Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the distribution expansion will bring a wide range of plant-based and clean label products, including the innovative Novation® range of functional native starches, plant-based proteins, and a comprehensive portfolio of stevia sweeteners developed by PureCircle by Ingredion, to meet growing consumer demand for clean label ingredients and sugar reduction. "Together with Ingredion, we stand at the forefront of ingredient innovation, committed to shaping the future of food with high-qual ...

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), reflecting an upward trend in earnings estimates, which significantly influences stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a strong indicator of near-term stock price movements [2][3]. - Rising earnings estimates for Ingredion indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [8][9]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions for Ingredion - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Ingredion is expected to earn $11.30 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 1.6% over the past three months [7].

Key Takeaways INTU, FOX, QFIN, UGI and INGR show consistent dividend growth and strong long-term earnings potential. These stocks witnessed positive estimate revisions and boast solid expected earnings growth this fiscal year. Each company ranks in the top Zacks tiers and carries a Growth Score of A or B for added upside potential.Wall Street staged a nice comeback from the lows hit in early April and is currently hovering near record highs. Optimism around U.S.-China trade negotiations, easing inflation ...

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion reported quarterly earnings of $2.97 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.44 per share, and up from $2.08 per share a year ago, indicating strong performance despite revenue challenges [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved an earnings surprise of 21.72% for the quarter, having surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all of the last four quarters [2]. - Revenues for the quarter were $1.81 billion, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.63% and decreased from $1.88 billion year-over-year [3]. Stock Performance and Outlook - Ingredion shares have declined approximately 2.9% year-to-date, compared to a 3.9% decline in the S&P 500 [4]. - The company's earnings outlook is uncertain, with current consensus EPS estimates at $2.82 for the next quarter and $11.07 for the current fiscal year, alongside projected revenues of $1.9 billion and $7.51 billion respectively [8]. Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Ingredion belongs, is currently ranked in the top 31% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable industry outlook [9]. - The performance of Ingredion's stock may be influenced by the overall industry outlook, as top-ranked industries tend to outperform lower-ranked ones significantly [9].

First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call May 6, 2025 Proprietary business information of ADM. Proprietary business information of ADM. Proprietary business information of ADM. 2 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this presentation, are forwa ...