Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Ingredion (INGR) and Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH) indicates that Ingredion presents a better value opportunity for investors at this time [1]. Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Ingredion has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - Ingredion is likely to have seen a stronger improvement in its earnings outlook compared to Celsius Holdings Inc. recently [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - Ingredion has a forward P/E ratio of 12.00, whereas Celsius Holdings Inc. has a forward P/E of 57.15 [5]. - The PEG ratio for Ingredion is 1.09, while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a PEG ratio of 1.67 [5]. - Ingredion's P/B ratio is 2.18, in contrast to Celsius Holdings Inc.'s P/B of 26.98 [6]. Group 3: Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, Ingredion holds a Value grade of A, while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a Value grade of D [6]. - The solid earnings outlook for Ingredion further supports its position as the superior value option compared to Celsius Holdings Inc. [6].

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]

Core Viewpoint - Geopolitical tensions, delayed interest rate cuts, and tariff uncertainties are causing market volatility, despite a slight rebound in consumer confidence [1][4][5] Group 1: Market Conditions - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25% to 4.5%, indicating a cautious approach to rate cuts while monitoring the impact of tariffs on inflation [4] - Policymakers have lowered the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1.4% and increased the core inflation outlook to 3.1% due to tariff-related uncertainties [5] - Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel, are contributing to market volatility, with potential U.S. involvement raising further concerns [6][7] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - In light of market volatility, investing in low-beta defensive stocks from the consumer staples sector is recommended, including Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), and Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) [2][11] - These stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - **Philip Morris International Inc. (PM)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 13.7% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.96% [9] - **Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 7.3% for the current year, Zacks Rank 1, and a dividend yield of 3.96% [13] - **Altria Group, Inc. (MO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.3% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 6.86% [15] - **The Coca-Cola Company (KO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.1% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 2.95% [17] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 2.34% [19]

Group 1 - The distribution expansion effective from October 1, 2025, will introduce a variety of plant-based and clean label products, including Novation® functional native starches, plant-based proteins, and stevia sweeteners developed by PureCircle by Ingredion to meet consumer demand for clean label ingredients and sugar reduction [1] - Univar Solutions and Ingredion have a longstanding partnership of over 30 years in manufacturing and distributing functional ingredients, which will now expand to 20 countries across the EMEA region [2][3] - The collaboration aims to enhance customer reach and provide consumer-focused innovations across various sectors, including bakery, snacks, dairy, savory, and beverages, leveraging digital capabilities for better service and order management [2] Group 2 - Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor with a strong logistics network and technical sales force, committed to providing tailored solutions and value-added services across multiple markets [4] - Ingredion Incorporated, headquartered in Chicago, serves nearly 120 countries with annual net sales of approximately $7.4 billion in 2024, focusing on turning plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for various industries [5]

Core Insights - Investors in the Food - Miscellaneous sector may consider Ingredion (INGR) and Danone (DANOY) as potential undervalued stocks [1] Valuation Metrics - Both INGR and DANOY currently have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3] - INGR has a forward P/E ratio of 12.34, while DANOY has a forward P/E of 20.04, suggesting INGR is more attractively priced [5] - The PEG ratio for INGR is 1.12, compared to DANOY's PEG ratio of 6.49, indicating INGR's better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - INGR's P/B ratio is 2.24, while DANOY's P/B ratio is 2.98, further supporting the argument that INGR is the superior value option [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, INGR holds a Value grade of A, while DANOY has a Value grade of C, highlighting INGR's stronger position in terms of value [6]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), reflecting an upward trend in earnings estimates, which significantly influences stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a strong indicator of near-term stock price movements [2][3]. - Rising earnings estimates for Ingredion indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [8][9]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions for Ingredion - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Ingredion is expected to earn $11.30 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 1.6% over the past three months [7].

Core Insights - Wall Street has rebounded from early April lows and is near record highs, driven by optimism in U.S.-China trade negotiations, easing inflation, and strong corporate earnings, although uncertainty regarding Trump's policies remains [2]. Dividend Investing - Investors are increasingly turning to dividend investing for stable returns, as dividends provide consistent income and can mitigate portfolio volatility during uncertain market conditions [3]. - Stocks with a history of dividend growth are preferred, as they belong to mature companies that are less volatile and offer downside protection through consistent payout increases [5]. Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks identified as compelling investment options are Intuit Inc. (INTU), Fox Corporation (FOX), Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), UGI Corporation (UGI), and Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) [4][10]. - These stocks exhibit consistent dividend growth and strong long-term earnings potential, with positive earnings estimate revisions and solid expected earnings growth for the current fiscal year [10]. Stock Selection Criteria - Criteria for selecting dividend growth stocks include: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero, indicating a solid dividend growth history [7]. - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero, reflecting strong revenue growth [8]. - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero, showing solid earnings growth history [8]. - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate greater than zero, indicating expected earnings growth [8]. - Price/Cash Flow less than M-Industry, suggesting undervaluation [9]. - 52-Week Price Change greater than S&P 500, ensuring better performance than the broader market [9]. Company Profiles - **Intuit Inc. (INTU)**: A business and financial software company with an expected earnings growth rate of 18.4% and a Zacks Rank 1 [11]. - **Fox Corporation (FOX)**: A media company with an expected earnings growth rate of 32.4% and a Zacks Rank 2 [13]. - **Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN)**: A Credit-Tech platform in China with an expected earnings growth rate of 25.3% and a Zacks Rank 2 [14]. - **UGI Corporation (UGI)**: An energy products distributor with an estimated growth rate of 2.29% and a Zacks Rank 2 [16]. - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: An ingredients solutions provider with an estimated earnings growth rate of 5.2% and a Zacks Rank 2 [17].

Industry Overview - The agriculture industry is rapidly transforming due to technological advancements and innovative solutions, driven by rising global population and climate change pressures [2] - Agricultural technology (AgTech) and food innovation are critical in addressing the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices [2] AgTech Innovations - AgTech is revolutionizing food production, processing, and distribution through AI, biotechnology, and automation, leading to increased productivity and sustainability [3] - Techniques such as precision agriculture, lab-grown meat, and plant-based alternatives are reshaping the food industry [3] - Companies like Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) are adopting AgTech to optimize supply chains and enhance resource efficiency [3] Protein Alternatives - The protein landscape is shifting towards plant-based proteins, lab-grown meat, and fermented products as sustainable alternatives to traditional animal protein [4] - Companies like Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) are at the forefront of this shift, catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers [4] - Continuous advancements in food science are making protein alternatives more accessible and affordable despite existing challenges [4] Company Strategies - Companies embracing technological innovations are positioning themselves for long-term success in a changing market [5] - Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) is investing in AgTech and food innovation, focusing on sustainable protein production and digital transformation [7] - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is utilizing digital technology and AgTech to streamline operations and enhance food production standards [11] - Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) is a leader in providing ingredient solutions, focusing on clean-label innovation and plant-based proteins [14] Specific Company Initiatives - Tyson Foods is investing in alternative protein innovation and has partnered with companies like Future Meat Technologies to reduce the environmental impact of meat production [8] - Hormel Foods has invested $1.7 million in regenerative agriculture, promoting sustainable practices across 50,000 acres in Minnesota [11] - Ingredion is collaborating with food-tech companies to enhance food systems through sustainable solutions and is involved in regenerative agriculture to improve crop resilience [15][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company achieved a year-over-year increase of 5% in adjusted operating income and an 8% increase when accounting for the sale of the South Korea business in early 2024 [4][5] - Reported earnings per share grew to $9.71, while adjusted earnings per share increased to $10.65 [5] - Cash from operations exceeded $1.4 billion, with $426 million returned to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reorganized into three segments: Texture and Healthful Solutions, Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM, and Food and Industrial Ingredients USCanada, enhancing customer service and engagement [3][4] - Strong sales volume growth from Texture and Healthful Solutions offset reductions in pricing due to lower raw material costs [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reorganization aimed to improve focus on growing market opportunities and customer service, which has shown initial benefits in 2024 [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The new structure is designed to align with strategic value drivers, enhancing transparency for stockholders and focusing on market growth opportunities [4][5] - The company aims to extend its gains further in 2025 following a record performance in 2024 [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the clarity of the company's strategy and the impact of its execution, looking forward to continued growth [6] Other Important Information - The annual meeting was held in a virtual format to facilitate stockholder access [2] - A quorum was established with 89.6% of voting power present [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: General inquiries from stockholders - Stockholders were invited to submit questions via the virtual meeting platform, with a general Q&A session planned at the end of the meeting [11][23]

Company Overview - Ingredion (INGR) is rated with a Buy rating due to its successful strategy in manufacturing products with higher added value and functionalities [1] - The company’s products command higher selling prices and profit margins, indicating a strong market position [1] Analyst Background - Daniel Mellado, an economist with a Master's Degree in Statistics, has experience in analyzing agricultural commodities and managing trading and data analysis teams [1] - His expertise includes developing strategies for algorithmic trading and providing analysis and valuation for sectors such as commodities, banking, technology, and pharmaceuticals [1] Investment Strategy - The approach to generating buy and sell recommendations is based on financial statements, regulations, and macroeconomic variables [1]