Sansert Sangsakawrat/iStock via Getty Images The Visine Effect Get the red out. Dear Fellow Shareholders, The average investor will look fondly on 2025, with the S&P 500 Index (SP500) rising 17.9% and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Index (LBUSTRUU) up 7.3%. The herd was warm and well-nourished with visions of AI grandeur dancing in their heads and expectations of additional Fed easing. Investors reacted with relief as the impact of trade policies was less harmful to corporate earnings than originally anticip ...

Core Insights - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) reported adjusted earnings of $1.05 per share for Q3 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02 per share, marking a 1% increase from the previous year [1][10] - The company's net sales decreased by 7.9% year over year to $2.69 billion, but still surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.63 billion [2] - IFF's gross profit fell by 6.6% year over year to $983 million, with a gross margin of 36.5%, slightly up from 36% in the prior year [3] Financial Performance - The adjusted operating EBITDA for Q3 was $519 million, down 8.6% from $568 million in the prior year, with an adjusted operating EBITDA margin of 19.3% compared to 19.4% a year ago [4] - Research and development expenses rose by 7% year over year to $174 million, while selling and administrative expenses decreased by 15% to $421 million [3] Segment Performance - The Taste segment saw a 2.6% increase in net sales year over year to $635 million, exceeding estimates, with adjusted operating EBITDA rising by 3.2% to $128 million [5] - The Food Ingredients segment's net sales fell by 1.5% year over year to $830 million, but adjusted operating EBITDA increased by 20.5% to $106 million [6] - The Health & Bioscience segment reported sales of $577 million, a slight increase from the previous year, with adjusted operating EBITDA up by 0.7% to $150 million [7] - The Scent segment's sales grew by 6.4% year over year to $652 million, with adjusted operating EBITDA increasing by 7.1% to $135 million [8] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - At the end of Q3 2025, IFF had cash and cash equivalents of $621 million, up from $469 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt decreased to $4.74 billion from $7.56 billion [9] - The company generated $532 million in operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, down from $681 million in the prior-year period [9] Guidance - IFF reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting sales between $10.6 billion and $10.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $2 billion and $2.15 billion [11]

Core Insights - International Flavors (IFF) reported a revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 7.9% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $1.05, slightly up from $1.04 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of +2.94% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.02 [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales in Health & Biosciences reached $577 million, exceeding the average estimate of $568.61 million, marking a +1.2% change year-over-year [4] - Net Sales in Scent amounted to $652 million, surpassing the average estimate of $618.57 million, representing a +6.4% change year-over-year [4] - Net Sales in Taste were $635 million, slightly above the average estimate of $628.17 million [4] - Net Sales in Food Ingredients totaled $830 million, also exceeding the average estimate of $825.94 million [4] Adjusted Operating EBITDA - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Health & Biosciences was $150 million, compared to the average estimate of $143.03 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $106 million, slightly below the average estimate of $109.32 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Taste was $128 million, marginally above the average estimate of $126.56 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Scent was $135 million, exceeding the average estimate of $129.4 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of International Flavors have returned +0.9% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +2.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) reported adjusted earnings of $1.15 per share for Q2 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.11, although this represents a 1% decline from the previous year [1][10] - The company's net sales for the quarter were $2.76 billion, down 4.3% year over year, but still surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.73 billion [2][10] - Currency-neutral sales increased by 3% year over year, driven by mid-single digit growth in the Taste and Health & Biosciences segments [2] Financial Performance - IFF's cost of goods sold decreased by 4.8% year over year to $1.73 billion, resulting in a gross profit of $1.03 billion, which is a 3.6% decline from the previous year [3] - The gross margin improved slightly to 37.3% from 37% in the year-ago quarter [3] - Adjusted operating EBITDA was $552 million, down 6.1% from $588 million in the prior-year quarter, with an adjusted operating EBITDA margin of 20% compared to 20.4% a year earlier [4] Segment Performance - The Taste segment's net sales rose 4.6% year over year to $631 million, although it fell short of the estimate of $663 million, with adjusted operating EBITDA of $125 million, up 1.6% year over year [5] - The Food Ingredients segment saw a slight increase of 0.4% in net sales to $850 million, exceeding the estimate of $827 million, with adjusted operating EBITDA rising 15.9% to $124 million [6] - Health & Bioscience segment sales were $577 million, up from $556 million a year earlier, with adjusted operating EBITDA of $151 million, reflecting a 1.3% increase [7] - The Scent segment's sales remained flat at $603 million, below the projected $649 million, with adjusted operating EBITDA declining 7.8% to $130 million [8] - Sales in Pharma Solutions increased by 18.4% year over year to $103 million, with adjusted operating EBITDA remaining flat at $22 million [8] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - At the end of Q2, IFF had cash and cash equivalents totaling $816 million, an increase from $469 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt decreased to $5.68 billion from $7.56 billion [11] - The company generated $368 million in cash from operating activities in the first half of 2025, compared to $336 million in the same period last year [11] Guidance and Market Performance - IFF reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting sales between $10.6 billion and $10.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $2 billion and $2.15 billion [12] - Over the past year, IFF shares have declined by 25.4%, contrasting with a 0.1% growth in the industry [13]

Core Insights - International Flavors (IFF) reported a revenue of $2.76 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 4.3% and an EPS of $1.15, slightly down from $1.16 a year ago [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.73 billion by 1.19%, while the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.11 by 3.6% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Sales in Health & Biosciences reached $577 million, exceeding the average estimate of $571.71 million, with a year-over-year increase of 3.4% [4] - Net Sales in Food Ingredients were reported at $850 million, above the average estimate of $834.65 million [4] - Net Sales in Scent totaled $603 million, slightly below the estimated $608.69 million, showing no change compared to the previous year [4] - Net Sales in Taste were $631 million, marginally below the average estimate of $633.74 million [4] - Net Sales in Pharma Solutions were $103 million, significantly below the estimated $120.11 million, marking a year-over-year decline of 58.8% [4] Adjusted Operating EBITDA - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Health & Biosciences was $151 million, closely matching the average estimate of $151.69 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Scent was $130 million, slightly below the average estimate of $135.15 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $124 million, exceeding the average estimate of $111.08 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Taste was $125 million, below the average estimate of $129.96 million [4] - Adjusted Operating EBITDA for Pharma Solutions was $22 million, compared to the average estimate of $24.58 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of International Flavors have returned -6.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Above Food Ingredients Inc. is progressing with its proposed merger with Palm Global Technologies Limited, with nearly 90% of Palm Global shareholders expressing support for the transaction [1][4][5] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger with Palm Global is expected to unlock long-term shareholder value, with integration efforts already yielding results in trade discussions projected to generate multi-billion-dollar revenues [6] - Palm Global has received unanimous support from nearly 90% of its shareholders for the merger, as confirmed by Chairman Peter Knez [4][5] - The audit by CBIZ CPA is anticipated to be completed within four to six weeks, ahead of the 180-day timeline set by Nasdaq [2][3] Group 2: Financial Implications - Palm Global's 30% stake in Palm Promax Investments is expected to add over $100 billion in net assets to its balance sheet, indicating substantial high-margin revenue potential [9] - The partnership with Promax United positions Palm Global as a leader in stablecoin issuance and central bank digital currency frameworks, with 15 African nations committed to adopting its stablecoin [8] Group 3: Strategic Vision - The merger is seen as a catalyst for value creation, with a focus on the tokenization of real-world assets, which is expected to redefine global finance [10][11] - The company is enhancing its governance by adding influential figures to its board, which is expected to advance its objectives in key markets [12]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported a significant decline in GAAP EPS to $0.08, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24, primarily due to weak profitability in its Diamond Green Diesel joint venture [1][5] - Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $1.5 billion, slightly above expectations, but profitability metrics indicated ongoing challenges [1][5] - The company lowered its full-year Combined Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $1.05–$1.10 billion, down from previous estimates of $1.25 to $1.3 billion, reflecting persistent headwinds in the renewable fuels market [1][11] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 EPS was $0.08, down 83.7% year-over-year from $0.49 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue increased by 2.7% year-over-year, from $1.46 billion in Q2 2024 to $1.5 billion in Q2 2025 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $249.5 million, an 8.8% decrease from $273.6 million in Q2 2024 [2][5] Business Overview and Strategy - Darling Ingredients specializes in converting animal by-products, used cooking oils, and food waste into value-added ingredients for various markets, operating over 260 facilities globally [3][4] - The company's strategy focuses on product diversification to reduce dependence on any single market, addressing sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy [3][4] Segment Performance - The Feed Ingredients segment generated net sales of $936.5 million, contributing significantly to overall revenue, supported by strong fat prices [6][8] - The Food Ingredients segment reported net sales of $386.1 million, with a 1.9% increase year-over-year, and includes the launch of the Nextida joint venture targeting health and wellness markets [6][9] - The Fuel Ingredients segment, heavily impacted by the Diamond Green Diesel joint venture, recorded revenue of $158.8 million, with a significant decline in profitability due to regulatory uncertainties and market dislocations [6][10] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued improvement in its core ingredients business, particularly in the Feed Ingredients segment, driven by strengthening fat prices [6][11] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining balance sheet health and focusing on high-margin product categories, especially in food ingredients and collagen innovation [11][12] - Investors are expected to monitor operational metrics across segments, particularly for signs of margin improvement and the performance of the Nextida joint venture [12]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported $1.48 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 1.8% and aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a surprise of +0.32% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $0.09, a significant decrease from $0.49 a year ago, leading to an EPS surprise of -25% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.12 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Net Sales from Feed Ingredients were $936.53 million, below the four-analyst average estimate of $997.05 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of +0.3% [4] - Net Sales from Fuel Ingredients reached $158.84 million, exceeding the average estimate of $138.21 million, with a year-over-year increase of +11.6% [4] - Net Sales from Food Ingredients amounted to $386.14 million, surpassing the average estimate of $366.46 million, showing a year-over-year change of +1.9% [4] EBITDA Analysis - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $69.95 million, slightly above the average estimate of $68.51 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $135.9 million, falling short of the average estimate of $161.84 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $18.64 million, compared to the average estimate of $19.79 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate was reported at -$17.59 million, worse than the average estimate of -$10.3 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $61.29 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $31.85 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Darling have returned -1.2%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IFF generated approximately $2.8 billion in sales for Q1 2025, representing a 3% comparable currency neutral growth [10] - Adjusted operating EBITDA totaled $578 million for the quarter, a strong 9% increase on a comparable currency neutral basis [10] - Comparable currency neutral adjusted operating EBITDA margin increased more than 120 basis points to 20.3% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharma Solutions delivered $266 million in sales, an 8% year-over-year increase on a comparable currency neutral basis [11] - Taste segment sales were $627 million, a 7% year-over-year increase on a comparable currency neutral basis [13] - Food Ingredients had sales of $796 million, a 4% comparable currency neutral decrease from the prior year [13] - Health and Biosciences segment delivered a 5% increase in comparable currency neutral sales [14] - Scent achieved net sales of $614 million, up 4% year-over-year on a comparable currency neutral basis [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that broader macroeconomic dynamics remain challenging, but IFF's portfolio is grounded in resilient essential end markets [20] - The company expects approximately 2% adverse impact on revenue from foreign exchange, down from 4% previously [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IFF is focused on strengthening its business through consistent reinvestment in core growth drivers: R&D, commercial, digital, and capacity [20] - The company is maintaining its full-year guidance ranges despite macroeconomic uncertainties [21] - IFF completed the divestiture of Pharma Solutions, which strengthens its capital structure and helps achieve a net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA ratio of below three times [7][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the order book remaining consistent with guidance despite macroeconomic uncertainties [28] - The company is actively working with customers to mitigate impacts of tariff actions and remains disciplined in response to macroeconomic uncertainty [9] - Management acknowledged concerns about potential recessionary pressures but emphasized the resilience of 80% of its portfolio in essential products [29] Other Important Information - Cash flow from operations totaled $127 million year-to-date, with CapEx at $179 million, approximately 6% of sales [15] - Gross debt was approximately $9.3 billion, a decrease of more than $1 billion compared to the year-ago period [17] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you talk us through which areas of the portfolio could potentially be at risk and which parts could be more resilient in a recessionary scenario? - Management indicated that 80% of the portfolio is in essential products, which are resilient, while discretionary areas like fine fragrances may be at risk [29] Question: Can you disclose what you think the gross impact today is on your costs from tariffs? - Management noted a gross exposure of over $100 million for 2025 related to tariffs, primarily from China, but emphasized successful supply chain optimization efforts [35] Question: What were the year-ago comps for flavors and food ingredients? - Management reported that Taste grew 11% last year in Q1, while Food Ingredients declined 4% last year [40] Question: Can you elaborate on the strategic rationale for the joint venture with Chimera? - The joint venture aims to scale enzymatic biomaterials and is expected to start operations by the end of 2027, targeting high-value biodegradable polymers [44][46] Question: What drove volumes lower in protein solutions? - Management indicated that volumes were down due to weaker performance in lower-value areas and production issues in higher-value areas, which are being resolved [55] Question: How do you see the inventory cycle affecting IFF? - Management expressed that they do not believe inventory levels are elevated enough to cause a significant downtick, given the recent destocking period [88]

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported $1.38 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 2.8% and an EPS of -$0.16 compared to $0.50 a year ago, indicating significant underperformance against expectations [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.36%, while the EPS surprise was -180.00% against the consensus estimate of $0.20 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Net Sales for Feed Ingredients were $896.28 million, below the average estimate of $976.29 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.7% [4] - Net Sales for Fuel Ingredients were $135.07 million, slightly below the average estimate of $137.58 million, showing a year-over-year decline of 2.9% [4] - Net Sales for Food Ingredients were $349.24 million, significantly below the average estimate of $376.23 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 10.7% [4] EBITDA Performance - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $70.93 million, exceeding the average estimate of $66.29 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $110.58 million, falling short of the average estimate of $151.08 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $18.19 million, slightly below the average estimate of $19.87 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $24.23 million, significantly below the average estimate of $65.38 million [4] Stock Performance - Darling's shares returned -0.4% over the past month, compared to a -5.1% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting potential underperformance in the near term [3]