Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has experienced significant selling pressure, resulting in a 7% decline over the past four weeks, but analysts anticipate better earnings than previously expected, indicating potential for recovery [1] Group 1: Technical Analysis - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key technical indicator used to identify oversold conditions, with a reading below 30 typically indicating a stock is oversold [2] - INGR's current RSI reading of 26.82 suggests that the heavy selling may be exhausting, indicating a potential bounce back towards equilibrium in supply and demand [5] Group 2: Fundamental Indicators - There is a consensus among sell-side analysts that earnings estimates for INGR have increased by 0.5% over the last 30 days, which often correlates with price appreciation in the near term [6] - INGR holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, further supporting the stock's potential for a turnaround [7]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has experienced a downtrend with a 7.4% decline over the past four weeks, but it is now in oversold territory, suggesting a potential turnaround as analysts expect better earnings than previously predicted [1]. Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that indicates whether a stock is oversold, with readings below 30 typically signaling this condition [2]. - INGR's current RSI reading is 29.13, indicating that the heavy selling pressure may be exhausting itself, which could lead to a trend reversal [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Indicators - There is a strong consensus among sell-side analysts regarding an increase in earnings estimates for INGR, with a 0.5% rise in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days [7]. - An upward trend in earnings estimate revisions is generally associated with price appreciation in the near term [7]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings - INGR holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, indicating a strong potential for a turnaround [8].

Core Insights - Major U.S. stock indices experienced a decline of nearly 1% on August 5, 2025, due to weaker-than-expected services data and ongoing tariff uncertainties, particularly with Trump threatening tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals [1][10] - Despite market volatility, low-leverage stocks are highlighted as safer investment options during economic uncertainty, with specific companies recommended for their strong earnings growth and low debt levels [2][10] Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is currently facing challenges due to tariff-related uncertainties and weaker economic data, leading to a lack of confidence among investors [2][10] - The recent wave of corporate earnings that exceeded estimates has been overshadowed by tariff concerns, impacting overall market optimism [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as a protective measure against potential economic downturns, with a focus on companies that exhibit solid earnings growth and lower debt-to-equity ratios [6][9] - The debt-to-equity ratio is emphasized as a critical metric for assessing financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [7][9] Recommended Low-Leverage Stocks - **NatWest Group (NWG)**: Collaborating with Google Cloud to enhance growth, with a projected 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.9% [15][16] - **Zions Bancorporation (ZION)**: Reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net interest income, with a 5% expected earnings growth for 2025 [17][18] - **Luxfer Holdings (LXFR)**: Achieved a 5.8% increase in adjusted net sales and a 25% rise in adjusted earnings per share, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 8% [19][20] - **Kingstone Companies (KINS)**: Declared a quarterly cash dividend, indicating strong financial health, with a projected 37.9% improvement in both sales and earnings for 2025 [21][22] - **Ingredion Inc. (INGR)**: Reported a 1% increase in adjusted operating income, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% and a 1% sales improvement expected for 2025 [23][24]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has experienced significant selling pressure, declining 7.6% over the past four weeks, but is now positioned for a potential trend reversal as it is in oversold territory, with analysts expecting better earnings than previously predicted [1] Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements, with a reading below 30 indicating that a stock is considered oversold [2] - INGR's RSI reading is currently at 24.93, suggesting that the heavy selling may be exhausting itself and a trend reversal could occur soon [5] Group 2: Fundamental Indicators - There is a strong consensus among sell-side analysts that earnings estimates for INGR have increased by 0.5% over the last 30 days, indicating a potential for price appreciation in the near term [7] - INGR holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, further supporting the stock's potential turnaround [8]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has faced significant selling pressure, resulting in an 8% decline over the past four weeks, but analysts anticipate better earnings than previously expected, indicating a potential turnaround for the stock [1]. Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is utilized to determine if a stock is oversold, with readings below 30 indicating oversold conditions [2]. - INGR's current RSI reading is 23.91, suggesting that the heavy selling may be exhausting itself and a trend reversal could be imminent [5]. - The RSI helps investors identify potential entry points for stocks that have fallen below their fair value due to excessive selling pressure [3]. Group 2: Fundamental Indicators - There has been a consensus among sell-side analysts to raise earnings estimates for INGR, resulting in a 0.6% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days [7]. - An upward trend in earnings estimate revisions typically correlates with price appreciation in the near term [7]. - INGR holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate trends and EPS surprises, further supporting the potential for a turnaround [8].

Core Insights - Ingredion Incorporated reported a solid performance for Q2 2025, demonstrating the strength and resilience of its diversified business model, with a 2% increase in net sales and a 29% increase in operating income in the Texture & Healthful Solutions segment [1][12][9] Financial Performance - The reported diluted EPS for Q2 2025 was $2.99, compared to $2.22 in Q2 2024, reflecting a 35% increase [2][30] - Adjusted diluted EPS remained stable at $2.87 for both Q2 2025 and Q2 2024 [2][3] - Total net sales for Q2 2025 were $1.833 billion, down 2% from $1.878 billion in Q2 2024 [5][29] - Operating income for Q2 2025 was $271 million, a 13% increase from $240 million in Q2 2024 [9][30] Segment Performance - The Texture & Healthful Solutions segment achieved net sales of $599 million in Q2 2025, a 2% increase from $588 million in Q2 2024, with operating income rising 29% to $111 million [11][12] - The Food & Industrial Ingredients segment in Latin America reported net sales of $596 million, down 5% from $630 million in Q2 2024, with operating income decreasing 2% to $127 million [13][14] - The U.S./Canada Food & Industrial Ingredients segment saw net sales decline by 6% to $523 million, with operating income falling 18% to $86 million due to a mechanical fire affecting production [15][16] Outlook - The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $11.25 to $11.75, with adjusted EPS expectations between $11.10 and $11.60 [20][21] - Full-year net sales are expected to remain flat compared to the previous year, with growth in the Texture & Healthful Solutions segment offset by declines in pricing due to lower raw material costs [20][21] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in both reported and adjusted operating income for the full year [21]

Group 1 - The conference call is for Ingredion's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings, featuring key executives including the CEO and CFO [2][3] - The press release and presentation related to the earnings results are available on Ingredion's website [4] - Forward-looking statements are included in the presentation, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported adjusted operating income of $273 million, marking the highest Q2 in company history, while net sales declined by 2% primarily due to lower corn costs [6][19] - Gross profit dollars increased by 7%, with gross margin rising by 230 basis points to 26% [19] - Adjusted operating income increased by 1% for the quarter and 12% year-to-date [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texture and Healthful Solutions segment saw a 2% increase in net sales and a remarkable 29% rise in operating income, driven by a 3% increase in net sales volume [6][21] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM experienced a 5% decline in net sales, impacted by reduced brewing volumes and macroeconomic challenges [20][22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients U.S./Canada reported a 6% decline in net sales, significantly affected by a mechanical fire at the Chicago plant [19][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. and Canada markets showed a 3% increase in sales volume for Texture and Healthful Solutions, with beverages, bakery, and dairy categories performing strongly [9][12] - LATAM's Food and Industrial Ingredients segment faced a 4% decline in sales volume due to macroeconomic impacts, particularly in Brazil and Mexico [10][22] - The company noted a positive trend in clean label solutions, with double-digit growth in the U.S. [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on business growth through its Texture and Healthful Solutions segment, which is expected to continue strong performance due to customer engagement and innovation [14][33] - Cost competitiveness is being pursued through operational excellence, with expectations to exceed $50 million in savings for the cost to compete program [15][30] - The company is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by its recent recognition as a net zero leader by Forbes [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the second half of 2025, acknowledging macroeconomic headwinds but highlighting strong underlying volume in the U.S./Canada business [40][42] - The company anticipates flat to slightly up net sales for the full year 2025, with adjusted operating income expected to rise in the mid-single digits [29][30] - Management emphasized the importance of navigating uncertainties related to tariffs and macroeconomic conditions in LATAM [60][62] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $55 million of its outstanding shares and paid out $106 million in dividends [28] - Capital expenditures for the year are projected to be between $400 million to $425 million, reflecting ongoing investments in growth initiatives [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the guidance still conservative given the strong performance? - Management acknowledged the cautious approach due to uncertainties around tariffs and customer demand shifts, but noted strong underlying volume in the U.S./Canada business [38][40] Question: What is driving the operating leverage in Texture and Healthful Solutions? - The increase in operating income was attributed to improved operational execution, higher utilization rates, and favorable raw material costs [44][46] Question: What is the outlook for Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM? - Management indicated that while macroeconomic conditions are challenging, they expect to see improvements in the second half as seasonal demand increases [60][62] Question: What is the impact of recent news on cane sugar versus high fructose corn syrup? - Management does not anticipate a significant impact on HFCS demand, as recent product announcements are seen as complementary rather than cannibalistic [68][70] Question: What is the status of the potential sale of the Pakistan asset? - The company is in discussions with three interested parties for acquiring a majority stake in the Raiffon Mays business [72] Question: What are the expectations for operating margins in the second half? - Management expects operating margins to remain in the high teens, with potential for slight fluctuations based on sourcing costs and tariff impacts [76][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported adjusted operating income of $273 million, the highest for Q2 in company history, while net sales declined by 2% primarily due to lower corn costs [6][19] - Adjusted operating income increased by 1% for the quarter and 12% year-to-date [6][19] - Gross profit dollars grew by 7%, with gross margin up 230 basis points to 26% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texture and Healthful Solutions segment saw a 2% increase in net sales and a remarkable 29% rise in operating income, supported by a 3% increase in net sales volume [6][21] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM net sales declined by 5%, impacted by reduced brewing volumes and macroeconomic challenges [20][22] - Food and Industrial Ingredients U.S./Canada segment experienced a 6% decline in net sales, significantly affected by a mechanical fire at the Chicago plant [20][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. and Canada markets showed strong performance in the Texture and Healthful Solutions segment, with double-digit growth in clean label solutions [10][12] - LATAM markets faced challenges due to high inflation and economic slowdowns, particularly in Brazil and Mexico [58][59] - The company anticipates a flat to slightly up net sales outlook for the full year 2025, reflecting lower pricing due to corn cost pass-through [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on business growth through its Texture and Healthful Solutions segment, which is expected to deliver robust performance [15][32] - Cost competitiveness is being pursued through operational excellence, with an expectation to exceed $50 million in savings for the cost to compete program [16][30] - The company is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the second half of 2025, highlighting strong underlying volume in the U.S./Canada business despite macroeconomic uncertainties [41][42] - The company expects to recover some impacts from the Chicago plant disruption in the second half of the year [23][32] - Management noted that the demand for clean label solutions and healthful products is expected to continue driving long-term growth opportunities [14][55] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $55 million of its outstanding common shares and paid out $106 million in dividends [28][29] - Capital expenditures for the year are projected to be between $400 million to $425 million [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the guidance still too conservative? - Management acknowledged the cautious approach due to uncertainties around tariffs and customer demand shifts, but noted strong underlying volume in the U.S./Canada business [37][39] Question: What is driving the operating leverage in Texture and Healthful Solutions? - The increase in operating income was attributed to operational execution, higher utilization, and improved procurement strategies [43][45] Question: What is the outlook for Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM? - Management indicated that while macroeconomic conditions are challenging, they expect to see improvements as the summer season approaches [58][60] Question: What is the impact of cane sugar versus high fructose corn syrup? - Management does not anticipate a significant impact on HFCS demand and highlighted ongoing efforts in sugar reduction initiatives [67][68] Question: Any updates on the potential sale of the Pakistan asset? - The company is in process with three interested parties for acquiring a majority stake in the Raiffon Mays business [71] Question: What are the expectations for the Argentina joint venture? - Management noted that the recent stabilization of the peso and lower inflation rates have led to more normalized performance expectations for the joint venture [90]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - Net sales decreased by 2% from $1.878 billion in Q2 2024 to $1.833 billion in Q2 2025[32] - Gross profit increased by 7% from $446 million in Q2 2024 to $477 million in Q2 2025[32] - Gross profit margin increased by 230 basis points, from 23.7% in Q2 2024 to 26.0% in Q2 2025[32] - Reported operating income increased by 13% from $240 million in Q2 2024 to $271 million in Q2 2025[32] - Adjusted operating income increased by 1% from $270 million in Q2 2024 to $273 million in Q2 2025[32] - Reported diluted EPS increased from $2.22 in Q2 2024 to $2.99 in Q2 2025, an increase of $0.77 per share[32] - Adjusted diluted EPS remained flat at $2.87 in both Q2 2024 and Q2 2025[32] Financial Performance - Year-to-Date (YTD) 2025 - Net sales decreased by 3% from $3.760 billion in YTD 2024 to $3.646 billion in YTD 2025[41] - Adjusted operating income increased by 12% from $486 million in YTD 2024 to $546 million in YTD 2025[14,41] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by $0.88 per share, from $4.96 in YTD 2024 to $5.84 in YTD 2025[41,42] Full Year 2025 Outlook - The company expects net sales to be flat[45] - The company expects adjusted EPS to be between $11.10 and $11.60[45] - The company expects cash from operations to be between $825 million and $950 million[45]