Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, IFF reported revenue of nearly $2.7 billion, with adjusted operating EBITDA of $519 million, reflecting a 7% increase year-over-year [14][18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 130 basis points to 19.3% [14][18] - Year-to-date sales growth was 2%, with adjusted operating EBITDA growth of 7% [12][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Scent segment achieved net sales of $652 million, up 5% year-over-year, driven by a 20% increase in fine fragrance [17] - Taste segment sales increased 2% to $635 million, with strong growth in Latin America and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East [15] - Food ingredients segment sales were $830 million, down 3% year-over-year, but adjusted operating EBITDA increased by 24% to $106 million [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The health and biosciences segment reported flat sales of $577 million, with expected softness in North America impacting performance [16] - The company noted ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical challenges affecting customer demand [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IFF is focused on strengthening customer relationships and enhancing productivity through strategic investments in innovation [9][10] - The company is pursuing a portfolio optimization strategy, including divestitures of non-core businesses to enhance margins [11][12] - IFF aims to leverage R&D and biotech for new molecule development in fragrance ingredients [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance despite a challenging environment, expecting sales in the range of $10.6 billion to $10.9 billion [20][21] - The company anticipates improvements in the health and biosciences segment starting in 2026, with a full recovery expected by 2027 [26] Other Important Information - IFF has reduced its leverage to approximately 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA and initiated a $500 million share repurchase program [11][18] - The company is seeing strong interest from private equity and strategic buyers for its food ingredients business [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on health and biosciences business in North America - Management acknowledged slow performance in North America but expects improvements starting in 2026 due to new leadership and enhanced commercial capabilities [26] Question: Top-line guidance and Q4 headwinds - Management cited macroeconomic factors as the primary headwinds affecting Q4 projections, with expectations for a cautious recovery in 2026 [30][31] Question: Update on food ingredients business and engagement with private equity - Management confirmed strong interest from private equity and strategics, with an update expected in February [34] Question: Free cash flow outlook for 2025 - Management expects free cash flow to be modestly below the $500 million target due to higher inventories and one-time costs [36][38] Question: Growth opportunities in protein-enriched beverages - Management sees strong growth potential in protein-enriched beverages, leveraging capabilities in both taste and health segments [82] Question: Inventory levels and reformulation patience - Management noted higher inventory levels in North America but believes customers will continue to prioritize innovation despite slower growth [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of nearly $2.7 billion, with sales flat compared to a strong 9% comparable from the previous year, but up approximately 4.5% on a two-year average basis [11][12] - Adjusted operating EBITDA grew by 7% to $519 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin increase of 130 basis points to 19.3% [11][12] - Year-to-date, the company achieved sales growth of 2% and adjusted operating EBITDA growth of 7% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The scent segment delivered net sales of $652 million, up 5% year-over-year, driven by a 20% increase in fine fragrance [14] - The taste segment saw sales increase by 2% to $635 million, with strong growth in Latin America and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East [12] - The food ingredients segment achieved sales of $830 million, down 3% year-over-year, but showed a strong adjusted operating EBITDA margin improvement of 230 basis points compared to last year [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The health and biosciences segment achieved $577 million in sales, flat versus the prior year, with expected softness in North America impacting growth [13] - The company noted ongoing macro headwinds and geopolitical challenges affecting customer demand and end consumers [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening customer relationships and enhancing productivity, with strategic investments in innovation centers and collaborations [7][8] - A significant collaboration with BASF aims to drive next-generation enzyme and polymer innovation, enhancing market-driven solutions [8] - The company is evaluating strategic alternatives for its food ingredients business to optimize its portfolio [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering financial results in line with full-year guidance despite a challenging environment [4][5] - The company anticipates improvements in the health and biosciences segment starting in the second half of 2026, with a full recovery expected in 2027 [22] - The outlook for Q4 remains cautious due to macroeconomic factors, with expectations for a step down in absolute sales and margin [17] Other Important Information - The company reduced its leverage significantly, reaching approximately 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA, and initiated a $500 million share repurchase authorization [9][15] - Cash flow from operations totaled $532 million year-to-date, with free cash flow in Q3 amounting to $126 million [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Health and biosciences business in North America - Management acknowledged slow performance in North America but expects improvements starting in 2026 due to new leadership and enhanced commercial capabilities [22] Question: Top-line guidance and Q4 headwinds - Management indicated that macroeconomic conditions are the primary driver of cautious Q4 projections, with expectations for a gradual recovery in 2026 [25][26] Question: Update on food ingredients business - Management confirmed strong interest from private equity and strategics, with an update expected in February [27][29] Question: Free cash flow outlook - Management expects free cash flow to be modestly below the earlier target of $500 million due to higher inventories and one-time costs [31][33] Question: New wins in taste and scent - Management highlighted successful commercialization of new technologies and strong focus on customer relationships as key drivers of recent wins [36][38] Question: 2026 growth scenarios - Management is cautiously optimistic about growth acceleration in 2026, emphasizing the importance of cost structure optimization [51][52] Question: Inventory levels and reformulation patience - Management noted that while some markets have higher inventory levels, customers remain committed to innovation as a key growth driver [67][70] Question: Major product launches and protein opportunities - Management discussed the potential of the BASF collaboration and the growth of protein-enriched beverages as significant opportunities for the company [74][76] Question: Fine fragrance growth trends - Management expects continued solid growth in fine fragrances, driven by strong capabilities and investments in innovation [80][81] Question: Food ingredients margin improvement - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-teen EBITDA margins through ongoing productivity initiatives and strategic pruning of the portfolio [83][86]