Victoria J. Reich named lead director; board expresses appreciation to former chairman, Gregory B. Kenny for his serviceWESTCHESTER, Ill., Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions, today announced that its board of directors has unanimously elected Jim Zallie, president and CEO, to assume the additional role of chairman of the board, effective immediately. “I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity ...

Group 1 - The analyst has over a decade of experience researching various companies across different sectors, including commodities like oil, natural gas, gold, and copper, as well as technology firms such as Google and Nokia [1] - The analyst has transitioned from writing a blog to creating a value investing-focused YouTube channel, where extensive research on hundreds of companies has been conducted [1] - The analyst expresses a particular interest in covering metals and mining stocks, while also being comfortable with other industries like consumer discretionary/staples, REITs, and utilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion Incorporated reported record performance for the year 2025, driven by strong results in the Texture & Healthful Solutions segment and solid performance in the Latin America Food & Industrial Ingredients segment, although operations in the U.S./Canada segment faced challenges [1] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, reported diluted EPS was $2.56, up from $1.43 in Q4 2024, while adjusted diluted EPS was $2.53 compared to $2.63 in Q4 2024 [2][4] - Full-year 2025 reported and adjusted EPS were $11.18 and $11.13, respectively, compared to $9.71 and $10.65 in 2024 [4] - Operating income for Q4 2025 was $220 million, a 36% increase from $162 million in Q4 2024, while full-year operating income rose 15% to $1,016 million [6][41] Segment Performance - The Texture & Healthful Solutions segment reported Q4 2025 net sales of $591 million, a 2% increase from Q4 2024, while full-year sales were $2,397 million, up 1% [9][41] - Latin America Food & Industrial Ingredients segment achieved Q4 2025 net sales of $587 million, a 1% increase, but full-year sales decreased by 4% to $2,341 million [12][41] - U.S./Canada Food & Industrial Ingredients segment saw Q4 2025 net sales drop to $463 million, a 9% decline, with full-year sales down 7% to $2,013 million [14][41] Cash Flow and Capital Management - Operating cash flow for 2025 was $944 million, down from $1,436 million in 2024, reflecting increased working capital investments [19][39] - The company returned $435 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 [20] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, the company expects reported and adjusted EPS to range between $11.00 and $11.80, with net sales anticipated to grow in the low single digits to mid-single digits [21][22] - The company forecasts operating income to see low single-digit increases, driven by volume growth but partially offset by pricing mix factors [21]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) reported its Q4 and full-year results, which were positively received, leading to an increase in its share price for the day [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company experienced mixed performance across different markets, with some performing well while others did not [1]. - Overall profitability was highlighted in the report, indicating a solid financial standing despite market variances [1].

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) reported its Q4 and full-year results, which were positively received, leading to an increase in its share price for the day [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company experienced mixed performance across different markets, with some performing well while others did not [1]. - Overall profitability was highlighted in the report, indicating a solid financial standing despite market variances [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net sales were $1.8 billion, down 2% year-over-year, with gross profit dollars decreasing by 4% and gross margin slightly lower at 24.5% [17][20] - Full year 2025 net sales were $7.2 billion, down 3% compared to the previous year, while gross profit dollars increased by 2% and gross margin improved to 25.3% [20] - Adjusted operating income for Q4 was $228 million, while full year adjusted operating income was $1.028 billion [17][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texture and Healthful Solutions segment saw net sales up 1% for the full year, driven by 4% sales volume growth, while operating income increased by 16% [22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM reported a 4% decrease in net sales for the full year, but operating income increased to $493 million, achieving a record operating income margin of 21.1% [22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients U.S./Canada net sales declined by 7% for the full year, with operating income down 16% due to production challenges at the Argo facility [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In LATAM, brewing adjunct volume demand began to recover, but challenges remained in the confectionery and paper sectors, leading to overall volume declines [7] - In the U.S./Canada, beverage sweetener volumes faced softness, contributing to lower sales in the Food and Industrial Ingredients segment [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on clean label ingredients and solutions, which are among the fastest-growing areas in the food industry, supported by proprietary technology and consumer insights [6] - Strategic capital growth and cost savings investments were completed, including a starch modernization project and the expansion of a blending center, expected to drive revenue potential [8] - The company aims to enhance operational excellence and productivity, with a target of $400-$440 million in capital expenditures for 2026 [78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering from operational challenges at the Argo facility, with expectations for gradual improvement throughout 2026 [10][32] - The company anticipates low single-digit to mid-single-digit growth in net sales for 2026, reflecting greater volume demand, despite facing manufacturing inflation [25][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility for strategic M&A opportunities while committing to a minimum of $100 million in share repurchases for 2026 [75][76] Other Important Information - The company reported a full year cash from operations of $944 million and returned $435 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [24][32] - The CFO announced retirement effective March 31, 2026, with a search for a successor already underway [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Argo facility on volume decline - Management indicated that the Argo facility's operational challenges had a $16 million impact in Q4 and a total of $40 million for 2025, with expectations for recovery in 2026 [36][39] Question: Texture and Healthful Solutions pricing and ASP - Management noted that pricing for Texture and Healthful Solutions was slightly down, with expectations for volume gains year-over-year, but not fully covering manufacturing cost inflation [71][72] Question: LATAM business volume movements - Management clarified that Q4 sales volume in LATAM declined by 3%, primarily due to brewing adjunct volume declines, while food and beverage volumes showed positive growth [55] Question: Breakdown of food versus beverage sales in Mexico - Management estimated that brewing adjunct and beverages account for about 40% of sales, with food and industrial products making up the remainder [89][90] Question: Expected recovery from Argo facility in 2026 - Management projected that approximately $20 million of the $40 million impact from Argo could be recovered in the second half of 2026 [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net sales were $1.8 billion, down 2% year-over-year, with gross profit dollars decreasing by 4% and gross margin slightly lower at 24.5% [18] - Full year 2025 net sales were $7.2 billion, down 3% compared to the previous year, while gross profit dollars increased by 2% and gross margin improved to 25.3% [21] - Adjusted operating income for Q4 was $228 million, while full year adjusted operating income was $1.028 billion [18][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texture and Healthful Solutions segment saw net sales up 1% for the full year, driven by 4% sales volume growth, while operating income increased by 16% [23] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM reported a 4% decline in net sales, primarily due to weaker volumes in brewing adjuncts, but operating income increased to $493 million with a margin of 21.1% [24] - Food and Industrial Ingredients US/Canada experienced a 7% decline in net sales, with a 4% decrease in sales volume attributed to operational challenges at the Argo facility [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Clean label ingredient volumes grew significantly in Q4 and throughout the year, particularly in Asia-Pacific and US/Canada, highlighting its importance in the food industry [6][7] - In LATAM, food ingredient sales experienced modest growth, while brewing adjunct demand was recovering from long-term contracted customers [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on solutions and clean label offerings, which have significantly enhanced results in the Texture and Healthful segment [12] - Strategic capital growth and cost savings investments were completed, including a starch modernization project and the expansion of a blending center [9] - The company aims to drive profitable growth through innovation and operational excellence, with a focus on higher-margin products and customer engagement [15][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged unforeseen challenges in 2025 but highlighted record operating income and margins, emphasizing the resilience of the LATAM business [10][16] - For 2026, the company anticipates low single-digit growth in net sales and operating income, with expectations of continued volume demand and challenges from manufacturing inflation [26][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $224 million of outstanding common shares and paid out $211 million in dividends, marking the 11th consecutive annual dividend increase [25] - A transition in CFO is underway, with Jim Gray set to retire in March 2026, and a search for his successor has begun [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Argo facility on volume decline - Management indicated that the Argo facility's operational challenges had a $16 million impact in Q4 and a total of $40 million for 2025, with expectations of recovery in 2026 [35][37][39] Question: Texture and Healthful Solutions pricing and ASP - Management noted that pricing for Texture and Healthful Solutions was slightly down, with expectations for volume gains year-over-year, but not fully covering manufacturing cost inflation [72][73] Question: LATAM business volume movements - Management clarified that Q4 sales volume in LATAM declined by 3%, primarily due to brewing adjuncts, while food and beverage volumes showed positive growth [58] Question: Breakdown of food versus beverage sales in Mexico - Management estimated that brewing adjunct and beverages account for about 40% of sales, with food and industrial products making up the remainder [90] Question: Expected recovery from Argo facility in 2026 - Management anticipates recovering about $20 million of the Argo impact in the second half of 2026, with ongoing challenges expected in Q1 [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $1.8 billion, down 2% year-over-year, with gross profit dollars decreasing by 4% and gross margin slightly lower at 24.5% [17][18] - Full-year net sales were $7.2 billion, down 3% compared to the previous year, while gross profit dollars increased by 2%, and gross margin improved to 25.3% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texture and Healthful Solutions net sales increased by 1% for the full year, driven by a 4% sales volume growth, while operating income rose by 16% [21][22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM reported a 4% decline in net sales, but operating income increased to $493 million, achieving a record operating income margin of 21.1% [22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients US/Canada saw a 7% decline in net sales, with a 4% decrease in sales volume primarily due to operational challenges at the Argo facility [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Clean label ingredient volumes grew significantly in Q4 and throughout the year, particularly in Asia-Pacific and US/Canada, highlighting its importance in meeting consumer preferences [5] - In LATAM, brewing adjunct volume demand began to recover, but challenges persisted in the confectionery and paper sectors, leading to overall volume declines [6][57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving profitable growth through solutions and clean label offerings, with a strong pipeline and growth momentum expected in 2026 [11][31] - Strategic capital investments, such as the starch modernization project in Indianapolis, aim to enhance production efficiency and capacity [8][14] - The company is transitioning its operational excellence strategy towards long-term enterprise productivity, with a commitment to cost competitiveness [14][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged unforeseen challenges in 2025 but highlighted record operating income and margins, demonstrating resilience in a volatile environment [9][15] - For 2026, the company anticipates low single-digit growth in net sales and operating income, with expectations of continued volume demand and challenges from manufacturing inflation [25][26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $224 million of outstanding shares and paid $211 million in dividends, marking the 11th consecutive annual dividend increase [24] - A CFO transition is underway, with Jim Gray set to retire in March 2026, prompting a search for his successor [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Argo facility on volume decline - Management indicated that the Argo facility's operational challenges had a $16 million impact in Q4 and a total of $40 million for 2025, with expectations of recovery in 2026 [34][35][36] Question: Texture and Healthful Solutions pricing and margin expectations - Management noted that while pricing was slightly down, they anticipate covering raw material cost changes and expect volume gains year-over-year, though manufacturing cost inflation may hold gross margins flat [72][74] Question: LATAM business volume movements - Management clarified that Q4 net sales were up 1%, with brewing adjunct volume declines being the primary driver of volume decreases, while food and beverage volumes showed positive growth [56][57] Question: Breakdown of food versus beverage sales in Mexico - Management estimated that brewing adjunct and beverages account for about 40% of sales, with food and industrial products making up the remainder [91][92] Question: Expectations for Argo recovery in 2026 - Management projected that approximately $20 million of the Argo impact could be recovered in the second half of 2026, with ongoing challenges expected in Q1 [98][99]

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Call Jim Zallie President and CEO James Gray Executive Vice President and CFO 3 Non-GAAP Financial Measures This presentation provides information about adjusted diluted earnings per share ("adjusted EPS"), adjusted operating income, adjusted effective income tax rate, and other financial measures (collectively, the "non- GAAP financial measures") which are not measurements of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting pr ...

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion reported quarterly earnings of $2.53 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.59 per share, and down from $2.63 per share a year ago [1][2] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise was -2.32%, with the company previously expected to post earnings of $2.73 per share but actually reporting $2.75 per share in the prior quarter, resulting in a surprise of +0.73% [2] - Revenues for the quarter were $1.76 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.51%, and down from $1.8 billion year-over-year [3] Stock Performance - Ingredion shares have increased by approximately 6.4% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500, which gained 1.9% [4] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $2.81 on revenues of $1.75 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $11.37 on revenues of $7.15 billion [8] - The estimate revisions trend for Ingredion was unfavorable prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expected underperformance in the near future [7] Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Ingredion belongs, is currently in the bottom 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [9]