Univar Solutions Selected as Ingredion Pharma Solutions Distributor in United States and Canada [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationPharmaceutical manufacturers will benefit from deep expertise and an extensive distribution network paired with Ingredion's functional excipientsDOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced that its Ingredien ...

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) is one of the best sugar stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 18, Barclays reaffirmed a Hold rating on Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) and set a price target of $128. The rating update came after Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) announced on February 11 that its Board of Directors unanimously elected Jim Zallie, President and CEO, to assume the additional role of chairman of the board, effective immediately. UBS Lowers Price Target on Ingredion (INGR) ...

Core Insights - James P. Zallie, President and CEO of Ingredion, reported the sale of 33,597 shares for approximately $4.02 million amid changes in the board of directors [1][2] - The transaction represents 40.11% of Zallie's direct ownership at the time, which is higher than recent historical medians [6] - Zallie's sale was part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, indicating it was pre-planned and not a reaction to market conditions [9] Company Overview - Ingredion is a global supplier of specialty food ingredients, producing starches, sweeteners, corn oil, protein feeds, and other ingredients derived from corn and starch-based materials [8] - The company serves various sectors including food and beverage manufacturers, animal nutrition producers, and industrial clients across multiple regions [8] Financial Performance - For the trailing twelve months (TTM), Ingredion reported revenue of $7.22 billion and net income of $729 million [4] - The company has a dividend yield of 2.98% and experienced a 1-year price change of -4.23% as of February 11, 2026 [4] - The company's market capitalization stands at $7.4 billion, with a gross margin of 25.97% [7] Recent Developments - Zallie was appointed Chairman of the Board following the resignation of former Chair Gregory Kenny, a common practice in corporate governance [9] - Despite growth in net income and earnings-per-share (EPS) year-over-year, the company reported a decline in revenue and has faced three consecutive quarters of declining net income and EPS [10] - The company is still recovering from global production impacts, which may be a point of concern for investors [10]

Company Overview - Ingredion is a leader in global ingredient solutions with a strong focus on customer service, productivity, and innovation [1] - The company has over 40 years of experience in the food industry and has been led by CEO Jim Zallie for 17 years [1] Financial Performance - In 2025, Ingredion achieved record results, generating $950 million in cash from operations [1] - Approximately half of the cash from operations was returned to shareholders, indicating a commitment to shareholder value [1] Strategic Initiatives - Jim Zallie has successfully integrated strategic acquisitions that have expanded Ingredion's portfolio, particularly in sugar reduction, clean label, and texture solutions [1]

Ingredion Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Ingredion - **Industry**: Global ingredient solutions provider, primarily serving the food and beverage industry, with nearly 70% of revenues from this sector. Also serves paper making, corrugated box industries, and specialty ingredients for pharma and personal care markets [4][5] Key Financial Highlights - **Record Results**: In 2025, Ingredion reported $950 million in cash from operations, returning approximately half to shareholders [1] - **Gross Profit Margin**: Achieved record gross profit margins of over 25%, an increase of 120 basis points from the previous year [5] - **Earnings Per Share**: Record earnings per share driven by the Texture and Healthful Solutions segment, returning $435 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5] - **Cash Generation**: Averaged $1 billion in cash generation over the last three years, providing a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility [5] Strategic Vision and Growth Opportunities - **Resegmentation**: The company resegmented its business into three large global segments to enhance customer intimacy and innovation delivery [6] - **Texture and Healthful Solutions**: Positioned to capitalize on macro trends such as natural high-intensity sweeteners and protein fortification, with a focus on clean label products [9][10] - **Consumer Trends**: Increasing consumer preference for clean labels, high protein, and high fiber products, with the clean label category growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% over the last four years [10][11] Market Position and Competitive Advantages - **Global Leadership**: Ingredion is a leader in texture solutions, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and APAC [18] - **Consumer Insights**: 85% of consumers are likely to recommend food based on texture, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in this area [19] - **Private Label Growth**: The company is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing shift towards private label products, with private label growth in EMEA at over 40% [36][37] Regional Performance - **LatAm Segment**: Generated approximately $2.5 billion in revenue with a segment operating income margin of 21%. Strong local presence with nine plants and three innovation centers [40][42] - **U.S. and Canada Segment**: Achieved $2 billion in net sales with a 16% operating income margin. The company is the only corn wet miller with assets in Canada, optimizing supply chain efficiency [41][46] Innovation and R&D - **Idea Labs**: 30 Idea Labs globally to customize solutions based on local tastes and preferences [4][18] - **Solutions Business**: Approximately $1 billion in sales, growing at 7.5%, with a focus on customer intimacy and co-creation of products [25][26] Future Outlook - **Revenue Growth**: Projected net sales growth of 1% to 3% through 2028, with mid-single digits operating income growth expected [54][55] - **Investment in CapEx**: About $200 million in capital expenditures to enhance production capabilities and support growth initiatives [38] - **Enterprise Productivity**: A multi-year program aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness, expected to contribute over 1 point of operating income growth by 2028 [58] Risks and Challenges - **Market Volatility**: Ongoing tariff and trade risks, regulatory impacts, and economic growth uncertainties [56][57] - **Consumer Behavior Changes**: Shifts in consumer preferences and economic conditions affecting demand for certain product categories [54] Conclusion - Ingredion is strategically positioned for growth through innovation, customer intimacy, and a strong market presence in key regions. The company is focused on leveraging macro trends in health and wellness, clean labels, and private label growth to drive future performance.

Financial Performance - Net income attributable to Ingredion for 2025 was $729 million, a 13% increase from $647 million in 2024[156]. - Diluted earnings per share for 2025 were $11.18, compared to $9.71 for 2024[156]. - Net sales decreased 3% to $7.2 billion in 2025 from $7.4 billion in 2024, primarily due to unfavorable price mix and lower volumes[158]. - Gross profit margin increased to 25% in 2025 from 24% in 2024, with cost of sales decreasing 4% to $5.4 billion[159]. - Operating income for 2025 was $1,016 million, a 15% increase from $883 million in 2024[156]. - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $1.244 billion, slightly up from $1.230 billion in 2024, demonstrating stable operational performance[205]. - Net income for 2025 was reported at $736 million, an increase from $654 million in 2024, indicating improved profitability[193]. - The effective income tax rate for 2025 was 24.4%, down from 29.8% in 2024, contributing to higher net income[198]. - The company achieved an adjusted operating income, net of tax, of $763 million in 2025, compared to $748 million in 2024, showing growth in operational efficiency[193]. Sales and Segment Performance - T&HS net sales increased 1% to $2,397 million in 2025, driven by increased volumes for starches and clean label solutions[168]. - F&II–LATAM net sales decreased 4% to $2,341 million in 2025, while operating income increased 2% to $493 million[170]. - F&II–U.S./Canada net sales decreased 7% to $2,013 million in 2025, with operating income decreasing 16% to $315 million[171]. Liquidity and Debt Management - Total available liquidity as of December 31, 2025, was $3.9 billion, including $641 million in cash and cash equivalents[177]. - Cash provided by operating activities decreased to $944 million in 2025 from $1,436 million in 2024, primarily due to a reduction in cash from working capital[185]. - Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 0.6 in 2025 from 0.7 in 2024, indicating better leverage management[202]. - Total net debt decreased to $757 million in 2025 from $823 million in 2024, reflecting a reduction in financial leverage[205]. - The company aims to maintain a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.5 or less, successfully achieving a ratio of 0.6 in 2025[202]. Investments and R&D - The company spent $63 million on environmental control and wastewater treatment equipment in 2025, with an expected investment of approximately $57 million for 2026[63]. - The R&D team consists of over 500 scientists and engineers, focusing on high-performance, value-added ingredient solutions[51]. - The company evaluates and refines R&D investments to align with long-term business strategy and drive sustainable growth[52]. Regulatory and Compliance - The company has not experienced any material fines related to regulatory compliance in 2025[62]. - The company expects no material expense from future environmental compliance costs based on current laws and regulations[64]. - The company utilizes derivative hedging contracts to protect gross margins in its Food and Industrial Ingredient segments[48]. Workforce and Facilities - As of December 31, 2025, the company employed approximately 11,200 people, with 3,200 located in the U.S. and Canada[57]. - Approximately 33% of U.S. and Canadian employees are members of labor unions, with collective bargaining agreements expiring in 2026 for about 160 employees[57]. - The company entered into a lease for a new Global Innovation headquarters facility in Bridgewater, New Jersey, expected to be ready in the first half of 2028[52]. Asset Management - The company recorded $10 million in pre-tax impairment charges in 2025, a significant decrease from $109 million in 2024, reflecting better asset management[201]. - Total equity increased to $4.295 billion in 2025 from $3.823 billion in 2024, indicating a stronger financial position[193]. - Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) for 2025 was 15.5%, up from 14.8% in 2024, exceeding the long-term objective of 10%[198]. - The company owns more than 1,800 patents and patents pending as of December 31, 2025[54].

Ingredion 2026 CAGNY Presentation James Zallie Chairman, President and CEO Patrick Kalotis Executive Vice President, Texture & Healthful Solutions Rob Ritchie Executive Vice President, Food & Industrial Ingredients U.S./Canada and LATAM, and Sugar Reduction Jim Gray Executive Vice President and CFO February 17, 2026 Forward-looking statements Non-GAAP Financial Measures This presentation provides information about adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted ROIC ...

Leadership Changes - Jim Zallie has been elected as chairman of the board in addition to his role as president and CEO, effective immediately [1][2] - Victoria Reich has been appointed as lead director, emphasizing the company's commitment to strong independent oversight and corporate governance [2][4] - Gregory Kenny has stepped down as independent chairman after serving since 2018 but will remain a board member [3] Company Overview - Ingredion Incorporated is a leading global provider of ingredient solutions, serving customers in nearly 120 countries [5] - The company reported annual net sales of approximately $7.2 billion for 2025, transforming plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for various markets [5] - Ingredion operates innovation centers globally and employs over 11,000 people, focusing on co-creating solutions with customers [5]

Group 1 - The analyst has over a decade of experience researching various companies across different sectors, including commodities like oil, natural gas, gold, and copper, as well as technology firms such as Google and Nokia [1] - The analyst has transitioned from writing a blog to creating a value investing-focused YouTube channel, where extensive research on hundreds of companies has been conducted [1] - The analyst expresses a particular interest in covering metals and mining stocks, while also being comfortable with other industries like consumer discretionary/staples, REITs, and utilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion Incorporated reported record performance for the year 2025, driven by strong results in the Texture & Healthful Solutions segment and solid performance in the Latin America Food & Industrial Ingredients segment, although operations in the U.S./Canada segment faced challenges [1] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, reported diluted EPS was $2.56, up from $1.43 in Q4 2024, while adjusted diluted EPS was $2.53 compared to $2.63 in Q4 2024 [2][4] - Full-year 2025 reported and adjusted EPS were $11.18 and $11.13, respectively, compared to $9.71 and $10.65 in 2024 [4] - Operating income for Q4 2025 was $220 million, a 36% increase from $162 million in Q4 2024, while full-year operating income rose 15% to $1,016 million [6][41] Segment Performance - The Texture & Healthful Solutions segment reported Q4 2025 net sales of $591 million, a 2% increase from Q4 2024, while full-year sales were $2,397 million, up 1% [9][41] - Latin America Food & Industrial Ingredients segment achieved Q4 2025 net sales of $587 million, a 1% increase, but full-year sales decreased by 4% to $2,341 million [12][41] - U.S./Canada Food & Industrial Ingredients segment saw Q4 2025 net sales drop to $463 million, a 9% decline, with full-year sales down 7% to $2,013 million [14][41] Cash Flow and Capital Management - Operating cash flow for 2025 was $944 million, down from $1,436 million in 2024, reflecting increased working capital investments [19][39] - The company returned $435 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 [20] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, the company expects reported and adjusted EPS to range between $11.00 and $11.80, with net sales anticipated to grow in the low single digits to mid-single digits [21][22] - The company forecasts operating income to see low single-digit increases, driven by volume growth but partially offset by pricing mix factors [21]