Core Insights - The Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund reported a return of 2.06% in the first nine months of 2025, underperforming against benchmarks such as the Russell 2000 Total Returns Index, which increased by 10.39% [1] - The market remains concentrated in 2025, with a few dominant mega-cap stocks related to artificial intelligence driving most favorable outcomes [1] Fund Performance - The fund's performance lagged behind the S&P Small Cap 600 TR, which rose by 4.24%, and the Morningstar U.S. Fund Small Blend, which returned 6.15% [1] Company Focus: MGP Ingredients, Inc. - MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGPI) experienced a one-month return of 1.93% but saw a significant decline of 43.49% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $26.35 per share with a market capitalization of $561.105 million on December 10, 2025 [2] - The company faced challenges due to excess inventory, particularly in bourbon, and shifts in consumer consumption levels across the alcohol industry [3] Hedge Fund Interest - MGP Ingredients, Inc. was held by 18 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, down from 26 in the previous quarter, indicating reduced interest among hedge funds [4] - While MGP Ingredients is acknowledged for its potential, certain AI stocks are viewed as offering greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) reported second-quarter 2025 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with revenue of $2.76 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.15, despite declines in both revenue and adjusted operating EBITDA margins compared to the previous year [1][5]. Financial Performance - GAAP revenue for Q2 2025 was $2.76 billion, surpassing the estimate of $2.70 billion but down 4.5% from $2.89 billion in Q2 2024 [2][5]. - Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) was $1.15, slightly below the $1.16 reported in Q2 2024 and above the $1.12 consensus estimate [2][5]. - Adjusted operating EBITDA was $552 million, with a margin of 20.0%, down from 20.4% in the previous year [2][5]. - The Taste segment reported revenue of $631 million, a 3.4% increase year-over-year [2][6]. Business Overview - IFF specializes in creating compounds for flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, enzymes, and probiotics, serving various markets including food, beverages, personal care, and health [3]. - The company is focusing on innovation and has over 3,400 employees dedicated to research and development [4]. Strategic Initiatives - IFF is undergoing a business realignment strategy, including divesting non-core businesses and restructuring segments to enhance focus on higher-value areas [4][8]. - The company completed the divestiture of its Pharma Solutions business and is also selling its Nitrocellulose business [7][8]. - A $500 million share buyback program was launched, and net debt was reduced to 2.5 times adjusted EBITDA from over 3.9 times in Q1 2025 [9]. Research and Development - R&D spending increased by 5% to $182 million, emphasizing the importance of innovation for long-term growth in key product areas [10]. Future Guidance - For FY2025, IFF forecasts sales between $10.6 billion and $10.9 billion, with adjusted operating EBITDA expected in the range of $2.00 billion to $2.15 billion [11]. - The company anticipates comparable currency-neutral sales growth of 1% to 4% and adjusted operating EBITDA growth of 5% to 10%, with divestitures expected to impact sales growth by about 7% [11].