McCormick & Company, Incorporated MKC is likely to display year-over-year growth in the top line, when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2021 numbers on Sep 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1,556 million, suggesting a rise of 8.8% from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has remained unchanged over the past 30 days at 73 cents per share, which, however, indicates a decline of 5.2% from the figure reported in the prior-year period. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 7.8%. This manufacturer, marketer, and distributer of spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.1%, on average.McCormick & Company, Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise McCormick & Company, Incorporated price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | McCormick & Company, Incorporated QuoteKey Factors to NoteGains from product launches as well as acquisitions have been driving McCormick’s top-line growth. Sales from FONA (acquired in December 2020) and Cholula (acquired in November 2020) contributed 5% to total sales in the last reported quarter. In fact, management, on its second-quarter earnings call, noted that it expects sales contributions from both the aforementioned buyouts at the high end of the 3.5-4% range in fiscal 2021. This also bodes well for the quarter under review.Apart from this, the company’s Flavor Solutions segment looks well placed, thanks to the higher sales to the company’s restaurant and other foodservice customers. Management, on its earnings call, stated that it expects a sustained shift toward at-home consumption compared with the pre-pandemic levels. It also anticipates a gradual recovery in demand from restaurant and other foodservice customers.That said, McCormick has been grappling with higher costs stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. Management expects to incur pandemic-related costs of nearly $60 million during fiscal 2021, which raises concerns over the quarter under review as well. Other than this, management on its fiscal second-quarter earnings call highlighted that it is witnessing broad-based inflation across several commodities, packaging materials and transportation costs. Nonetheless, the company has been focused on its Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program, which is likely to generate savings of nearly $110 million in fiscal 2021.What the Zacks Model UnveilsOur proven model doesn’t conclusively predict an earnings beat for McCormick this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP, and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.McCormick currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 and has an Earnings ESP of -2.06%.Stocks With Favorable CombinationsHere are some companies you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season.Hershey HSY has an Earnings ESP of +3.82% and carries a Zacks Rank #3, at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Kellogg K has an Earnings ESP of +2.51% and currently holds a Zacks Rank #3.Mondelez International MDLZ has an Earnings ESP of +0.18% and carries a Zacks Rank #3, currently. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. You know this company from its past glory days, but few would expect that it's poised for a monster turnaround. Fresh from a successful repositioning and flush with A-list celeb endorsements, it could rival or surpass other recent Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in a little more than 9 months and Nvidia which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Hershey Company The (HSY): Free Stock Analysis Report Kellogg Company (K): Free Stock Analysis Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC): Free Stock Analysis Report Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.