에 대한 최신 뉴스 Ingredion (NYSE:INGR) 주식

Ingredion

Ingredion is an ingredients provider for the food, beverage, brewing, and animal nutrition industries. The company processes corn, tapioca, potatoes, stevia, grains, fruits, gums, and vegetables into value-added ingredients. The company has two main product lines: specialty and core ingredients. Specialty ingredients includes starch-based texturizers, natural alternative sweeteners such as stevia, and plant proteins for alternative dairy and snacks. Core ingredients includes sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, and commodity starches, such as those used for sustainable packaging.

Ingredion Inc

Ingram Micro Holding Corp

International Flavors &amp; Fragrances Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/iff#NYSE">IFF</a>) shares scaled a new 52-week high of $104.17 on Friday before closing the session lower at $103.99.
IFF has a market capitalization of $26.6 billion. The company&#39;s shares have gained 52.6%, outperforming the industry&#39;s growth of 0.9% and the S&amp;P 500 index&#39;s rise of 26.9%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/ab/76367.jpg?v=287330217" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>What&#39;s Aiding International Flavors?</h2>
Demand for Flavors &amp; Fragrances to Drive IFF&#39;s Growth: The company is well-poised to benefit from demand for a variety of consumer products containing flavors and fragrances, going forward. Anticipated growth in emerging markets will likely be a key catalyst. Consequently, International Flavors is focused on gaining a share in emerging markets.
Backed by the company&#39;s global presence, diversified business platform, broad product portfolio, and global and regional customer base, it will be able to capitalize on the expansion in flavors and fragrances markets, and deliver long-term growth. Focus on driving greater efficiencies throughout the business through costs and productivity initiatives, margin improvement, and acquisition-related synergies continue to drive profits.
International Flavors&#39; Solid Q2 Performance Instills Confidence: The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.16 per share in second-quarter 2024, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01. The bottom line improved 15% from the year-ago quarter.
Currency-neutral sales grew 7% year over year, led by growth in the Scent, Health &amp; Biosciences and Nourish segments. The company reported volume growth in the high-single digits.
Growth Strategies Aid IFF Stock&#39;s Margins: In December 2022, International Flavors announced a new strategic and financial vision, which, among other things, consisted of a renewed growth-focus strategy, enhanced cost and productivity initiatives, and a redesigned operating model. It intends to transform its operating model into a more customer-centric and market-backed one. To this end, the company will conduct business in three core end markets &mdash; Food and Beverage, Home and Personal Care, and Health.
To drive growth, IFF plans to step up its investment in high-return businesses such as Flavors, Fragrances, Health, Cultures and Food Enzymes.&nbsp; It has continued to optimize its portfolio and completed the sale of Microbial Control, a portion of the Savory Solutions business and the Flavor Specialty Ingredients business.&nbsp; The company closed the sale of the Cosmetic Ingredients business to Clariant for $810 million at the end of 2023.
The unit includes the Lucas Meyers Cosmetics and IBR brands, and operates six research and development and/or production sites globally. Recently, International Flavors announced that it entered an agreement to sell its Pharma Solutions business, which is on track to close in the first half of 2025. These endeavors will help International Flavors focus on its core business operations, strengthen its balance sheet and maximize shareholder return.
Improved Volumes Enhances IFF&#39;s 2024 Outlook: The company&#39;s Functional Ingredients&nbsp; business is a leading global specialty food ingredients provider with a market leadership position in a broad portfolio of ingredients businesses, including Protein Solutions, Emulsifiers and Sweeteners, Core Texturant, and Cellulosic and Food Protection.
IFF is taking additional actions to rapidly improve the performance of its businesses,&nbsp; which is expected to lead to low-single-digit comparable currency-neutral sales growth, in line with the market. In the second quarter of 2024, the company reported volume growth in the high-single digits. This is likely to persist and boost its top line.
International Flavors expects sales of $11.1-$11.3 billion. Its prior expectation was near the higher end of $10.8-$11.1 billion. Volume is expected to rise 3-5%, reflecting improvement across all segments. The company earlier expected volume of 0-3%. It anticipates pricing to favor sales by 1% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA is expected between $2.1 billion and $2.17 billion, up from the previously stated $1.9-$2.1 billion.
<h2>Zacks Rank &amp; Other Stocks to Consider</h2>
International Flavors currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks in the Consumer Staples sector are Ollie&#39;s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/olli#NASDAQ">OLLI</a>), Edgewell Personal Care Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/epc#NYSE">EPC</a>) and Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ingr#NYSE">INGR</a>). These three companies currently have a Zacks Rank #2.
Ollie&#39;s Bargain Outlet has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OLLI&#39;s 2024 earnings is pegged at $3.28 per share. This indicates a 12.7% increase from the prior-year reported figure. The consensus estimate for 2024 earnings has moved 1% north in the past 60 days. OLLI shares have gained 21.1% in the past year.
Edgewell Personal Care has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 88%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPC&#39;s 2024 earnings is pegged at $3.00 per share. This indicates a 17.2% increase from the prior-year reported figure. The consensus estimate for 2024 earnings has moved 3% north in the past 60 days. EPC shares have gained 4.5% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion&#39;s 2024 earnings per share is pegged at $9.95, indicating growth of 5.6% from the prior-year actual. Earnings estimates have moved 3% north in the past 60 days. It has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.9%. INGR shares have gained 34.6% in the past year.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2330984/international-flavors-hits-52-week-high-what-s-aiding-the-stock?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|52week_high/low-2330984">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Large Cap

Mid Cap

News

Small Cap

Markets

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

INGR

OLLI

International Flavors Hits 52-Week High: What's Aiding the Stock?

Throughout the last three months, 4 analysts have evaluated Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $139.75, with a high estimate of $148.00 and a low estimate of $128.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $127.25, the current average has increased by 9.82%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1723730460_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
The standing of Ingredion among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cody Ross</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$148.00</td>
<td>$141.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benjamin Theurer</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Strelzik</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$128.00</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kristen Owen</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$138.00</td>
<td>$126.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Ingredion. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ingredion compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Ingredion's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Ingredion's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INGR/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ingredion analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Ingredion: A Closer Look</h2>
Ingredion is an ingredients provider for the food, beverage, brewing, and animal nutrition industries. The company processes corn, tapioca, potatoes, stevia, grains, fruits, gums, and vegetables into value-added ingredients. The company has two main product lines: specialty and core ingredients. Specialty ingredients includes starch-based texturizers, natural alternative sweeteners such as stevia, and plant proteins for alternative dairy and snacks. Core ingredients includes sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, and commodity starches, such as those used for sustainable packaging.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Ingredion's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Ingredion's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -9.23%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 7.88%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ingredion's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 3.94%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ingredion's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 2.04%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.49.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What 4 Analyst Ratings Have To Say About Ingredion

UBS analyst Cody Ross maintains Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $141 to $148.

Price Target

UBS Maintains Buy on Ingredion, Raises Price Target to $148

Barclays analyst Benjamin Theurer upgrades Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raises the price target from $122 to $145.

Upgrades

Barclays Upgrades Ingredion to Overweight, Raises Price Target to $145

BMO Capital analyst Andrew Strelzik maintains Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $120 to $128.

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Ingredion, Raises Price Target to $128

Oppenheimer analyst Kristen Owen maintains Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $126 to $138.

Oppenheimer Maintains Outperform on Ingredion, Raises Price Target to $138

WIIM

Ingredion shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 adjusted EPS results.

Guidance

Ingredion Sees FY24 Adj. EPS $9.70-$10.20

Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $2.87 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.49 by 15.26 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.88 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.98 billion by 5.14 percent. This is a 9.23 percent decrease over sales of $2.07 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

Ingredion Q2 2024 Adj EPS $2.87 Beats $2.49 Estimate, Sales $1.88B Miss $1.98B Estimate

Energizer Holdings Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/enr#NYSE">ENR</a>) demonstrates robust financial and operational performances, marked by significant progress in debt reduction. The company&#39;s strategic initiatives, including the cost-effective measures under Project Momentum, have significantly bolstered profitability, particularly in the Auto Care sector. 
Despite mixed results in product performance, Energizer&#39;s forward-looking strategies, involving market expansion, enhanced digital capabilities and innovation, position it well for sustained growth. As the company continues to optimize its operational efficiencies and explore market opportunities, it remains a compelling prospect for investors looking for stability and strategic growth in their portfolios.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/9a/69467.jpg?v=654798813" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Digging Deeper</h3>
The company&#39;s performance highlights robust financial health, reflecting a sound strategy that can adapt and outperform under various market conditions. Over the second quarter, Energizer succeeded in paying down more than $60 million in debt, with a projected leverage decrease to below 5X by fiscal 2024. 
Over the past seven quarters, Energizer has reduced its debt by $425 million and decreased its leverage by nearly one turn. The company&#39;s debt structure remains strong, with a weighted average cost of debt at 4.6% and no significant debt maturities until 2027. This strategic reduction in debt is crucial, not just for improving the balance sheet but also for enhancing the company&#39;s attractiveness to investors looking for financially stable opportunities. 
Energizer is actively expanding its growth strategy through innovation and strategic market expansions. The company is enhancing its e-commerce and digital infrastructure to better capture growth online across various markets, which is a strategic move considering the increasing shift toward online shopping. 
Alongside this, Energizer is leveraging advanced data analytics for improved pricing and revenue management, expanding brand visibility and probing strategic opportunities in attractive international markets. These initiatives are designed not just to bolster the current performance but to position Energizer strategically for future market dynamics. 
For third-quarter 2024, Energizer&#39;s projections remain bullish, with 1% anticipated year-over-year growth in organic net sales and a 150-basis-point improvement in the gross margin. The company expects adjusted earnings per share to increase 20% at the mid-point of its guidance range. These projections reflect a confident outlook based on the company&#39;s ongoing strategic initiatives and previous successes.
<h3>Project Momentum Strategy Bodes Well</h3>
Central to Energizer&#39;s cost-management strategy is its initiative, Project Momentum, which has become a cornerstone of operational efficiency. As of the second quarter of 2024, this initiative has realized nearly $100 million in cost savings. Also, the adjusted gross margin expanded 260 basis points, reaching 40.5% in the second quarter. This increase was primarily driven by Project Momentum, which contributed $11 million to savings, along with lower input costs due to favorable commodity pricing and reduced ocean freight costs. 
These savings have translated into a significant profitability improvement, especially within the Auto Care segment, which saw a 600-basis-point year over year expansion in segmental profit. The disciplined approach to cost management through Project Momentum underscores Energizer&#39;s capability to sustain margin improvements and financial health, which are vital for catalyzing growth. The company anticipates total savings from this program between $160 million and $180 million over three years, with expected savings of $55-$65 million for fiscal 2024.
<h3>Wrapping up</h3>
Despite these positive developments, Energizer&#39;s Batteries &amp; Lights segment faced challenges, with revenues decreasing 4.9% year over year to $481 million in the fiscal second quarter. This segment also encountered competitive pressures from private labels, highlighting ongoing challenges despite broader efforts to stabilize and regain market strength. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company&#39;s shares have lost 7.4% in the past six months compared with the industry&#39;s decline of 0.4%. 
However, the company&#39;s proactive initiatives and strong financial management position it well for success.
<h3>Key Picks</h3>
Some better-ranked stocks are Freshpet Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/frpt#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>), Vital Farms Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vitl#NASDAQ">VITL</a>) and Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ingr#NYSE">INGR</a>). 
Freshpet is a pet food company. It flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates declines of 177.1% and 24.8%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. FRPT has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 118.2%. 
Vital Farms offers a range of produced pasture-raised foods. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vital Farms&#39;s current financial-year earnings and sales indicates declines of 59.3% and 22.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. VITL has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 102.1%. 
Ingredion serves diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries. It presently has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). INGR has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 10.1%. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings indicates growth of 3.6% from the prior-year actual.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2293028/energizer-s-enr-debt-reduction-aids-amid-soft-battery-unit?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2293028">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

FRPT

VITL

Energizer's Debt Reduction Aids Amid Soft Battery Unit

Univar Solutions Reports Geo-Expansion Of Ingredion Distribution Partnership Into Germany, Italy, And Switzerland

The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry participants have been benefiting from their emphasis on product innovation and portfolio enhancement to meet evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Additionally, robust pricing initiatives have been helping food players counter cost inflation. 
While a dynamic consumer landscape has been weighing on volumes, food players have been adopting strategies to address these challenges through initiatives like value-based marketing and promotional activities. These upsides keep Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mdlz#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cag#NYSE">CAG</a>), Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lw#NYSE">LW</a>) and Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ingr#NYSE">INGR</a>) well-placed for growth.
About the Industry
The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry consists of companies that manufacture and sell a wide range of food and packaged food items, such as cereals, flour, sauces, bakery items, spices and condiments, natural and organic food items and frozen products. Some companies also provide comfort food items, such as chocolates and ready-to-serve meals, soups and snacks. A few players are engaged in providing pet food products and supplements. Several food companies also offer organic and natural products. Companies operating in this space sell their products mainly through wholesalers, distributors, large retail organizations, grocery chains, mass merchandisers, drug stores and e-commerce service providers. Some also cater to foodservice channels, including restaurants, cafes and hotels. Others offer services to schools, hospitals and industry caterers.
Major Trends Shaping the Future of the Food Industry
Refining Portfolio &amp; Strengthening Brands: The strength of well-established brands has been a significant advantage for food companies, driving consumer loyalty and promoting growth. This loyalty, combined with a relentless focus on innovation, has been instrumental in maintaining competitive edges. For instance, as consumer demand for healthier, more nutritious food options increases, companies have responded by introducing innovative organic products and expanding their offerings in the health and wellness space. Beyond product innovation, efforts to enhance manufacturing capabilities and diversify product portfolios have proven highly successful. These strategies have not only bolstered current market positions but also set the stage for future growth by ensuring these companies are well-equipped to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and shifting market dynamics. The ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics has emerged as a winning formula. 
Proactive Pricing Endeavors: Effective pricing strategies have provided a crucial buffer for food companies amid the challenges of industry-wide cost inflation. As the demand for food products remains relatively stable, consumers generally absorb the increase in prices for their preferred brands. This pricing power is a testament to the brand strength and consumer trust. We believe that maintaining a competitive yet strategic pricing approach will continue to benefit food companies, helping them sustain their revenue streams and enhance overall performance. 
Cost-Related Challenges: The rising cost of key ingredients, coupled with high labor, packaging, and logistics expenses, has impacted profit margins. Furthermore, companies are incurring increased operational expenses as they invest in improving performance, enhancing efficiency, and expanding capabilities. These investments, while necessary for long-term growth, contribute to the current financial strain. The persistence of these elevated costs poses an ongoing challenge to profitability. To mitigate these impacts, companies have been exploring cost-saving measures, supply chain optimization, and strategic sourcing initiatives. 
Tough Operating Landscape: Food companies have been operating amid a volatile macroeconomic environment. Inflation has eroded consumer purchasing power, leading many to seek budget-friendly alternatives and shift from well-known brands to private-label products. This shift has adversely affected the sales volumes of several major food companies. Companies have been adapting their strategies to address these challenges through initiatives such as value-based marketing, promotional activities, and expanding lower-priced product lines.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects
The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry is housed within the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #61, which places it in the top 24% of more than 250 Zacks industries. 
The group&#39;s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates rosy near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. 
Let&#39;s take a look at the industry&#39;s performance and current valuation.
Industry vs. Broader Market
The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry has underperformed the S&amp;P 500 as well as the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector over the past year. 
The industry has declined 10.3% over this period compared with the S&amp;P 500&#39;s growth of 16.1%. Meanwhile, the broader sector has dropped 4.9% in the said time frame.
<h3>One-Year Price Performance 
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/price(117).jpg" style="height:330px; width:620px" /></h3>
Industry&#39;s Current Valuation
On the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E), which is commonly used for valuing consumer staples stocks, the industry is currently trading at 15.75X compared with the S&amp;P 500&#39;s 20.54X and the sector&#39;s 17.32X. 
Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 20.9X and as low as 14.42X, with the median being at 18.07X, as the chart below shows.
<h3>Price-to-Earnings Ratio (Past 5 Years) 
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/valuation food(1).jpg" style="height:236px; width:620px" /></h3>
4 Food Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On
Conagra Brands: This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company continues to be driven by innovation and brand-building, witnessing market share gains in the frozen category. Conagra maintains its focus on investing in innovation, considering it the primary asset in its strategic approach and essential for enhancing its brands and fueling sustainable growth. The strength of the frozen category reflects the forte of the company&#39;s brands and the effective execution of the Conagra Way playbook. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Conagra&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings per share has remained unchanged at $2.63 in the past 30 days. Shares of CAG have gained 2% in the year-to-date period.
<h3>Price and Consensus: CAG</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/cag(18).jpg" style="height:357px; width:620px" />
Lamb Weston: The manufacturer of value-added frozen potato products has been gaining from efforts to boost offerings and expand capacity, as it helps the company to meet rising demand conditions for snacks and fries effectively. Lamb Weston&#39;s efforts to counter input cost inflation through effective pricing actions have been proving beneficial. Additionally, this Zacks Rank #2 company has been making investments to boost supply-chain, commercial and information technology operations. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lamb Weston&#39;s current financial-year EPS has remained unchanged at $5.54 in the past 30 days. Shares of LW have plunged 19.6% year to date.
<h3>Price and Consensus: LW</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/lw(14).jpg" style="height:366px; width:620px" />
Ingredion Incorporated: This Zacks Rank #2 company looks well-positioned due to its market and product diversity and robust business model. An efficient approach to product pricing, a favorable customer mix and a focus on driving operational excellence and productivity have been aiding the company in battling cost inflation. Ingredion Incorporated&#39;s focus on Driving Growth Roadmap also bodes well. 
The company, which produces and sells sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterial solutions, has seen its stock price climb 6% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for INGR&#39;s current fiscal-year EPS has remained unchanged at $9.76 in the past 30 days.
<h3>Price and Consensus: INGR</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/ingr(1).jpg" style="height:363px; width:620px" />
Mondelez International: The company, which has been witnessing solid organic revenues, has been benefiting from strength in emerging markets and its core chocolate and biscuit categories. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has also been focused on strengthening areas with higher growth potential via prudent buyouts (like Ricolino and Clif Bar) and divestitures. 
Continuous reinvestments in its brands and capabilities, along with impressive revenue growth management and portfolio reshaping efforts, place Mondelez well for future growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MDLZ&#39;s current-year EPS has decreased by a penny to $3.49 in the past seven days. Shares of this snack food and beverage biggie have tumbled 6.7% in the year-to-date period.
<h3>Price and Consensus: MDLZ</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/mdlz(19).jpg" style="height:363px; width:620px" />
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2287165/4-food-stocks-to-keep-an-eye-on-as-industry-trends-appear-rosy?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-industry_outlook-2287165">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

MDLZ

4 Food Stocks to Keep an Eye on as Industry Trends Appear Rosy

Energizer Holdings Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/enr#NYSE">ENR</a>) is actively implementing strategic initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth and profitability. These initiatives span across various domains, including consumer engagement and pricing strategies, all designed to enhance brand loyalty and increase market share without compromising margins. 
A pivotal element of these strategies is the Project Momentum initiative, which concentrates on cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies to support margin expansion and long-term value creation. To date, Project Momentum has surpassed its objectives, generating approximately $100 million in total savings, with $20 million achieved in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 alone. 
These savings have been instrumental in facilitating margin expansion and earnings growth. Energizer anticipates total savings from this program between $160 million and $180 million over three years, with expected savings of $55-$65 million for fiscal 2024.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/9a/68467.jpg?v=1257247150" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Auto Care segment has emerged as a significant growth driver for Energizer, with revenues increasing 2.3% year over year to $182.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. This segment experienced an impressive 600-basis-point expansion in segmental profit, driven by innovative product offerings, effective marketing strategies and strategic distribution channels. 
In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, Energizer demonstrated notable improvement in its financial metrics. The adjusted gross margin expanded 260 basis points, reaching 40.5%. This increase was primarily driven by Project Momentum, which contributed $11 million to savings, along with lower input costs due to favorable commodities pricing and reduced ocean freight costs.
<h3>Robust Debt Reduction Strategy</h3>
Energizer has implemented a robust debt reduction strategy, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its financial position and enhancing shareholder value. In the fiscal second quarter alone, the company paid down $60 million in debt. 
Over the past seven quarters, Energizer has reduced its debt by $425 million and decreased its leverage by nearly one turn. The company&#39;s debt structure remains strong, with a weighted average cost of debt at 4.6% and no significant debt maturities until 2027.
<h3>Challenges in the Batteries &amp; Lights Segment</h3>
Despite these positive developments, Energizer&#39;s Batteries &amp; Lights segment faced challenges, with revenues decreasing 4.9% year over year to $481 million in the fiscal second quarter. This segment also encountered competitive pressures from private labels, highlighting ongoing challenges despite broader efforts to stabilize and regain market strength.
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Estimates</h3>
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company&#39;s shares have lost 1.6% in the past three months against the industry&#39;s growth of 1.8%. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate of current and next quarters&#39; sales is pegged at $705.1 million and $817.9 million, respectively, suggesting year-over-year growth of 0.8% each. Also, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current and next-quarter earnings is pegged at 66 cents and $1.25 per share, respectively, indicating year-over-year increases of 22.2% and 4.2%.
<h3>Wrapping up</h3>
Energizer Holdings is strategically navigating toward sustainable growth through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes operational efficiency, cost savings and debt reduction. While the company faces challenges in certain segments, its proactive initiatives and strong financial management position it well for success.Key Picks
Some better-ranked stocks are Freshpet Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/frpt#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>), Vital Farms Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vitl#NASDAQ">VITL</a>) and Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ingr#NYSE">INGR</a>). 
Freshpet is a pet food company. It flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates declines of 177.1% and 24.8%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. FRPT has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 118.2%. 
Vital Farms offers a range of produced pasture-raised foods. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vital Farms&#39;s current financial-year earnings and sales indicates declines of 59.3% and 22.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. VITL has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 102.1%. 
Ingredion serves diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries. It currently has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). INGR has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 10.1%. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings indicates growth of 3.6% from the prior-year actuals.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2286236/energizer-s-enr-auto-care-unit-aids-amid-battery-unit-hurdles?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2286236">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Energizer's Auto Care Unit Aids Amid Battery Unit Hurdles

&nbsp;Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>), a global provider of specialty ingredients and innovation leader in plant-based sugar reduction, today announced food safety authorities in the United Kingdom have provided expedited approval for the use of PureCircle&#x2122; by Ingredion's steviol glycosides produced from bioconversion. This approval greatly increases access to the stevia leaf's best tasting molecules for food and beverage products

Ingredion Announced  UK Food Safety Authorities Approved PureCircle Reb M Stevia from Bioconversion

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sfm#NASDAQ">SFM</a>) has taken a significant step in reinforcing its commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Recently, the company&#39;s board of directors authorized a new $600-million share repurchase program, signaling a robust financial strategy aimed at optimizing shareholder returns.
<h3>Let&#39;s Delve Deeper</h3>
The new share repurchase program supersedes the previous initiative, which had about $120 million left. This move highlights Sprouts Farmers Market&#39;s proactive approach to managing its capital and showcases its confidence in its financial health and prospects. 
Under the terms of the new repurchase plan, Sprouts Farmers has the flexibility to repurchase shares based on prevailing market conditions and other investment opportunities. The purchases can be made through various channels, including open-market transactions, privately negotiated deals, or other mechanisms compliant with rule 10b5-1.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/c8/67429.jpg?v=1898672831" style="height:337px; width:620px" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Curtis Valentine, the CFO of Sprouts Farmers, emphasized the strong cash flow generation and the board&#39;s confidence in the company&#39;s strategic direction as key drivers behind the share repurchase program. Valentine stated, &quot;The extension of the ongoing share repurchase program reflects strong cash flow generation and the Board&#39;s confidence in the company&#39;s strategic direction and potential.&quot; 
During the 13 weeks ended Mar 31, 2024, Sprouts Farmers, a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company at present, generated $219.7 million in cash from operations. This impressive cash flow performance underlines the company&#39;s robust financial health and its ability to return value to shareholders while investing in growth opportunities. 
Earlier this month, Sprouts Farmers impressed investors with its stellar first-quarter 2024 performance, wherein the top and bottom lines not only increased year over year but also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company&#39;s results were favorably impacted by decent comparable sales, positive traffic trends, accelerating unit growth and increasing customer engagement.
<h3>Wrapping Up</h3>
Shares of this Phoenix, AZ-based player have surged 91.1% in the past six months compared with the industry&#39;s 30% growth. 
The upward trend in the Zacks Consensus Estimate reaffirms investor confidence in Sprouts Farmers&#39; growth prospects. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share for the current and next fiscal years has increased by 16 cents and 17 cents, reaching $3.11 and $3.36, respectively. Similarly, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales for the current and next fiscal years stands at $7.38 billion and $7.99 billion, which indicates year-over-year growth of 8% and 8.2%, respectively. 
These figures underscore Sprouts Farmers&#39; resilience and growth potential in a competitive landscape. The company&#39;s commitment to offering a diverse range of high-quality products resonates strongly with consumers, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business. Additionally, by leveraging technology and implementing robust logistics solutions, Sprouts Farmers remains well-equipped to navigate potential disruptions and maintain operational efficiency.
<h3>Eye These Other Solid Picks</h3>
Some other top-ranked stocks are Freshpet Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/frpt#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>), Casey&#39;s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/casy#NASDAQ">CASY</a>) and Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ingr#NYSE">INGR</a>). 
Freshpet is a pet food company. It flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 at present. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates declines of 141.4% and 24.9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. FRPT has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 118.2%. 
Casey&#39;s offers a comprehensive range of products and services to meet the needs of its customers. It currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Casey&#39;s current financial-year earnings indicates growth of 10.4% from the year-earlier reported levels. CASY has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 12%. 
Ingredion serves diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries. It currently has a Zacks Rank of 2. INGR has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 10.1%. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingredion&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings indicates growth of 3.6% from the prior-year actuals.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2278708/sprouts-farmers-sfm-unveils-600m-share-repurchase-plan?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_-_corporate_actions-2278708">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

CASY

Sprouts Farmers Unveils $600M Share Repurchase Plan

Disclosed in a recent SEC filing on May 9, Fernandes, SVP at Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>), made a noteworthy transaction involving the exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: The latest Form 4 filing on Thursday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001046257/000112760224014825//Archives/edgar/data/1046257/000112760224014825/0001127602-24-014825-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> uncovered Fernandes, SVP at Ingredion, exercising stock options for 2,369 shares of INGR. The total transaction was valued at $89,287.
As of Friday morning, Ingredion shares are down by 0.0%, with a current price of $119.97. This implies that Fernandes's 2,369 shares have a value of $89,287.
<h3>Get to Know Ingredion Better</h3>
Ingredion is an ingredients provider for the food, beverage, brewing, and animal nutrition industries. The company processes corn, tapioca, potatoes, stevia, grains, fruits, gums, and vegetables into value-added ingredients. The company has two main product lines: specialty and core ingredients. Specialty ingredients includes starch-based texturizers, natural alternative sweeteners such as stevia, and plant proteins for alternative dairy and snacks. Core ingredients includes sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, and commodity starches, such as those used for sustainable packaging.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Ingredion's Financials</h3>
Revenue Challenges: Ingredion's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 March, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -2.03%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Navigating Financial Profits:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 22.16%, reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ingredion's EPS is significantly higher than the industry average. The company demonstrates a robust bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 3.29.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5, Ingredion adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
Exploring Valuation Metrics Landscape:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/E ratio of 12.02, Ingredion's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 1.02 is below industry norms, suggesting potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity for those considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Ingredion's EV/EBITDA ratio, surpassing industry averages at 7.92, positions it with an above-average valuation in the market.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Uncovering the Importance of Insider Activity</h3>
Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering insider transactions is valuable, but it's crucial to evaluate them in conjunction with other investment factors.
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
Examining transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often concentrate on those unfolding in the open market, meticulously detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0001046257">Check Out The Full List Of Ingredion's Insider Trades.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Insider Move: Larry Fernandes Exercises Options, Realizing $89K At Ingredion

Analysts' ratings for Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 4 analysts.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $128.0, along with a high estimate of $135.00 and a low estimate of $120.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $119.00, the current average has increased by 7.56%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715288464_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
A clear picture of Ingredion's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Strelzik</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$117.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benjamin Theurer</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Samuelson</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Samuelson</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Ingredion. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Ingredion compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Ingredion's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of Ingredion's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INGR/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ingredion analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Ingredion Better</h2>
Ingredion is an ingredients provider for the food, beverage, brewing, and animal nutrition industries. The company processes corn, tapioca, potatoes, stevia, grains, fruits, gums, and vegetables into value-added ingredients. The company has two main product lines: specialty and core ingredients. Specialty ingredients includes starch-based texturizers, natural alternative sweeteners such as stevia, and plant proteins for alternative dairy and snacks. Core ingredients includes sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, and commodity starches, such as those used for sustainable packaging.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Ingredion's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Challenges: Ingredion's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 December, 2023, the company experienced a decline of approximately -3.32%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Ingredion's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 6.82% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ingredion's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.74% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.72%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Ingredion's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.67, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying Ingredion: Insights From 4 Analyst Reviews

BMO Capital analyst Andrew Strelzik maintains Ingredion (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $117 to $120.

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Ingredion, Raises Price Target to $120

Ingredion Incorporated&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>) reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.08,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/05/g38693846/ingredion-completes-reorganization-reports-first-quarter-earnings-under-new-segments-and-raises-gu" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the Wall Street view of $2.06</a>. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.882 billion,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing the analyst consensus of $2.011 billion.</a>
Revenues slumped 12% from the year-ago period, driven by both price mix and volume declines, partially offset by foreign exchange impacts.&nbsp;
In a bid to reshape the portfolio and redeploy assets, the company said it completed the sale of South Korean&nbsp;business. The impact of the South Korea divestiture resulted in a $51 million decrease in sales volume for the period.
&#8220;We maintained our gross margins above 22% as the strength of our business model effectively managed the impact of variable rate contracts&nbsp;which&nbsp;require the&nbsp;pass through&nbsp;of lower corn costs,&#8221; said&nbsp;Jim Zallie, Ingredion&#8217;s president and chief executive officer.
First quarter adjusted operating income was $216 million, down 27% year over year, driven by downtime associated with cold weather, hyperinflation in Argentina, and the carry-forward of higher cost inventory.
&#8220;We anticipate deploying cash this year toward organic investments, dividends, and a step-up in share repurchases,&#8221; Zallie concluded.
On March&nbsp;31, total debt and cash, including short-term investments, were $1.9&nbsp;billion and $445&nbsp;million, respectively.
Outlook:&nbsp;The company expects FY24 adjusted EPS of&nbsp;$9.20-$9.85 versus the $9.66 estimate (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/36950422" rel="noreferrer noopener">prior view</a>: $9.15-$9.85).&nbsp;Excluding the effects of the divestiture of the South Korean business, the company expects full-year 2024 net sales to be flat to up low single-digits,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflecting the pass-through of lower corn values.</a>
For the second quarter of 2024, the company expects net sales to be flat to down low single-digits and reported and adjusted operating income to be up low to mid-single-digits.
Price Action: INGR shares are trading higher by 0.97% to $117.70 at last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock

Equities

Movers

General

What's Going On With Ingredion Shares After Q1 Results?

Ingredion Sees FY24 Adj. EPS $9.20-$9.85 vs $9.66 Est.

Food spotlight: Blockbuster M&A as Mars takes Kellanova private, pantry inflation up 1%

FXG: Consumer Staples Dashboard For August

Top 3 Dividend Stocks Primed For A Fed Rate Cut

Ingredion raises quarterly dividend by 2.6% to  $0.80 dividend

Dividend Roundup: Waste Management, Deere, McDonald's, Lockheed Martin, and more

Dividend Champion, Contender, And Challenger Highlights: Week Of September 1

Microsoft, McDonald's Among 13 Companies To Reward Investors With Increased Dividends In September

CPI read: Food at home prices were up less than 1% in August

13 Upcoming Dividend Increases Including 2 Kings

Dividend Champion, Contender, And Challenger Highlights: Week Of September 29

ALEX

AMCR

AMGN

AMSF

BANF

BOTJ

BPOP

BRBR

BRFS

BWXT

CADE

CALM

CBOE

CBSH

CCBG

CCOI

CELH

CFFI

CHCO

CHRW

CMCSA

CNOB

CSCO

CTAS

CTBI

CUBE

CWCO

EBMT

EBTC

ERIE

EXPO

FFIN

FISI

FITB

FITBI

FITBO

FITBP

FLIC

FMAO

FRME

FULT

FUNC

GAIN

GOLF

HBNC

HLNE

HOMB

HWBK

INDB

INTU

ISTR

JJSF

JKHY

KLAC

LAMR

LANC

LFUS

LRCX

MAIN

MATX

MBIN

MBWM

MCHP

MGEE

MKTX

MNST

MORN

MSEX

MSFT

MTRN

MUSA

NDSN

NRIM

ODFL

OTIS

PATK

POST

PPLL

QCOM

RGLD

SBSI

SBUX

SCHD

SCVL

SFBS

SFNC

SIGI

SMPL

SOJC

SPTN

SWBI

SYBT

TCBK

THFF

TRNO

UBSI

UMBF

UNTY

USNA

UTMD

VICI

WAFD

WASH

WING

WSBC

WTRG

Opinion

Press Releases

Growing More with Less: IMF Highlights Efficiency in Agriculture with Agritech Advances

Future of Food: Agritech Sector's Efforts to Combat Increasing Global Food Security Threats

Commodities

Univar Solutions to Distribute in Select European Regions Ingredion's Functional Food and Beverage Ingredients Used by Food Manufacturers to Develop Innovative Nutrition Solutions

Better Juice Gives Sorbets and Fruit Ice Creams a Sugar Reduction Revamp

Ingredion Releases 2023 Sustainability Report: Building a Sustainable Future. Together.

Ingredion to Release 2024 Second Quarter Financial Results on August 6, 2024

Ingredion Incorporated Reports Strong Second Quarter Results and Raises Full-Year Outlook

Ingredion Named a Finalist for the National Safety Council's Green Cross for Safety® Awards

Dividends

Ingredion Incorporated Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.80 per Share

BEVVF

CSE:BEE

SEED

TSX:NTR

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Common Stock

Archer-Daniels Midland

AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. - Common Shares

AgriFORCE Growing Systems

Comments

Ingredion

뉴스

에 대한 최신 뉴스 Ingredion (NYSE:INGR) 주식

사람들이 또한 지켜본다

뉴스

파트너 / 기고자

벤징가 글로벌