International Flavors & Fragrances Stock: Is IFF Underperforming the Materials Sector?

Company Overview - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is a leading creator of taste, scent, nutrition, and ingredient solutions for consumer products and industrial applications, with a market cap of $16.5 billion [1][2] - The company is classified as a "large-cap stock," highlighting its size, influence, and dominance within the specialty chemicals industry [2] Financial Performance - IFF reported Q2 revenue of $2.8 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.15, which were better than expected, yet shares fell 6.3% in the following trading session [5] - Compared to the year-ago quarter, IFF's top-line declined 4.3%, and adjusted EPS dropped marginally, with adjusted EBITDA falling 6.1% year-over-year to $552 million, primarily due to a decrease in earnings from the scent segment [5] Stock Performance - IFF's shares have dipped 39.6% from its 52-week high of $106.77, reached on October 15, 2024, and have declined 15.9% over the past three months [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, IFF has fallen 37.8%, underperforming the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLB) 3.1% downtick [4] - Year-to-date, shares of IFF are down 23.7%, compared to XLB's 7.8% return, and the stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since early November 2024 [4]