Based on the aggregated intelligence of 125,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, spices and seasonings maker McCormick (NYSE:MKC) has earned a coveted five-star ranking. Our data has shown that five-star stocks outperform the market by a significant margin; conversely, one-star stocks woefully lag the market average.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at McCormick's business, and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

McCormick facts 

Headquarters (founded)

Sparks, Maryland (1889)

Market Cap

$3.94 billion

Industry

Packaged foods

TTM Revenue

$3.13 billion

Return on Equity (average, last three years)

23.8%

Dividend Yield

3.1%

Competitors

International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF),

Unilever (NYSE:UL)

CAPS members bullish on MKC also bullish on

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG),

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO)

CAPS members bearish on MKC also bearish on

Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT),

ConAgra Foods (NYSE:CAG)

Sources: Capital IQ (a division of Standard & Poor's) and Motley Fool CAPS. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Over on CAPS, 152 of the 161 members who have rated McCormick -- or 94% -- believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward. These bulls include CAPS All-Star saunafool and stanton17.

Just last week, saunafool spiced things up with four positive points: "Market dominance, solid balance sheet, 3%+ dividend yield, and a nearly recession proof product--spices."

In a more extensive pitch from December, stanton17 adds a dash of bullish flavor:

McCormick's dominates the spice and seasoning market controlling half the market and is more than twice the size of its leading competitor. It innovates through the introduction of new products which mesh with its trademark brands.

While many cash conscious consumers opt for less expensive private label brands, they are often unwittingly purchasing McCormick's products since it's also the largest producer of private label spices and seasonings in North America. And how can McCormick's top that? Well, they're also the leading supplier to industrial businesses and supply many of the largest multinational packaged food, beverage, and restaurant companies.

This looks like a grand slam for McCormick's despite the current dour economic climate. Toss in the prospect of continued dividend growth, and the possibility of double-digit returns over the long run (estimated in the neighborhood of 12%-14%), and McCormick's appears to be a serious challenger for a place in my portfolio.

What do you think about McCormick, or any other stock for that matter? Make your voice heard on Motley Fool CAPS today. More than 125,000 investors are waiting to hear what you have to say. CAPS is 100% free, so simply click here to get started.

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