International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) is among the 9 Undervalued Chemical Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.'s (IFF) Q4 Results Ease Concerns About European Slowdown, Says BofA International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) is one of the best chemical stocks. TheFly reported on February 17 that Deutsche Bank and Mizhou raised their price targets on IFF. Deutsche Bank raised its price target by $20 while Mizhou raised it by $7. Similarly, a da ...

Core Insights - dsm-firmenich published its Integrated Annual Report (IAR) for 2025, highlighting its innovation-led growth agenda and strategic advancements [1] - The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company's financial and non-financial progress, focusing on becoming a fully consumer-focused entity in nutrition, health, and beauty [2] Financial Performance - The IAR details the Group's performance and the delivery of synergies aimed at creating sustainable long-term value for stakeholders [2] Business Units and Innovations - Each Business Unit's breakthrough innovations are reviewed, including the recent divestment of the Animal Health & Nutrition business [3] Sustainability Efforts - The report emphasizes the company's positive impact on climate, nutrition, health, and people, with sustainability statements aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards [3] Accessibility of the Report - The 2025 IAR is available on a dedicated website, including a downloadable version in ESEF format as per European Commission regulations [4] Company Overview - dsm-firmenich operates in nearly 60 countries, generating revenues exceeding €12 billion, and employs around 30,000 people [5]

Summary of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF) - **Date**: February 19, 2026 - **Key Speakers**: CFO Michael DeVeau, Yuvraj Arora (Taste Division), Leticia Gonçalves (Health & Biosciences), Ana Paula Mendonça (Scent Division) Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Flavors and Fragrances - **Market Dynamics**: The industry is characterized by high barriers to entry, steady growth, and good margins. IFF represents 1%-5% of product costs but accounts for 50% of consumer purchasing decisions due to taste and smell [4][5][6]. Financial Performance - **Sales Growth**: IFF achieved $2.5 billion in net sales in 2025 with a 4% organic top-line growth and 10% EBITDA growth [19][28]. - **EBITDA Margins**: The Taste division reported a 19% EBITDA margin, while the Scent division achieved a 21% EBITDA margin [19][41]. - **Capital Structure**: IFF divested 11 businesses, generating $6 billion in proceeds, which improved their capital structure from 4.5 times net cash and credit-adjusted EBITDA in 2023 to 2.6 times [9][13]. Strategic Initiatives - **Portfolio Optimization**: Focus on divesting lower-margin businesses and reinvesting in higher-margin opportunities. The average gross margin of divested businesses was 29%, compared to a projected 36% for the remaining portfolio by 2025 [12][13]. - **Capital Expenditure**: Planned CapEx spending is projected to increase from 4% in 2024 to around 6% in 2026, focusing on capacity expansion and digital transformation [10][11]. - **Share Buyback Program**: IFF authorized a $500 million share buyback program for the first time in several years, indicating confidence in the intrinsic value of the business [14]. Division-Specific Highlights Taste Division - **Market Size**: The flavors market is estimated at $16-$17 billion, growing at 3%-4% annually [18]. - **Competitive Position**: IFF holds leading positions in key markets like India, Indonesia, and the U.S. and has a unique go-to-market model called Taste One for smaller customers [19][20]. - **Innovation Focus**: Emphasis on AI for flavor development and concept creation, reducing innovation timelines for customers [20][21]. Health & Biosciences Division - **Market Size**: The health and biosciences market is valued between $12 billion and $20 billion, growing at 2.5% annually [31]. - **Product Reach**: IFF's probiotics are in one out of three probiotic supplements and yogurts globally, indicating strong market penetration [30]. - **R&D Investment**: IFF invests $220 million annually in R&D, representing 9% of turnover, with 34% of revenue coming from new product launches in the last five years [35]. Scent Division - **Sales Performance**: The Scent division achieved $2.5 billion in sales with 22 consecutive quarters of growth [41][56]. - **Innovation in Fragrance**: IFF has pioneered fragrance encapsulation and is focusing on sustainable solutions and personalization trends driven by younger consumers [44][48]. - **Market Trends**: The division is adapting to clean label demands and the growing role of scent in health and well-being [48][49]. Conclusion - **Growth Strategy**: IFF aims for mid-single-digit top-line growth and high-single-digit EBITDA growth, focusing on innovation, portfolio optimization, and strategic market penetration [28][40][56]. - **Long-term Vision**: The company is committed to leveraging its diversified business model and strong R&D capabilities to drive sustainable growth and value creation [4][28].

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westrock Coffee Company (NASDAQ: WEST) ("Westrock Coffee" or the “Company") today announced that it will report its fourth quarter 2025 results on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 after market close. The announcement will be followed by a live earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET. To participate in the live earnings call and question and answer session, please register HERE and dial-in information will be provided directly to you. The live audio webcast will b ...

Core Insights - Archer-Daniels-Midland Company's (ADM) Nutrition segment is a key growth pillar, but is currently facing challenges due to shifting demand patterns and inflationary pressures [2][3] - The Nutrition segment includes flavors, specialty ingredients, proteins, and health-focused solutions, benefiting from trends like clean-label products and plant-based diets [3] - Recent demand softness has led to flat revenues of $1.8 billion in Q4 2025, with Human Nutrition growing by 5% and Animal Nutrition declining by 4% [3][8] Segment Performance - The Nutrition segment has historically helped stabilize earnings volatility and improve margins compared to ADM's traditional Ag Services and Oilseeds businesses [3] - Despite recent challenges, ADM has optimized its portfolio and maintained disciplined capital allocation, resulting in a 66% operating profit growth in the Animal Nutrition segment for 2025 [4] - Management remains confident in the Nutrition segment's ability to sustain organic growth, with expectations for continued progress beyond 2026 [5][8] Future Outlook - ADM anticipates ongoing momentum in the Nutrition segment, driven by growth in Flavors, recovery in Specialty Ingredients, and increasing demand for Health and Wellness products [6] - The company expects margin expansion in Animal Nutrition as it shifts towards higher-margin products and benefits from optimization initiatives [6] - ADM's shares have gained 13.8% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 0.2% [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, total organic sales increased by 2%, driven by growth in both consumer and flavor solutions [5][27] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.86, a 7% increase compared to the previous year, while full-year adjusted earnings per share was $3, reflecting a 2% increase [35][43] - Adjusted gross profit margin declined by 120 basis points in the fourth quarter due to higher commodity costs and tariffs [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer segment organic sales increased by 3%, driven by both price and volume, with volume growth of 1% and price contribution of 2% in the Americas [27][28] - Flavor solutions segment saw a 1% increase in organic sales, with a 3% price contribution offset by a 2% volume decline [29] - In EMEA, consumer organic sales grew by 3%, while flavor solutions organic sales decreased by 3% [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, consumer organic sales grew by 3%, while in Asia-Pacific, organic sales increased by 2%, primarily driven by volume growth in China and Australia [28][29] - The company experienced softness in large CPG customer volumes and branded food service, impacting overall performance [12][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustaining top-line growth, strengthening profitability, and investing in growth while managing costs effectively [15][16] - Continued investment in brand marketing, innovation, and expanding distribution is a key part of the strategy to drive future growth [12][15] - The acquisition of a controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico is expected to significantly contribute to top-line growth and operating income [16][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing challenges from inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and low consumer confidence, particularly among low to middle-income households [17][18] - Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its ability to deliver sustainable growth and profitability, supported by strong brand performance and innovation [45][46] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates organic net sales growth between 1% and 3%, with contributions from pricing and sustained volume growth [39][40] Other Important Information - The company plans to continue its digital transformation and ERP implementation, which will involve increased spending in 2026 [41][42] - The board of directors will see changes with the retirement of two members and the addition of two new members with extensive industry experience [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers underpinning the 2026 outlook? - Management expects continued volume momentum driven by innovation, increased distribution, and effective marketing strategies [52][54] Question: What should be considered regarding the cadence of EPS growth in the upcoming quarters? - EPS growth is expected to follow operating profit fluctuations, with Q1 likely being slightly below guidance due to the timing of the McCormick de Mexico acquisition [59][60] Question: Can you elaborate on the gross margin outlook for 2026? - Management indicated expectations for gross margin recovery in 2026, despite challenges from inflation and tariffs [66][70]

Core Viewpoint - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is facing challenges with a projected decline in earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal Q4 2025, despite having exceeded earnings expectations in the past four quarters [2][6]. Financial Performance - IFF is expected to report an EPS of $0.84 for fiscal Q4 2025, a 13.4% decline from $0.97 in the same quarter last year [2]. - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an EPS of $4.28, slightly down from $4.31 in fiscal 2024, but anticipate a growth of 6.1% year-over-year to $4.54 in fiscal 2026 [3]. Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, IFF's shares have decreased by 15.9%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's return of 16.7% and the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's gains of 12.5% [4]. - The stock's decline is attributed to concerns over slow turnaround progress and operational challenges, including lower demand and high raw material costs [5]. Revenue Insights - In Q3 2025, IFF reported revenue of approximately $2.7 billion, reflecting an 8% decrease from the prior-year quarter [6]. Analyst Sentiment - The consensus view among analysts is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Out of 20 analysts, 12 recommend a "Strong Buy," 2 suggest a "Moderate Buy," and 6 advise a "Hold" [7]. - The average analyst price target for IFF is $81.02, indicating an upside potential of 14.4% [7].

Core Insights - Rivermont Capital Management reduced its stake in Sensient Technologies Corporation by 205,939 shares, resulting in a value decrease of $20.65 million, bringing the total position value to $7.19 million at quarter-end [1][2] Company Overview - Sensient Technologies Corporation reported a total revenue of $1.60 billion and a net income of $139.11 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - The company has a dividend yield of 1.7% and its shares were priced at $96.11, reflecting a 32% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which rose by 15% in the same period [3][4] Business Segments - Sensient operates through three main segments: Flavors & Extracts Group, Color Group, and Asia Pacific Group, serving a diverse global customer base across food, beverage, personal care, and household products industries [7] Recent Performance - The company experienced a strong third quarter, with revenue increasing by 5%, operating income rising over 14%, and earnings per share reaching $0.87, primarily driven by margin expansion in the Color segment [8] - Management has raised expectations for local-currency adjusted EBITDA growth, indicating confidence in future performance [8] Market Position - Sensient maintains reliable cash flow, pricing power in natural colors, and manageable leverage, suggesting a solid fundamental position despite the recent stake reduction by Rivermont Capital Management [10]

60 Minutes rewind. >> As the Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, you may feel as oversted as that turkey you ate. And if you're overweight, and the chances are you are, it's probably because you eat too much.Too much of the wrong stuff. Most of the wrong stuff we eat comes in a bottle, a can, or a box. Food that's been processed. Much of that food has been flavored.The flavoring industry is the enabler of the food processing business, which depends on it to create a craving for everything from soda pop t ...

Core Insights - Westrock Coffee Company reported record financial results for Q3 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of its customer-centered model and strategic investments made over the past three years [4][8] - The company issued $30.0 million in 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2031, which are convertible into common stock at a price of $5.25 per share [4][7] - An amendment to the existing credit agreement was announced, increasing net leverage compliance levels and decreasing minimum interest coverage ratio requirements through Q3 2026 [7] Financial Performance - Net sales reached $354.8 million, a 60.7% increase year-over-year [8] - Gross profit was $41.4 million, reflecting an 11.6% increase compared to the prior year [8] - The net loss was $19.1 million, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million in the same period last year [8] - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $23.2 million, including $3.0 million of scale-up costs, compared to $10.3 million and $4.0 million of scale-up costs in the prior year [8] Segment Performance - Beverage Solutions segment net sales were $263.0 million, a 60.4% increase, with Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $20.4 million, up 73.8% [8][28] - Sustainable Sourcing & Traceability segment net sales were $91.8 million, a 61.5% increase, with Segment Adjusted EBITDA rising to $5.8 million from $2.5 million in the prior year [8][28] Guidance and Outlook - The company updated its 2025 outlook for Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to a range of $60.0 million to $65.0 million [9] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA guidance for Beverage Solutions is set between $63.0 million and $68.0 million, while for Sustainable Sourcing & Traceability, it is between $14.0 million and $16.0 million [10] - The company is re-evaluating its 2026 outlook due to uncertainties in customer demand and rising coffee prices [11] Capital Structure - The company has amended its credit agreement to enhance financial flexibility, allowing for increased net leverage and reduced interest coverage ratios [7] - As of September 30, 2025, total assets were $1,178.0 million, up from $1,101.8 million at the end of 2024 [18][20]