Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) is one of the best undervalued defensive stocks for 2026. Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) was initiated with a Buy rating by Benchmark on March 17, with the firm assigning a $130 price target to the stock. In a separate development, Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) announced on March 18 that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share on the company's common stock. It stated that the quarterly dividend will be payable on April 21, 2026, ...

WESTCHESTER, Ill., March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, today announced the retirement of long-serving board member Gregory B. Kenny, effective immediately, and the appointment of Siobhán Talbot to its board of directors, effective April 1. “For more than 21 years, Greg served as an insightful leader providing experienced counsel both as board member and chairman,” said Jim Za ...

Industry Overview - The agricultural technology (AgTech) and food innovation sector is becoming an attractive investment theme due to long-term demand visibility and the need for productivity-led transformation [1] - Resource constraints are driving a shift from traditional farming to technology-enabled systems that emphasize data, science, and sustainability [1] Growth Drivers - A primary growth driver is the necessity to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact, leading farmers to adopt precision agriculture tools and advanced seeds [2] - Companies like Corteva, Inc. are well-positioned in this trend, providing next-generation seeds and crop protection solutions that align with sustainable farming practices [2] Consumer Trends - Consumers are increasingly focused on health, transparency, and sustainability, which is reshaping food product development and marketing [3] - This shift is driving innovation in clean-label ingredients, functional foods, and alternative production methods [3] Technological Advancements - Technology is transforming on-farm operations through AI, machine learning, and connected devices, enabling data-driven decision-making [4] - Deere & Company is integrating automation and analytics into its machinery to enhance efficiency without disrupting existing farming practices [4] Investment Opportunities - The AgTech and food innovation sectors offer resilience and growth potential, with companies like Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Beyond Meat, Inc., and Ingredion Incorporated providing exposure to evolving protein demand and agricultural efficiency [5] - These companies are positioned to benefit from long-term structural changes in the industry [5] Company Focus: Archer-Daniels-Midland - Archer-Daniels-Midland is diversifying beyond traditional commodities, focusing on nutrition, biosolutions, and value-added ingredients [7] - The company is expanding its plant-based protein offerings and introducing natural color solutions to meet clean-label requirements [8] - Investments in next-generation production technologies, such as precision fermentation, align with the demand for sustainable supply chains [9] Company Focus: Ingredion Incorporated - Ingredion is centered on enabling product reformulation to meet changing consumer preferences, providing ingredient solutions that enhance texture, sweetness, and nutrition [10] - The company is gaining traction in clean-label starches and plant-based proteins, helping brands adapt to health-focused consumers [11] - Investments in manufacturing infrastructure allow for customized solutions, with a focus on sweet proteins and cocoa alternatives [12] Company Focus: Beyond Meat - Beyond Meat aims to redefine protein through plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of animal protein [13] - The company has expanded its product range to include Beyond Steak and Beyond Chicken Pieces, emphasizing simpler ingredient lists [14] - Beyond Meat is adapting its commercialization strategy with targeted product launches and efforts to improve affordability [15]

BERKELEY, Calif. and WESTCHESTER, Ill., March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shiru, named a TIME Best Invention of 2024 for its AI-powered approach to ingredient discovery, and Ingredion Inc. (NYSE: INGR), a leading global ingredient solutions provider, today announced a global R&D collaboration aimed at accelerating the discovery and commercialization of novel functional proteins for food, beverage, supplements and specialized nutrition. Ingredion and Shiru will engage in the joint pursuit of a targeted R&D ...

Core Insights - Ingredion Incorporated has been recognized for the 12th time as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, highlighting its commitment to business integrity through strong ethics, compliance, and governance programs [1][2]. Company Overview - Ingredion is a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, and industrial markets, serving customers in nearly 120 countries [8]. - The company reported annual net sales of approximately $7.2 billion for the year 2025, transforming grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions [8]. Recognition and Impact - The recognition reflects the strength of Ingredion's values-driven culture and the commitment of its global teams to operate with integrity, which is essential for sustainable success [2]. - Ingredion is one of only nine companies recognized in the food, beverage, and agriculture industry, among a total of 138 companies across 17 countries and 40 industries [2]. Methodology - The assessment for the World's Most Ethical Companies is based on Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, which evaluates over 240 documented proof points related to ethics and compliance, governance, and social impact [4][7]. - Each submission undergoes extensive qualitative review by Ethisphere's panel of experts, who dedicate thousands of hours annually to evaluate applicants [5][7].

Core Insights - James P. Zallie, President and CEO of Ingredion, sold 9,958 shares of common stock for $1.16 million on February 18, 2026, as reported in a SEC Form 4 filing [1][2] - Zallie's direct ownership decreased from 42,968 to 33,010 shares, now representing 0.0520% of the company's outstanding shares [6] - The sale was part of a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 plan, indicating no immediate change in sentiment [6][9] Transaction Summary - Shares sold: 9,958 [2] - Transaction value: $1.16 million [2] - Post-transaction shares: 33,010 [2] - Post-transaction value: $3.84 million [2] - SEC Form 4 reported price: $116.55; market close price on February 18, 2026: $116.42 [2] Company Overview - Revenue (TTM): $7.22 billion [4] - Net income (TTM): $729 million [4] - Dividend yield: 2.79% [4] - 1-year price change (as of February 28, 2026): -10.04% [4] - Current market cap: $7.4 billion [5] Company Snapshot - Ingredion is a global ingredient solutions provider, producing starches, sweeteners, corn oil, protein feeds, and specialty food ingredients [7] - The company serves food and beverage manufacturers, animal nutrition producers, and industrial clients across North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and EMEA regions [7] Recent Developments - Zallie was appointed Chairman of the Board on February 11, 2026, after the former Chair stepped down [8] - Despite growth in net income and earnings per share (EPS), the company reported a decline in revenue and has faced three consecutive quarters of declining net income and EPS [10] - The company is still recovering from global impacts on its production, which may be a concern for investors [10]

Core Insights - Univar Solutions has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for Ingredion Pharma Solutions in the United States and Canada, focusing on pharmaceutical starches and functional excipients [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The agreement allows Univar Solutions to distribute Ingredion's global pharmaceuticals portfolio, enhancing its offerings in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors [1][2] - The partnership aims to address formulation challenges faced by customers in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, thereby supporting their business growth [1][2] Group 2: Product Offerings - Univar Solutions will distribute various functional excipients, including direct compression and wet granulation binders, fillers for tablets and capsules, superdisintegrants, lubricants, and gelatin replacements for vegetarian softgel formulations [1][2] - The exclusive distribution includes specific pharma starch-based excipients such as UNI-PURE® F, UNI-PURE® FL, UNI-PURE® GA, and UNI-PURE® WG-220 [1][2] Group 3: Strategic Importance - This collaboration is expected to drive ingredient innovation and deliver exceptional value to customers, enhancing formulation performance and addressing technical challenges in the industry [1][2] - Univar Solutions emphasizes its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality, providing technical support and formulation expertise to navigate the rapidly changing market [1][2]

Core Insights - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity in the sugar sector, with hedge funds showing interest [1] - Recent price target adjustments by various financial institutions reflect mixed sentiments regarding the company's performance and outlook [2][3] Group 1: Company Leadership and Governance - On February 11, Ingredion's Board of Directors elected Jim Zallie, the President and CEO, to also serve as the chairman of the board, effective immediately [1] Group 2: Financial Performance and Analyst Ratings - UBS lowered its price target for Ingredion from $119 to $124 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing a miss in Q3 results and operational challenges [2] - BMO Capital adjusted its price target from $123 to $120, also maintaining a Market Perform rating, indicating that fiscal Q4 results fell short of consensus estimates due to weaker profits in the Texture & Healthful Solutions segment [2] - Barclays raised its price target for Ingredion from $124 to $128 while keeping an Equal Weight rating, noting that the fiscal Q4 results were impacted by ongoing operational headwinds from a facility outage [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Ingredion is a global ingredients solutions provider that processes fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for various markets, including food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial sectors [4] - The company is involved in sugar reduction and sugar alternatives, primarily sourcing products from corn and other starch-based materials like rice, potato, and tapioca [4] - Ingredion operates through four geographic segments: North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) [4]

Core Insights - James P. Zallie, President and CEO of Ingredion, reported the sale of 33,597 shares for approximately $4.02 million amid changes in the board of directors [1][2] - The transaction represents 40.11% of Zallie's direct ownership at the time, which is higher than recent historical medians [6] - Zallie's sale was part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, indicating it was pre-planned and not a reaction to market conditions [9] Company Overview - Ingredion is a global supplier of specialty food ingredients, producing starches, sweeteners, corn oil, protein feeds, and other ingredients derived from corn and starch-based materials [8] - The company serves various sectors including food and beverage manufacturers, animal nutrition producers, and industrial clients across multiple regions [8] Financial Performance - For the trailing twelve months (TTM), Ingredion reported revenue of $7.22 billion and net income of $729 million [4] - The company has a dividend yield of 2.98% and experienced a 1-year price change of -4.23% as of February 11, 2026 [4] - The company's market capitalization stands at $7.4 billion, with a gross margin of 25.97% [7] Recent Developments - Zallie was appointed Chairman of the Board following the resignation of former Chair Gregory Kenny, a common practice in corporate governance [9] - Despite growth in net income and earnings-per-share (EPS) year-over-year, the company reported a decline in revenue and has faced three consecutive quarters of declining net income and EPS [10] - The company is still recovering from global production impacts, which may be a point of concern for investors [10]

Company Overview - Ingredion is a leader in global ingredient solutions with a strong focus on customer service, productivity, and innovation [1] - The company has over 40 years of experience in the food industry and has been led by CEO Jim Zallie for 17 years [1] Financial Performance - In 2025, Ingredion achieved record results, generating $950 million in cash from operations [1] - Approximately half of the cash from operations was returned to shareholders, indicating a commitment to shareholder value [1] Strategic Initiatives - Jim Zallie has successfully integrated strategic acquisitions that have expanded Ingredion's portfolio, particularly in sugar reduction, clean label, and texture solutions [1]