
 
 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(1.4
)

The amount of gain or loss recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments is not material. The amounts noted in the tables above for OCI do not include any adjustments for the impact of deferred income taxes.


5.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value can be measured using valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). Accounting standards utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

10

Table of Contents

Our population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis are as follows (in millions):
 
 
 
 
August 31, 2014
  
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
93.8

 
$
93.8

 
$

 
$

Insurance contracts
 
103.3

 

 
103.3

 

Bonds and other long-term investments
 
8.2

 
8.2

 

 

Interest rate derivatives
 
7.3

 

 
7.3

 

Foreign currency derivatives
 
1.6

 

 
1.6

 

Total
 
$
214.2

 
$
102.0

 
$
112.2

 
$

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
$
0.8

 
$

 
$
0.8

 
$


 
 
 
 
August 31, 2013
  
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
146.8

 
$
146.8

 
$

 
$

Insurance contracts
 
84.3

 

 
84.3

 

Bonds and other long-term investments
 
13.0

 
13.0

 

 

Interest rate derivatives
 
11.5

 

 
11.5

 

Foreign currency derivatives
 
1.4

 

 
1.4

 

Total
 
$
257.0

 
$
159.8

 
$
97.2

 
$

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
$
1.0

 
$

 
$
1.0

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
November 30, 2013
  
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
63.0

 
$
63.0

 
$

 
$

Insurance contracts
 
90.1

 

 
90.1

 

Bonds and other long-term investments
 
13.3

 
13.3

 

 

Interest rate derivatives
 
12.2

 

 
12.2

 

Foreign currency derivatives
 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

Total
 
$
179.7

 
$
76.3

 
$
103.4

 
$

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
$
1.6

 
$

 
$
1.6

 
$

The fair values of insurance contracts are based upon the underlying values of the securities in which they are invested and are from quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges for similar type assets. The fair values of bonds and other long-term investments are based on quoted market prices from various stock and bond exchanges. The fair values for interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are based on values for similar instruments using models with market based inputs.


6.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT PLANS

The following table presents the components of our pension expense of the defined benefit plans for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):

11

Table of Contents

 
United States
 
International
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Defined benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
5.0

 
$
5.8

 
$
2.0

 
$
2.2

Interest costs
7.7

 
7.8

 
3.4

 
3.1

Expected return on plan assets
(9.7
)
 
(10.4
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(4.2
)
Amortization of prior service costs

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Recognized net actuarial loss
3.0

 
7.4

 
1.2

 
1.3

Total pension expense
$
6.0

 
$
10.6

 
$
2.0

 
$
2.5


The following table presents the components of our pension expense of the defined benefit plans for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):

 
United States
 
International
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Defined benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
15.0

 
$
17.4

 
$
5.9

 
$
6.7

Interest costs
23.3

 
23.4

 
10.3

 
9.5

Expected return on plan assets
(29.1
)
 
(31.0
)
 
(14.1
)
 
(12.9
)
Amortization of prior service costs

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

Recognized net actuarial loss
8.9

 
22.1

 
3.5

 
4.2

Total pension expense
$
18.1

 
$
31.9

 
$
5.9

 
$
7.8

During the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $14.0 million and $40.1 million, respectively, to our pension plans. Total contributions to our pension plans in fiscal year 2013 were $42.7 million.
The following table presents the components of our other postretirement benefits expense (in millions):


Three months ended August 31,

Nine months ended August 31,
 

2014

2013

2014

2013
Other postretirement benefits








Service cost

$
1.0


$
1.3


$
2.8


$
3.8

Interest costs

1.0


1.0


3.1


3.0

Amortization of prior service costs



(0.3
)



(0.9
)
Amortization of losses



0.3




1.0

Total other postretirement expense

$
2.0


$
2.3


$
5.9


$
6.9



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7.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We have three types of stock-based compensation awards: restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options and company stock awarded as part of our mid-term incentive program (MTIP). The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense (in millions):
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Stock-based compensation expense
$
3.0

 
$
3.6

 
$
15.1

 
$
16.1

Our 2014 annual grant of stock options and RSUs occurred in the second quarter, similar to the 2013 annual grant. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of an option granted in 2014 was $9.48 and in 2013 was $9.47 as calculated under a lattice pricing model. For the 2014 grant, substantially all of the options granted vest ratably over a three-year period or upon retirement. Previously, stock options granted vested ratably over a four-year period or upon retirement. The fair values of option grants in the stated periods were computed using the following range of assumptions for our various stock compensation plans:
 
2014
 
2013
Risk-free interest rates
0.1 - 2.7%
 
0.1 - 1.8%
Dividend yield
2.1%
 
1.9%
Expected volatility
15.6 - 20.1%
 
14.5 - 20.6%
Expected lives (in years)
5.8
 
6.2
The following is a summary of all stock option activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
(shares in millions)
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at beginning of period
4.6

 
$
47.73

 
5.1

 
$
40.06

Granted
1.1

 
71.12

 
0.9

 
71.60

Exercised
(0.6
)
 
35.93

 
(1.0
)
 
32.59

Outstanding at end of the period
5.1

 
$
54.02

 
5.0

 
$
47.28

Exercisable at end of the period
3.0

 
$
45.55

 
3.0

 
$
39.68

As of August 31, 2014 the intrinsic value (the difference between the exercise price and the market price) for all options outstanding was $82.5 million and for options currently exercisable was $73.4 million. The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 was $20.9 million and $35.4 million, respectively.
The following is a summary of all of our RSU activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
(shares in thousands)
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period
161

 
$
60.86

 
192

 
$
49.65

Granted
180

 
71.15

 
89

 
71.60

Vested
(93
)
 
62.57

 
(113
)
 
51.09

Forfeited
(5
)
 
69.05

 
(3
)
 
55.16

Outstanding at end of period
243

 
$
67.66

 
165

 
$
60.64




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The following is a summary of the MTIP award activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
(shares in thousands)
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period
334

 
$
51.73

 
240

 
$
46.63

Granted
105

 
69.04

 
94

 
64.74

Vested
(118
)
 
44.47

 

 

Forfeited
(2
)
 
44.47

 

 

Outstanding at end of period
319

 
$
60.15

 
334

 
$
51.73



14

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8.
INCOME TAXES

During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014, we reversed previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest of $0.8 million, principally as a result of statute of limitation expirations. Additionally, during the nine months ended August 31, 2014, we reached a settlement with respect to the French taxing authority’s audits of the 2007-2013 tax years. In connection with that settlement, we reversed previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest of $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2014. Other than additions for current year tax positions and for the previously described reversals, there were no significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014.

Income tax expense for the three months ended August 31, 2014 included discrete tax benefits of $6.2 million. The principal components of those discrete tax benefits recognized in the third quarter of 2014 included the following: (i) the reversal of previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest in the amount of $0.8 million, described above; (ii) the reversal of international tax expense in the amount of $3.7 million related to fiscal 2013, recorded earlier in 2014 as a result of a retroactive change in French tax law enacted in the first quarter of 2014 (during the third quarter of 2014, final legislative guidance on that French tax law change was issued, which resulted in our reversal of previously provided expense); and (iii) a $1.4 million benefit as a result of the adjustment of prior year tax accruals upon completion of the related tax returns.

Income tax expense for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 included discrete tax benefits of $5.5 million. In addition to the $6.6 million aggregate tax benefit recognized in the first nine months of 2014 associated with the reversal of previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest, described in the initial paragraph of this Note 8, the following represent the significant discrete tax items recognized in the first nine months of 2014: (i) international tax expense of $2.2 million related to prior year adjustments agreed as part of the French tax settlement previously described; and (ii) a $1.4 million benefit as a result of the adjustment of prior year tax accruals upon completion of the related tax returns.
There were $3.3 million of discrete tax benefits in the quarter ended August 31, 2013. These discrete tax benefits were mainly due to the reversal of a valuation allowance originally established against a subsidiary’s net operating losses. This subsidiary established a pattern of profitability which resulted in us concluding during the third quarter of 2013 that the valuation allowance should be reversed. Income taxes for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 included a total of $4.5 million of discrete tax benefits due to the third quarter item noted above and the recognition of a 2012 U.S. research tax credit, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2013. A new law was enacted in the first quarter of 2013 that retroactively granted the credit for 2012.
In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of our U.S. federal income tax return for the 2007 and 2008 tax years. During the course of the examination, we have held discussions with the IRS on certain issues and, in October 2012, we received proposed adjustments for these tax years. In November 2012, we deposited $18.8 million with the IRS to stop any potential interest on these proposed adjustments. We disagree with certain of the proposed adjustments and, in December 2012, we filed a protest to initiate the IRS administrative appeals process. During 2014, the appeals process continued, with meetings and submission of supplemental materials. We believe that we have established appropriate tax accruals under U.S. GAAP for these issues.



9.
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK ISSUANCE

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of average shares outstanding (in millions):
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Average shares outstanding – basic
129.6

 
132.1

 
130.3

 
132.2

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options/RSUs/MTIP
1.0

 
1.4

 
1.0

 
1.5

Average shares outstanding – diluted
130.6

 
133.5

 
131.3

 
133.7




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The following table sets forth the stock options and RSUs for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 which were not considered in our earnings per share calculation since they were anti-dilutive (in millions):
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Anti-dilutive securities
1.9

 
0.9

 
1.5

 
0.5


The following table sets forth the common stock activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 under the Company’s stock option and employee stock purchase plans and the repurchases of common stock under its stock repurchase program (in millions):
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Shares issued under stock option, employee stock purchase plans and RSUs
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.7

 
0.9

Shares repurchased in connection with the stock repurchase program
0.7

 

 
2.6

 
1.4

As of August 31, 2014, $181 million remained of the $400 million share repurchase authorization that was authorized by the Board of Directors in April 2013.
 

10.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax where applicable (in millions):

 
August 31, 2014
 
August 31, 2013
 
November 30, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustment
$
126.8

 
$
112.7

 
$
165.7

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts
0.3

 
0.4

 
(0.3
)
Unamortized value of settled interest rate swaps
2.4

 
2.4

 
2.0

Pension and other postretirement costs
(159.1
)
 
(299.1
)
 
(167.7
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(29.6
)
 
$
(183.6
)
 
$
(0.3
)

The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into consolidated net income for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):

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Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
Affected Line Items in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Losses on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
 

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
Interest expense
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(0.3
)
 
0.3

 
(0.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
Cost of goods sold
Total before tax expense
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.9
)
 
(1.4
)
 
 
 
Tax effect
 
0.1

 

 
0.3

 
0.4

 
Income taxes
Net, after tax
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service costs (1)
 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
0.3

 
$
(0.6
)
 
SG&A expense/ Cost of goods sold
Amortization of net actuarial losses (1)
 
4.2

 
9.0

 
12.4

 
27.3

 
SG&A expense/ Cost of goods sold
Total before tax expense
 
4.3

 
8.8

 
12.7

 
26.7

 
 
 
Tax effect
 
(1.4
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(4.3
)
 
(9.1
)
 
Income taxes
Net, after tax
 
$
2.9

 
$
5.8

 
$
8.4

 
$
17.6

 
 
 

(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of total pension expense and total other postretirement expense (refer to note 6 for additional details).




11.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in two business segments: consumer and industrial. The consumer and industrial segments manufacture, market and distribute spices, herbs, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products throughout the world. Our consumer segment sells to retail outlets, including grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores under the “McCormick” brand and a variety of brands around the world, including “Lawry’s”, “Zatarain’s”, “Simply Asia”, “Thai Kitchen”, “Ducros”, “Vahine”, “Schwartz”, “Club House”, “Kamis”, “Kohinoor” and "DaQiao". Our industrial segment sells to food manufacturers and the foodservice industry both directly and indirectly through distributors.
In each of our segments, we produce and sell many individual products which are similar in composition and nature. With their primary attribute being flavor, we regard the products within each of our segments to be fairly homogenous. It is impracticable to segregate and identify sales and profits for individual product lines.
We measure segment performance based on operating income excluding special charges as this activity is managed separately from the business segments. Although the segments are managed separately due to their distinct distribution channels and marketing strategies, manufacturing and warehousing are often integrated to maximize cost efficiencies. We do not segregate jointly utilized assets by individual segment for internal reporting, evaluating performance or allocating capital. Because of manufacturing integration for certain products within the segments, products are not sold from one segment to another but rather inventory is transferred at cost. Intersegment sales are not material.

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Consumer
 
Industrial
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
Three months ended August 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
621.9

 
$
420.9

 
$
1,042.8

Operating income excluding special charges
122.1

 
37.5

 
159.6

Income from unconsolidated operations
8.1

 
0.7

 
8.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended August 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
612.4

 
$
404.0

 
$
1,016.4

Operating income
118.7

 
29.7

 
148.4

Income from unconsolidated operations
4.0

 
1.0

 
5.0

 
Consumer
 
Industrial
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
Nine months ended August 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,852.2

 
$
1,217.4

 
$
3,069.6

Operating income excluding special charges
302.3

 
103.6

 
405.9

Income from unconsolidated operations
19.0

 
1.1

 
20.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended August 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,773.2

 
$
1,180.2

 
$
2,953.4

Operating income
294.0

 
82.4

 
376.4

Income from unconsolidated operations
13.8

 
2.5

 
16.3


A reconciliation of operating income excluding special charges (which we use to measure segment profitability) to operating income is as follows:
(millions)
Three months ended August 31, 2014
 
Nine months ended August 31, 2014
Operating income
$
157.3

 
$
403.6

Add: Special charges
2.3

 
2.3

Operating income excluding special charges
$
159.6

 
$
405.9

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are a global leader in flavor, with the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry. Customers range from retail outlets and food manufacturers to food service businesses. Our major sales, distribution and production facilities are located in North America, Europe and China. Additional facilities are based in Australia, Mexico, India, Singapore, Central America, Thailand and South Africa. Annually, approximately 40% of our sales have been outside of the United States.
We operate in two business segments, consumer and industrial. Consistent with market conditions in each segment, our consumer business has a higher overall profit margin than our industrial business. Historically, the consumer business contributes approximately 60% of sales and 80% of operating income and the industrial business contributes approximately 40% of sales and 20% of operating income. Across both segments, we have the customer base and product breadth to participate in all types of eating occasions, whether it is cooking at home, dining out, purchasing a quick service meal or enjoying a snack. We offer consumers a range of products from premium to value-priced.
Our Growth Model and Outlook
Our growth model is straightforward – we are increasing sales and profits by investing in the business and funding these investments, in part, with cost savings from our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program. This simple model has been the driver of our success and is our plan for growth in the future.
Increasing Sales and Profits – Our long-term goals are to grow sales 4% to 6%, increase operating income 7% to 9% and increase earnings per share 9% to 11%. Long-term, we expect to achieve our sales growth with one-third from category growth, share gains and new distribution, one-third from product innovation and one-third from acquisitions. For our consumer business, we are driving sales with a robust pipeline of innovation and a significant increase in our brand marketing. We expect to increase industrial business sales and profit through new product development and support for the international expansion of our customers.
In 2014, sales are projected to grow 3% to 5% in local currency, driven by higher volumes, pricing and the incremental impact of the WAPC acquisition in the first half of the year (see note 2 of the financial statements for additional information). Operating income in 2014 is expected to exceed operating income in 2013. Operating income was $550.5 million in fiscal year 2013. Excluding special charges of $25.0 million related to reorganization activities in the EMEA region and a $15.3 million loss on a voluntary pension settlement, both of which were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013, adjusted operating income in 2013 was $590.8 million. During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014, we recorded special charges of $2.3 million, of which $1.0 million related to the EMEA reorganization announced in the prior year and $1.3 million related to the consolidation of certain manufacturing operations in the U.S. industrial business. Due in large part to higher sales and CCI cost savings, adjusted operating income (excluding special charges) is projected to increase 4% to 5% in 2014 when compared to adjusted operating income in 2013. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (excluding $0.01 of special charges) are projected to be between $3.30 and $3.37 in 2014. This compares to diluted earnings per share of $2.91 in 2013. Excluding the earnings per share impact of the aforementioned special charges and loss on voluntary pension settlement, adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2013 was $3.13. The projected increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2014, when compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2013, is 5% to 8%.
In addition to increased sales and profit, our business generates strong cash flow. We generated $465 million and $455 million in cash flow from operations in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. Long-term, we expect higher cash flow and more efficient asset utilization as we anticipate growth in net income and further reductions in our working capital. We are increasing shareholder return with consistent dividend payments. We have paid dividends every year since 1925 and increased the dividend in each of the past 28 years.
Investing in the Business – We are investing for growth through innovation, brand marketing support and acquisitions.
In 2013, 9% of sales came from new products launched in the past three years. For our consumer business, 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. In 2014, these include seasoning blends for grilling burgers, Flavour Shot blends of oil and spices, gluten-free recipe mixes, skillet sauces and value-priced grinders. For industrial customers, we are developing seasonings for snacks and other food products, as well as flavors for new menu items. In 2014, we have a solid pipeline of new flavor solutions aligned with our

19

Table of Contents

customers’ new product launch plans. With more than 20 technical innovation centers and product development facilities around the world, we are supporting the growth of our brands and those of our industrial customers with products that appeal to local consumers. In addition, much of our innovation is designed to meet the increasing consumer demand for healthy eating. We founded the McCormick Science Institute in 2007 to fund the advancement of scientific knowledge of the potential health benefits of culinary spices and herbs. This institute is also committed to educating consumers, nutritionists and dietitians about these potential health benefits.

From 2008 through 2013, we increased our investment in brand marketing by 64%. An increase of at least 12% is planned in 2014. We measure the return on this investment and have identified digital marketing as one of the highest categories. Through digital marketing, we are connecting with consumers in a personalized way to deliver recipes, provide cooking advice and discover new products. From 2011 to 2013, we doubled our spending on digital marketing and have a further increase planned in 2014.

Through acquisitions we are adding leading brands to extend our reach into new geographic regions where we currently have little or no distribution. We have a particular interest in emerging markets that offer high growth potential, such as China and India. In 2013, we completed our acquisition of the assets of WAPC in China. Sales in emerging markets accounted for 15% of total company net sales in fiscal year 2013, up from 10% of net sales in 2011. In our developed markets, we are seeking consumer brands that have a defensible market position and meet a growing consumer trend for flavor.
Cost Savings from CCI – CCI is our ongoing initiative to improve productivity and reduce costs throughout the company. With CCI, each business unit develops cost reduction opportunities and sets specific goals. Our projects fall into the areas of cost optimization, cost avoidance and productivity that includes streamlining processes. However, the only amounts we report are actual cost reductions where costs have decreased from the prior year. CCI cost savings totaled $63 million in fiscal year 2013, of which $48 million lowered cost of goods sold. In 2014, CCI-related cost savings are expected to reach at least $50 million, with a large portion impacting our cost of goods sold. Material cost inflation is expected to be in the low single-digit range in 2014, compared to approximately 3% in 2013. We anticipate the 2014 impact of material cost inflation will be offset largely by the cost savings from our CCI program.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - COMPANY
 
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
$
1,042.8

 
$
1,016.4

 
$
3,069.6

 
$
2,953.4

Percent increase
2.6
%
 
4.0
%
 
3.9
%
 
3.0
%
Gross profit
$
420.1

 
$
407.6

 
$
1,224.1

 
$
1,163.6

Gross profit margin
40.3
%
 
40.1
%
 
39.9
%
 
39.4
%
Sales for the third quarter of 2014 increased by 2.6% over the prior year level and include a 0.6% favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the foreign currency impact, our sales increased 2.0% over the prior year level as pricing actions added 1.5% and higher volume and product mix, driven by our industrial business, increased net sales by 0.5%.

Sales for the nine months ended August 31, 2014, increased by 3.9% over the 2013 level. As described in note 2, we acquired WAPC on May 31, 2013. As a result, the incremental impact of the WAPC acquisition on our results for the nine months ended August 31, 2014, represents WAPC sales for the first six months of 2014, which contributed 2.5% to our sales growth for the first nine months of 2014. Excluding the incremental impact of the WAPC acquisition and a 0.3% unfavorable foreign currency impact, our sales rose by 1.7% over the first nine months of 2013, as pricing actions contributed 1.9% to our sales but were partially offset by lower volume and product mix of 0.2%.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2014 increased by $12.5 million, or 3.1%, over the comparable period in 2013, while our gross profit margin improved by 20 basis points over the year ago quarter to 40.3%. This margin improvement was primarily due to our CCI cost savings and increased sales of higher margin products in our industrial business, partially offset by a shift in business mix to lower margin international sales.

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Gross profit for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 increased by $60.5 million, or 5.2%, over the comparable period in 2013, while our gross profit margin improved by 50 basis points over the first nine months of 2013 to 39.9%. This margin improvement was primarily due to our CCI cost savings and increased sales of higher margin products in our industrial business, partially offset by a shift in business mix to lower margin international sales.

 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Selling, general & administrative expense (SG&A)
$
260.5

 
$
259.2

 
$
818.2

 
$
787.2

Percent of net sales
25.0
%
 
25.5
%
 
26.7
%
 
26.7
%
SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased by 50 basis points for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the corresponding period in 2013. Driving the decrease in SG&A as a percentage of sales in the third quarter of 2014 from the 2013 level were lower pension and selling expenses, partially offset by increased brand marketing support, which was $2.4 million higher in 2014. SG&A as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 equaled that of the corresponding period in 2013. Brand marketing support for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 was $13.5 million higher than that for the same period in 2013. This was offset by lower pension and selling expenses in 2014 versus the same period last year and the absence of $4.1 million of transaction costs that were incurred in 2013 in connection with our WAPC acquisition.
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest expense
$
12.4

 
$
14.0

 
$
37.3

 
$
41.4

Other income, net
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
1.7

Interest expense in the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014 decreased compared to the corresponding periods in 2013 primarily due to the refinancing of long term debt in the second half of 2013. In August 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.50% Notes (at an effective interest rate of 3.30%), the net cash proceeds of which, plus cash on hand, were used to pay off $250 million of 5.25% Notes (at an effective interest rate of 5.54%) that matured in September 2013.
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Income from consolidated operations before income taxes
$
145.2

 
$
134.7

 
$
367.1

 
$
336.7

Income taxes
31.1

 
35.3

 
97.3

 
94.0

Effective tax rate
21.4
%
 
26.2
%
 
26.5
%
 
27.9
%
The provision for income taxes is based on the then-current 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 include, but are not limited to, changes in estimates of the outcome of tax matters related to prior years, provision-to-return adjustments, and the settlement of tax audits.
Income tax expense for the three months ended August 31, 2014 included discrete tax benefits of $6.2 million. The principal components of those discrete tax benefits recognized in the third quarter of 2014 included the following: (i) the reversal of previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest in the amount of $0.8 million, principally as a result of statute of limitation expirations; (ii) the reversal of international tax expense in the amount of $3.7 million related to fiscal 2013, initially recorded in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of a retroactive change in French tax law enacted in the first quarter of 2014, but reversed in the third quarter of 2014 when final legislative guidance on that retroactive French tax law was issued that allowed us to conclude this additional tax would no longer be required; and (iii) a $1.4 million benefit as a result of the adjustment of prior year tax accruals upon completion of the related tax returns.
Income tax expense for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 included discrete tax benefits of $5.5 million. The principal components of those discrete tax benefits recognized in the first nine months of 2014 included the following: (i) the reversal of previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest in the amount of $0.8 million, principally as a result of statute of limitation expirations; (ii) a $5.8 million benefit related to the reversal of previously provided reserves for uncertain tax benefits and related interest recognized in connection with our settlement with respect to the French taxing

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authority’s audits of the 2007-2013 tax years in the first quarter of 2014; (iii) a $1.4 million benefit as a result of the adjustment of prior year tax accruals upon completion of the related tax returns; less (iv) international tax expense of $2.2 million related to prior year adjustments agreed as part of the previously described French tax settlement.
There were $3.3 million of discrete tax benefits in the quarter ended August 31, 2013. These discrete tax benefits were mainly due to the reversal of a valuation allowance originally established against a subsidiary’s net operating losses. This subsidiary established a pattern of profitability which resulted in us concluding during the third quarter of 2013 that the valuation allowance should be reversed.
Income taxes for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 included a total of $4.5 million of discrete tax benefits due to the previously described reversal of the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2013 and the recognition of a 2012 U.S. research tax credit, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2013. A new law was enacted in the first quarter of 2013 that retroactively granted the credit for 2012.
Our effective tax rate, including the effect of the discrete tax items described above, for the nine months ended August 31, 2014, was 26.5%, which represents a reduction from the corresponding rate of 29.8% recognized for the first half of 2014. The reduction in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended August 31, 2014, from that of the first half of 2014 resulted primarily from a change in our expected mix of business across tax jurisdictions as well as from the additional discrete tax benefits described above that were recognized in the third quarter of 2014.
In addition to the discrete tax items described above, our effective tax rate of 21.4% for the three months ended August 31, 2014, benefited from the cumulative catch up adjustment necessary to reflect the reduction of our estimated annual effective tax rate for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 from that estimated for the first six months of 2014. That adjustment included the reversal of the higher taxes provided during the first six months of 2014, initially recorded in response to the change in French tax law, but reversed in the third quarter of 2014 when final legislative guidance on that retroactive French tax law was issued that allowed us to conclude this additional tax would no longer be required. For the year ended November 30, 2014, we are projecting our effective tax rate to be approximately 27%.
In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of our U.S. federal income tax return for the 2007 and 2008 tax years. During the course of the examination, we have held discussions with the IRS on certain issues and, in October 2012, we received proposed adjustments for these tax years. In November 2012, we deposited $18.8 million with the IRS to stop any potential interest on these proposed adjustments. We disagree with certain of the proposed adjustments and, in December 2012, we filed a protest to initiate the IRS administrative appeals process. In the nine months ended August 31, 2014, the appeals process continued, with meetings and submissions of supplemental materials. We believe that we have established appropriate tax accruals under U.S. GAAP for these issues.
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Income from unconsolidated operations
$
8.8

 
$
5.0

 
$
20.1

 
$
16.3

Income from unconsolidated operations for both the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014 were $3.8 million higher than the corresponding periods for 2013. This increase was attributable to our joint venture in Mexico, which, in addition to higher sales, transferred into a new more efficient manufacturing facility in 2014. This joint venture's performance in 2013 was negatively impacted by costs incurred in 2013 that related to that relocation.
The following table outlines the major components of the change in diluted earnings per share from 2013 to 2014:
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
2013 Earnings per share – diluted
$
0.78

 
$
1.94

Impact of special charges
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Higher operating income
0.06

 
0.16

Impact of lower effective tax rate
0.05

 
0.04

Higher unconsolidated income
0.03

 
0.03

Impact of lower shares outstanding
0.02

 
0.04

Lower interest expense and other income
0.01

 
0.01

2014 Earnings per share – diluted
$
0.94

 
$
2.21



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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SEGMENTS
CONSUMER BUSINESS
 
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
621.9

 
$
612.4

 
$
1,852.2

 
$
1,773.2

Percent increase
1.5
%
 
7.8
%
 
4.5
%
 
6.1
%
Operating income, excluding special charges
122.1

 
118.7

 
302.3

 
294.0

Operating income margin, excluding special charges
19.6
%
 
19.4
%
 
16.3
%
 
16.6
%
As compared to the third quarter of 2013, our global consumer business grew sales by 1.5% in the third quarter of 2014, which included a 0.6% favorable impact from foreign currency rates. Excluding the foreign currency impact, global consumer sales increased by 0.9% in the third quarter of 2014, due to higher pricing of 1.7%, partially offset by lower volume and product mix of 0.8%. Included in the comparison to prior year sales is the impact of a shift in sales from the fourth quarter into the third quarter of 2013 due to retailer purchases in a stronger response to the holiday display program and in advance of the pricing action taken last year.
In the Americas, consumer sales declined 1.2% in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013. That decline included a 0.4% decrease from unfavorable foreign exchange rates, a 1.4% increase in pricing and a 2.2% decline attributable to lower volume and product mix. In this region, we are addressing competitive activity with new products and increased brand marketing, as well as actions to “win at retail.”
We believe that the Americas decline in volume and product mix for the third quarter of 2014 includes an unfavorable shift in sales when compared to 2013. As in prior years, McCormick offered retailers a holiday display program to encourage early in-store display and merchandising of holiday products. While we expect another year of comparable holiday display activity in 2014, retailer purchases appear to be more skewed toward the fourth quarter of 2014 than in 2013. We estimate that this shift had an unfavorable impact on consumer sales in the Americas in the third quarter of 2014 of approximately 5%, or $20 million. In the third quarter of 2013, we estimated that retailer purchases in a stronger response to the holiday display program and in advance of an announced fourth quarter 2013 pricing increase shifted approximately $30 million in 2013 sales from the fourth quarter into the third quarter, as compared to the comparable periods in 2012. Third quarter 2014 sales related to our holiday display program were approximately $10 million higher than in the third quarter of 2012, which, like 2014, had no announced fourth quarter pricing increase.
In the EMEA region, consumer sales increased 6.0% in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior year level and included a favorable impact of 4.4% from foreign exchange rates and a 2.1% increase due to pricing actions, partially offset by a 0.5% decrease from lower volumes and product mix. Volume and product mix was down slightly this quarter as growth from product innovation and expanded distribution was offset by competitive conditions in this region.
In the Asia/Pacific region, consumer sales increased 9.7% in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third quarter of 2013, with a 1.0% decrease from unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Excluding the unfavorable foreign currency impact, consumer sales in the Asia/Pacific region rose 10.7%, driven by a 7.8% increase in volume and product mix and a 2.9% increase from higher pricing. In this region, the growth in our base business (which includes WAPC for the third quarter) was led by 16% sales growth in China, with strength in core products along with sales of our squeeze pouch ketchup and other new products. The higher pricing this quarter comes from India and relates to basmati rice costs. While the impact of this higher pricing was partially offset by lower volume and product mix, the net impact was a double-digit increase in sales in India during the third quarter of 2014 over the prior year level.

For the nine months ended August 31, 2014, our global consumer business grew sales by 4.5% over the 2013 level. That increase reflected a 4.1% increase from the WAPC acquisition, which we acquired on May 31, 2013. Excluding the incremental sales of WAPC acquisition for the first six months of 2014, global consumer sales rose 0.4% for the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. Pricing actions added 2.2%, while lower volume and product mix reduced sales by 1.8% and foreign exchange rates were neutral.

Third quarter of 2014 operating income, excluding special charges of $1.0 million, for our consumer business increased $3.4 million, or 2.9%, compared to the third quarter of 2013. This increase was mainly driven by higher sales and the benefit of CCI cost savings, offset in part by a $2.7 million increase in brand marketing support.

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For the nine months ended August 31, 2014, consumer business operating income, excluding special charges of $1.0 million, increased by $8.3 million, or 2.8% compared to the same period of 2013. The growth in operating income was the result of higher sales and cost savings from CCI and WAPC acquisition costs of $4.1 million in 2013, partially offset by brand marketing support. Brand marketing support for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 was $12.0 million above the same period in 2013.



INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS
 
 
Three months ended August 31,
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
(in millions)
 
Net sales
$
420.9

 
$
404.0

 
$
1,217.4

 
$
1,180.2

Percent increase (decrease)
4.2
%
 
(1.3
)%
 
3.1
%
 
(1.4
)%
Operating income, excluding special charges
37.5

 
29.7

 
103.6

 
82.4

Operating income margin, excluding special charges
8.9
%
 
7.4
 %
 
8.5
%
 
7.0
 %
During the quarter ended August 31, 2014, our global industrial business grew sales by 4.2% from the third quarter of 2013, which included a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of 0.8%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, global industrial sales increased 3.4% in the third quarter of 2014, with higher volume and product mix that increased sales by 2.2% and pricing actions that added 1.2% to sales.
In the Americas, industrial sales increased 2.5% during the third quarter of 2014 from the prior year level, which included an unfavorable impact of 0.6% from foreign currency rates. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, higher volume and product mix increased industrial sales by 2.9% and pricing actions added 0.2% to sales. In this region, we had strong demand for snack seasonings in the U.S. and Mexico, including many of the new products that have been introduced by leading food and beverage companies this year. On the restaurant side of our business, sales of branded food service products increased this quarter, while sales to quick service restaurants remained weak.

In the EMEA region, our industrial business increased sales in the third quarter of 2014 over the prior year level by 14.0%, which included a favorable foreign currency impact of 6.3%. In local currency, industrial sales increased 7.7% in the third quarter of 2014, with pricing actions adding 5.2% and higher volume and product mix contributing 2.5%. This increase for the third quarter follows a similar growth rate in the first half of 2014. Demand from quick service restaurants remained strong and we had good sales of snack seasonings in this market as well.

In the Asia/Pacific region, industrial sales decreased 1.4% in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013, included an unfavorable foreign exchange rate impact of 0.3%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, sales decreased 1.1%. Lower volume and product mix decreased sales by 1.9%, partially offset by higher pricing which added 0.8% to net sales. This third quarter decline is a reversal from the growth we reported in the first half of the year. During that period, there was a significant recovery with sales to quick service restaurants in China that had been weak in 2013. However, demand from these customers across the region slowed in the third quarter of 2014 given recent news of quality issues with a major restaurant supplier in China.

For the nine months ended August 31, 2014, total industrial business sales increased 3.1%, which included 0.7% from unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, the sales increase was 3.8%, driven by favorable volumes and product mix of 2.5% and higher pricing actions of 1.3%.

For the third quarter of 2014, operating income, excluding special charges of $1.3 million, for the industrial business increased by $7.8 million, or 26.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2013, and operating income margin, excluding those special charges, increased to 8.9% for third quarter of 2014 compared to 7.4% for the same period last year. Higher sales, together with CCI cost savings and increased margins within the product portfolio, drove this performance. This increase compares to a decline of 15.8% in industrial business operating income in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012 that related to lower sales, an unfavorable mix of business and a year-on-year increase in retirement benefit expense.

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For the nine months ended August 31, 2014, industrial business operating income, excluding special charges of $1.3 million, increased by $21.2 million, or 25.7%, and operating income margin, excluding special charges, was 150 basis points higher than the first nine months of 2013. The increase in operating income was due to the same factors noted for the third quarter above.

  


MARKET RISK SENSITIVITY

Foreign Exchange Risk
We utilize foreign currency exchange contracts to enhance our ability to manage foreign currency exchange risk. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument and all derivatives are designated as hedges.
The following table sets forth the notional values and unrealized gain or (loss) of the portfolio of our forward foreign currency contracts (in millions):
 
August 31, 2014
 
August 31, 2013
 
November 30, 2013
Notional value
$
210.5

 
$
123.5

 
$
204.9

Unrealized gain (loss)
0.8

 
0.4

 
(0.5
)
The quarterly fluctuation in notional value is a result of our decisions on foreign currency exposure coverage, based on our foreign currency exposures.
Interest Rate Risk
We manage our interest rate exposure by entering into both fixed and variable rate debt arrangements. In addition, we use interest rate swaps to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument and all derivatives are designated as hedges. As of August 31, 2014, we had a total of $100 million notional value of interest rate swap contracts outstanding. The fair value of our interest rate swaps was a $7.3 million accumulated gain as of August 31, 2014, compared to a $12.2 million accumulated gain as of November 30, 2013. The change in fair values is due to changes in interest rates and the remaining duration of our interest rate derivatives.
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. Our most significant raw materials are pepper, dairy products, rice, capsicums (red peppers and paprika), onion, garlic 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. We generally have not used derivatives to manage the volatility related to this risk. To the extent that we have used derivatives for this purpose, it has not been material to our business.
Credit Risk
The customers of our consumer business are predominantly food retailers and food wholesalers. Consolidations in these industries have created larger customers, some of which are highly leveraged. In addition, competition has increased with the growth in alternative channels including mass merchandisers, dollar stores, warehouse clubs and discount chains. This has caused some customers to be less profitable and increased our exposure to credit risk. We continue to closely monitor the credit worthiness of our customers and counterparties. We believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts properly recognizes trade receivables at net realizable value. We consider nonperformance credit risk for other financial instruments to be insignificant.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

As of August 31, 2014, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments outside the ordinary course of business since November 30, 2013.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The table below includes a financial measure of adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share excluding the impact of special charges and a loss on voluntary pension settlement in fiscal year 2013 and special charges in the third quarter of 2014. This is a non-GAAP financial measure which is prepared as a complement to our financial results prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. We believe this non-GAAP information 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. Management believes the non-GAAP measure provides a more consistent basis for assessing the Company's performance than the closest GAAP equivalent.
This non-GAAP measure may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but it should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. We intend to continue to provide this non-GAAP financial measure as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of this non-GAAP financial measure will provide consistency in our financial reporting. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to GAAP financial results is provided below for the year ended November 30, 2013 and the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014 (in millions, except per share data):
 
For the year ended November 30, 2013
 
For the three months ended August 31, 2014
 
For the nine months ended August 31, 2013
Operating income
$
550.5

 
$
157.3

 
$
403.6

Impact of special charges and loss on voluntary pension settlement
40.3

 
2.3

 
2.3

Adjusted operating income
$
590.8

 
$
159.6

 
$
405.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share - diluted
$
2.91

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.21

Impact of special charges and loss on voluntary pension settlement
0.22

 
0.01

 
0.01

Adjusted earnings per share - diluted
$
3.13

 
$
0.95

 
$
2.22


In addition to the above non-GAAP measure, we use total debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as a measure of leverage. EBITDA and the ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA are both non-GAAP financial measures. This ratio measures our ability to repay outstanding debt obligations. Our target for total debt to EBITDA, excluding the temporary impact from acquisition activity, is 1.5 to 1.7. We believe that total debt to EBITDA is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating our financial leverage and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate total debt to EBITDA.

We define adjusted EBITDA as net income plus expenses for interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, special charges and loss on voluntary pension settlement. Information with respect to special charges and the loss on voluntary pension settlement, both of which were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013, is contained in notes 3 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013. The following table reconciles our adjusted EBITDA to our net income for the trailing twelve month periods ended August 31, 2014, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):
 
August 31, 2014
August 31, 2013
Nov 30, 2013
Net income
$
419.9

$
407.5

$
389.0

Special charges and the loss on voluntary pension settlement
42.6


40.3

Depreciation and amortization
107.3

102.9

106.0

Interest expense
49.2

55.3

53.3

Income tax expense
137.5

140.1

133.6

Adjusted EBITDA
$
756.5

$
705.8

$
722.2

 
 
 
 
Total debt
$
1,367.7

$
1,378.6

$
1,233.1

 
 
 
 
Total debt/Adjusted EBITDA
1.81

1.95

1.71


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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
 
Nine months ended August 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
275.8

 
$
227.4

Net cash used in investing activities
(77.2
)
 
(182.0
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(165.6
)
 
18.9

In the statement of cash flows, 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. Accordingly, the amounts in the statement of cash flows do not agree with changes in the operating assets and liabilities that are presented in the balance sheet.
Due to the cyclical nature of a portion of our business, we generate much of our cash flow in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Operating Cash Flow – Net cash provided by operating activities ("cash flow from operations") is typically lower in the first and second quarters and then builds in the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year. For the nine months ended August 31, 2014, cash flow from operations was $48.4 million higher than the same period of 2013. Most of this increase was due to lower pension contributions and higher collections of trade accounts receivable in the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period last year. During the nine months ended August 31, 2014, we contributed $14.0 million to our pension plans, or $26.1 million less than the $40.1 million contributed in the corresponding period in 2013. The funding for our U.S. pension plan is currently within company guidelines and a contribution was not made during the first nine months of 2014.
Investing Cash Flow – The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was mainly due to the absence of a business acquisition in the nine months ended August 31, 2014. During the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we made payments totaling of $130.0 million towards the total purchase price of the assets of WAPC (see note 2 for additional information). We spent $78.0 million on capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2014, compared to $54.0 million for the same period last year. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2014 are expected to be $120 million to $130 million.
Financing Cash Flow – The $184.5 million increase in net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2014, when compared to the prior year level, is primarily due to a decrease in net borrowings, partially offset by an increase in share repurchase activity. In August 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.50% Notes due 2023 and received net proceeds of $246.2 million. In the first nine months of 2014, we had a net increase in short-term borrowings of $139.7 million compared to a net reduction in short-term borrowings of $31.8 million for the same period last year.
The following table outlines the activity in our share repurchase program for the nine months ended August 31 (in millions):
 
 
2014
 
2013
Number of shares of common stock repurchased
2.6

 
1.4

Dollar amount
$
178.4

 
$
92.1

As of August 31, 2014, $181 million remained of the $400 million share repurchase authorization that was authorized by the Board of Directors in April 2013.
During the nine months ended August 31, 2014, we received proceeds of $19.2 million from exercised options compared to $32.8 million received in the first nine months of last year. We increased dividends paid to $144.7 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $135.0 million in the same period last year. Dividends paid in the first quarter of 2014 were declared on November 26, 2013.

The following table presents the ratios of our total debt to our adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve month periods ended August 31, 2014, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2013:
 
August 31, 2014
 
August 31, 2013
 
November 30, 2013
Total debt/Adjusted EBITDA
1.81

 
1.95

 
1.71


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Our ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA of 1.81 as of August 31, 2014 is lower than the ratio of 1.95 as of August 31, 2013, reflecting an increase in adjusted EBITDA principally as a result of higher adjusted operating income.
Most of our cash is denominated in foreign currencies. We manage our worldwide cash requirements by considering available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct our business and the cost effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. The permanent repatriation of cash balances from certain of our subsidiaries could have adverse tax consequences; however, those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations, capital projects and any possible future acquisitions. At August 31, 2014, we temporarily used $124.8 million of cash from our foreign subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. At August 31, 2013, we temporarily used $64.3 million of cash from our foreign subsidiaries to pay down short-term debt in the U.S. During a quarter, our short-term borrowings vary, but are lower at the end of a quarter. The average short-term borrowings outstanding for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 were $400.2 million and $396.3 million, respectively. Total average debt outstanding for the nine months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 was $1,405.2 million and $1,401.3 million, respectively.
The reported values of our assets and liabilities are significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between periods. At August 31, 2014, the exchange rates for the Australian dollar, the British pound sterling and the Polish zloty were higher than at August 31, 2013. At August 31, 2014, the exchange rates for the Euro, the Canadian dollar and the Polish zloty were lower than at November 30, 2013.
Credit and Capital Markets
Cash flows from operating activities are our primary source of liquidity for funding growth, dividends, capital expenditures and share repurchases. We also rely on our revolving credit facilities, or borrowings backed by these facilities, to fund seasonal working capital needs and other general corporate requirements. We generally use these 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. The facilities are made available by syndicates 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 would reduce our ability to grow through funding of seasonal working capital.
We engage in regular communication with all of the banks participating in our revolving credit facilities. During these communications none of the banks have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. In addition, we periodically review our banking and financing relationships, considering the stability of the institutions, pricing we receive on services, and other aspects of the relationships. Based on these communications and our monitoring activities, we believe the likelihood of one of our banks not performing on its commitment is remote.
We hold investments in equity and debt securities in both our qualified defined benefit pension plans and a rabbi trust for our nonqualified defined benefit pension plan. We estimate total contributions to our pension plans in 2014 of approximately $17 million, which compares to $42.7 million of contributions in 2013. Future increases or decreases in pension liabilities and required cash contributions are highly dependent on changes in interest rates and the actual return on plan assets.
We believe that internally generated funds and the existing sources of liquidity under our credit facilities are sufficient to meet current liquidity needs and fund ongoing operations.

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ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions are part of our strategy to increase sales and profits. We have a particular interest in emerging markets.

On May 31, 2013, we purchased the assets of Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments Co. Ltd. (WAPC), a privately held company based in China, for $144.8 million, which included $142.3 million of cash paid, net of closing adjustments, and the assumption of $2.5 million of liabilities. This acquisition was financed with a combination of cash and debt. WAPC manufactures and markets DaQiao and ChuShiLe brand bouillon products, which have a leading position in the central region of China, and is included in our consumer business segment from the date of purchase.

See note 2 of the financial statements for further details on this acquisition.


ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

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

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this report, including statements concerning expected performance such as those relating to net sales, earnings, cost savings, acquisitions and brand marketing support, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “should,” "anticipate," "intend," “believe” and “plan.” These statements may relate to: the expected results of operations of businesses acquired by us, the expected impact of raw materials costs and our pricing actions on our results of operations and gross margins, the expected productivity and working capital improvements, expectations regarding growth potential in various geographies and markets, expected trends in net sales and earnings performance and other financial measures, the expectations of pension and postretirement plan contributions and anticipated charges associated with such plans, the holding period and market risks associated with financial instruments, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, the adequacy of internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity, such as the availability of bank financing, our ability to issue additional debt or equity securities, and our expectations regarding purchasing shares of our common stock under the existing authorizations.
These and other forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Results may be materially affected by factors such as: damage to our reputation or brand name; loss of brand relevance; increased private label use; product quality, labeling, or safety concerns; negative publicity about our products; business interruptions due to natural disasters or unexpected events; actions by, and the financial condition of, competitors and customers; our ability to achieve expected and/or needed cost savings or margin improvements; the successful acquisition and integration of new businesses; issues affecting our supply chain and raw materials, including fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw and packaging materials; government regulation, and changes in legal and regulatory requirements and enforcement practices; global economic and financial conditions generally, including the availability of financing, and interest and inflation rates; the investment return on retirement plan assets, and the costs associated with pension obligations; foreign currency fluctuations; the stability of credit and capital markets; risks associated with our information technology systems, the threat of data breaches and cyber attacks; volatility in our effective tax rate; impact of climate change on raw materials; infringement of our intellectual property rights, and those of customers; litigation, legal and administrative proceedings; and other risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly, any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see “Market Risk Sensitivity” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations above and Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013. Except as described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations above, there have been no significant changes in our financial instrument portfolio or market risk exposures since our November 30, 2013 fiscal year end.

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ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
No change occurred in our “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)) during our last fiscal quarter which was identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(a) as materially affecting, or reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings in which we or our subsidiaries is a party or in which any of our or their property is the subject.

ITEM 1.A
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes our purchases of Common Stock (CS) and Common Stock Non-Voting (CSNV) during the third quarter of 2014:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per share
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014
CS – 16,160
 
$
72.24

 
16,160

 
$232 million
 
CSNV – 0
 
$

 

 
July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014
CS – 0
 
$

 

 
$210 million
 
CSNV – 320,000
 
$
70.33

 
320,000

 
August 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014
CS – 9,736
 
$
69.85

 
9,736

 
$181 million
 
CSNV – 405,000
 
$
68.35

 
405,000

 
Total
CS – 25,896
 
$
71.34

 
25,896

 
$181 million
 
CSNV – 725,000
 
$
69.23

 
725,000

 
As of August 31, 2014, $181 million remained of a $400 million share repurchase authorization approved by the Board of Directors in April 2013. There is no expiration date for this repurchase program. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased is determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
In certain circumstances, we issue shares of CS in exchange for shares of CSNV, or issue shares of CSNV in exchange for shares of CS, in either case pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Typically, these exchanges are made in connection with the administration of our employee benefit plans, executive compensation programs and dividend reinvestment/direct purchase plans. The number of shares issued in an exchange is generally equal to the number of shares received in the exchange, although the number may differ slightly to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. During the third quarter of 2014, we issued 222,058 shares of CSNV in exchange for shares of CS and issued 4,503 shares of CS in exchange for shares of CSNV.
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.


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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are attached or incorporated herein by reference:
 
 Exhibit Number
  
Description
(3)  
(i)
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
 
 
Restatement of Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 16, 1990
  
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration No. 33-39582 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 1991.
 
 
Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated April 1, 1992
  
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-59842 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 1993.
 
 
Articles of Amendment to Charter of McCormick & Company, Incorporated dated March 27, 2003
  
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of Registration Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-104084 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2003.
 
(ii)
By-Laws
 
 
By-Laws of McCormick & Company, Incorporated Amended and Restated on June 26, 2012
  
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(ii) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2012, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2012.
(4)    
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
(i)
See Exhibit 3 (Restatement of Charter and By-Laws)
(ii)
Summary of Certain Exchange Rights, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2001, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2001.
(iii)
Indenture dated December 5, 2000 between McCormick and SunTrust Bank, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(iii) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2003, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2003.
(iv)
Indenture dated December 7, 2007 between McCormick and The Bank of New York, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007.
(v)
Indenture dated July 8, 2011 between McCormick and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated July 5, 2011, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2011.
(vi)
Form of 5.20% Notes due 2015, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2005.
(vii)
Form of 5.75% Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, File No. 0-748, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007.
(viii)
Form of 3.90% Notes due 2021, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick’s Form 8-K dated July 5, 2011, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2011.
(ix)
Form of 3.50% Notes due 2023, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of McCormick's Form 8-K dated August 14, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2013.

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(10)
Material Contracts

(i)
McCormick’s supplemental pension plan for certain senior and executive officers, amended and restated with an effective date of January 1, 2005, adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on November 28, 2008, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(i) of McCormick’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2010.*
(ii)
The 2001 Stock Option Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth on pages 33 through 36 of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 15, 2001, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2001, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(iii)
2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, in which officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(iv)
2004 Directors’ Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, provided to members of McCormick’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of McCormick, is set forth in Exhibit B of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(v)
Directors’ Share Ownership Program, provided to members of McCormick’s Board of Directors who are not also employees of McCormick, is set forth on page 28 of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 17, 2004, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(vi)
Deferred Compensation Plan, as restated on January 1, 2000, and amended on August 29, 2000, September 5, 2000 and May 16, 2003, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, a copy of which Plan document and amendments was attached as Exhibit 10(viii) of McCormick’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2003, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(vii)
2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated with an effective date of January 1, 2005, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, which agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick’s Form S-8, Registration No. 333-155775, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2008.*
(viii)
The 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, is set forth in Exhibit A of McCormick’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 20, 2008, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2008, and incorporated by reference herein, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, which Amendment is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xi) of McCormick’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2009.*
(ix)
The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, in which directors, officers and certain other management employees participate, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of McCormick's Form S-8, Registration No. 333-187703, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2013.*
(x)
Form of Mid-Term Incentive Program Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(x) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.        

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(xi)
Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xi) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.            
(xii)
Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement for Directors, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xii) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.    
(xiii)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xiii) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.        
(xiv)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors,     incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xiv) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013.
(xv)
Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(xv) of McCormick's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014, File No. 1-14920, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2014.

(31)   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications             Filed herewith
(32)   Section 1350 Certifications                                 Filed herewith
(101) The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of McCormick for the quarter ended August 31, 2014, furnished electronically herewith, and formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Income Statement; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

McCormick hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, copies of additional instruments of McCormick with respect to long-term debt that involve an amount of securities that do not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of McCormick and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A).


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
 
 
 
October 2, 2014
By:
 
/s/ Gordon M. Stetz, Jr.
 
Gordon M. Stetz, Jr.
 
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
October 2, 2014
By:
 
/s/ Christina M. McMullen
 
Christina M. McMullen
 
Vice President & Controller


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