INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC (IFF)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Chemicals And Allied Products > SIC 2860 Industrial Organic Chemicals
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=51253. Latest filing source: 0000051253-26-000006.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 10,890,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Net income | -359,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Assets | 25,539,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000051253.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,116,350,000 | 3,398,719,000 | 3,977,539,000 | 5,140,000,000 | 5,084,000,000 | 11,656,000,000 | 12,440,000,000 | 11,479,000,000 | 11,484,000,000 | 10,890,000,000 | ||
| Net income | 405,249,000 | 295,665,000 | 339,781,000 | 460,000,000 | 367,000,000 | 279,000,000 | -1,864,000,000 | -2,587,000,000 | 267,000,000 | -359,000,000 | ||
| Operating income | 552,955,000 | 552,630,000 | 583,882,000 | 665,000,000 | 566,000,000 | 585,000,000 | -1,326,000,000 | -2,110,000,000 | 766,000,000 | -382,000,000 | ||
| Gross profit | 1,395,563,000 | 1,472,463,000 | 1,682,707,000 | 2,113,000,000 | 2,086,000,000 | 3,735,000,000 | 4,151,000,000 | 3,681,000,000 | 4,124,000,000 | 3,938,000,000 | ||
| Diluted EPS | 5.05 | 3.72 | 3.79 | 4.00 | 3.21 | 1.10 | -7.32 | -10.14 | 1.04 | -1.41 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 550,139,000 | 390,756,000 | 437,575,000 | 699,000,000 | 714,000,000 | 1,437,000,000 | 397,000,000 | 1,455,000,000 | 1,070,000,000 | 850,000,000 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 126,412,000 | 128,973,000 | 170,094,000 | 236,000,000 | 192,000,000 | 393,000,000 | 504,000,000 | 503,000,000 | 463,000,000 | 594,000,000 | ||
| Dividends paid | 184,897,000 | 206,118,000 | 230,218,000 | 314,000,000 | 323,000,000 | 667,000,000 | 810,000,000 | 826,000,000 | 514,000,000 | 409,000,000 | ||
| Share buybacks | 88,203,000 | 122,193,000 | 127,443,000 | 58,069,000 | 15,475,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 38,000,000 | ||
| Assets | 4,016,984,000 | 4,598,926,000 | 12,889,395,000 | 13,287,411,000 | 13,555,000,000 | 39,658,000,000 | 35,522,000,000 | 30,978,000,000 | 28,723,000,000 | 25,539,000,000 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | 1,626,244,000 | 1,684,202,000 | 6,032,951,000 | 6,217,304,000 | 6,310,000,000 | 21,082,000,000 | 17,655,000,000 | 14,611,000,000 | 13,834,000,000 | 14,154,000,000 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 323,992,000 | 368,046,000 | 634,897,000 | 607,000,000 | 650,000,000 | 711,000,000 | 483,000,000 | 703,000,000 | 469,000,000 | 590,000,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | 423,727,000 | 261,783,000 | 267,481,000 | 463,000,000 | 522,000,000 | 1,044,000,000 | -107,000,000 | 952,000,000 | 607,000,000 | 256,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 13.00% | 8.70% | 8.54% | 8.95% | 7.22% | 2.39% | -14.98% | -22.54% | 2.32% | -3.30% | ||
| Operating margin | 17.74% | 16.26% | 14.68% | 12.94% | 11.13% | 5.02% | -10.66% | -18.38% | 6.67% | -3.51% | ||
| Return on equity | 24.92% | 17.56% | 5.63% | 7.40% | 5.82% | 1.32% | -10.56% | -17.71% | 1.93% | -2.54% | ||
| Return on assets | 10.09% | 6.43% | 2.64% | 3.46% | 2.71% | 0.70% | -5.25% | -8.35% | 0.93% | -1.41% | ||
| Current ratio | 1.79 | 2.47 | 2.61 | 1.90 | 1.61 | 1.92 | 1.99 | 1.67 | 1.83 | 1.42 |
Financial Charts
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-05. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000051253.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 0.43 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | -8.60 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.04 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 2,929,000,000 | 27,000,000 | 0.11 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 2,820,000,000 | 27,000,000 | 0.10 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 2,703,000,000 | -2,609,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 2,899,000,000 | 61,000,000 | 0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 2,889,000,000 | 172,000,000 | 0.66 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 2,925,000,000 | 60,000,000 | 0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 2,771,000,000 | -46,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 2,843,000,000 | -1,017,000,000 | -3.98 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 2,764,000,000 | 612,000,000 | 2.38 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 2,694,000,000 | 41,000,000 | 0.16 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 2,589,000,000 | 31,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 2,741,000,000 | 170,000,000 | 0.66 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0000051253-26-000017.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, liquidity and capital resources included in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2026 with the SEC (“2025 Form 10-K”).
OVERVIEW
Company Background
We are organized into four reportable operating segments: Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences, and Scent.
Our Taste segment consists of the development and production of a range of flavor compounds and natural taste solutions that are ultimately used by our customers in a diverse variety of products, including savory products (soups, sauces, meat, fish, poultry, snacks, etc.), beverages (juice drinks, carbonated or flavored beverages, spirits, etc.), sweets (bakery products, candy, cereal, chewing gum, etc.), and dairy products (yogurt, ice cream, cheese, etc.). Taste also includes value-added spices and seasoning ingredients for meat, food service, convenience, alternative protein and culinary products.
Our Food Ingredients segment consists of a diversified portfolio across natural, artificial and plant-based specialty food ingredients that provide functional properties solutions for food and beverage products, as well as specialty soy protein with value-added formulations, emulsifiers and sweeteners. Natural food protection ingredients consist of natural antioxidants and anti-microbials used for natural food preservation and shelf-life extension for beverages, cosmetic and healthcare products, pet food and feed additives. Food Ingredients also includes savory solutions (such as spices, marinades, and mixtures) and inclusion products (such as products combining flavorings with fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients).
Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of the development and production of an advanced biotechnology-derived portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications. Among many other applications, our portfolio includes cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages, probiotic strains, household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing. Health & Biosciences is comprised of Health, Food Biosciences, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition and Grain Processing.
Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds and fragrance ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Consumer insights, science and creativity are at the heart of our Scent business, along with our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, and customer intimacy. The Scent segment is comprised of Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients.
We completed the divestiture of our Pharma Solutions disposal group, which included certain adjacent businesses, on May 1, 2025 and we divested our nitrocellulose business, which was within our Pharma Solutions segment, on May 9, 2025. Our former Pharma Solutions segment produced, among other things, a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharmaceutical excipients, used in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.
Financial Performance Overview
Sales
Sales in the first quarter of 2026 decreased $102 million, or 4% on a reported basis, to $2.741 billion compared to $2.843 billion in the 2025 period. On a comparable currency neutral basis, sales in the first quarter of 2026 increased 3% compared to the 2025 period. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact on net sales of 4%. The effect of exchange rates can vary by business and region, depending upon the mix of sales priced in U.S. dollars as compared to other currencies. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of divestitures of Soy Crush, Concentrates, and Lecithin business (the “SCL disposal group”), the Rene Laurent business in France, and the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business, which was approximately $289 million.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the first quarter of 2026 decreased $17 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $1.018 billion (37.1% of sales) compared to $1,035 million (36.4% of sales) in the 2025 period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by the impacts of divestitures of $87 million, offset in part by the effect of exchange rates, volume increases and productivity gains.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||||||||||
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,741 | $ | 2,843 | (4) | % | ||||
| Cost of sales | 1,723 | 1,808 | (5) | % | ||||||
| Gross profit | 1,018 | 1,035 | (2) | % | ||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 166 | 164 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 427 | 461 | (7) | % | ||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 146 | 143 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | — | 1,153 | NMF | |||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 6 | 17 | (65) | % | ||||||
| Operating profit (loss) | 273 | (903) | (130) | % | ||||||
| Interest expense | 44 | 71 | (38) | % | ||||||
| Losses on business disposals | 7 | — | NMF | |||||||
| Other expense, net | 13 | 20 | (35) | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | 209 | (994) | (121) | % | ||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 39 | 23 | 70 | % | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | 170 | (1,017) | (117) | % | ||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 1 | 1 | — | % | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to IFF shareholders | $ | 169 | $ | (1,018) | (117) | % | ||||
| Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted | $ | 0.66 | $ | (3.98) | (117) | % | ||||
| Gross margin | 37.1 | % | 36.4 | % | 70 | bps | ||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 6.1 | % | 5.8 | % | 30 | bps | ||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 15.6 | % | 16.2 | % | (60) | bps | ||||
| Operating margin | 10.0 | % | (31.8) | % | NMF | |||||
| Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin | 20.7 | % | 20.3 | % | 39 | bps | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 18.7 | % | (2.3) | % | NMF | |||||
| Segment net sales | ||||||||||
| Taste | $ | 656 | $ | 627 | 5 | % | ||||
| Food Ingredients | 839 | 796 | 5 | % | ||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 595 | 540 | 10 | % | ||||||
| Scent | 651 | 614 | 6 | % | ||||||
| Pharma Solutions | — | 266 | (100) | % | ||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 2,741 | $ | 2,843 |
_______________________
NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of sales includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D expenses include expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
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FIRST QUARTER 2026 IN COMPARISON TO FIRST QUARTER 2025
Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - First Quarter 2026 vs. First Quarter 2025 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(1) | Comparable Currency Neutral(1)(2) | ||||||
| Taste | 5 | % | 1 | % | 2 | % | ||
| Food Ingredients | 5 | % | 1 | % | 3 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 10 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | ||
| Scent | 6 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | -100 | % | -100 | % | — | % | ||
| Total | -4 | % | -7 | % | 3 | % |
_______________________
Comparable currency neutral reported performance by segment was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Net Sales | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 636 | $ | 621 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 805 | 779 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 567 | 540 | ||||
| Scent | 622 | 614 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(1) | — | 289 | ||||
| Impact of Currency Fluctuations(2) | 111 | — | ||||
| Total | $ | 2,741 | $ | 2,843 |
_______________________
(1)Impact of business divestitures in 2025 includes results of the Rene Laurent business (divested December 1, 2025), the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business (divested May 1, 2025 and May 9, 2025, respectively), and the SCL disposal group (divested March 2, 2026).
(2)Currency neutral sales are calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
Taste
Taste sales in 2026 increased $29 million, or 5% on a reported basis, to $656 million compared to $627 million in the prior year period. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Taste sales increased 2% in 2026 compared to the prior year period primarily driven by volume increases and favorable net pricing in the Flavors business unit. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact of 4%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of the Rene Laurent business with an impact of approximately $6 million.
Food Ingredients
Food Ingredients sales in 2026 increased $43 million, or 5% on a reported basis, to $839 million compared to $796 million in the prior year period. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Food Ingredients sales increased 3% in 2026 compared to the prior year period primarily driven by volume increases across nearly all business entities. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact of 4%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of the SCL disposal group with an impact of approximately $17 million.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2026 increased $55 million, or 10% on a reported basis, to $595 million compared to $540 million in the prior year period. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences sales increased 5% in 2026 compared to the prior year period driven by volume increases across various business units. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact of 5%.
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Scent
Scent sales in 2026 increased $37 million, or 6% on a reported basis, to $651 million compared to $614 million in the prior year period. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Scent sales increased 1% in 2026 compared to the prior year period primarily driven by volume increases in Fragrance Compounds. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact of 5%.
Pharma Solutions
The Company completed the divestiture of the Pharma Solutions disposal group on May 1, 2025, and the Nitrocellulose business on May 9, 2025. Accordingly, there were no Pharma Solutions segment results reported for the first quarter of 2026.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $85 million to $1.723 billion (62.9% of sales) in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $1.808 billion (63.6% of sales) in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily driven by divestitures, with an impact of approximately $202 million, offset in part by volume increases in sales.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
R&D expenses increased $2 million to $166 million (6.1% of sales) in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $164 million (5.8% of sales) in the first quarter of 2025. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by an increase in employee related costs and operating expenses for R&D related activities, offset by divestitures, with an impact of approximately $5 million.
Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses decreased $34 million to $427 million (15.6% of sales) in
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
OVERVIEW
Company Background
In 2025, we were organized into five reportable operating segments: Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences, Scent and, until its divestiture in May 2025, Pharma Solutions.
Our Taste segment consists of the development and production of a range of flavor compounds and natural taste solutions that are ultimately used by our customers in a diverse variety of products, including savory products (soups, sauces, meat, fish, poultry, snacks, etc.), beverages (juice drinks, carbonated or flavored beverages, spirits, etc.), sweets (bakery products, candy, cereal, chewing gum, etc.), and dairy products (yogurt, ice cream, cheese, etc.). Taste also includes value-added spices and seasoning ingredients for meat, food service, convenience, alternative protein and culinary products.
Our Food Ingredients segment consists of a diversified portfolio across natural, artificial and plant-based specialty food ingredients that provide functional properties solutions for food and beverage products, as well as specialty soy and pea protein with value-added formulations, emulsifiers and sweeteners. Natural food protection ingredients consist of natural antioxidants and anti-microbials used for natural food preservation and shelf-life extension for beverages, cosmetic and healthcare products, pet food and feed additives. Food Ingredients also includes savory solutions (such as spices, marinades, and mixtures) and inclusion products (such as products combining flavorings with fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients).
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Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of the development and production of an advanced biotechnology-derived portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications. Among many other applications, our portfolio includes cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages, probiotic strains, household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing. Health & Biosciences is comprised of Health, Food Biosciences, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition and Grain Processing.
Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds and fragrance ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Consumer insights, science and creativity are at the heart of our Scent business, along with our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, and customer intimacy. The Scent segment is comprised of Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients.
Our former Pharma Solutions segment produced, among other things, a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharmaceutical excipients, used in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. We completed the divestiture of our Pharma Solutions disposal group, which included certain adjacent businesses, on May 1, 2025 and we divested our nitrocellulose business, which was within our Pharma Solutions segment, on May 9, 2025.
2025 Segment Reorganization
Effective January 1, 2025, our former Nourish segment was restructured into two newly designated operating segments: Taste and Food Ingredients. With additional minor adjustments, our Flavors business, was renamed Taste, and our Ingredients business, was renamed Food Ingredients. Consequently, starting in the first quarter of 2025, our business segments were as follows: Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions. We divested the Pharma Solutions segment in May 2025.
Financial Measures — Comparable Currency Neutral
Our financial results include the impact of foreign currency exchange rates and business divestitures. We provide currency neutral calculations in this report to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations and business divestitures. We calculate comparable currency neutral numbers by translating current year transactions amounts at the exchange rates used for the corresponding prior year period and adjust prior year results to exclude businesses divested for the comparable period. We use comparable currency neutral results in our analysis of subsidiary and/or segment performance. We also use comparable currency neutral numbers when analyzing our performance against our competitors. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for further discussion on the comparable currency neutral measure.
Impairment of Goodwill
As a result of the segment reorganization that occurred on January 1, 2025, goodwill related to the Nourish reporting unit was allocated between the Taste and Food Ingredients reporting units. In accordance with ASC 350, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test on the former Nourish reporting unit immediately prior to the change, and separately tested goodwill for the new Taste and Food Ingredients reporting units following the reorganization. Based on the results of the impairment testing, we determined that the carrying value of the Food Ingredients reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $1.153 billion. This charge is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2025. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
During 2024, we determined that the carrying value of the Pharma Solutions disposal group exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $64 million in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During 2023, we determined that the carrying value of the Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. For more detailed information about risks related to impairment of goodwill, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” – “Any impairment of our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill, may adversely impact our profitability.”
2025 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.
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Sales
Sales in 2025 of $10.890 billion decreased 5% compared to sales of $11.484 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, sales in 2025 increased 2% compared to 2024. Exchange rates impact on sales was less than 1%. The effect of exchange rates can vary by business and region, depending upon the mix of sales priced in U.S. dollars as compared to other currencies. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of divestitures of the Flavors & Essences UK business (“F&E UK”), Rene Laurent business in France, Cosmetic Ingredients business, and the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business (“change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures”), which was approximately $757 million.
A key factor for commercial success is our inclusion on strategic customers’ core supplier lists, which provides opportunities to expand and win new business. We are on the core supplier lists of a large majority of our global and strategic customers. Additionally, a significant portion of our sales comes from a relatively small number of large multinational customers. In 2025, our 25 largest customers, a majority of which were multinational consumer products companies, collectively accounted for approximately 32% of our sales. Beyond large multinational customers, our customer base continues to be diverse. Based on fiscal-year 2025 sales, we had approximately 20,000 customers. Approximately 69% of sales were from small and mid-sized companies. In 2025, no customer accounted for 10% or more of sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2025 decreased $186 million, or 5% on a reported basis, to $3.938 billion (36.2% of sales) from $4.124 billion (35.9% of sales) in the 2024 period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by the impact of divestitures of $264 million and the effect of exchange rate variations, offset in part by volume increases and productivity gains.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 10,890 | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 | (5) | % | — | % | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 6,952 | 7,360 | 7,798 | (6) | % | (6) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,938 | 4,124 | 3,681 | (5) | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 694 | 671 | 636 | 3 | % | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 1,834 | 1,995 | 1,787 | (8) | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 70 | 29 | 68 | 141 | % | (57) | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 568 | 610 | 680 | (7) | % | (10) | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 1,153 | 64 | 2,623 | NMF | (98) | % | |||||||||||
| Losses (Gains) on sale of assets | 1 | (11) | (3) | (109) | % | 267 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating (loss) profit | (382) | 766 | (2,110) | (150) | % | (136) | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 229 | 305 | 380 | (25) | % | (20) | % | ||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | (488) | — | — | NMF | NMF | ||||||||||||
| Losses (Gains) on business disposals | 109 | (346) | 23 | (132) | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on assets classified as held for sale | 115 | 317 | — | NMF | — | % | |||||||||||
| Other expense, net | 65 | 182 | 5 | (64) | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| (Loss) income before taxes | (412) | 308 | (2,518) | (234) | % | (112) | % | ||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (53) | 41 | 69 | (229) | % | (41) | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | (359) | 267 | (2,587) | (234) | % | (110) | % | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 2 | 4 | 4 | (50) | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to IFF shareholders | $ | (361) | $ | 263 | $ | (2,591) | (237) | % | (110) | % | |||||||
| Net income (loss) per share — basic and diluted | $ | (1.41) | $ | 1.04 | $ | (10.14) | (236) | % | (110) | % | |||||||
| Gross margin | 36.2 | % | 35.9 | % | 32.1 | % | 30 | bps | NMF | ||||||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 6.4 | % | 5.8 | % | 5.5 | % | 60 | bps | 30 | bps | |||||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 16.8 | % | 17.4 | % | 15.6 | % | (60) | bps | 180 | bps | |||||||
| Operating margin | (3.5) | % | 6.7 | % | (18.4) | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 12.9 | % | 13.3 | % | (2.7) | % | (40) | bps | NMF | ||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Taste | $ | 2,481 | $ | 2,428 | $ | 2,303 | 2 | % | 5 | % | |||||||
| Food Ingredients | 3,278 | 3,365 | 3,692 | (3) | % | (9) | % | ||||||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,283 | 2,203 | 2,071 | 4 | % | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Scent | 2,479 | 2,439 | 2,393 | 2 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Pharma Solutions | 369 | 1,049 | 1,020 | (65) | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 10,890 | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 | (5) | % | — | % |
_______________________
NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of sales includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D expenses include expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
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2025 IN COMPARISON TO 2024
Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(2) | Comparable Currency Neutral(1)(2) | ||||||
| Taste | 2 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % | ||
| Food Ingredients | -3 | % | -3 | % | -3 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 4 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||
| Scent | 2 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | -65 | % | -64 | % | 12 | % | ||
| Total | -5 | % | -5 | % | 2 | % |
Comparable currency neutral reported performance by segment was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Net Sales | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 2,508 | $ | 2,410 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 3,279 | 3,365 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,275 | 2,203 | ||||
| Scent | 2,495 | 2,412 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 376 | 337 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(1) | — | 757 | ||||
| Impact of Currency Fluctuation(2) | (43) | — | ||||
| Total | $ | 10,890 | $ | 11,484 |
_______________________
(1)Impact of business divestitures includes the results of the F&E UK business that was divested on September 1, 2024 (for January 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024), the Rene Laurent business that was divested on December 1, 2025 (for December 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024), the Cosmetic Ingredients business that was divested on April 2, 2024 (for January 1, 2024 to April 2, 2024), and the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business that were divested on May 1, 2025 and May 9, 2025, respectively (for May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 and May 9, 2024 to December 31, 2024, respectively).
(2)Currency neutral sales are calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
Taste
Taste sales in 2025 increased $53 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $2.481 billion compared to $2.428 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Taste sales increased 4% in 2025 compared to the 2024 period, driven by volume increases across all business entities. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 1%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the F&E UK business and Rene Laurent business of approximately $18 million.
Food Ingredients
Food Ingredients sales in 2025 decreased $87 million, or 3% on a reported basis, to $3.278 billion compared to $3.365 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Food Ingredients sales decreased 3% in 2025 compared to the 2024 period, driven by volumes decreases in Protein Solutions offset by volume growth in Inclusions as well the proactive exit of low margin business over the course of 2025. Exchange rates impact on sales was less than 1%.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2025 increased $80 million, or 4% on a reported basis, to $2.283 billion compared to $2.203 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences sales increased 3% in 2025 compared to the 2024 period driven by volume increases across various business units and price increases across Food Biosciences and Grain Processing business units. Exchange rate variations had a favorable impact of 1%.
Scent
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Scent sales in 2025 increased $40 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $2.479 billion compared to $2.439 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Scent sales increased 3% in 2025 compared to the 2024 period driven by volume increases in Fragrance Compounds offset by decreases in Fragrance Ingredients. Exchange rates impact on sales was less than 1%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of the Cosmetic Ingredients business, with an impact of approximately $27 million.
Pharma Solutions
Pharma Solutions sales in 2025 decreased $680 million, or 65% on a reported basis, to $369 million compared to $1.049 billion in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions sales increased 12% in 2025 compared to the 2024 period driven by volume and price increases. The impact of exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 1% and the divestitures of the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose disposal group had a sales impact of approximately $712 million. This comparison reflects a full year of contributions from both businesses in 2024, whereas 2025 includes only four months of activity prior to the divestitures, contributing significantly to the year-over-year decline.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $408 million to $6.952 billion (63.8% of sales) in 2025 compared to $7.360 billion (64.1% of sales) in 2024. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by the divestitures the impact of which was approximately $493 million, lower raw material costs and lower unfavorable manufacturing absorption compared to the prior year period, increased productivity compared to the prior year period, offset in part by volume increases. With the decrease in cost of sales, gross margin increased, reflecting the benefit of lower costs and improved productivity.
Research and Development (“R&D”) Expenses
R&D expenses increased $23 million to $694 million (6.4% of sales) in 2025 compared to $671 million (5.8% of sales) in 2024. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by an increase in employee related costs and operating expenses for R&D related activities, offset in part by the impact of the divestitures and the effect of exchange rate variations.
Selling and Administrative (“S&A”) Expenses
S&A expenses decreased $161 million to $1.834 billion (16.8% of sales) in 2025 compared to $1.995 billion (17.4% of sales) in 2024. The decrease in S&A expenses was primarily driven by a decrease in the incentive compensation expense and lower consulting fees incurred in relation to business divestitures.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges increased to $70 million in 2025 compared to $29 million in 2024. The increase was driven by higher severance costs incurred as part of the IFF Productivity Program. See Note 5 for additional information.
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses decreased to $568 million in 2025 compared to $610 million in 2024. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily driven by the intangible assets of the Pharma Solutions disposal group being classified as “held for sale,” and therefore no longer recognizing amortization expense on those intangible assets. See Note 4 for additional information.
Impairment of Goodwill
The impairment of goodwill was $1.153 billion in 2025 compared to $64 million in 2024, which was related to the Food Ingredients reporting unit and the Pharma Solutions disposal group, respectively. See Note 1, Note 3, and Note 12 for additional information.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $76 million to $229 million in 2025 compared to $305 million in 2024. The decrease in interest expense was due to lower debt outstanding. See Note 14 for additional information.
Losses (Gains) on Business Disposals
Losses (Gains) on business disposals was $109 million in 2025 compared to $(346) million in 2024. The net loss in 2025 was primarily driven by the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business divestitures, while the gain recognized in 2024 related to the Cosmetic Ingredients business divestiture, offset in part by the loss recognized on the sale of the F&E UK business. See Note 3 for additional information.
Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale
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Loss on assets classified as held for sale was $115 million in 2025 and $317 million in 2024. The loss in 2025 related to assets classified as held for sale for the Soy Crush, Concentrates & Lecithin business. The loss in 2024 related to assets classified as held for sale for the Pharma Solutions disposal group and the portion of the Savory Solutions business in Turkey. See Note 4 for additional information.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net, decreased $117 million to $65 million in 2025 compared to $182 million in 2024. $130 million of the decrease was driven by a settlement loss that was recognized upon termination of the International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Pension Plan in 2024. See Note 8 and Note 9 for additional information.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2025 was 12.9% compared to 13.3% in 2024. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by the tax benefit resulting from the entity realignment project, offset in part by the impact of business divestitures, tax effects of non-deductible goodwill impairment and changes in the mix of earnings post-divestitures. See Note 10 for additional information.
Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results
We use Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA for internal reporting and performance measurement purposes. Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA is defined as (Loss) Income Before Taxes before depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, restructuring and other charges and certain items that are not related to recurring operations. Our determination of reportable segments was made on the basis of our strategic priorities within each segment and corresponds to the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates operating performance to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. In addition to our strategic priorities, segment reporting is also based on differences in the products we sell.
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Adjusted Operating EBITDA performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Adjusted Operating EBITDA - 2025 vs. 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported(1) | Comparable Currency Neutral Adjusted (1)(2)(3) | ||||
| Taste | 4 | % | 10 | % | |
| Food Ingredients | 4 | % | 10 | % | |
| Health & Biosciences | 3 | % | 7 | % | |
| Scent | -6 | % | 2 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | -65 | % | 16 | % | |
| Total | -5 | % | 7 | % |
Comparable Currency Neutral Adjusted Operating EBITDA by segment was as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 490 | $ | 446 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 439 | 399 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 608 | 568 | ||||
| Scent | 537 | 526 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 79 | 68 | ||||
| Impact of Currency Fluctuation(3) | (67) | — | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(2) | — | 198 | ||||
| Total | 2,086 | 2,205 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (962) | (1,015) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (229) | (305) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income, net | (65) | (182) | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (70) | (29) | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | (1,153) | (64) | ||||
| (Losses) Gains on Business Disposals | (109) | 346 | ||||
| Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale | (115) | (317) | ||||
| Gain on Extinguishment of Debt | 488 | — | ||||
| Acquisition, Divestiture and Integration Related Costs | (125) | (228) | ||||
| Strategic Initiatives Costs | (35) | (33) | ||||
| Regulatory Costs | (106) | (73) | ||||
| Entity Realignment Costs | (8) | (6) | ||||
| Other | (9) | 9 | ||||
| (Loss) Income Before Taxes | $ | (412) | $ | 308 | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Taste | 19.5 | % | 18.5 | % | ||
| Food Ingredients | 13.4 | % | 11.9 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 26.7 | % | 25.8 | % | ||
| Scent | 21.5 | % | 21.8 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 21.0 | % | 20.2 | % | ||
| Consolidated | 19.2 | % | 19.2 | % |
_______________________
(1)Refer to Note 7 for a reconciliation of Adjusted Operating EBITDA to Income (Loss) Before Taxes.
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(2)Comparable portfolio results for 2024 exclude the impact of divestitures. Impact of business divestitures includes the results of the F&E UK business that was divested on September 1, 2024 (for January 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024), the Rene Laurent business that was divested on December 1, 2025 (for December 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024), the Cosmetic Ingredients business that was divested on April 2, 2024 (for January 1, 2024 to April 2, 2024), and the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business that were divested on May 1, 2025 and May 9, 2025, respectively (for May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 and May 9, 2024 to December 31, 2024, respectively).
(3)Currency neutral amounts are calculated by translating current year transaction amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
Following the completed divestitures of the Pharma Solutions disposal group on May 1, 2025 and the Nitrocellulose business on May 9, 2025, we retrospectively reallocated certain corporate costs previously attributed to the Pharma Solutions segment. These costs have been redistributed across the Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences, and Scent segments for comparability purposes.
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling & Administrative Expenses | Research & Development Expenses | Total EBITDA Impact | |||||||||
| Taste | $ | 7 | $ | 1 | $ | (8) | |||||
| Food Ingredients | 9 | — | (9) | ||||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 7 | 1 | (8) | ||||||||
| Scent | 5 | 1 | (6) | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 28 | $ | 3 | $ | (31) |
Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $18 million, or 4% on a reported basis, to $478 million (19.3% of segment sales) in 2025 from $460 million (18.9% of segment sales) in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 10% in 2025 compared to 2024 led by primarily favorable net pricing, volume increases and productivity gains. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the F&E UK business with an impact of approximately $14 million.
Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $15 million, or 4% on a reported basis, to $423 million (12.9% of segment sales) in 2025 from $408 million (12.1% of segment sales) in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 10% in 2025 compared to 2024 led by primarily favorable net pricing and productivity gains.
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $17 million, or 3% on a reported basis, to $594 million (26.0% of segment sales) in 2025 from $577 million (26.2% of segment sales) in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 7% in 2025 compared to 2024 led by primarily favorable net pricing, volume increases, and productivity gains.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $30 million, or 6% on a reported basis, to $515 million (20.8% of segment sales) in 2025 from $545 million (22.3% of segment sales) in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 2% in 2025 compared to 2024 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of the Cosmetic Ingredients business, with an impact of approximately $19 million.
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Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $139 million, or 65% on a reported basis, to $76 million (20.6% of segment sales) in 2025 from $215 million (20.5% of segment sales) in 2024. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 16% in 2025 compared to 2024 led by primarily favorable net pricing. The divestitures of the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nitrocellulose business had an impact on Adjusted Operating EBITDA of approximately $147 million. This comparison reflects a full year of contributions from both businesses in 2024, whereas 2025 includes only four months of activity prior to the divestitures, contributing significantly to the year-over-year decline.
2024 IN COMPARISON TO 2023
Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(2) | Comparable Currency Neutral(1)(2) | ||||||
| Taste | 5 | % | 11 | % | 12 | % | ||
| Food Ingredients | -9 | % | -7 | % | -1 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 6 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||
| Scent | 2 | % | 7 | % | 12 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 3 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||
| Total | — | % | 3 | % | 6 | % |
Comparable reported performance by segment was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net Sales | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 2,428 | $ | 2,281 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 3,365 | 3,470 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,203 | 2,071 | ||||
| Scent | 2,439 | 2,277 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 1,049 | 1,020 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(1) | — | 360 | ||||
| Total | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 |
Comparable currency neutral reported performance by segment was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net Sales | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 2,560 | $ | 2,281 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 3,429 | 3,470 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,244 | 2,071 | ||||
| Scent | 2,554 | 2,277 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 1,048 | 1,020 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(1) | — | 360 | ||||
| Impact of Currency Fluctuation(2) | (351) | — | ||||
| Total | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 |
_______________________
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(1)Comparable portfolio results for 2023 exclude the impact of divestitures. Impact of business divestitures include the results of a portion of the Savory Solutions business that was divested on May 31, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023), the Flavor Specialty Ingredients business that was divested on August 1, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to August 1, 2023), the Sonarome business that was divested on December 1, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to December 1, 2023), the Cosmetic Ingredients business that was divested on April 2, 2024 (for April 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023), and the Flavors & Essences UK business that was divested on September 1, 2024 (for September 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023).
(2)Currency neutral sales are calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
Taste
Taste sales in 2024 increased $125 million, or 5% on a reported basis, to $2.428 billion compared to $2.303 billion in 2023. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Taste sales increased 12% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period, driven by volume increases. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 6%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the Sonarome business and F&E UK business, with an impact of approximately $22 million.
Food Ingredients
Food Ingredients sales in 2024 decreased $327 million, or 9% on a reported basis, to $3.365 billion compared to $3.692 billion in 2023. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Food Ingredients sales decreased 1% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period, driven by volume decreases in Emulsifiers and Sweeteners offset by volumes increases across other business units. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 2%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of the portion of the Savory Solutions business with an impact of approximately $222 million.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2024 increased $132 million, or 6% on a reported basis, to $2.203 billion compared to $2.071 billion in 2023. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences sales increased 8% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period driven by volume increases across various business units and price increases across Food Biosciences and Grain Processing business units. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 2%.
Scent
Scent sales in 2024 increased $46 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $2.439 billion compared to $2.393 billion in 2023. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Scent sales increased 12% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period driven by price increases in the Fragrance Compounds business unit and volume increases across all business units. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact of 5%. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the Flavors Specialty Ingredients business and Cosmetic Ingredients business, with an impact of approximately $116 million.
Pharma Solutions
Pharma Solutions sales in 2024 increased $29 million, or 3% on a reported basis, to $1.049 billion compared to $1.020 billion in 2023. On a comparable currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions sales also increased 3% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period driven by volume growth in industrial markets. Exchange rates impact on sales was less than 1%. Performance in the Pharma Solutions operating segment was driven by volume growth in industrial markets.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $438 million to $7.360 billion (64.1% of sales) in 2024 compared to $7.798 billion (67.9% of sales) in 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures which was approximately $227 million, lower raw material costs and manufacturing expenses, lower unfavorable manufacturing absorption compared to the prior year period, increased productivity compared to the prior year period, offset in part by volume increases. With the decrease in cost of sales, gross margin increased, reflecting the benefit of lower costs and improved productivity.
Research and Development (“R&D”) Expenses
R&D expenses increased $35 million to $671 million (5.8% of sales) in 2024 compared to $636 million (5.5% of sales) in 2023. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation expense, offset in part by the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures and the effect of exchange rate variations.
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Selling and Administrative (“S&A”) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $208 million to $1.995 billion (17.4% of sales) in 2024 compared to $1.787 billion (15.6% of sales) in 2023. The increase in S&A expenses was primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation expense, professional fees, legal fees and provisions incurred for the ongoing investigations of the fragrance businesses, and divestiture related costs incurred in preparation for the sale of the Pharma Solutions disposal group, offset in part by the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges decreased to $29 million in 2024 compared to $68 million in 2023. The 2024 amounts represent costs primarily related to the IFF Productivity Program and the 2023 amounts represent severance costs primarily incurred as part of the 2023 Restructuring Program. See Note 5 for additional information.
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses decreased to $610 million in 2024 compared to $680 million in 2023. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily driven by the reduction in intangible assets as a result of the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures and intangible assets of the Pharma Solutions disposal group being classified as “held for sale,” and therefore no longer recognizing amortization expense on those intangible assets. See Note 4 for additional information.
Impairment of Goodwill
The impairment of goodwill was $64 million in 2024 compared to $2.623 billion in 2023, which was related to the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nourish reporting units, respectively. See Note 1, Note 3, and Note 12 for additional information.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $75 million to $305 million in 2024 compared to $380 million in 2023. The decrease in interest expense was due to lower debt outstanding. See Note 14 for additional information.
Losses (Gains) on Business Disposals
Losses (Gains) on business disposals increased to $(346) million in 2024 compared to $23 million in 2023. The net gain on business disposals in 2024 primarily relates to the gain recognized on the sale of the Cosmetic Ingredients business, offset in part by the loss recognized on the sale of the F&E UK business. The loss in 2023 primarily relates to the sale of the Flavors Specialty Ingredients business, the sale of a portion of the Savory Solutions business, and liquidation of a business in Russia for the sale of the portion of the Savory Solutions business. See Note 3 for additional information.
Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale
Loss on assets classified as held for sale was $317 million in 2024. This related to assets classified as held for sale for the Pharma Solutions disposal group and a portion of the Savory Solutions business in Turkey. See Note 4 for additional information.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net, increased $177 million to $182 million in 2024 compared to $5 million in 2023. $153 million of increased expense was driven by increased pension-related expense, $130 million of which was due to a settlement loss that was recognized upon termination of the International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Pension Plan in 2024. See Note 8 and Note 9 for additional information.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2024 was 13.3% compared to (2.7)% in 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by an increase in pre-tax income, changes in the mix of earnings, the tax impact of business divestitures and certain non-recurring tax benefits. See Note 10 for additional information.
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Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results
Adjusted Operating EBITDA performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Adjusted Operating EBITDA - 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported(1) | Comparable Adjusted(1)(2) | ||||
| Taste | 18 | % | 21 | % | |
| Food Ingredients | 11 | % | 18 | % | |
| Health & Biosciences | 10 | % | 10 | % | |
| Scent | 10 | % | 21 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | 7 | % | 7 | % | |
| Total | 11 | % | 16 | % |
Comparable Adjusted Operating EBITDA by segment was as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Taste | $ | 460 | $ | 381 | ||
| Food Ingredients | 408 | 346 | ||||
| Health & Biosciences | 577 | 524 | ||||
| Scent | 545 | 450 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 215 | 202 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(2) | — | 77 | ||||
| Total | 2,205 | 1,980 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (1,015) | (1,142) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (305) | (380) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income, net | (182) | (5) | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (29) | (68) | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | (64) | (2,623) | ||||
| Gains (Losses) on Business Disposals | 346 | (23) | ||||
| Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale | (317) | — | ||||
| Acquisition, Divestiture and Integration Related Costs | (228) | (174) | ||||
| Strategic Initiatives Costs | (33) | (31) | ||||
| Regulatory Costs | (73) | (50) | ||||
| Entity Realignment Costs | (6) | (2) | ||||
| Other | 9 | — | ||||
| Income (Loss) Before Taxes | $ | 308 | $ | (2,518) | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Taste | 18.9 | % | 16.7 | % | ||
| Food Ingredients | 12.1 | % | 10.0 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 26.2 | % | 25.3 | % | ||
| Scent | 22.3 | % | 19.8 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 20.5 | % | 19.8 | % | ||
| Consolidated | 19.2 | % | 17.2 | % |
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(1)Refer to Note 7 for a reconciliation of Adjusted Operating EBITDA to Income (Loss) Before Taxes.
(2)Comparable portfolio results for 2023 exclude the impact of divestitures. Impact of business divestitures include the results of a portion of the Savory Solutions business that was divested on May 31, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023), the Flavor Specialty Ingredients business that was divested on August 1, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to August 1, 2023), the Sonarome business that was divested on December 1, 2023 (for January 1, 2023 to December 1, 2023), the Cosmetic Ingredients business that was divested on April 2, 2024 (for April 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023), and the Flavors & Essences UK business that was divested on September 1, 2024 (for September 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023).
Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $71 million, or 18% on a reported basis, to $460 million (18.9% of segment sales) in 2024 from $389 million (16.9% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Taste Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 21% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and favorable net pricing. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the Sonarome business and F&E UK business of approximately $9 million.
Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $39 million, or 11% on a reported basis, to $408 million (12.1% of segment sales) in 2024 from $369 million (10.0% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Food Ingredients Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 18% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and favorable net pricing. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestiture of a portion of the Savory Solutions business of approximately $23 million.
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $53 million, or 10% on a reported and comparable adjusted basis, to $577 million (26.2% of segment sales) in 2024 from $524 million (25.3% of segment sales) in 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $49 million, or 10% on a reported basis, to $545 million (22.3% of segment sales) in 2024 from $496 million (20.7% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 21% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the Flavors Specialty Ingredients business and Cosmetic Ingredients business of approximately $45 million.
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $13 million, or 6% on a reported and comparable adjusted basis, to $215 million (20.5% of segment sales) in 2024 from $202 million (19.8% of segment sales) in 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
We had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $590 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2025 compared to $471 million, inclusive of $2 million in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2024. The majority of this balance was held outside the United States. Cash balances held in foreign jurisdictions are, in most circumstances, available to be repatriated to the United States.
Effective utilization of the cash generated by our international operations is a critical component of our strategy. We regularly repatriate cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to fund financial obligations in the U.S. As we repatriate these funds to the U.S., we will be required to pay income taxes in certain U.S. states and applicable foreign withholding taxes during the period when such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2025, we had a deferred tax liability of approximately 155 million for the effect of repatriating the funds to the U.S., attributable to various non-U.S. subsidiaries. There is no deferred tax liability associated with non-U.S. subsidiaries where we intend to indefinitely reinvest the earnings to fund local operations and/or capital projects.
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2025 were $850 million, or 7.8% of sales, compared to $1.070 billion, or 9.3% of sales, in 2024. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities from 2024 to 2025 was primarily driven by an increase in working capital and a larger incentive compensation payout made in 2025 related to 2024 results, offset in part by an increase in accounts receivables in the prior year.
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Cash Flows Provided By Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2025 were $2.269 billion compared to $326 million in 2024. The increase in cash flows from investing activities from 2024 to 2025 was primarily driven by higher net proceeds received from business divestitures, including the Pharma Solutions disposal group, the Nitrocellulose business, the Tobacco Flavoring business in North America, and the Rene Laurent business in France, compared to the net proceeds received during 2024 primarily from the divestiture of the Cosmetic Ingredients business. This increase was offset in part by higher spending on property, plant and equipment during 2025 compared to 2024.
We have evaluated and re-prioritized our capital projects and expect that capital spending in 2026 will be approximately 6% of sales.
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2025 were $3.091 billion compared to $1.606 billion in 2024. The increase in cash flows used in financing activities from 2024 to 2025 was primarily driven by our purchase with cash of certain of our outstanding series of Senior Notes for $2.0 billion, excluding accrued and unpaid interest. We also repaid the outstanding borrowings under both the 2026 Term Loan Facility and the 2025 Notes during the period. In addition, during 2025 we repurchased $38 million of common stock, as part of the share repurchase program that began on October 1, 2025. These outflows were partially offset by an increase in commercial paper borrowings during 2025.
We paid dividends totaling $409 million and $514 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The cash dividends declared was $1.60 per share in both 2025 and 2024.
Our capital allocation strategy seeks to maintain investment grade ratings while investing in the business, continuing to pay dividends, repurchasing shares outstanding and repaying debt. We do not have any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of our senior unsecured debt. However, any downgrade in our credit rating may, depending on the extent of such downgrade, negatively impact our ability to raise additional debt capital, our liquidity and capital position, and may increase our cost of borrowing for new capital raises. In addition, our existing Revolving Credit Facility has pricing grids that are based on credit rating, such that our cost of borrowing may increase if our credit rating decreases. We make capital investments in our businesses to support our operational needs and strategic long-term plans. We are committed to maintaining our history of paying a dividend to investors which is determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors.
Capital Resources
Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds for capital investment needs, dividends paid to shareholders, treasury share repurchases and debt service repayments. We anticipate that cash flows from operations, cash proceeds generated from planned business divestitures and availability under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our investing and financing needs, including our debt service requirements for the foreseeable future. We regularly assess our capital structure, including both current and long-term debt instruments, as compared to our cash generation and investment needs in order to provide ample flexibility and to optimize our leverage ratios. See Note 14 for additional information.
Revolving Credit Facility
Our Revolving credit agreement contains various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers, including the requirement for us to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of net debt for borrowed money to credit adjusted EBITDA in respect of the previous 12-month period.
Our Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a base rate or a rate equal to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”), or, in the case of euro-denominated loans, the Euro interbank offered rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin based on our public debt rating. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs.
On June 25, 2025, we entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Revolving Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the most recent Amendment No. 4 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 19, 2023. This amendment and restatement, among other things, extended the termination date to June 25, 2030. The Revolving Credit Agreement states that from the effective date through September 30, 2025, our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 4.00x, and shall not exceed 3.75x thereafter, with a temporary step-up to 4.25x permitted for three fiscal quarters following an acquisition exceeding $500 million in paid consideration. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants.
As of December 31, 2025, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $2 billion Revolving Credit Facility or other lines of credit. The amount that we are able to draw down under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by financial covenants as described in more detail below. As of December 31, 2025, our available capacity was $2 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility.
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See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our credit agreements.
Credit Adjusted EBITDA
At December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants under our credit agreements, including the net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio. At December 31, 2025, our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio was 2.59 to 1.0 as defined by the credit facility agreements, which is below the relevant level provided by our financial covenants of existing outstanding debt.
_______________________
(1)Credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt, which are non-GAAP measures used for these covenants, are calculated in accordance with the definition in the debt agreements. In this context, these measures are used solely to provide information on the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and may not be comparable to credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt used by other companies. Reconciliations of credit adjusted EBITDA to net income and net debt to total debt are as follows:
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Year Ended December 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net income | $ | (359) |
| Interest expense | 229 | |
| Income taxes | (53) | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 962 | |
| Specified items(1) | 1,018 | |
| Non-cash items(2) | 303 | |
| Credit Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,100 |
_______________________
(1)Specified items consisted of restructuring and other charges, impairment of goodwill, acquisition, divestiture and integration costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
(2)Non-cash items consisted of losses (gains) on sale of assets, losses (gains) on business disposals, losses on assets classified as held for sale, pension settlement losses, and stock-based compensation.
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | December 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt(1) | $ | 6,026 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 590 | |
| Net debt | $ | 5,436 |
_______________________
(1)Total debt used for the calculation of net debt consisted of short-term debt, long-term debt, short-term finance lease obligations and long-term finance lease obligations.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2025, we had $5.637 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding in senior unsecured notes, with $940 million principal amount denominated in EUR and $4.697 billion principal amount denominated in USD. The notes bear effective interest rates ranging from 1.56% per year to 5.12% per year, with maturities from September 25, 2026 to December 1, 2050. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Contingencies
See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Other Contingencies.
Other Commitments
Compliance with existing governmental requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our operations, earnings or competitive position. In 2025 and 2024, we spent approximately $22 million and $32 million on capital projects and $119 million and $136 million in operating expenses and governmental charges, respectively, for the purpose of complying with such regulations. Expenditures for these purposes will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are party to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or similar state statutes. It is expected that the impact of any judgments in or voluntary settlements of such proceedings will not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
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We believe our balances of cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $590 million as of December 31, 2025, along with cash generated by ongoing operations and access to the Revolving Credit Facility and unsecured short-term promissory notes (“Commercial Paper”) as discussed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements and capital return program over the next 12 months and beyond. Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Borrowings and Interest on Borrowings
As of December 31, 2025, we had outstanding fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $5.637 billion (collectively the “Notes”), with approximately $940 million payable within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the Notes total approximately $2.268 billion, with approximately $165 million payable within 12 months.
We also issue Commercial Paper pursuant to a commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2025, we had $314 million of Commercial Paper outstanding.
As of December 31, 2025, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various borrowing facilities.
Leases
We have lease arrangements for certain corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, and certain transportation and office equipment. As of December 31, 2025, we had fixed lease payment obligations of approximately $811 million, with approximately $131 million payable within 12 months. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various lease arrangements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations
As of December 31, 2025, we had pension funding obligations of approximately $521 million payable within 10 years, with approximately $46 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our retirement plans.
As of December 31, 2025, we had postretirement obligations of approximately $40 million payable within 10 years, with approximately $4 million payable within 12 months.
Purchase Commitments
We have various purchase commitments that include agreements for raw material procurement and contractual capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2025, we had purchase commitment obligations of approximately $415 million, with approximately $184 million payable within 12 months.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best judgment of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Goodwill
Effective January 1, 2025, we reorganized the Nourish segment into two new reportable segments: Taste and Food Ingredients, to align with changes in our internal management reporting structure. As a result of this change, goodwill previously allocated to the Nourish reporting unit was reallocated between the new Taste and Food Ingredients reporting units. In accordance with ASC 350, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test on the former Nourish reporting unit immediately prior to the change, and separately tested goodwill for the new Taste and Food Ingredients reporting units following the reorganization. Based on the results of the impairment testing, we determined that the carrying amount of the Food Ingredients reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value, and accordingly recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $1.153 billion. This charge is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2025.
As of December 31, 2025, we have goodwill of approximately $8.269 billion. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of November 30 every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the
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goodwill might be impaired. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component) to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded.
We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each operating segment regularly reviews the operating results of those components. Components within a segment that have similar economic characteristics have been aggregated as a single reporting unit. We determined that we have five reporting units under the Food Ingredients, Taste, Scent and Health & Biosciences segments: (1) Food Ingredients, (2) Taste, (3) Fragrance Compounds, (4) Fragrance Ingredients and (5) Health & Biosciences.
For the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2025, we performed quantitative impairment tests by comparing the fair value of the reporting units with their carrying amounts.
We assessed the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value by using a discounted cash flow method at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value. We used the most current actual and forecasted operating data available. Key estimates and assumptions used in these valuations include revenue growth rates, gross margins, adjusted operating EBITDA margins, terminal growth rates and discount rates.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values and determined that there was no further impairment of goodwill in these reporting units as of November 30, 2025. Based on the quantitative impairment test performed, the Taste, Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients reporting units had substantial headroom, as fair value exceeded carrying value by a wide margin, while the fair value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded carrying value by 9%. There was no quantitative impairment test performed on the Food Ingredients reporting unit as there was no goodwill remaining in the reporting unit after the impairment charge of $1.153 billion was recorded as of January 1, 2025. While management believes that the assumptions used in the impairment test were reasonable, changes in key assumptions, including lower revenue growth, operating margin, terminal growth rates or increase in discount rates could result in a future impairment. Such impairment could have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
For the Health & Biosciences reporting unit, if all other assumptions were held constant and the weighted average cost of capital was increased by 50 basis points, the estimated fair value would decrease such that the fair value would be less than carrying value by 2% and result in an impairment charge. If all other assumptions were held constant and the long-term growth rate was decreased by 50 basis points, the estimated fair value would decrease such that the fair value would exceed carrying value by 1%.
During 2024, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $64 million related to the Pharma Solutions disposal group, which is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.
During 2023, based on the quantitative impairment test using the income approach, we determined that the carrying value of the previous Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Valuation of Certain U.S. and Foreign Legal Entities Associated with the Legal Entity Realignment Project
As described in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, during the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded an income tax benefit associated with the legal entity realignment project, which resulted in the recognition of a tax loss and related income tax benefit of $360 million in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The legal entity realignment project is a phased restructuring initiative involving certain of our U.S. and foreign legal entities. To determine the amount of the income tax benefit recorded, we first estimated the fair value of the relevant legal entities using the discounted cash flow method or the net asset value method and then analyzed the relevant tax laws and regulations in assessing the tax consequences of the steps within the realignment project, including obtaining opinions from third-party tax and legal advisors. Under the discounted cash flow method, we used a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each legal entity, as well as a terminal value. Estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates, gross margins, adjusted operating EBIT margins, terminal growth rates, and discount rates.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10-K, including: (i) currency neutral metrics, (ii) comparable portfolio metrics and (iii) adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin. We also provide the non-GAAP measure net debt solely for the purpose of providing information on our compliance with debt covenants contained in its debt agreements. Our non-GAAP financial measures are defined below.
These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. In discussing our historical and expected future results and financial condition, we believe it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of and to be assisted in a better understanding of, on a period-to-period comparable basis, financial amounts both including and excluding these identified items, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestitures. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ calculation of such metrics.
Adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin exclude depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other (expense) income, net, restructuring and other charges and certain items unrelated to recurring operations such as impairment of goodwill, gains (losses) on business disposals, loss on assets classified as held for sale, acquisition, divestiture and integration costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
Net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA is the leverage ratio used in our credit agreement and defined as net debt divided by credit adjusted EBITDA. However, as credit adjusted EBITDA for these purposes was calculated in accordance with the provisions of the credit agreement, it may differ from the calculation used for adjusted operating EBITDA.
Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This Form 10-K includes statements that are not historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations, including with respect to our financial and operational outlook (sales, adjusted operating EBITDA and cash flow), portfolio optimization initiatives (including the ongoing sale process for our Food Ingredients division), pricing, productivity and cost-discipline actions, capital allocation, future operations, growth potential, strategic investments and the expected effects of foreign exchange. These statements reflect management’s present views, are based on a series of expectations, assumptions estimates and projections about the Company, are subject to change, and involve uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “outlook”, “may”, “estimate”, “should”, “predict”, “plan”, “project”, “could”, and similar terms or variations thereof. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could lead to materially different outcomes. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:
•demand trends, competitive dynamics and customer concentration in our end markets;
•execution of our strategic transformation and other strategic transactions, divestitures, acquisitions, collaborations and joint ventures;
•working capital and inventory management;
•outcomes of legal claims, disputes, regulatory investigations and litigation;
•tariffs and trade actions, supply chain disruptions and macro events, including geopolitical developments, climate events, natural disasters, public health crises; volatility in input costs (such as raw materials, transportation and energy);
•attraction, retention and turnover of key employees and executives; product innovation, time-to-market, product safety and quality;
•cybersecurity incidents, artificial intelligence related risks, data privacy and compliance with data protection laws;
•exposure to emerging markets, foreign currency fluctuations and international regulatory and political risks;
•capital allocation, dividend policy and potential impairments of tangible or intangible assets; our indebtedness, credit rating liquidity, and access to capital;
•pension and postretirement obligations;
•compliance with federal, state, local and international rules and regulations, and regulatory, environmental, anti-corruption and sanctions laws and related ethical business practices;
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•protection and enforcement of intellectual property;
•changes in tax laws and policies, tax audits and outcomes, including potential tax liabilities related to prior transactions; and changes in federal, state, local and international rules and regulations.
The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. Important factors are described under “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings with the SEC.
We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results.
Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000051253-25-000013.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
OVERVIEW
Company Background
We are organized into four reportable operating segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions.
Our Nourish segment consists of an innovative and broad portfolio of natural-based ingredients to enhance nutritional value, texture and functionality in a wide range of beverage, dairy, bakery, confectionery and culinary applications and consists of Ingredients and Flavors.
Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of the development and production of an advanced biotechnology-derived portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications. Among many other applications, this biotechnology-driven portfolio includes cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages, probiotic strains, many with documented clinical health claims for use as dietary supplements and through industrial fermentation the production of enzymes and microorganisms that provide product and process performance benefits to household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing. Health & Biosciences is comprised of Health, Cultures & Food Enzymes, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition and Grain Processing.
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Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds and fragrance ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Consumer insights, science and creativity are at the heart of our Scent business, and, along with our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, and customer intimacy, we believe make us a market leader in scent products. The Scent segment is comprised of Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients. We completed the divestiture of our Cosmetic Ingredients business, previously within the Scent segment, on April 2, 2024.
Our Pharma Solutions segment produces, among other things, a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharmaceutical excipients, used to improve the functionality and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including controlled or modified drug release formulations, and enabling the development of more effective pharmaceutical finished dosage formulations. Our excipients are used in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Our Pharma Solutions products also serve a variety of other specialty and industrial end-uses including coatings, inks, electronics, agriculture and consumer products. During March 2024, we entered into an agreement to sell the Pharma Solutions business disposal group, that is primarily made up of most businesses within the Company’s existing Pharma Solutions reportable segment as well as certain adjacent businesses. During October 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its nitrocellulose business, which is within the Company’s existing Pharma Solutions reportable operating segment. Both transactions are expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
2025 Segment Reorganization
As previously announced in 2024, effective January 1, 2025, our Nourish segment has been restructured into two newly designated operating segments: Taste and Food Ingredients. With additional minor adjustments, our Flavors business, previously part of Nourish, has been renamed Taste, and our Ingredients business, previously part of Nourish, has been renamed Food Ingredients. Consequently, starting in the first quarter of 2025, our business segments will be as follows: Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions, until the completion of the sale of the Pharma Solutions business disposal group.
Financial Measures — Currency Neutral
Our financial results include the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. We provide currency neutral calculations in this report to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations. We calculate currency neutral numbers by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates used for the corresponding prior year period. We use currency neutral results in our analysis of subsidiary and/or segment performance. We also use currency neutral numbers when analyzing our performance against our competitors.
Impairment of Goodwill
During 2024, we determined that the carrying value of the Pharma Solutions disposal group exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $64 million in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
During 2023, we determined that the carrying value of the Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During 2022, we determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.
See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. For more detailed information about risks related to impairment of goodwill, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” – “Any impairment of our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill, may adversely impact our profitability.”
Impact related to the Israel-Hamas War
We maintain operations in Israel and, additionally, export products to customers in Israel from operations outside the region. We will continue to evaluate the current events and any potential impacts related to this matter, but we do not expect there to be a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2024 and 2023, total sales to Israeli customers were approximately 1% of total sales.
Impact related to the Russia-Ukraine War
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We maintain operations in both Russia and Ukraine and, additionally, export products to customers in Russia and Ukraine from operations outside the region. In response to the events in Ukraine, we have limited the production and supply of ingredients in and to Russia to only those that meet the essential needs of people, including food, hygiene and medicine.
In 2024 and 2023, total sales to Russian customers were approximately 1% of total sales.
In 2024 and 2023, total sales to Ukrainian customers were both less than 1% of total sales.
We have a reserve of approximately $2 million related to expected credit losses on receivables from customers located in Russia and Ukraine. During 2022, we also recorded a charge of $120 million related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets in Russia. See Note 1, Note 11 and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For more detailed information about risks related to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” – “Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments, climate-change events, natural disasters, public health crises, tariffs and trade wars, and other events may adversely affect our business, our procurement of raw materials, and our development, manufacturing, distribution or sale of our products, and thus may impact our productivity, business and financial results.”
2024 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.
Sales
Sales in 2024 of $11.484 billion remained flat compared to sales of $11.479 billion in 2023. On a currency neutral basis, sales in 2024 increased 3% compared to 2023. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact on net sales in 2024 of 3%. The effect of exchange rates can vary by business and region, depending upon the mix of sales priced in U.S. dollars as compared to other currencies. On a comparable basis, currency neutral sales increased 6% driven by volume increases across various business lines. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of divestitures of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, Sonarome business, Flavors & Essences UK business (“F&E UK”), Flavors Specialty Ingredients (“FSI”) business, and Cosmetic Ingredients business (“change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures”), which was approximately $360 million.
A key factor for commercial success is our inclusion on strategic customers’ core supplier lists, which provides opportunities to expand and win new business. We are on the core supplier lists of a large majority of our global and strategic customers. In 2024, no customer accounted for 10% or more of sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2024 increased $443 million, or 12% on a reported basis, to $4.124 billion (35.9% of sales) compared to $3.681 billion (32.1% of sales) in the 2023 period. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by volume increases and productivity gains, offset in part by the effect of exchange rate variations and the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures of $133 million.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 | $ | 12,440 | — | % | (8) | % | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 7,360 | 7,798 | 8,289 | (6) | % | (6) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 4,124 | 3,681 | 4,151 | 12 | % | (11) | % | ||||||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 671 | 636 | 603 | 6 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 1,995 | 1,787 | 1,768 | 12 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 29 | 68 | 12 | (57) | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 610 | 680 | 727 | (10) | % | (6) | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 64 | 2,623 | 2,250 | (98) | % | 17 | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | — | — | 120 | NMF | (100) | % | |||||||||||
| Gains on sale of assets | (11) | (3) | (3) | 267 | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Operating profit (loss) | 766 | (2,110) | (1,326) | (136) | % | 59 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 305 | 380 | 336 | (20) | % | 13 | % | ||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on business disposals | (346) | 23 | (11) | NMF | — | % | |||||||||||
| Loss on assets classified as held for sale | 347 | — | — | NMF | — | % | |||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 182 | 5 | (26) | NMF | (119) | % | |||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | 278 | (2,518) | (1,625) | (111) | % | 55 | % | ||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 31 | 45 | 239 | (31) | % | (81) | % | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 247 | (2,563) | (1,864) | (110) | % | 38 | % | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 4 | 4 | 7 | — | % | (43) | % | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to IFF shareholders | $ | 243 | $ | (2,567) | $ | (1,871) | (109) | % | 37 | % | |||||||
| Net income (loss) per share — basic and diluted | $ | 0.95 | $ | (10.05) | $ | (7.32) | (109) | % | 37 | % | |||||||
| Gross margin | 35.9 | % | 32.1 | % | 33.4 | % | NMF | (130) | bps | ||||||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 5.8 | % | 5.5 | % | 4.8 | % | 30 | bps | 70 | bps | |||||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 17.4 | % | 15.6 | % | 14.2 | % | 180 | bps | 140 | bps | |||||||
| Operating margin | 6.7 | % | (18.4) | % | (10.7) | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 11.2 | % | (1.8) | % | (14.7) | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Nourish | $ | 5,871 | $ | 6,060 | $ | 6,829 | (3) | % | (11) | % | |||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,212 | 2,081 | 2,339 | 6 | % | (11) | % | ||||||||||
| Scent | 2,440 | 2,393 | 2,301 | 2 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Pharma Solutions | 961 | 945 | 971 | 2 | % | (3) | % | ||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 | $ | 12,440 | — | % | (8) | % |
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NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of sales includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D expenses include expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
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2024 IN COMPARISON TO 2023
Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(1) | Comparable Currency Neutral(1)(2) | ||||||
| Nourish | -3 | % | — | % | 4 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 6 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||
| Scent | 2 | % | 7 | % | 12 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 2 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | ||
| Total | — | % | 3 | % | 6 | % |
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(1)Currency neutral sales are calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
(2)Comparable portfolio results for 2024 and 2023 exclude the impact of divestitures.
Comparable reported performance by segment was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net Sales | ||||||
| Nourish | $ | 5,871 | $ | 5,816 | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,212 | 2,081 | ||||
| Scent | 2,440 | 2,277 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 961 | 945 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures(1) | — | 360 | ||||
| Total | $ | 11,484 | $ | 11,479 |
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(1)Impact of business divestitures include a portion the Savory Solutions business, Flavor Specialty Ingredients business, Sonarome business, Cosmetic Ingredients business, and Flavors & Essences UK business that were divested in the second quarter of 2023 (May 31, 2023), third quarter of 2023 (August 1, 2023), fourth quarter of 2023 (December 1, 2023), second quarter of 2024 (April 2, 2024), and third quarter of 2024 (September 1, 2024), respectively, to present fully comparable scenarios.
Nourish
Nourish sales in 2024 decreased $189 million, or 3% on a reported basis, to $5.871 billion compared to $6.060 billion in 2023. On a currency neutral basis, Nourish sales remained flat in 2024 compared to the 2023 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. On a comparable basis, currency neutral sales increased 4% driven by volume increases across all business units. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, Sonarome business and F&E UK business with an impact of approximately $244 million.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2024 increased $131 million, or 6% on a reported basis, to $2.212 billion compared to $2.081 billion in 2023. On a currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences sales increased 8% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. Performance in the Health & Biosciences operating segment was driven by volume increases across various business units and price increases across Cultures & Food Enzymes and Grain Processing business units.
Scent
Scent sales in 2024 increased $47 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $2.440 billion compared to $2.393 billion in 2023. On a currency neutral basis, Scent sales increased 7% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. On a comparable basis, currency neutral sales increased 12% driven by price increases in the Fragrance Compounds business unit and volume increases across all business units. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the FSI business and Cosmetic Ingredients business, with an impact of approximately $116 million.
Pharma Solutions
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Pharma Solutions sales in 2024 increased $16 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $961 million compared to $945 million in 2023. On a currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions sales also increased 2% in 2024 compared to the 2023 period as the impact of exchange rate variations was flat. Performance in the Pharma Solutions operating segment was driven by volume growth in industrial markets.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $438 million to $7.360 billion (64.1% of sales) in 2024 compared to $7.798 billion (67.9% of sales) in 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures which was approximately $227 million, lower raw material costs and manufacturing expenses, lower unfavorable manufacturing absorption compared to the prior year period, increased productivity compared to the prior year period, offset in part by volume increases.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
R&D expenses increased $35 million to $671 million (5.8% of sales) in 2024 compared to $636 million (5.5% of sales) in 2023. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation expense, offset in part by the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures and the effect of exchange rate variations.
Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $208 million to $1.995 billion (17.4% of sales) in 2024 compared to $1.787 billion (15.6% of sales) in 2023. The increase in S&A expenses was primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation expense, professional fees, legal fees and provisions incurred for the ongoing investigations of the fragrance businesses, and divestiture related costs incurred in preparation for the sale of the Pharma Solutions disposal group, offset in part by the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges decreased to $29 million in 2024 compared to $68 million in 2023. The 2024 amounts represent costs primarily related to the IFF Productivity Program and the 2023 amounts represent severance costs primarily incurred as part of the 2023 Restructuring Program. See Note 5 for additional information.
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses decreased to $610 million in 2024 compared to $680 million in 2023. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily driven by the reduction in intangible assets as a result of the change in business portfolio mix due to divestitures and intangible assets of the Pharma Solutions disposal group being classified as “held for sale,” and therefore no longer recognizing amortization expense on those intangible assets. See Note 4 for additional information.
Impairment of Goodwill
The impairment of goodwill was $64 million in 2024 compared to $2.623 billion in 2023, which was related to the Pharma Solutions disposal group and Nourish reporting units, respectively. See Note 1, Note 4, and Note 12 for additional information.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $75 million to $305 million in 2024 compared to $380 million in 2023. The decrease in interest expense was due to lower debt outstanding. See Note 14 for additional information.
(Gains) Losses on Business Disposals
(Gains) losses on business disposals increased to $(346) million in 2024 compared to $23 million in 2023. The net gain on business disposals in 2024 primarily relates to the gain recognized on the sale of the Cosmetic Ingredients business, offset in part by the loss recognized on the sale of the F&E UK business. The loss in 2023 primarily relates to the sale of the FSI business, the sale of a portion of the Savory Solutions business, and liquidation of a business in Russia for the sale of the portion of the Savory Solutions business. See Note 4 for additional information.
Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale
Loss on assets classified as held for sale was $347 million in 2024. This related to assets classified as held for sale for the Pharma Solutions disposal group and the portion of the Savory Solutions business in Turkey. See Note 4 for additional information.
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Other Expense (Income), Net
Other expense (income), net, increased $177 million to $182 million in 2024 compared to $5 million in 2023. $153 million of increased expense was driven by increased pension-related expense, $130 million of which was due to a settlement loss that was recognized upon termination of the International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Pension Plan in 2024. See Note 8 and Note 9 for additional information.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2024 was 11.2% compared to (1.8)% in 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by an increase in pre-tax income, changes in the mix of earnings, the tax impact of business divestitures and certain non-recurring tax benefits. See Note 10 for additional information.
Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results
The Company uses Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA for internal reporting and performance measurement purposes. Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA is defined as Income (Loss) Before Taxes before depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, restructuring and other charges and certain items that are not related to recurring operations. Our determination of reportable segments was made on the basis of our strategic priorities within each segment and corresponds to the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates operating performance to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. In addition to our strategic priorities, segment reporting is also based on differences in the products and services we provide.
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Adjusted Operating EBITDA performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Adjusted Operating EBITDA - 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted(1) | Comparable Adjusted(1)(2) | ||||
| Nourish | 13 | % | 18 | % | |
| Health & Biosciences | 11 | % | 11 | % | |
| Scent | 12 | % | 25 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | 5 | % | 5 | % | |
| Total | 11 | % | 16 | % |
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(1)Refer to Note 7 for a reconciliation of Adjusted Operating EBITDA to Income (Loss) Before Taxes.
(2)Comparable portfolio results for 2024 and 2023 exclude the impact of divestitures.
Comparable Adjusted Operating EBITDA by segment was as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Nourish | $ | 824 | $ | 700 | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 654 | 588 | ||||
| Scent | 518 | 416 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 209 | 199 | ||||
| Impact of Business Divestitures | — | 77 | ||||
| Total | 2,205 | 1,980 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (1,015) | (1,142) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (305) | (380) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income, net | (182) | (5) | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (29) | (68) | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | (64) | (2,623) | ||||
| Gains (Losses) on Business Disposals | 346 | (23) | ||||
| Loss on Assets Classified as Held for Sale | (347) | — | ||||
| Acquisition, Divestiture and Integration Costs | (228) | (174) | ||||
| Strategic Initiatives Costs | (33) | (31) | ||||
| Regulatory Costs | (73) | (50) | ||||
| Other | 3 | (2) | ||||
| Income (Loss) Before Taxes | $ | 278 | $ | (2,518) | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Nourish | 14.0 | % | 12.0 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 29.6 | % | 28.3 | % | ||
| Scent | 21.2 | % | 18.3 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 21.7 | % | 21.1 | % | ||
| Consolidated | 19.2 | % | 17.2 | % |
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Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $92 million, or 13% on an adjusted basis, to $824 million (14.0% of segment sales) in 2024 from $732 million (12.1% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 18% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, Sonarome business and F&E UK business with an impact of approximately $32 million.
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $66 million, or 11% on an adjusted basis, to $654 million (29.6% of segment sales) in 2024 from $588 million (28.3% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 11% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $57 million, or 12% on a reported basis, to $518 million (21.2% of segment sales) in 2024 from $461 million (19.3% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 25% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains. Comparable portfolio results exclude the impact of the divestitures of the FSI business and Cosmetic Ingredients business, with an impact of approximately $45 million.
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $10 million, or 5% on a reported basis, to $209 million (21.7% of segment sales) in 2024 from $199 million (21.1% of segment sales) in 2023. On a comparable basis, Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 5% in 2024 compared to 2023 led by primarily volume increases and productivity gains.
2023 IN COMPARISON TO 2022
For a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
We had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $471 million, inclusive of $2 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2024 compared to $735 million, inclusive of $26 million in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2023 and of this balance, the majority was held outside the United States. Cash balances held in foreign jurisdictions are, in most circumstances, available to be repatriated to the United States.
Effective utilization of the cash generated by our international operations is a critical component of our strategy. We regularly repatriate cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to fund financial obligations in the U.S. As we repatriate these funds to the U.S., we will be required to pay income taxes in certain U.S. states and applicable foreign withholding taxes during the period when such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2024, we had a deferred tax liability of approximately $154 million for the effect of repatriating the funds to the U.S., attributable to various non-U.S. subsidiaries. There is no deferred tax liability associated with non-U.S. subsidiaries where we intend to indefinitely reinvest the earnings to fund local operations and/or capital projects.
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2024 were $1.070 billion, or 9.3% of sales, compared to $1.439 billion, or 12.5% of sales, in 2023. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities from 2023 to 2024 was primarily driven by an increase in working capital, largely related to trade receivables and inventories including amounts held for sale, offset in part by accounts payable and higher cash earnings, excluding the impact of non-cash adjustments.
Cash Flows Provided By Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2024 were $326 million compared to $574 million in 2023. The decrease in cash flows from investing activities from 2023 to 2024 was primarily driven by lower net proceeds received from business divestitures compared to the prior year period, offset in part by decreased additions to property, plant and equipment.
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We have evaluated and re-prioritized our capital projects and expect that capital spending in 2025 will be approximately 6% of sales.
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2024 were $1.606 billion compared to $1.851 billion in 2023. The decrease in cash flows used in financing activities from 2023 to 2024 was primarily driven by lower dividends and higher repayments in the prior year period of commercial paper and amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility, offset in part by increased repayments of long-term debt.
We paid dividends totaling $514 million and $826 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The cash dividend declared per share in 2024 and 2023 was $1.60 and $3.24, respectively.
Our capital allocation strategy is primarily focused on debt repayment to maintain our investment grade rating. We will also prioritize capital investment in our businesses to support the strategic long-term plans. We are also committed to maintaining our history of paying a dividend to investors determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors.
Capital Resources
Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds for capital investment needs, dividends paid to shareholders and debt service repayments. We anticipate that cash flows from operations, cash proceeds generated from planned business divestitures and availability under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our investing and financing needs, including our debt service requirements, for the foreseeable future. We regularly assess our capital structure, including both current and long-term debt instruments, as compared to our cash generation and investment needs in order to provide ample flexibility and to optimize our leverage ratios. See Note 14 for additional information.
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
Our credit agreements contain various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers, including the requirement for us to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of net debt for borrowed money to credit adjusted EBITDA in respect of the previous 12-month period.
Our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a base rate or a rate equal to Term SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10% per annum or, in the case of euro-denominated loans, the Euro interbank offered rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin based on our public debt rating. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs.
Based on the amendments entered into on September 19, 2023 for our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility, we were provided with a financial covenant relief period through December 31, 2025, or such earlier date on which the Company elects to terminate such period, by providing that during the Term Loan Covenant Relief Period and Revolver Covenant Relief Period, our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA ratio shall not exceed as of the end of the fiscal quarter for the period of the four fiscal quarters then ended: (i) 5.25x for any fiscal quarter ending on or before March 31, 2024, (ii) 4.75x for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, (iii) 4.50x for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, (iv) 4.25x for any subsequent fiscal quarter ending on or before March 31, 2025, (v) 4.00x for any subsequent fiscal quarter ending on or before September 30, 2025 and (vi) 3.75x for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025. During the Term Loan Covenant Relief Period and the Revolver Covenant Relief Period, the amendments prohibit us from (i) effecting share repurchases, (ii) declaring and paying dividends in cash on common stock in excess of $0.81 per share per fiscal quarter (for an aggregate amount of $3.24 per fiscal year) and (iii) creating liens to secure debt in excess of the greater of $300 million and 3.65% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement), in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth therein.
As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $2 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The amount that we are able to draw down under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by financial covenants as described in more detail below. As of December 31, 2024, our available capacity was $922 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our credit agreements.
Debt Covenants
At December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants under our credit agreements, including the net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio. At December 31, 2024, our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio was 3.84 to 1.0 as defined by the credit facility agreements, which is below the relevant level provided by our financial covenants of existing outstanding debt. The most comparable GAAP measure is the total debt to net income ratio, which was 37.06 to 1.0 at December 31, 2024.
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(1)Credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt, which are non-GAAP measures used for these covenants, are calculated in accordance with the definition in the debt agreements. In this context, these measures are used solely to provide information on the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and may not be comparable to credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt used by other companies. Reconciliations of credit adjusted EBITDA to net income and net debt to total debt are as follows:
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Year Ended December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net income | $ | 243 |
| Interest expense | 305 | |
| Income taxes | 31 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,015 | |
| Specified items(1) | 434 | |
| Non-cash items(2) | 197 | |
| Credit Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,225 |
_______________________
(1)Specified items consisted of restructuring and other charges, impairment of goodwill, acquisition, divestiture and integration costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
(2)Non-cash items consisted of losses (gains) on sale of assets, losses (gains) on business disposals, losses on assets classified as held for sale, pension settlement losses, and stock-based compensation.
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt(1) | $ | 9,005 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents(2) | 471 | |
| Net debt | $ | 8,534 |
_______________________
(1)Total debt used for the calculation of net debt consisted of short-term debt, long-term debt, short-term finance lease obligations and long-term finance lease obligations.
(2)Cash and cash equivalents included approximately $2 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2024, we had $8.478 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding in senior unsecured notes, with $828 million principal amount denominated in EUR and $7.650 billion principal amount denominated in USD. The notes bear effective interest rates ranging from 1.22% per year to 5.12% per year, with maturities from October 1, 2025 to December 1, 2050. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Contingencies
See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Other Contingencies.
Other Commitments
Compliance with existing governmental requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our operations, earnings or competitive position. In 2024 and 2023, we spent approximately $32 million and $23 million on capital projects and $136 million and $139 million in operating expenses and governmental charges, respectively, for the purpose of complying with such regulations. Expenditures for these purposes will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are party to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or similar state statutes. It is expected that the impact of any judgments in or voluntary settlements of such proceedings will not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
The Company believes its balances of cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $471 million as of December 31, 2024, inclusive of approximately $2 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, along with cash generated by ongoing operations and access to the Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper as discussed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements and capital
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return program over the next 12 months and beyond. The Company’s material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Borrowings and Interest on Borrowings
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had outstanding floating and fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $8.891 billion (collectively the “Notes”), with approximately $1.413 billion payable within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the Notes total approximately $2.777 billion, with approximately $256 million payable within 12 months.
The Company also issues unsecured short-term promissory notes (“Commercial Paper”) pursuant to a commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no Commercial Paper outstanding.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various borrowing facilities.
Leases
The Company has lease arrangements for certain corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, and certain transportation and office equipment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of approximately $782 million, with approximately $117 million payable within 12 months. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various lease arrangements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had pension funding obligations of approximately $445 million, with approximately $40 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our retirement plans.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had postretirement obligations of approximately $40 million, with approximately $4 million payable within 12 months.
Purchase Commitments
The Company has various purchase commitments that include agreements for raw material procurement and contractual capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had purchase commitment obligations of approximately $367 million, with approximately $206 million payable within 12 months.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best judgment of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
Business Combinations
From time to time we enter into strategic acquisitions in an effort to better service existing customers and to attract new customers. When we acquire a controlling financial interest in an entity or group of assets that are determined to meet the definition of a business, we apply the acquisition method described in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the acquisitions we have completed are reflected in our financial statements from the date of acquisition forward.
We allocate the purchase consideration paid to acquire the business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. If during the measurement period (a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date) we receive additional information that existed as of the acquisition date but at the time of the original allocation described above was unknown to us, we make the appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation in the reporting period in which the amounts are determined.
Significant judgment is required to estimate the fair value of intangibles and fixed assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. Accordingly, we typically engage third-party valuation specialists, who work under the direction of management, to assist in valuing significant tangible and intangible assets acquired.
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The fair value estimates are based on available historical information, future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates, discount rates and profitability), royalty rates used in the relief of royalty method, customer attrition rates, product obsolescence factors, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires significant judgment. All of our acquired intangible assets (e.g., trademarks, product formulas, non-compete agreements and customer relationships) are expected to have finite useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets are based on a number of factors including competitive environment, market share, brand history, operating plans and the macroeconomic environment of the regions in which the brands are sold.
The costs of finite-lived intangible assets are amortized through expense over their estimated lives. The value of residual goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment as described in the following note. For acquired intangible assets, the remaining useful life of the trade names and trademarks, product formulas, and customer relationships was estimated at the point at which substantially all of the present value of cumulative cash flows have been earned.
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Goodwill and Held for Sale Balances
As of December 31, 2024, we have goodwill of approximately $9.080 billion. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of November 30 every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component) to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded.
We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each operating segment regularly reviews the operating results of those components. Components within a segment that have similar economic characteristics have been aggregated as a single reporting unit. We determined that we have five reporting units under the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions segments: (1) Nourish, (2) Fragrance Compounds, (3) Fragrance Ingredients, (4) Health & Biosciences and (5) Pharma Solutions. Note that the entire goodwill balance related to Pharma Solutions has been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024.
For the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2024, the Company performed quantitative impairment tests by comparing the fair value of the reporting units with their carrying amounts.
We assessed the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value by using a discounted cash flow method at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value. We used the most current actual and forecasted operating data available. Key estimates and assumptions used in these valuations include revenue growth rates, gross margins, adjusted operating EBITDA margins, terminal growth rates and discount rates.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values and determined that there was no further impairment of goodwill in these reporting units as of November 30, 2024. Based on the quantitative impairment test performed, we determined that the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients reporting units had excess fair value over carrying value of approximately 22%, 18%, 169% and 37%, respectively. While we believe that the assumptions used in the impairment test were reasonable, changes in key assumptions, including lower revenue growth, adjusted operating EBITDA margin, terminal growth rates or increase in discount rates could result in a future impairment. Such impairment could have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
As discussed in Note 4, the classification of the Pharma Solutions disposal group as held for sale was considered an event or change in circumstance which required an assessment of the existing Pharma Solutions reporting unit. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company performed a pre-classification goodwill impairment test and determined that the fair value of the Pharma Solutions reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. Goodwill allocated to the Pharma Solutions reporting unit was $1.2 billion before classification of the disposal group as held for sale. For the pre-classification impairment assessment, we estimated the fair value of the Pharma Solutions reporting unit based upon the fair value of the held for sale disposal group as described below and the estimated fair value of the portion of the Pharma Solutions reporting unit that was not classified as held for sale (“remaining Pharma Solutions reporting unit”).
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The Company then performed a post-classification goodwill impairment test and determined that the fair value was less than the carrying value of the Pharma Solutions disposal group. As such, during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $64 million which is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.
The Company also performed a goodwill impairment test of the remaining Pharma Solutions reporting unit and determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying value. For the impairment assessments, we estimated the fair value of the remaining Pharma Solutions reporting unit based upon the estimated sale proceeds we would expect to receive in a transaction between willing market participants.
The Company engaged an independent third party to determine the fair value of the assets held for sale as of the initial held for sale classification date on May 1, 2024 and each subsequent balance sheet date, based upon the sale price including earnouts expected to be received from the buyer. The fair value of the earnouts were based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value estimation uses Level 3 unobservable inputs as categorized within the ASC Topic 820 fair value hierarchy. This method considers the terms and conditions of the earnouts as described in the relevant transaction agreements, our best estimates of forecasted EBITDA for the earnout periods as applicable, and assumptions such as risk-adjusted discount rate, EBITDA volatility, counterparty discount rate and risk-free rate. The simulation consists first in risk-adjusting the EBITDA projections using a risk-adjusted discount rate and then simulating a range of EBITDAs over the applicable period using the estimate of EBITDA volatility. The fair value of the earnouts are estimated as the present value of the potential range of payouts averaged across the range of simulated EBITDAs using the counterparty discount rate. A 10% increase or decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration would not have a material impact to the impairment charge.
During 2023, based on the quantitative impairment test using the income approach, we determined that the carrying value of the Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During 2022, based on the quantitative impairment test using the income approach, we determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Effective January 1, 2025, our Nourish segment has been restructured into two newly designated operating segments: Taste and Food Ingredients. This change in management reporting necessitates the reallocation of goodwill between the two reporting units and the performance of a goodwill impairment test both prior to and subsequent to the change. While we have not yet completed our goodwill and long-lived assets impairment assessments required by this internal reporting structure, we anticipate incurring a material impairment charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, estimated to be in the range of $1.0 billion to $1.5 billion.
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business conditions indicate that their full carrying value may not be recovered. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by an asset or group of assets is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If assets are determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on an estimate of fair value using various valuation techniques, including a discounted estimate of future cash flows.
There was no impairment recorded of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Due to the uncertainties related to our operations in Russia and Ukraine, we recorded a charge of approximately $120 million related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets in Russia in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10-K, including: (i) currency neutral metrics, (ii) comparable portfolio metrics and (iii) adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin. We also provide the non-GAAP measure net debt solely for the purpose of providing information on the Company’s compliance with debt covenants contained in its debt agreements. Our non-GAAP financial measures are defined below.
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These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. In discussing our historical and expected future results and financial condition, we believe it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of and to be assisted in a better understanding of, on a period-to-period comparable basis, financial amounts both including and excluding these identified items, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestitures. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s results under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ calculation of such metrics.
Adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin exclude depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other (expense) income, net, restructuring and other charges and certain items unrelated to recurring operations such as impairment of goodwill, gains (losses) on business disposals, loss on assets classified as held for sale, acquisition, divestiture and integration costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
Net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA is the leverage ratio used in our credit agreement and defined as net debt divided by credit adjusted EBITDA. However, as credit adjusted EBITDA for these purposes was calculated in accordance with the provisions of the credit agreement, it may differ from the calculation used for adjusted operating EBITDA.
Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements in this Form 10-K, which are not historical facts or information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations including those concerning (i) expected cash flow and availability of capital resources to fund our operations and meet our debt service requirements; (ii) our ability to execute on our strategic and financial transformation, including the progress and success of our portfolio optimization strategy (including the sale process of our Pharma Solutions disposal group), through non-core business divestitures and acquisitions, and expectations regarding the implementation of our refreshed growth-focused strategy and expectations around our business divestitures; (iii) our ability to continue to generate value for, and return cash to, our shareholders; (iv) expectations of the impact of inflationary pressures and the pricing actions to offset exposure to such impacts; (v) expectations regarding the impact of government actions including tariffs; (vi) the impact of high input costs, including commodities, raw materials, transportation and energy; (vii) the expected impact of global supply chain challenges; (viii) our ability to enhance our innovation efforts, drive cost efficiencies and execute on specific consumer trends and demands; (ix) the growth potential of the markets in which we operate, including the emerging markets; (x) expectations regarding sales and profit for the fiscal year 2025, including the impact of foreign exchange, pricing actions, raw materials, energy, and sourcing, logistics and manufacturing costs; (xi) the impact of global economic uncertainty and recessionary pressures on demand for consumer products; (xii) the success of our integration efforts, following the N&B Transaction, and ability to deliver on our synergy commitments as well as future opportunities for the combined company; (xiii) our strategic investments in capacity and increasing inventory to drive improved profitability; (xiv) our ability to drive cost discipline measures and the ability to recover margin to pre-inflation levels; (xv) expected capital expenditures in 2025; and (xvi) the expected costs and benefits of our ongoing optimization of our manufacturing operations, including the expected number of closings. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “outlook”, “may”, “estimate”, “should”, “predict” and similar terms or variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:
•our substantial amount of indebtedness and its impact on our liquidity, credit ratings and ability to return capital to its shareholders;
•our ability to successfully execute our strategic transformation;
•the impact of regulatory, consumer, and economic trends for consumer products;
•the impact of the outcomes of legal claims, disputes, regulatory investigations and litigation;
•supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments, climate change events, natural disasters, public health crises, tariffs and trade wars, and other events that may affect our suppliers, or procurement of raw materials, and our development, manufacturing, distribution or sale of our products, and thus may impact our productivity, business and financial results;
•inflationary trends, including in the price of our input costs, such as raw materials, transportation and energy;
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•our ability to successfully manage our working capital and inventory balances;
•our ability to attract and retain key employees, and manage turnover of top executives;
•our ability to successfully market to our expanded and diverse customer base;
•our ability to effectively compete in our market and develop and introduce new products that meet customers’ needs;
•changes in demand from large multi-national customers due to increased competition and our ability to maintain “core list” status with customers;
•our ability to successfully develop innovative and cost-effective products that allow customers to achieve their own profitability expectations;
•the impact of a significant data breach or other disruption in our information technology systems, and our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad;
•our ability to benefit from our investments and expansion in emerging markets;
•the impact of currency fluctuations or devaluations in the principal foreign markets in which we operate;
•economic, regulatory and political risks associated with our international operations;
•our ability to declare and pay dividends which is subject to certain considerations;
•our ability to react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and demands, including increased awareness of health and wellness;
•our ability to meet increasing customer, consumer, shareholder and regulatory focus on sustainability;
•any impairment on our tangible or intangible long-lived assets;
•our ability to enter into or close strategic transactions or divestments, or successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnerships;
•changes in market conditions or governmental regulations relating to our pension and postretirement obligations;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, regulatory requirements and industry standards, including regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environment impact;
•defects, quality issues (including product recalls), inadequate disclosure or misuse with respect to the products and capabilities;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws;
•the impact of our or our counterparties’ failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, similar U.S. or foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations, applicable sanctions or competition laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or ethical business practices and related laws and regulations;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
•changes in business and operations related to the adoption of artificial intelligence;
•the impact of changes in federal, state, local and international tax legislation or policies and adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes;
•the impact of any tax liability resulting from the N&B Transaction; and
•our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad.
The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results.
Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000051253-24-000006.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
OVERVIEW
Company Background
On February 1, 2021, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries merged with and into the N&B Business (the “Merger”), pursuant to a Merger Agreement with DuPont. The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021. The N&B Business is an innovation-driven and customer-focused business that provides solutions for the global food and beverage, dietary supplements, home and personal care, energy, animal nutrition and pharma markets. The transaction was made in order to strengthen IFF’s customer base and market presence, with an enhanced position in the food & beverage, home & personal care and health & wellness markets. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the N&B Transaction.
As a result of the N&B Transaction, and following our prior 2018 acquisition of Frutarom Industries Ltd., we have expanded our global leadership positions, which now include high-value ingredients and solutions in the Food & Beverage, Home & Personal Care and Health & Wellness markets, and across key Taste, Texture, Scent, Nutrition, Enzymes, Cultures, Soy Proteins, Pharmaceutical Excipients and Probiotics categories.
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We are organized into four segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions. Our consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 reflects the results of N&B for the full twelve months of 2023 and 2022, whereas the year ended December 31, 2021 only reflects the results of N&B for eleven months of 2021.
Our Nourish segment consists of an innovative and broad portfolio of natural-based ingredients to enhance nutritional value, texture and functionality in a wide range of beverage, dairy, bakery, confectionery and culinary applications and consists of Ingredients, Flavors and Food Designs.
Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of the development and production of an advanced biotechnology-derived portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications. Among many other applications, this biotechnology-driven portfolio includes cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages, probiotic strains, many with documented clinical health claims for use as dietary supplements and through industrial fermentation the production of enzymes and microorganisms that provide product and process performance benefits to household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing. Health & Biosciences is comprised of Health, Cultures & Food Enzymes, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition and Grain Processing.
Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds, fragrance ingredients and cosmetic ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Consumer insights science and creativity are at the heart of our Scent business, and, along with our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, and customer intimacy, we believe make us a market leader in scent products. The Scent segment is comprised of Fragrance Compounds, Fragrance Ingredients and Cosmetic Ingredients.
Our Pharma Solutions segment produces, among other things, a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharmaceutical excipients, used to improve the functionality and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including controlled or modified drug release formulations, and enabling the development of more effective pharmaceutical finished dosage formulations. Our excipients are used in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Our Pharma Solutions products also serve a variety of other specialty and industrial end-uses including coatings, inks, electronics, agriculture and consumer products.
Financial Measures — Currency Neutral
Our financial results include the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. We provide currency neutral calculations in this report to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations. We calculate currency neutral numbers by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates used for the corresponding prior year period. We use currency neutral results in our analysis of subsidiary and/or segment performance. We also use currency neutral numbers when analyzing our performance against our competitors.
Impairment of Goodwill
During 2023, we determined that the carrying value of the Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During 2022, we determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.
See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. For more detailed information about risks related to impairment of goodwill, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” – “Any impairment of our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill, may adversely impact our profitability.”
Impact related to the Israel-Hamas War
We maintain operations in Israel and, additionally, export products to customers in Israel from operations outside the region. We will continue to evaluate the current events and any potential impacts related to this matter, but we do not expect there to be a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2023, total sales to Israeli customers were approximately 1% of total sales.
Impact related to the Russia-Ukraine War
We maintain operations in both Russia and Ukraine and, additionally, export products to customers in Russia and Ukraine from operations outside the region. In response to the events in Ukraine, we have limited the production and supply of ingredients in and to Russia to only those that meet the essential needs of people, including food, hygiene and medicine.
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In 2023, total sales to Russian customers were approximately 1% of total sales. In 2022, total sales to Russian customers were approximately 2% of total sales.
In 2023 and 2022, total sales to Ukrainian customers were both less than 1% of total sales.
We have a reserve of approximately $3 million related to expected credit losses on receivables from customers located in Russia and Ukraine. During the second quarter of 2022, we also recorded a charge of $120 million related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets in Russia. See Note 1, Note 5 and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For more detailed information about risks related to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - International conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical events, natural disasters, public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), trade wars, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political or economic crises (such as uncertainty related to protracted U.S. federal government funding negotiations), accidents and other events could adversely affect our business and financial results, including by disrupting development, manufacturing, distribution or sale of our products.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As a result of disruptions or uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, increased costs, delays or limited availability related to raw materials, strain on shipping and transportation resources, and higher energy prices, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our margins and operating results. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to our business, consolidated results of operations, segment results, liquidity and capital resources.
For more detailed information about risks related to COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - International conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical events, natural disasters, public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), trade wars, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political or economic crises (such as uncertainty related to protracted U.S. federal government funding negotiations), accidents and other events could adversely affect our business and financial results, including by disrupting development, manufacturing, distribution or sale of our products.
2023 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.
Sales
Sales in 2023 decreased $961 million, or 8% on a reported basis, to $11.479 billion compared to $12.440 billion in the 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, sales in 2023 decreased 6% compared to the 2022 period. Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact on net sales in 2023 of 2%. The effect of exchange rates can vary by business and region, depending upon the mix of sales priced in U.S. dollars as compared to other currencies. In addition, the decrease in sales was primarily driven by volume decreases across various businesses and the net impact of the divestitures of the Microbial Control business unit, the portion of the Savory Solutions business, and Flavor Specialty Ingredients (“FSI”) business and the acquisition of Health Wright Products, Inc. (collectively, the “net impact of the change in business portfolio mix”), which was approximately $572 million, offset in part by price increases across all businesses.
Our 25 largest customers accounted for approximately 32% of total sales in 2023. In 2023, no customer accounted for more than 10% of sales. A key factor for commercial success is our inclusion on strategic customers’ core supplier lists, which provides opportunities to expand and win new business. We are on the core supplier lists of a large majority of our global and strategic customers.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2023 decreased $470 million, or 11% on a reported basis, to $3.681 billion (32.1% of sales) compared to $4.151 billion (33.4% of sales) in the 2022 period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by volume decreases, the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix and unfavorable manufacturing absorption primarily related to our inventory reduction program, offset in part by favorable net pricing and productivity gains.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,479 | $ | 12,440 | $ | 11,656 | (8) | % | 7 | % | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 7,798 | 8,289 | 7,921 | (6) | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,681 | 4,151 | 3,735 | (11) | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 636 | 603 | 629 | 5 | % | (4) | % | ||||||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 1,787 | 1,768 | 1,749 | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 68 | 12 | 41 | NMF | (71) | % | |||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 680 | 727 | 732 | (6) | % | (1) | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 2,623 | 2,250 | — | 17 | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | — | 120 | — | (100) | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Gains on sale of assets | (3) | (3) | (1) | — | % | 200 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating (loss) profit | (2,110) | (1,326) | 585 | 59 | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | 380 | 336 | 289 | 13 | % | 16 | % | ||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 28 | (37) | (58) | (176) | % | (36) | % | ||||||||||
| (Loss) income before taxes | (2,518) | (1,625) | 354 | 55 | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 45 | 239 | 75 | (81) | % | 219 | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | (2,563) | (1,864) | 279 | 38 | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 4 | 7 | 9 | (43) | % | (22) | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to IFF shareholders | $ | (2,567) | $ | (1,871) | $ | 270 | 37 | % | NMF | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income per share — diluted | $ | (10.05) | $ | (7.32) | $ | 1.10 | 37 | % | NMF | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 32.1 | % | 33.4 | % | 32.0 | % | (130) | bps | 140 | bps | |||||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 5.5 | % | 4.8 | % | 5.4 | % | 70 | bps | (60) | bps | |||||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 15.6 | % | 14.2 | % | 15.0 | % | 140 | bps | (80) | bps | |||||||
| Operating margin | (18.4) | % | (10.7) | % | 5.0 | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Effective tax rate | (1.8) | % | (14.7) | % | 21.2 | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Nourish | $ | 6,060 | $ | 6,829 | $ | 6,264 | (11) | % | 9 | % | |||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,081 | 2,339 | 2,329 | (11) | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Scent | 2,393 | 2,301 | 2,254 | 4 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Pharma Solutions | 945 | 971 | 809 | (3) | % | 20 | % | ||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 11,479 | $ | 12,440 | $ | 11,656 | (8) | % | 7 | % |
_______________________
NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D expenses include expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
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2023 IN COMPARISON TO 2022
Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2023 vs. 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(1) | ||||
| Nourish | -11 | % | -9 | % | |
| Health & Biosciences | -11 | % | -10 | % | |
| Scent | 4 | % | 6 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | -3 | % | -3 | % | |
| Total | -8 | % | -6 | % |
_______________________
(1)Currency neutral sales is calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
Nourish
Nourish sales in 2023 decreased $769 million, or 11% on a reported basis, to $6.060 billion compared to $6.829 billion in the 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Nourish sales decreased 9% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, performance in the Nourish operating segment was driven by volume decreases across various business units and the divestiture of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, with an impact of approximately $310 million, offset in part by price increases across all business units.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2023 decreased $258 million, or 11% on a reported basis, to $2.081 billion compared to $2.339 billion in the 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences sales decreased 10% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, performance in the Health & Biosciences operating segment was driven by the net impact of the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit and acquisition of Health Wright Products, Inc., which was approximately $228 million, and volume decreases across various business units, offset in part by price increases across all business units.
Scent
Scent sales in 2023 increased $92 million, or 4% on a reported basis, to $2.393 billion compared to $2.301 billion in the 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Scent sales increased 6% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, performance in the Scent operating segment was driven by price increases, primarily in Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients, and volume increases, offset in part by the divestiture of the FSI business, with an impact of approximately $34 million.
Pharma Solutions
Pharma Solutions sales in 2023 decreased $26 million, or 3% on a reported basis, to $945 million compared to $971 million in the 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions sales also decreased 3% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as the impact of exchange rate variations was flat. In addition, performance in the Pharma Solutions operating segment was driven by volume decreases, offset in part by price increases.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold decreased $491 million to $7.798 billion (67.9% of sales) in 2023 compared to $8.289 billion (66.6% of sales) in 2022. The decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily driven by volume decreases in sales and the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix, which was approximately $405 million, offset in part by unfavorable manufacturing absorption primarily related to our inventory reduction program and a write-down of inventory related to Locust Bean Kernel (“LBK”) in Nourish, which was approximately $72 million.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
R&D expenses increased $33 million to $636 million (5.5% of sales) in 2023 compared to $603 million (4.8% of sales) in 2022. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by higher operating expenses for R&D related activities, offset in part by the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix.
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Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $19 million to $1.787 billion (15.6% of sales) in 2023 compared to $1.768 billion (14.2% of sales) in 2022. The increase in S&A expenses was primarily driven by higher operating expenses for S&A related activities and legal fees incurred for the ongoing investigations of the fragrance businesses, offset in part by lower professional fees, including consulting costs, and the net impact of the change in business portfolio mix.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges increased to $68 million in 2023 compared to $12 million in 2022. The increase was driven by higher severance costs incurred as part of the 2023 Restructuring Program, net of reversals of prior severance cost accruals. See Note 2 for additional information.
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses decreased to $680 million in 2023 compared to $727 million in 2022. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily driven by the reduction in intangible assets as a result of the divestitures of the Microbial Control business unit in 2022, the portion of the Savory Solutions business and FSI business in 2023, an impairment of intangible assets of an asset group that operates primarily in Russia during 2022 and intangible assets of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, FSI business and Cosmetic Ingredients business being classified as “held for sale,” and therefore no longer recognizing amortization expense on those intangible assets. The portion of the Savory Solutions business and FSI business were classified as held for sale up until May 31, 2023 and August 1, 2023, respectively, when we completed the divestiture of the businesses (see Note 4, Note 6 and Note 21 for additional information). The decrease in amortization expense was offset in part by the impact of acquisitions of intangible assets from Health Wright Products, Inc.
Impairment of Goodwill
The impairment of goodwill was $2.623 billion in 2023 compared to $2.250 billion in 2022, which was related to the Nourish and Health & Biosciences reporting units, respectively. See Note 1 and Note 6 for additional information.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
There was no impairment of long-lived assets in 2023. Impairment of long-lived assets was $120 million in 2022. The impairment charge was due to the uncertainties related to our operations in Russia and Ukraine and was allocated on a pro rata basis to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. See Note 1, Note 5 and Note 6 for additional information.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $44 million to $380 million in 2023 compared to $336 million in 2022. The increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates on our cash pooling arrangements, commercial paper borrowings, outstanding Term Loan Facilities (see Note 9 for additional information) and factoring programs (see Note 1 for additional information).
Other Expense (Income), Net
Other expense (income), net, decreased $65 million to an expense of $28 million in 2023 compared to income of $37 million in 2022. The change was primarily due to higher foreign exchange losses and losses incurred from business divestitures, such as the liquidation of a business in Russia for the sale of the portion of the Savory Solutions business and divestitures of the portion of the Savory Solutions business and FSI business (see Note 4 for additional information), compared to gains incurred from the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit in 2022, offset in part by the gain resulting from the completion of the China facility relocation (see Note 19 for additional information) and higher pension-related benefits.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2023 was (1.8)% compared to (14.7)% in 2022. The year-over-year change was primarily driven by book to tax differences related to impairment of goodwill, lower tax charges on business divestitures and the recognition of a deferred tax benefit related to an internal restructuring.
Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results by Business Unit
We use Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA for internal reporting and performance measurement purposes. Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA is defined as (Loss) Income Before Taxes before depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, restructuring and other charges and certain items that are not related to recurring operations. Our determination of reportable segments was made on the basis of our strategic priorities within each segment and corresponds to the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates operating performance to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. In addition to our strategic priorities, segment reporting is also based on differences in the products and services we provide.
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| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Nourish | $ | 732 | $ | 1,176 | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 588 | 634 | ||||
| Scent | 461 | 423 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 199 | 222 | ||||
| Total | 1,980 | 2,455 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (1,142) | (1,179) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (380) | (336) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income, net | (28) | 37 | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (68) | (12) | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | (2,623) | (2,250) | ||||
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | — | (120) | ||||
| Acquisition, Divestiture and Integration Related Costs | (174) | (201) | ||||
| Strategic Initiatives Costs | (31) | (8) | ||||
| Regulatory Costs | (50) | — | ||||
| Other | (2) | (11) | ||||
| Loss Before Taxes | $ | (2,518) | $ | (1,625) | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Nourish | 12.1 | % | 17.2 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 28.3 | % | 27.1 | % | ||
| Scent | 19.3 | % | 18.4 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 21.1 | % | 22.9 | % | ||
| Consolidated | 17.2 | % | 19.7 | % |
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $444 million, or 38% on a reported basis, to $732 million (12.1% of segment sales) in 2023 from $1.176 billion (17.2% of segment sales) in the comparable 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased 30% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, the performance was primarily driven by volume decreases, unfavorable manufacturing absorption primarily related to our inventory reduction program, a write-down of inventory related to LBK and the impact of the divestiture of the portion of the Savory Solutions business, offset in part by favorable net pricing and productivity gains.
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $46 million, or 7% on a reported basis, to $588 million (28.3% of segment sales) in 2023 from $634 million (27.1% of segment sales) in the comparable 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased 4% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, the performance was primarily driven by volume decreases, the net impact of the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit and acquisition of Health Wright Products, Inc. and unfavorable manufacturing absorption primarily related to our inventory reduction program, offset in part by favorable net pricing and productivity gains.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $38 million, or 9% on a reported basis, to $461 million (19.3% of segment sales) in 2023 from $423 million (18.4% of segment sales) in the comparable 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 19% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact. In addition, the performance was primarily driven by favorable net pricing, productivity gains and volume increases, offset in part by the impact of the divestiture of the FSI business.
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Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $23 million, or 10% on a reported basis, to $199 million (21.1% of segment sales) in 2023 from $222 million (22.9% of segment sales) in the comparable 2022 period. On a currency neutral basis, Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA also decreased 10% in 2023 compared to the 2022 period as the impact of exchange rate variations was flat. In addition, the performance was primarily driven by volume decreases and unfavorable manufacturing absorption primarily related to our inventory reduction program, offset in part by favorable net pricing and productivity gains.
2022 IN COMPARISON TO 2021
For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $729 million, inclusive of $26 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2023 compared to $535 million, inclusive of $52 million in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2022 and of this balance, a portion was held outside the United States. Cash balances held in foreign jurisdictions are, in most circumstances, available to be repatriated to the United States.
Effective utilization of the cash generated by our international operations is a critical component of our strategy. We regularly repatriate cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to fund financial obligations in the U.S. As we repatriate these funds to the U.S. we will be required to pay income taxes in certain U.S. states and applicable foreign withholding taxes during the period when such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2023, we had a deferred tax liability of approximately $155 million for the effect of repatriating the funds to the U.S., attributable to various non-U.S. subsidiaries. There is no deferred tax liability associated with non-U.S. subsidiaries where we intend to indefinitely reinvest the earnings to fund local operations and/or capital projects.
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2023 were $1.439 billion, or 12.5% of sales, compared to $397 million, or 3.2% of sales, in 2022 and $1.437 billion, or 12.3% of sales, in 2021. The increase in cash flows from operating activities from 2022 to 2023 was primarily driven by the decrease in working capital, largely related to inventories and accounts receivable, offset in part by lower cash earnings, excluding the impact of non-cash adjustments. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by the increase in working capital, largely related to inventories and accounts payable.
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2023 were $574 million compared to $745 million in 2022 and cash flows used in investing activities of $18 million in 2021. The decrease in cash flows from investing activities from 2022 to 2023 was primarily driven by the net impact of the change in net proceeds received from business divestitures and unwinding of derivative instruments, offset by the change in cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received and higher proceeds from disposal of assets. The increase in cash flows from investing activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by the change in net proceeds received from business divestiture and unwinding of derivative instruments, offset in part by the change in cash provided by the Merger with N&B, higher spending on property, plant and equipment and cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received in 2022.
We have evaluated and re-prioritized our capital projects and expect that capital spending in 2024 will be approximately 4.9% of sales (net of potential grants and other reimbursements from government authorities).
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2023 were $1.851 billion compared to $1.229 billion and $1.304 billion in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in cash flows used in financing activities from 2022 to 2023 was primarily driven by higher repayments of long-term and short-term debts, compared to lower net repayments of long-term and short-term debts in 2022, and higher net repayments of commercial paper. The decrease in cash flows used in financing activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by lower repayments of long-term debt and an increase in revolving credit facility and short-term borrowings, offset in part by net repayments of commercial paper, compared to proceeds from issuance of commercial paper in 2021, higher cash dividend payments and higher purchases of redeemable non-controlling interests.
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We paid dividends totaling $826 million, $810 million and $667 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The cash dividend declared per share in 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $3.24, $3.20 and $3.12, respectively.
Our capital allocation strategy is primarily focused on debt repayment to maintain our investment grade rating. We will also prioritize capital investment in our businesses to support the strategic long-term plans. We are also committed to maintaining our history of paying a dividend to investors determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors.
Capital Resources
Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds for capital investment needs, dividends paid to shareholders and debt service repayments. We anticipate that cash flows from operations, cash proceeds generated from planned business divestitures and availability under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our investing and financing needs, including our debt service requirements. We regularly assess our capital structure, including both current and long-term debt instruments, as compared to our cash generation and investment needs in order to provide ample flexibility and to optimize our leverage ratios. See Note 9 for additional information.
Transaction with Nutrition & Biosciences, Inc.
On February 1, 2021, the N&B Term Loan Facility was funded, which provided for a senior unsecured term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.250 billion, comprised of a $625 million three-year tranche (“2024 Term Loan Facility”) and a $625 million five-year tranche (“2026 Term Loan Facility”). Following the Merger, we assumed the indebtedness incurred by N&B in the debt financings, which included (i) the 2024 Term Loan Facility and 2026 Term Loan Facility and (ii) a series of Senior Notes in the aggregate amount of $6.250 billion with maturities ranging from 2 to 30 years. N&B’s indebtedness raised prior to the Merger was used to finance the Special Cash Payment (as defined below) to DuPont, which has been paid, and for the satisfaction of the related transaction fees and expenses. See Note 3 and Note 9 for additional information.
In connection with the N&B Transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF merged with and into N&B in exchange for 141,740,461 shares of IFF common stock, par value $0.125 per share (“IFF Common Stock”), which had been approved in the special shareholder meeting that occurred on August 27, 2020 where IFF shareholders voted to approve the issuance of shares of IFF common stock in connection with the N&B Transaction pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In connection with the N&B Transaction, DuPont received a one-time $7.359 billion special cash payment (the “Special Cash Payment”). The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021. See Note 3 for additional information.
Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility
Our credit agreements contain various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers, including the requirement for us to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of net debt for borrowed money to credit adjusted EBITDA in respect of the previous 12-month period. On March 23, 2023, we entered into Term Loan Amendment No. 3, Term Loan Amendment No. 4, Revolver Amendment No. 2 and Revolver Amendment No. 3. On September 19, 2023, we entered into Term Loan Amendment No. 5 and Revolver Amendment No. 4.
Term Loan Amendment No. 3 and Revolver Amendment No. 2, among other things, extended the period during which certain relief was provided with respect to the financial covenant contained in the Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Existing Revolving Credit Agreement, respectively, which have been superseded by Term Loan Amendment No. 5 and Revolver Amendment No. 4, respectively.
Additionally, the reference rate for U.S. dollar-denominated loans was updated from LIBOR to Term SOFR. From March 23, 2023, the Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility now bear interest at a base rate or a rate equal to Term SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10% per annum or, in the case of euro-denominated loans, the Euro interbank offered rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin based on our public debt rating. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs.
Term Loan Amendment No. 5 and Revolver Amendment No. 4, among other things, extend the period during which a Term Loan Covenant Relief Period and Revolver Covenant Relief Period are provided with respect to the financial covenant contained in the Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Existing Revolving Credit Agreement, respectively, through December 31, 2025, or such earlier date on which the Company elects to terminate such period, by providing that during the Term Loan Covenant Relief Period and Revolver Covenant Relief Period, our consolidated leverage ratio shall not exceed as of the end of the fiscal quarter for the period of the four fiscal quarters then ended: (i) 5.25x for any fiscal quarter ending on or before March 31, 2024, (ii) 4.75x for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, (iii) 4.50x for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, (iv) 4.25x for any subsequent fiscal quarter ending on or before March 31, 2025, (v) 4.00x for any subsequent fiscal quarter ending on or before September 30, 2025 and (vi) 3.75x for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025.
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During the Term Loan Covenant Relief Period and the Revolver Covenant Relief Period, the amendments prohibit us from (i) effecting share repurchases, (ii) declaring and paying dividends in cash on common stock in excess of $0.81 per share per fiscal quarter (for an aggregate amount of $3.24 per fiscal year) and (iii) creating liens to secure debt in excess of the greater of $300 million and 3.65% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement), in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth therein. See Note 9 for additional information on the amendments to the credit agreements.
As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $2.000 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The amount that we are able to draw down under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by financial covenants as described in more detail below. As of December 31, 2023, our borrowing capacity was approximately $1.548 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our credit agreements.
Debt Covenants
At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants under our credit agreements, including the net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio. At December 31, 2023 our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio was 4.51 to 1.0 as defined by the credit facility agreements, which is below the relevant level provided by our financial covenants of existing outstanding debt. The most comparable GAAP measure is the total debt to net loss ratio, which was (3.93) to 1.0 at December 31, 2023.
_______________________
(1)Credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt, which are non-GAAP measures used for these covenants, are calculated in accordance with the definition in the debt agreements. In this context, these measures are used solely to provide information on the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and may not be comparable to credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt used by other companies. Reconciliations of credit adjusted EBITDA to net loss and net debt to total debt are as follows:
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net loss | $ | (2,567) |
| Interest expense(1) | 380 | |
| Income taxes | 45 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,142 | |
| Specified items(2) | 2,944 | |
| Non-cash items(3) | 135 | |
| Credit Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,079 |
_______________________
(1)Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, certain adjustments were made to interest expense associated with our cash pooling arrangements.
(2)Specified items consisted of restructuring and other charges, impairment of goodwill, acquisition, divestiture and integration related costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
(3)Non-cash items consisted of gains on sale of assets, losses on business disposals, gain on China facility relocation, write-down of inventory related to LBK and stock-based compensation.
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt(1) | $ | 10,096 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents(2) | 729 | |
| Net debt | $ | 9,367 |
_______________________
(1)Total debt used for the calculation of net debt consisted of short-term debt, long-term debt, short-term finance lease obligations and long-term finance lease obligations.
(2)Cash and cash equivalents included approximately $26 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2023, we had $9.085 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding in senior unsecured notes, with $1.435 billion principal amount denominated in EUR and $7.650 billion principal amount denominated in USD, which includes the N&B Senior Notes assumed as a result of the Merger. The notes bear effective interest rates ranging from 1.22% per year to
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5.12% per year, with maturities from March 14, 2024 to December 1, 2050. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Tangible Equity Units - Senior Unsecured Amortizing Notes
On September 14, 2021, the Company notified holders of the tangible equity units (“TEUs”) that the final settlement rate in respect of each of the prepaid stock purchase contracts (“SPCs”) was 0.330911 shares of IFF’s common stock. On September 15, 2021, 5,460,031 shares of IFF’s common stock were issued in settlement of the SPCs. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Contingencies
See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Other Contingencies.
Other Commitments
Compliance with existing governmental requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our operations, earnings or competitive position. In 2023 and 2022, we spent approximately $23 million and $30 million on capital projects and $139 million and $135 million in operating expenses and governmental charges, respectively, for the purpose of complying with such regulations. Expenditures for these purposes will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are party to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or similar state statutes. It is expected that the impact of any judgments in or voluntary settlements of such proceedings will not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
The Company believes its balances of cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $729 million as of December 31, 2023, inclusive of approximately $26 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, along with cash generated by ongoing operations and continued access to debt markets, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements and capital return program over the next 12 months and beyond. The Company’s material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Borrowings and Interest on Borrowings
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding floating and fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $9.980 billion (collectively the “Notes”), with approximately $885 million payable within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the Notes total approximately $3.965 billion, with approximately $292 million payable within 12 months.
The Company also issues unsecured short-term promissory notes (“Commercial Paper”) pursuant to a commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no Commercial Paper outstanding.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various borrowing facilities.
Leases
The Company has lease arrangements for certain corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, and certain transportation and office equipment. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of approximately $926 million, with approximately $122 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various lease arrangements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had pension funding obligations of approximately $854 million, with approximately $138 million payable within 12 months. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our retirement plans.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had postretirement obligations of approximately $38 million, with approximately $4 million payable within 12 months.
Purchase Commitments
The Company has various purchase commitments that include agreements for raw material procurement and contractual capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had purchase commitment obligations of approximately $391 million, with approximately $229 million payable within 12 months.
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U.S. Tax Reform Toll-Charge
The Company has obligations related to a 2017 U.S. tax reform “toll-charge” that is payable in installments over 8 years beginning in 2018. As a result of the Merger with N&B, the remaining toll-charge obligations were accelerated and paid in full in the amount of approximately $39 million in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, there were no toll-charge obligations remaining.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best judgment of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
Business Combinations
From time to time we enter into strategic acquisitions in an effort to better service existing customers and to attain new customers. When we acquire a controlling financial interest in an entity or group of assets that are determined to meet the definition of a business, we apply the acquisition method described in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the acquisitions we have completed are reflected in our financial statements from the date of acquisition forward.
We allocate the purchase consideration paid to acquire the business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. If during the measurement period (a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date) we receive additional information that existed as of the acquisition date but at the time of the original allocation described above was unknown to us, we make the appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation in the reporting period in which the amounts are determined.
Significant judgment is required to estimate the intangibles and fair value of fixed assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. Accordingly, we typically engage third-party valuation specialists, who work under the direction of management, to assist in valuing significant tangible and intangible assets acquired.
The fair value estimates are based on available historical information, future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates, discount rates and profitability), royalty rates used in the relief of royalty method, customer attrition rates, product obsolescence factors, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires significant judgment. All of our acquired intangible assets (e.g., trademarks, product formulas, non-compete agreements and customer relationships) are expected to have finite useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets are based on a number of factors including competitive environment, market share, brand history, operating plans and the macroeconomic environment of the regions in which the brands are sold.
The costs of finite-lived intangible assets are amortized through expense over their estimated lives. The value of residual goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment as described in the following note. For acquired intangible assets, the remaining useful life of the trade names and trademarks, product formulas, and customer relationships was estimated at the point at which substantially all of the present value of cumulative cash flows have been earned.
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Goodwill
As of December 31, 2023, we have goodwill of approximately $10.635 billion. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of November 30 every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component) to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded.
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We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each operating segment regularly reviews the operating results of those components. Components within a segment that have similar economic characteristics have been aggregated as a single reporting unit. We determined that we have six reporting units under the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions segments: (1) Nourish, (2) Fragrance Compounds, (3) Fragrance Ingredients, (4) Cosmetic Ingredients, (5) Health & Biosciences and (6) Pharma Solutions.
For the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2023, we first utilized Step 0 of the guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which allows for the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Based on a review of qualitative factors, we determined that for one of the reporting units, Cosmetic Ingredients, a quantitative (Step 1) impairment analysis was not necessary to determine if the carrying values of the reporting unit exceeded its fair values. For the other five reporting units, we determined that a Step 1 test was necessary.
We assessed the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value by using a discounted cash flow method at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value. We used the most current actual and forecasted operating data available. Key estimates and assumptions used in these valuations include revenue growth rates, gross margins, adjusted operating EBITDA margins, terminal growth rates and discount rates.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of four of the five reporting units exceeded their carrying values and determined that there was no further impairment of goodwill in these reporting units as of November 30, 2023. We determined that the carrying value of the Nourish reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $2.623 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2023. The primary drivers of the impairment charge was a decrease in fair value due to declines in projections of the reporting unit, impacts of continued inflation and increases in interest rates. Based on the quantitative impairment test performed, we determined that the Health & Biosciences, Fragrance Ingredients and Pharma Solutions reporting units had excess fair value over carrying value of less than 25%. The Health & Biosciences, Fragrance Ingredients and Pharma Solutions reporting units had excess fair value over carrying value of approximately 8%, 18% and 8%, respectively. While we believe that the assumptions used in the impairment test were reasonable, changes in key assumptions, including lower revenue growth, operating margin, terminal growth rates or increase in discount rates could result in a future impairment. Such charge could have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
During 2022, based on the quantitative impairment test using the income approach, we determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business conditions indicate that their full carrying value may not be recovered. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by an asset or group of assets is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If assets are determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on an estimate of fair value using various valuation techniques, including a discounted estimate of future cash flows.
Due to the uncertainties related to our operations in Russia and Ukraine, we recorded a charge of approximately $120 million related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets in Russia in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10-K, including: (i) currency neutral metrics and (ii) adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin. We also provide the non-GAAP measure net debt solely for the purpose of providing information on the extent to which the Company is in compliance with debt covenants contained in its debt agreements. Our non-GAAP financial measures are defined below.
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These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. In discussing our historical and expected future results and financial condition, we believe it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of and to be assisted in a better understanding of, on a period-to-period comparable basis, financial amounts both including and excluding these identified items, as well as the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s results under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ calculation of such metrics.
Adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin exclude depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other income (expense), net, restructuring and other charges and certain items unrelated to recurring operations such as impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, acquisition, divestiture and integration related costs, strategic initiatives costs, regulatory costs, N&B inventory step-up costs and other costs that are not related to recurring operations.
Net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA is the leverage ratio used in our credit agreement and defined as net debt divided by credit adjusted EBITDA. However, as credit adjusted EBITDA for these purposes was calculated in accordance with the provisions of the credit agreement, it may differ from the calculation used for adjusted operating EBITDA.
Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements in this Form 10-K, which are not historical facts or information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations and include statements concerning (i) expected cash flow and availability of capital resources to fund our operations and meet our debt service requirements; (ii) our ability to execute on our strategic and financial transformation, including the progress and success of our portfolio optimization strategy, through non-core business divestitures and acquisitions, and expectations regarding the implementation of our refreshed growth-focused strategy; (iii) our ability to continue to generate value for, and return cash to, our shareholders; (iv) expectations of the impact of inflationary pressures and the pricing actions to offset exposure to such impacts; (v) the impact of high input costs, including commodities, raw materials, transportation and energy; (vi) the expected impact of global supply chain challenges; (vii) our ability to enhance our innovation efforts, drive cost efficiencies and execute on specific consumer trends and demands; (viii) the growth potential of the markets in which we operate, including the emerging markets; (ix) expectations regarding sales and profit for the fiscal year 2024, including the impact of foreign exchange, pricing actions, raw materials, energy, and sourcing, logistics and manufacturing costs; (x) the impact of global economic uncertainty and recessionary pressures on demand for consumer products; (xi) the success of our integration efforts, following the N&B Transaction, and ability to deliver on our synergy commitments as well as future opportunities for the combined company; (xii) our strategic investments in capacity and increasing inventory to drive improved profitability; (xiii) our ability to drive cost discipline measures and the ability to recover margin to pre-inflation levels; (xiv) expected capital expenditures in 2024; and (xv) the expected costs and benefits of our ongoing optimization of our manufacturing operations, including the expected number of closings. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “outlook”, “may”, “estimate”, “should”, “predict” and similar terms or variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:
•our substantial amount of indebtedness and its impact on our liquidity, credit ratings and ability to return capital to its shareholders;
•our ability to successfully execute the next phase of our strategic transformation;
•our ability to declare and pay dividends which is subject to certain considerations;
•the impact of the outcomes of legal claims, disputes, regulatory investigations and litigation;
•inflationary trends, including in the price of our input costs, such as raw materials, transportation and energy;
•supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war and wider Middle East developments (including disruptions to the Red Sea passage) or climate-change related events (including severe weather events) that may affect our suppliers or procurement of raw materials;
•our ability to attract and retain key employees, and manage turnover of top executives;
•our ability to successfully market to our expanded and diverse customer base;
•our ability to effectively compete in our market and develop and introduce new products that meet customers’ needs;
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•changes in demand from large multi-national customers due to increased competition and our ability to maintain “core list” status with customers;
•our ability to successfully develop innovative and cost-effective products that allow customers to achieve their own profitability expectations;
•disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from international conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical events, trade wars, natural disasters (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), public health crises, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political or economic crises (such as the uncertainty related to U.S. government funding negotiations), accidents and similar events;
•the impact of a significant data breach or other disruption in our information technology systems, and our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad;
•our ability to benefit from our investments and expansion in emerging markets;
•the impact of currency fluctuations or devaluations in the principal foreign markets in which we operate;
•economic, regulatory and political risks associated with our international operations;
•the impact of global economic uncertainty (including increased inflation) on demand for consumer products;
•our ability to integrate the N&B Business and realize anticipated synergies, among other benefits;
•our ability to react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and demands, including increased awareness of health and wellness;
•our ability to meet increasing customer, consumer, shareholder and regulatory focus on sustainability;
•our ability to successfully manage our working capital and inventory balances;
•any impairment on our tangible or intangible long-lived assets;
•our ability to enter into or close strategic transactions or divestments, or successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnerships;
•changes in market conditions or governmental regulations relating to our pension and postretirement obligations;
•the impact of the phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) on our variable rate interest expense;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, regulatory requirements and industry standards, including regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environment impact;
•defects, quality issues (including product recalls), inadequate disclosure or misuse with respect to the products and capabilities;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws;
•the impact of our or our counterparties’ failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, similar U.S. or foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations, applicable sanctions laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or ethical business practices and related laws and regulations;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
•the impact of changes in federal, state, local and international tax legislation or policies and adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes;
•the impact of any tax liability resulting from the N&B Transaction; and
•our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad.
The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results.
Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000051253-23-000009.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
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Overview
Company Background
On February 1, 2021, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries merged with and into the N&B Business (the “Merger”), pursuant to a Merger Agreement with DuPont. The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021. The N&B Business is an innovation-driven and customer-focused business that provides solutions for the global food and beverage, dietary supplements, home and personal care, energy, animal nutrition and pharma markets. The transaction was made in order to strengthen IFF's customer base and market presence, with an enhanced position in the food & beverage, home & personal care and health & wellness markets. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the N&B Transaction.
As a result of the N&B Transaction, and following our 2018 acquisition of Frutarom Industries Ltd., we have expanded our global leadership positions, which now include high-value ingredients and solutions in the Food & Beverage, Home & Personal Care and Health & Wellness markets, and across key Taste, Texture, Scent, Nutrition, Enzymes, Cultures, Soy Proteins, Pharmaceutical Excipients and Probiotics categories.
We are organized into four segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions. The Company’s consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflects the results of N&B for the full twelve months of 2022, whereas the Company’s consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the results of N&B for eleven months of 2021, and 2020 does not include any amounts related to N&B.
Our Nourish segment consists of an innovative and broad portfolio of natural-based ingredients to enhance nutritional value, texture and functionality in a wide range of beverage, dairy, bakery, confectionery and culinary applications and consists of three business units: Ingredients, Flavors and Food Designs.
Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of the development and production of an advanced biotechnology-derived portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications. Among many other applications, this biotechnology-driven portfolio includes cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages, probiotic strains, many with documented clinical health claims for use as dietary supplements and through industrial fermentation the production of enzymes and microorganisms that provide product and process performance benefits to household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing. Health & Biosciences is comprised of five business units: Health, Cultures & Food Enzymes, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition and Grain Processing. On July 1, 2022, we completed the divestiture of our Microbial Control business unit (formerly a part of the Health & Biosciences segment).
Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds, fragrance ingredients and cosmetic ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Consumer insights science and creativity are at the heart of our Scent business, and, along with our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, and customer intimacy, we believe make us a market leader in scent products. The Scent segment is comprised of three business units: Fragrance Compounds, Fragrance Ingredients and Cosmetic Actives.
Our Pharma Solutions segment produces, among other things, a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharmaceutical excipients, used to improve the functionality and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including controlled or modified drug release formulations, and enabling the development of more effective pharmaceutical finished dosage formulations. Our excipients are used in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Our Pharma Solutions products also serve a variety of other specialty and industrial end-uses including coatings, inks, electronics, agriculture, and consumer products.
Financial Measures — Currency Neutral
Our financial results include the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. We provide currency neutral calculations in this report to remove the impact of these items. We calculate currency neutral numbers by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates used for the corresponding prior year period. We use currency neutral results in our analysis of subsidiary and/or segment performance. We also use currency neutral numbers when analyzing our performance against our competitors.
Due to the Merger with N&B, for the fiscal year 2022 we will not be presenting currency neutral impacts for the Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions operating segments as the performance in these operating segments includes effects of N&B for the full twelve months of 2022 while the 2021 period does not, and thus the periods’ results are not equally comparable. We present the currency neutral impacts for the Scent operating segment as this operating segment does not have any effects of N&B.
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Impairment of Goodwill
For the third quarter of 2022, we determined that goodwill impairment triggering events occurred for our Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions reporting units, which required us to complete an interim impairment assessment.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the Nourish and Pharma Solutions reporting units exceeded their carrying values, and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill relating to these reporting units. We determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the year ended December 31, 2022. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Impact of the Events in Russia and Ukraine
We maintain operations in both Russia and Ukraine and, additionally, export products to customers in Russia and Ukraine from operations outside the region. In response to the events in Ukraine, we have limited the production and supply of ingredients in and to Russia to only those that meet the essential needs of people, including food, hygiene and medicine.
In 2021, total sales to Russian customers were approximately 2% of total sales. For the year ended December 31, 2022, sales to Russian customers were also approximately 2% of total sales.
In 2021, total sales to Ukrainian customers were less than 1% of total sales. For the year ended December 31, 2022, sales to Ukrainian customers were also less than 1% of total sales.
See Note 1, Note 5 and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Various policies and initiatives have been implemented around the world to reduce the global transmission of COVID-19. Although there continue to be minor operational disruptions, all of IFF’s manufacturing facilities remain open and continue to manufacture products.
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a serious threat to the health of the world’s population and certain countries and regions continue to suffer from outbreaks or have seen a recurrence of infections, especially with the emergence of new variants of the virus. Accordingly, the Company continues to take the threat from COVID-19 seriously. The impact that COVID-19 will have on our consolidated results of operations for the remainder of 2023 remains uncertain. Due to the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is continued volatility as a result of retail and travel, consumer shopping and consumption behavior. Moreover, as a result of disruptions or uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are experiencing, and may continue to experience, increased costs, delays or limited availability related to raw materials, strain on shipping and transportation resources, and higher energy prices, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our margins and operating results. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to our business, consolidated results of operations, segment results, liquidity and capital resources.
Although IFF has not experienced and does not currently anticipate any impairment charges related to COVID-19, the continuing effects of a prolonged pandemic could result in increased risk of asset write-downs and impairments. Any of these events could potentially result in a material adverse impact on IFF’s business and results of operations.
For more detailed information about risks related to COVID-19, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - Global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have had an impact on our supply chain and could have a material impact on global operations, our customers and our suppliers, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
2023 Restructuring Program
In December 2022, we announced a restructuring program mainly related to headcount reduction to improve our organizational and operating structure, drive efficiencies and achieve cost savings (the “Program”). Once the Program is finalized we expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $70 million and expect to achieve run-rate savings of approximately $100 million, with approximately $75 million targeted to be realized in 2023. We expect to complete the program by the end of 2023. The final amount and timing of this charge will be determined once the plan is finalized.
2022 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.
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Sales
Sales in 2022 increased $784 million, or 7% on a reported basis, to $12.440 billion compared to $11.656 billion in the 2021 period. Sales included approximately $568 million of incremental sales attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, the increase in sales was primarily driven by price increases across various businesses, offset in part by the net impact of the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit and acquisition of Health Wright Products, Inc. (“change in business portfolio mix”) and volume decreases across various businesses.
Our 25 largest customers accounted for approximately 28% of total sales in 2022. In 2022, no customer accounted for more than 10% of sales. A key factor for commercial success is our inclusion on strategic customers’ core supplier lists, which provides opportunities to expand and win new business. We are on the core supplier lists of a large majority of our global and strategic customers.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2022 increased $416 million, or 11% on a reported basis, to $4.151 billion (33.4% of sales) compared to $3.735 billion (32.0% of sales) in the 2021 period. Approximately $179 million of gross profit was attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by favorable net pricing across various businesses and the impact of N&B inventory step-up costs from the prior year period, offset in part by the change in business portfolio mix and volume decreases.
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Results of Operations
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 12,440 | $ | 11,656 | $ | 5,084 | 7 | % | 129 | % | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 8,289 | 7,921 | 2,998 | 5 | % | 164 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 4,151 | 3,735 | 2,086 | 11 | % | 79 | % | ||||||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 603 | 629 | 357 | (4) | % | 76 | % | ||||||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 1,768 | 1,749 | 949 | 1 | % | 84 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 12 | 41 | 17 | (71) | % | 141 | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 727 | 732 | 193 | (1) | % | 279 | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 2,250 | — | — | NMF | NMF | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | 120 | — | — | NMF | NMF | ||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sale of fixed assets | (3) | (1) | 4 | 200 | % | (125) | % | ||||||||||
| Operating (loss) profit | (1,326) | 585 | 566 | NMF | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | 336 | 289 | 132 | 16 | % | 119 | % | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | (37) | (58) | (7) | (36) | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| (Loss) income before taxes | (1,625) | 354 | 441 | NMF | (20) | % | |||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 239 | 75 | 74 | 219 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | (1,864) | 279 | 367 | NMF | (24) | % | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 7 | 9 | 4 | (22) | % | 125 | % | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to IFF shareholders | $ | (1,871) | $ | 270 | $ | 363 | NMF | (26) | % | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income per share — diluted | $ | (7.32) | $ | 1.10 | $ | 3.21 | NMF | (66) | % | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 33.4 | % | 32.0 | % | 41.0 | % | 140 | bps | NMF | ||||||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 4.8 | % | 5.4 | % | 7.0 | % | (60) | bps | (160) | bps | |||||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 14.2 | % | 15.0 | % | 18.7 | % | (80) | bps | NMF | ||||||||
| Operating margin | (10.7) | % | 5.0 | % | 11.1 | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Effective tax rate | (14.7) | % | 21.2 | % | 16.8 | % | NMF | NMF | |||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Nourish | $ | 6,829 | $ | 6,264 | $ | 2,886 | 9 | % | 117 | % | |||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,339 | 2,329 | 134 | — | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Scent | 2,301 | 2,254 | 2,064 | 2 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Pharma Solutions | 971 | 809 | — | 20 | % | NMF | |||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 12,440 | $ | 11,656 | $ | 5,084 | 7 | % | 129 | % |
_______________________
NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D includes expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
2022 IN COMPARISON TO 2021
Sales
Sales for 2022 increased $784 million, or 7% on a reported basis, to $12.440 billion compared to $11.656 billion in the 2021 period. Sales included approximately $568 million of incremental sales attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, the increase in sales was primarily driven by price increases across various businesses, offset in part by the change in business portfolio mix and volume decreases across various businesses.
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Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(1) | ||||
| Nourish | 9 | % | NMF | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 0 | % | NMF | ||
| Scent | 2 | % | 8 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | 20 | % | NMF | ||
| Total | 7 | % | NMF |
_______________________
(1)Currency neutral sales growth is calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
NMF: Not meaningful
Nourish
Nourish sales in 2022 increased $565 million, or 9% on a reported basis, to $6.829 billion compared to $6.264 billion in the 2021 period. Nourish sales included approximately $293 million of incremental sales attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, performance in the Nourish operating segment was primarily driven by price increases, particularly in the Ingredients and Food Design business units, offset in part by volume decreases across various business units.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2022 increased $10 million, or 0.4% on a reported basis, to $2.339 billion compared to $2.329 billion in the 2021 period. Health & Biosciences sales included approximately $202 million of incremental sales attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. The decrease in Health & Biosciences sales, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, was primarily driven by the change in business portfolio mix, offset in part by price increases across various business units.
Scent
Scent sales in 2022 increased $47 million, or 2% on a reported basis, to $2.301 billion compared to $2.254 billion in the 2021 period. Scent sales in 2022 also increased 8% on a currency neutral basis. Performance in the Scent operating segment was driven by price and volume increases in Fragrance Compounds and price increases in Fragrance Ingredients business units, offset in part by unfavorable impacts from exchange rate variations.
Pharma Solutions
Pharma Solutions sales in 2022 increased $162 million, or 20% on a reported basis, to $971 million compared to $809 million. Pharma Solutions sales included approximately $73 million of incremental sales attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, performance in the Pharma Solutions operating segment was primarily driven by price and volume increases.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold increased $368 million to $8.289 billion (66.6% of sales) in 2022 compared to $7.921 billion (68.0% of sales) in 2021. Cost of goods sold included approximately $389 million of incremental costs attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period and the N&B inventory step-up costs from the prior year period, the increase in cost of goods sold was primarily driven by higher material costs, due to higher commodity prices, offset in part by the change in business portfolio mix and volume decreases in sales.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
R&D expenses decreased $26 million to $603 million (4.8% of sales) in 2022 compared to $629 million (5.4% of sales) in 2021. R&D expenses included approximately $20 million of incremental expenses attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, which consisted primarily of employee related expenses, including salaries, wages and bonuses and operating expenses for R&D related activities. In addition, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, R&D expenses decreased primarily due to lower employee related expenses, including salaries, wages and bonuses, and professional fees, including consulting costs, offset in part by higher operating expenses for R&D related activities.
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Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $19 million to $1.768 billion (14.2% of sales) in 2022 compared to $1.749 billion (15.0% of sales) in 2021. S&A expenses included approximately $51 million of incremental expenses attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, which consisted primarily of employee related expenses, including salaries, wages and bonuses, professional fees, including consulting costs, and operating expenses for S&A related activities. In addition, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, S&A expenses decreased primarily due to lower employee related expenses, including salaries, wages and bonuses, and professional fees, including consulting costs, offset in part by higher operating expenses for S&A related activities.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges decreased to $12 million in 2022 compared to $41 million in 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by lower severance costs incurred in 2022 (see Note 2 for additional information).
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses decreased to $727 million in 2022 compared to $732 million in 2021. Amortization expense included approximately $47 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period related to the intangible assets acquired through the Merger with N&B. Excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, the decrease in amortization expense was primarily driven by the reduction in intangible assets as a result of the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit and impairment of intangible assets of an asset group that operates primarily in Russia, offset in part by the impact of acquisitions of intangible assets from Health Wright Products, Inc. (see Note 3, Note 4 and Note 6 for additional information).
Impairment of Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill was $2.250 billion in 2022, which was related to the Health & Biosciences reporting unit. See Note 1 and Note 6 for additional information.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets was $120 million in 2022. The impairment charge was due to the uncertainties related to our operations in Russia and Ukraine and was allocated on a pro rata basis to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (see Note 1, Note 5 and Note 6 for additional information).
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $47 million to $336 million in 2022 compared to $289 million in 2021. Interest expense included approximately $13 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, which included the impact of the additional debt assumed in the Merger with N&B. In addition, the increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates, which led to an increase in the cost for participating in our factoring programs (see Note 1 for additional information), higher effective interest rates on the outstanding Term Loan Facilities and an increase in draw downs of the Revolving Credit Facility and commercial paper (see Note 9 for additional information).
Other Income, Net
Other income, net, decreased $21 million to $37 million in 2022 versus $58 million in 2021. Other income, net includes approximately $6 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. Excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, the decrease in other income, net was primarily due to foreign exchange losses in 2022 compared to foreign exchange gains in the 2021 period and lower pension income in 2022 compared to the 2021 period, due to the adjustment during the 2021 period to correct net income amounts related to certain defined benefit plans in prior years, offset in part by higher interest income.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2022 was (14.7)% compared to 21.2% in 2021. The year-over-year change was primarily due to the recording of non-tax-deductible impairment charges related to goodwill in the Health & Biosciences operating segment and the tax effects of the divestiture of the Microbial Control business unit.
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Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results by Business Unit
We use Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA for internal reporting and performance measurement purposes. Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA is defined as (Loss) Income Before Taxes before depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, restructuring and other charges and certain non-recurring items. Our determination of reportable segments was made on the basis of our strategic priorities within each segment and corresponds to the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates operating performance to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. In addition to our strategic priorities, segment reporting is also based on differences in the products and services we provide.
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Nourish | $ | 1,176 | $ | 1,172 | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 634 | 625 | ||||
| Scent | 423 | 463 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 222 | 165 | ||||
| Total | 2,455 | 2,425 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (1,179) | (1,156) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (336) | (289) | ||||
| Other Income, net | 37 | 58 | ||||
| Acquisition Related Costs | 4 | — | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (12) | (41) | ||||
| Gains on Sale of Fixed Assets | 3 | 1 | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | (2,250) | — | ||||
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | (120) | — | ||||
| Shareholder Activism Related Costs | (3) | (7) | ||||
| Business Divestiture Costs | (110) | (42) | ||||
| Employee Separation Costs | (11) | (29) | ||||
| Strategic Initiative Costs | (3) | — | ||||
| Global Shared Services Implementation Costs | (5) | — | ||||
| Frutarom Acquisition Related Costs | (1) | (2) | ||||
| N&B Inventory Step-Up Costs | — | (368) | ||||
| N&B Transaction Related Costs | — | (91) | ||||
| Integration Related Costs | (94) | (105) | ||||
| (Loss) Income Before Taxes | $ | (1,625) | $ | 354 | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Nourish | 17.2 | % | 18.7 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 27.1 | % | 26.8 | % | ||
| Scent | 18.4 | % | 20.5 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 22.9 | % | 20.4 | % | ||
| Consolidated | 19.7 | % | 20.8 | % |
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $4 million, or 0.3% on a reported basis, to $1.176 billion (17.2% of segment sales) in 2022 from $1.172 billion (18.7% of segment sales) in the comparable 2021 period. Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA included approximately $65 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. The decrease in Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, was primarily driven by volume decreases, offset in part by favorable net pricing.
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Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $9 million, or 1% on a reported basis, to $634 million (27.1% of segment sales) in 2022 from $625 million (26.8% of segment sales) in the comparable 2021 period. Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA included approximately $60 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. The decrease in Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, was primarily driven by volume decreases and the change in business portfolio mix, offset in part by favorable net pricing.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA decreased $40 million, or 9% on a reported basis, to $423 million (18.4% of segment sales) in 2022 from $463 million (20.5% of segment sales) in the comparable 2021 period. On a currency neutral basis, Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased 1% in 2022 compared to the prior year period. The decrease, on a reported basis, was primarily driven by unfavorable impacts from exchange rate variations and net pricing, offset in part by volume increases in Fragrance Compounds.
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $57 million, or 35% on a reported basis, to $222 million (22.9% of segment sales) in 2022 from $165 million (20.4% of segment sales) in the comparable 2021 period. Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA included approximately $12 million attributable to N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period. In addition, the increase in Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA, excluding the impact of N&B for the month of January in the 2022 period, was primarily driven by favorable net pricing and volume increases.
2021 IN COMPARISON TO 2020
For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $535 million, inclusive of $52 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2022 compared to $711 million at December 31, 2021 and of this balance, a portion was held outside the United States. Cash balances held in foreign jurisdictions are, in most circumstances, available to be repatriated to the United States.
Effective utilization of the cash generated by our international operations is a critical component of our strategy. We regularly repatriate cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to fund financial obligations in the U.S. As we repatriate these funds to the U.S. we will be required to pay income taxes in certain U.S. states and applicable foreign withholding taxes during the period when such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2022, we have a deferred tax liability of approximately $166 million for the effect of repatriating the funds to the U.S.
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2022 were $397 million, or 3.2% of sales, compared to $1.437 billion, or 12.3% of sales, in 2021 and $714 million, or 14.0% of sales, in 2020. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by the increase in working capital, largely related to inventories and accounts payable. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by higher cash earnings, excluding the impact of non-cash adjustments, offset in part by the increase in working capital, largely related to inventories and accounts receivable.
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2022 were $745 million compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $18 million and $187 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in cash flows from investing activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by the change in proceeds received from business divestiture and unwinding of derivative instruments, offset in part by the change in cash provided by the Merger with N&B, higher spending on property, plant and equipment and cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received, in the current year period. The decrease in cash flows used in investing activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by the increase in cash provided by the Merger with N&B and higher net proceeds received from the sale of the Fruit Preparation business, offset in part by higher spending on property, plant and equipment in the 2021 period.
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Additions to property, plant and equipment were $504 million, $393 million and $192 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively (net of grants and other reimbursements from government authorities). These investments largely arise from our ongoing focus to align our manufacturing facilities with customer demand, primarily in emerging markets, and new technology consistent with our strategy.
We have evaluated and re-prioritized our capital projects and expect that capital spending in 2023 will be approximately 4.4% of sales (net of potential grants and other reimbursements from government authorities).
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2022 were $1.229 billion compared to $1.304 billion and $512 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in cash used in financing activities from 2021 to 2022 was primarily driven by less repayments of long-term debt and an increase in revolving credit facility and short-term borrowings, offset in part by higher repayments of commercial paper, net of borrowings, higher cash dividend payments and higher purchases of redeemable non-controlling interest. The increase in cash flows used in financing activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by higher repayments of both short-term and long-term debt and higher cash dividend payments, offset in part by proceeds from issuance of commercial paper.
We paid dividends totaling $810 million, $667 million and $323 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The cash dividend declared per share in 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $3.20, $3.12 and $3.04, respectively.
Our capital allocation strategy is primarily focused on debt repayment to maintain our investment grade rating. We will also prioritize capital investment in our businesses to support the strategic long-term plans. We are also committed to maintaining our history of paying a dividend to investors determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors.
We had a board approved stock repurchase program and as of May 7, 2018, we suspended our share repurchases. As of November 1, 2022, the program has expired.
Capital Resources
Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds for capital investment needs, dividends paid to shareholders and debt service repayments. We anticipate that cash flows from operations and availability under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our investing and financing needs. We regularly assess our capital structure, including both current and long-term debt instruments, as compared to our cash generation and investment needs in order to provide ample flexibility and to optimize our leverage ratios. We believe our existing cash balances are sufficient to meet our debt service requirements.
Refer to Note 9 for additional information.
Transaction with Nutrition & Biosciences, Inc.
On February 1, 2021, the N&B Term Loan Facility was funded, which provided for a senior unsecured term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.250 billion, comprised of a $625 million three-year tranche (“2024 Term Loan Facility”) and a $625 million five-year tranche (“2026 Term Loan Facility”). Following the Merger, we assumed the indebtedness incurred by N&B in the debt financings, which included (i) the 2024 Term Loan Facility and 2026 Term Loan Facility and (ii) a series of Senior Notes in the aggregate amount of $6.250 billion with maturities ranging from 2 to 30 years. N&B’s indebtedness raised prior to the Merger was used to finance the Special Cash Payment to DuPont, which has been paid, and for the satisfaction of the related transaction fees and expenses.
Refer to Note 3 and Note 9 for additional information.
In connection with the N&B Transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF merged with and into N&B in exchange for 141,740,461 shares of IFF common stock, par value $0.125 per share (“IFF Common Stock”), which had been approved in the special shareholder meeting that occurred on August 27, 2020 where IFF shareholders voted to approve the issuance of shares of IFF common stock in connection with the N&B Transaction pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In connection with the N&B Transaction, DuPont received a one-time $7.359 billion special cash payment (the “Special Cash Payment”). The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021 (see Note 3 for additional information).
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Amended Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loans
The Credit Agreements contain various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers, including the requirement for us to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of net debt for borrowed money to Credit Adjusted EBITDA in respect of the previous 12-month period. On and after the Closing Date of the N&B Transaction, the 2024 Term Loan Facility and 2026 Term Loan Facility are also subject to a financial covenant requiring maintenance of a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 4.75 to 1.0, with step downs to 3.50 to 1.0 over time, with the first step-down which occurred after the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 and the final step-down occurring after the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2023, with a step-up if the Company consummates certain qualified acquisitions. On August 4, 2022, we amended our existing Term Loan Credit Agreement and Amended Revolving Credit Facility, and the amendment delays certain step-downs from the maximum permitted leverage ratio of 4.50 to 1.0, stepping down to 3.50 to 1.0 over time, with the first step-down now occurring after the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2023 and the final step-down now occurring after the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, with a step-up if the Company consummates certain qualified acquisitions.
As of December 31, 2022, we had $100 million outstanding borrowings under our $2.000 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The amount that we are able to draw down under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by financial covenants as described in more detail below. As of December 31, 2022, our borrowing capacity was approximately $902 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our Credit Agreements.
Debt Covenants
At December 31, 2022 and 2021 we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants, including the net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio. At December 31, 2022 our net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio was 4.14 to 1.0 as defined by the credit facility agreements, which is below the relevant level provided by our financial covenants of existing outstanding debt.
_______________________
(1)Credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt, which are non-GAAP measures used for these covenants, are calculated in accordance with the definition in the debt agreements. In this context, these measures are used solely to provide information on the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and may not be comparable to credit adjusted EBITDA and net debt used by other companies. Reconciliations of credit adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income and net debt to total debt are as follows:
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net loss | $ | (1,871) |
| Interest expense | 336 | |
| Income taxes | 239 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,179 | |
| Specified items(1) | 2,605 | |
| Non-cash items(2) | 35 | |
| Credit Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,523 |
_______________________
(1)Specified items for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022 of $2.605 billion consisted of acquisition related costs, restructuring and other charges, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, employee separation costs, strategic initiative costs, Global Shared Services implementation costs, Frutarom acquisition related costs and integration related costs.
(2)Non-cash items represent all other adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operations as presented on the Statements of Cash Flows, including gains on sale of fixed assets, gains on business disposal and stock-based compensation.
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | December 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt(1) | $ | 10,987 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents(2) | 535 | |
| Net debt | $ | 10,452 |
_______________________
(1)Total debt used for the calculation of net debt consists of short-term debt, long-term debt, short-term finance lease obligations and long-term finance lease obligations.
(2)Cash and cash equivalents includes approximately $52 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2022, we had $9.330 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding in senior unsecured notes, with $1.380 billion principal amount denominated in EUR and $7.950 billion principal amount denominated in USD, which includes the N&B Senior Notes assumed as a result of the Merger. The notes bear interest ranging from 1.22% per year to 5.12% per year, with maturities from May 1, 2023 to December 1, 2050. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Tangible Equity Units - Senior Unsecured Amortizing Notes
On September 14, 2021, the Company notified holders of the tangible equity units (“TEUs”) that the final settlement rate in respect of each of the prepaid stock purchase contracts (“SPCs”) was 0.330911 shares of IFF’s common stock. On September 15, 2021, 5,460,031 shares of IFF’s common stock were issued in settlement of the SPCs. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Contingencies
See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Other Contingencies.
Other Commitments
Compliance with existing governmental requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our operations, earnings or competitive position. In 2022 and 2021, we spent approximately $30 million and $64 million on capital projects and $135 million and $78 million in operating expenses and governmental charges, respectively, for the purpose of complying with such regulations. Expenditures for these purposes will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are party to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or similar state statutes. It is expected that the impact of any judgments in or voluntary settlements of such proceedings will not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
The Company believes its balances of cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $535 million as of December 31, 2022, inclusive of $52 million currently in Assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, along with cash generated by ongoing operations and continued access to debt markets, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements and capital return program over the next 12 months and beyond. The Company's material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Borrowings and Interest on Borrowings
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding floating and fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.580 billion (collectively the “Notes”), with $300 million payable within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the Notes total approximately $4.006 billion, with $258 million payable within 12 months.
The Company also issues unsecured short-term promissory notes (“Commercial Paper”) pursuant to a commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $187 million of Commercial Paper outstanding, all of which is payable within 12 months.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $100 million outstanding under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various borrowing facilities.
Leases
The Company has lease arrangements for certain corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, and certain transportation and office equipment. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of approximately $828 million, with $117 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various lease arrangements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had pension funding obligations of approximately $788 million, with $73 million payable within 12 months. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our retirement plans.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had postretirement obligations of approximately $36 million, with $3 million payable within 12 months.
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Purchase Commitments
The Company has various purchase commitments that include agreements for raw material procurement and contractual capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had purchase commitment obligations of approximately $231 million, with $222 million payable within 12 months.
U.S. Tax Reform Toll-Charge
The Company has obligations related to a 2017 U.S. tax reform “toll-charge” that is payable in installments over 8 years beginning in 2018. As a result of the Merger with N&B, the remaining toll-charge obligations were accelerated and paid in full in the amount of approximately $39 million in 2022. As of December 31, 2022, there were no toll-charge obligations remaining.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best judgment of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
Business Combinations
From time to time we enter into strategic acquisitions in an effort to better service existing customers and to attain new customers. When we acquire a controlling financial interest in an entity or group of assets that are determined to meet the definition of a business, we apply the acquisition method described in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the acquisitions we have completed are reflected in our financial statements from the date of acquisition forward.
We allocate the purchase consideration paid to acquire the business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. If during the measurement period (a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date) we receive additional information that existed as of the acquisition date but at the time of the original allocation described above was unknown to us, we make the appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation in the reporting period in which the amounts are determined.
Significant judgment is required to estimate the intangibles and fair value of fixed assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. Accordingly, we typically engage third-party valuation specialists, who work under the direction of management, to assist in valuing significant tangible and intangible assets acquired.
The fair value estimates are based on available historical information, future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates, discount rates and profitability), royalty rates used in the relief of royalty method, customer attrition rates, product obsolescence factors, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires significant judgment. All of our acquired intangible assets (e.g., trademarks, product formulas, non-compete agreements and customer relationships) are expected to have finite useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets are based on a number of factors including competitive environment, market share, brand history, operating plans and the macroeconomic environment of the regions in which the brands are sold.
The costs of finite-lived intangible assets are amortized through expense over their estimated lives. The value of residual goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment as described in the following note. For acquired intangible assets, the remaining useful life of the trade names and trademarks, product formulas, and customer relationships was estimated at the point at which substantially all of the present value of cumulative cash flows have been earned.
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The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Goodwill
As of December 31, 2022, we have goodwill of approximately $13.355 billion. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of November 30 every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component) to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded.
We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each operating segment regularly reviews the operating results of those components. Components within a segment that have similar economic characteristics have been aggregated as a single reporting unit. We determined that we have six reporting units under the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions segments: (1) Nourish, (2) Fragrance Compounds, (3) Fragrance Ingredients, (4) Cosmetic Actives, (5) Health & Biosciences and (6) Pharma Solutions.
For the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2022, we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment for all reporting units, Step 0 of the guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which allows for the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. For all six reporting units, we performed a Step 1 test.
We assessed the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value by using a discounted cash flow method at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value. We used the most current actual and forecasted operating data available. Key estimates and assumptions used in these valuations include revenue growth rates, gross margins, EBITDA margins, terminal growth rates and discount rates.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the six reporting units exceeded their carrying values and determined that there was no further impairment of goodwill at any of our six reporting units as of November 30, 2022. Based on the quantitative impairment test performed, we determined that all reporting units except the Health & Biosciences reporting unit had excess fair value over carrying value of more than 25%. The Health & Biosciences reporting unit had excess fair value over carrying value of approximately 3%.
If current long-term projections for these reporting units are not realized or materially decrease, we may be required to write-off all or a portion of the goodwill. Such charge could have a material effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
For the third quarter of 2022, we determined that goodwill impairment triggering events occurred for our Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions reporting units, which required us to complete an interim impairment assessment. As a result of the triggering events, we assessed the fair value of the reporting units using the income approach.
In performing the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the Nourish and Pharma Solutions reporting units exceeded their carrying value, and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill relating to these reporting units. We determined that the carrying value of the Health & Biosciences reporting unit exceeded its fair value and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.250 billion in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the year ended December 31, 2022 (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business conditions indicate that their full carrying value may not be recovered. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by an asset or group of assets is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If assets are determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on an estimate of fair value using various valuation techniques, including a discounted estimate of future cash flows.
As previously mentioned, due to the uncertainties related to our operations in Russia and Ukraine, we recorded a charge of approximately $120 million related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets in Russia in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the year ended December 31, 2022 (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10-K, including: (i) currency neutral metrics and (ii) adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin. We also provide the non-GAAP measure net debt solely for the purpose of providing information on the extent to which the Company is in compliance with debt covenants contained in its debt agreements. Our non-GAAP financial measures are defined below.
These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. In discussing our historical and expected future results and financial condition, we believe it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of and to be assisted in a better understanding of, on a period-to-period comparable basis, financial amounts both including and excluding these identified items, as well as the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s results under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ calculation of such metrics.
Adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin exclude depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other (expense) income, net, restructuring and other charges and certain non-recurring or unusual items such as acquisition related costs, gains on sale of fixed assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, employee separation costs, strategic initiative costs, Global Shared Services implementation costs, Frutarom acquisition related costs, N&B inventory step-up costs, N&B transaction related costs and integration related costs.
Net debt to credit adjusted EBITDA is the leverage ratio used in our credit agreement and defined as net debt divided by credit adjusted EBITDA. However, as credit adjusted EBITDA for these purposes was calculated in accordance with the provisions of the credit agreement, it may differ from the calculation used for adjusted operating EBITDA.
Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements in this Form 10-K, which are not historical facts or information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations and include statements concerning (i) the expected impact of global supply chain challenges; (ii) expectations regarding sales and profit for the fiscal year 2023, including the impact of foreign exchange, pricing actions, raw materials, energy, and sourcing, logistics and manufacturing costs; (iii) expectations of the impact of inflationary pressures and the pricing actions to offset exposure to such impacts; (iv) the impact of high input costs, including commodities, raw materials, transportation and energy; (v) our ability to drive cost discipline measures and the ability to recover margin to pre-inflation levels; (vi) the progress of our portfolio optimization strategy, through non-core business divestitures and acquisitions, and expectations regarding the implementation of our refreshed growth-focused strategy; (vii) the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and our plans to respond to its global implications; (viii) the success of our integration efforts, following the N&B Transaction, and ability to deliver on our synergy commitments as well as future opportunities for the combined company; (ix) the success of the optimization of our portfolio; (x) the impact of global economic uncertainty and recessionary pressures on demand for consumer products; (xi) the growth potential of the markets in which we operate, including the emerging markets, (xii) expected capital expenditures in 2023; (xiii) the expected costs and benefits of our ongoing optimization of our manufacturing operations, including the expected number of closings; (xiv) expected cash flow and availability of capital resources to fund our operations and meet our debt service requirements; (xv) our ability to enhance our innovation efforts, drive cost efficiencies and execute on specific consumer trends and demands; (xvi) our strategic investments in capacity and increasing inventory to drive improved profitability; and (xvii) our ability to continue to generate value for, and return cash to, our shareholders. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “outlook”, “may”, “estimate”, “should”, “predict” and similar terms or variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:
•inflationary trends, including in the price of our input costs, such as raw materials, transportation and energy;
•supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, or climate-change related events (including severe weather events) that may affect our suppliers or procurement of raw materials;
•our ability to successfully execute the next phase of our strategic transformation;
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•risks related to the integration of the N&B business, including whether we will realize the benefits anticipated from the merger in the expected time frame;
•our substantial amount of indebtedness and its impact on our liquidity, credit ratings and ability to return capital to its shareholders;
•our ability to enter into or close strategic transactions or divestments, or successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnerships;
•our ability to successfully market to our expanded and diverse customer base;
•our ability to effectively compete in our market and develop and introduce new products that meet customers’ needs;
•our ability to retain key employees;
•changes in demand from large multi-national customers due to increased competition and our ability to maintain “core list” status with customers;
•our ability to successfully develop innovative and cost-effective products that allow customers to achieve their own profitability expectations;
•the impact of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on our supply chains, global operations, our customers and our suppliers;
•disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from natural disasters (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), public health crises, international conflicts (such as the Russia and Ukraine Conflict), terrorist acts, labor strikes, political or economic crises (such as the uncertainty related to protracted U.S. federal debt ceiling negotiations), accidents and similar events;
•volatility and increases in the price of raw materials, energy and transportation;
•the impact of a significant data breach or other disruption in our information technology systems, and our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, regulatory requirements and industry standards, including regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environmental impact;
•our ability to meet increasing customer, consumer, shareholder and regulatory focus on sustainability;
•defects, quality issues (including product recalls), inadequate disclosure or misuse with respect to the products and capabilities;
•our ability to react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and demands, including increased awareness of health and wellness;
•our ability to benefit from our investments and expansion in emerging markets;
•the impact of currency fluctuations or devaluations in the principal foreign markets in which we operate;
•economic, regulatory and political risks associated with our international operations;
•the impact of global economic uncertainty (including increased inflation) on demand for consumer products;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws;
•our ability to successfully manage our working capital and inventory balances;
•the impact of our or our counterparties’ failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, similar U.S. or foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations, applicable sanctions laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or ethical business practices and related laws and regulations;
•any impairment on our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill associated with the N&B merger and the acquisition of Frutarom;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
•the impact of the outcomes of legal claims, regulatory investigations and litigation;
•changes in market conditions or governmental regulations relating to our pension and postretirement obligations;
•the impact of changes in federal, state, local and international tax legislation or policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with respect to transfer pricing and state aid, and adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes;
•the impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union;
•the impact of the phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on interest expense;
•the impact of any tax liability resulting from the N&B Transaction; and
•our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad.
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The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results.
Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000051253-22-000007.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
(UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Overview
Company Background
On February 1, 2021, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries merged with and into the N&B Business (the “Merger”), pursuant to a Merger Agreement with DuPont. The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021. The N&B Business is an innovation-driven and customer-focused business that provides solutions for the global food and beverage, dietary supplements, home and personal care, energy, animal nutrition and pharma markets. The transaction was made in order to strengthen IFF's customer base and market presence, with an enhanced position in the food & beverage, home & personal care and health & wellness markets. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the N&B Transaction.
As a result of the N&B Transaction, and following our 2018 acquisition of Frutarom Industries Ltd., we have expanded our global leadership positions, which now include high-value ingredients and solutions in the Food & Beverage, Home & Personal Care and Health & Wellness markets, and across key Taste, Texture, Scent, Nutrition, Enzymes, Cultures, Soy Proteins, Pharmaceutical Excipients, Biocides and Probiotics categories.
We are now organized in four segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions. The Company’s consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the results of N&B effective February 1, 2021, whereas the Company’s consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 do not include amounts related to N&B.
Our Nourish segment consists of most of our legacy Taste segment combined with N&B’s Food & Beverage division and the food protection business of N&B’s Health & Biosciences division. Our Nourish business spans a diversified portfolio across natural and plant-based specialty food ingredients, flavor compounds, and savory solutions and inclusions.
Our Health & Biosciences segment consists of a biotechnology-driven portfolio of enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food, home and personal care, and health and wellness applications. Our Health & Biosciences business comprises N&B’s Health & Biosciences division (except the food protection business which is part of Nourish) in combination with the Natural Product Solutions business of legacy IFF. Health & Biosciences is comprised of six business units: Health, Cultures & Food Enzymes, Home & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition, Grain Processing and Microbial Control.
Our Scent segment creates fragrance compounds, fragrance ingredients and cosmetic ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. Our Scent business consists of our legacy Scent segment as well as our Flavor Ingredients business, formerly part of our legacy Taste business. The Scent segment is comprised of three business units: Fragrance Compounds, Fragrance Ingredients and Cosmetic Actives.
Our Pharma Solutions segment produces a vast portfolio of cellulosics and seaweed-based pharma excipients, used to improve the functionality and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including controlled or modified drug release formulations, and enabling the development of more effective pharmaceutical formulations. Pharma Solutions is comprised of N&B’s Pharma Solutions business.
Financial Measures — Currency Neutral
Our financial results include the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. We provide currency neutral calculations in this report to remove the impact of these items. Beginning in the first quarter 2021, we elected to change the method in which we calculate currency neutral numbers to now be calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates used for the corresponding prior year period. Previously we calculated currency neutral numbers by comparing current year results to the prior year results restated at exchange rates in effect for the current year based on the currency of the underlying transaction. We use currency neutral results in our analysis of subsidiary or segment performance. We also use currency neutral numbers when analyzing our performance against our competitors and believe the change in method better allows us to do so.
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Due to the Merger with N&B, for the fiscal year 2021 we will not be presenting currency neutral impacts for the Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions operating segments as the performance in these operating segments includes effects of N&B in 2021, while the 2020 period does not and thus the period’s results are not comparable. We present the currency neutral impacts for the Scent operating segment as this operating segment does not have any effects of N&B.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Various policies and initiatives have been implemented around the world to reduce the global transmission of COVID-19. Although there continue to be minor operational disruptions, all of IFF’s manufacturing facilities remain open and continue to manufacture products.
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a serious threat to the health of the world’s population and certain countries and regions continue to suffer from outbreaks or have seen a recurrence of infections, especially with the emergence of new variants of the virus. Accordingly, the Company continues to take the threat from COVID-19 seriously. The impact that COVID-19 will have on our consolidated results of operations for the remainder of 2022 remains uncertain. Due to the length and severity of COVID-19, there is continued volatility as a result of retail and travel, consumer shopping and consumption behavior. Moreover, as a result of disruptions or uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are experiencing, and may continue to experience, increased costs, delays or limited availability related to raw materials, strain on shipping and transportation resources, and higher energy prices, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our margins and operating results. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to our business, consolidated results of operations, segment results, liquidity and capital resources.
Although IFF has not experienced and does not currently anticipate any impairment charges related to COVID-19, the continuing effects of a prolonged pandemic could result in increased risk of asset write-downs and impairments. Any of these events could potentially result in a material adverse impact on IFF’s business and results of operations.
For more detailed information about risks related to COVID-19, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - The COVID-19 pandemic may materially and adversely impact our operations, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
2021 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section.
Sales
Sales in 2021 increased $6.572 billion, or 129% on a reported basis, to $11.656 billion compared to $5.084 billion in the 2020 period. Performance was primarily driven by $6.084 billion of incremental sales that were attributable to the inclusion of N&B, which was merged and consolidated into our results of operations effective February 1, 2021. In addition, sales performance was driven by volume increases across the Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Scent operating segments and price increases in the Nourish segment.
Our 25 largest customers accounted for approximately 29% of total sales in 2021. In 2021, no customer accounted for more than 10% of sales. A key factor for commercial success is our inclusion on strategic customers’ core supplier lists, which provides opportunities to expand and win new business. We are on the core supplier lists of a large majority of our global and strategic customers.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in 2021 increased $1.649 billion, or 79% on a reported basis, to $3.735 billion (32.0% of sales) compared to $2.086 billion (41.0% of sales) in the 2020 period. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by the inclusion of N&B, along with sales volume increases in the business. The decrease in gross profit margin, as a percentage of sales, was due to higher input costs and difference in product portfolio mix of the new N&B Business compared to the historical IFF product portfolio mix.
Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Adjusted operating EBITDA in 2021 increased $1.370 billion, or 130% on a reported basis, to $2.425 billion (20.8% of sales) compared to $1.055 billion (20.8% of sales) in the 2020 period. The increase in adjusted operating EBITDA was primarily driven by the inclusion of N&B, along with sales volume increases in the business.
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Results of Operations
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,656 | $ | 5,084 | $ | 5,140 | 129 | % | (1) | % | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 7,921 | 2,998 | 3,027 | 164 | % | (1) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,735 | 2,086 | 2,113 | 79 | % | (1) | % | ||||||||||
| Research and development (R&D) expenses | 629 | 357 | 346 | 76 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses | 1,749 | 949 | 876 | 84 | % | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 41 | 17 | 30 | 141 | % | (43) | % | ||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles | 732 | 193 | 193 | 279 | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sale of fixed assets | (1) | 4 | 3 | (125) | % | 33 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating profit | 585 | 566 | 665 | 3 | % | (15) | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 289 | 132 | 138 | 119 | % | (4) | % | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | (58) | (7) | (30) | NMF | (77) | % | |||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 354 | 441 | 557 | (20) | % | (21) | % | ||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 75 | 74 | 97 | 1 | % | (24) | % | ||||||||||
| Net income | 279 | 367 | 460 | (24) | % | (20) | % | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 9 | 4 | 4 | 125 | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to IFF stockholders | $ | 270 | $ | 363 | $ | 456 | (26) | % | (20) | % | |||||||
| Net income per share — diluted | $ | 1.10 | $ | 3.21 | $ | 4.00 | (66) | % | (20) | % | |||||||
| Gross margin | 32.0 | % | 41.0 | % | 41.1 | % | NMF | (10) | bps | ||||||||
| R&D as a percentage of sales | 5.4 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.7 | % | (160) | bps | 30 | bps | |||||||
| S&A as a percentage of sales | 15.0 | % | 18.7 | % | 17.0 | % | NMF | 170 | bps | ||||||||
| Operating margin | 5.0 | % | 11.1 | % | 12.9 | % | NMF | (180) | bps | ||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 21.2 | % | 16.8 | % | 17.4 | % | NMF | (60) | bps | ||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Nourish | $ | 6,264 | $ | 2,886 | $ | 2,978 | 117 | % | (3) | % | |||||||
| Health & Biosciences | 2,329 | 134 | 129 | NMF | 4 | % | |||||||||||
| Scent | 2,254 | 2,064 | 2,033 | 9 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Pharma Solutions | 809 | — | — | NMF | NMF | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 11,656 | $ | 5,084 | $ | 5,140 | 129 | % | (1) | % |
_______________________
NMF: Not meaningful
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D includes expenses related to the development of new and improved products and technical product support. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities including compliance with governmental regulations.
2021 IN COMPARISON TO 2020
Sales
Sales for 2021 increased $6.572 billion, or 129% on a reported basis, to $11.656 billion, compared to $5.084 billion in the 2020 period. Performance was primarily driven by $6.084 billion of incremental sales that was attributable to the inclusion of N&B, which was merged and consolidated into our results of operations effective February 1, 2021. In addition, sales performance reflected volume increases for the Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Scent operating segments and price increases in the Nourish segment.
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Sales performance by segment was as follows:
| % Change in Sales - 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | Currency Neutral(1) | ||||
| Nourish | 117 | % | NMF | ||
| Health & Biosciences | NMF | NMF | |||
| Scent | 9 | % | 8 | % | |
| Pharma Solutions | NMF | NMF | |||
| Total | 129 | % | NMF |
_______________________
(1)Currency neutral sales growth is calculated by translating current year invoiced sale amounts at the exchange rates for the corresponding prior year period.
NMF: Not meaningful
Nourish
Nourish sales in 2021 increased $3.378 billion, or 117% on a reported basis, to $6.264 billion, compared to $2.886 billion in the 2020 period. Performance in the Nourish operating segment was primarily driven by $3.082 billion of incremental sales that was attributable to the inclusion of N&B, along with volume increases, particularly in Flavors.
Health & Biosciences
Health & Biosciences sales in 2021 was $2.329 billion compared to $134 million in the 2020 period. Performance in the Health & Biosciences operating segment was primarily driven by $2.193 billion of incremental sales that was attributable to the inclusion of N&B, as the majority of this operating segment consists of the new N&B Business. In addition, sales performance reflected volume increases in the operating segment.
Scent
Scent sales in 2021 increased $190 million, or 9% on a reported basis, to $2.254 billion, compared to $2.064 billion in the 2020 period. Scent sales in 2021 also increased 8% on a currency neutral basis. Sales growth in the Scent operating segment was primarily driven by volume increases in both Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients.
Pharma Solutions
Pharma Solutions sales in 2021 was $809 million. This was a new operating segment of the Company as a result of the Merger with N&B and did not exist in the comparable 2020 period.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of sales, increased 9.0% in 2021 to 68.0% compared to 59.0% in 2020, primarily driven by higher input costs, volume increases in the business and impact of the difference in product portfolio mix of the new N&B Business compared to the historical IFF product portfolio mix.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
Overall R&D expenses, as a percentage of sales, decreased 1.6% in 2021 to 5.4% compared to 7.0% in 2020. The decrease, as a percentage of sales, in 2021 was primarily due to the impact of the Merger with N&B.
Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $800 million to $1.749 billion, or 15.0% as a percentage of sales, in 2021 compared to $949 million, or 18.7% as a percentage of sales, in 2020. The increase in S&A expenses was primarily due to the impact of the Merger with N&B and the related transaction and integration costs consisting of legal, professional and consulting fees, as well as business divestiture costs consisting mainly of legal and professional fees and employee separation costs. Adjusted S&A expense increased by $672 million to $1.480 billion (12.7% as a percentage of sales) in 2021 compared to $808 million (15.9% as a percentage of sales) in 2020.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges increased to $41 million in 2021 compared to $17 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by severance costs incurred in 2021 (see Note 2 for additional information).
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses increased to $732 million in 2021 compared to $193 million in 2020 primarily due to the intangible assets acquired as part of the Merger with N&B (see Notes 3 and 5 for additional information).
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Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $157 million to $289 million in 2021, compared to $132 million in 2020. This increase was primarily driven by the debt assumed in the Merger with N&B (see Note 9 for additional information). Average cost of debt was 2.9% for the 2021 period and 3.0% for the 2020 period.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net, increased approximately $51 million to $58 million of income in 2021 versus $7 million of income in 2020. The increase of $51 million includes approximately $17 million in income to correct net income amounts related to certain defined benefit plans in prior years and $13 million in gains from business disposal. The increase also includes the impact of foreign exchange gains and higher interest income.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 21.2% in 2021 as compared to 16.8% in 2020. The year-over-year increase was largely due to an unfavorable mix of earnings, higher repatriation costs and cost of global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), partially offset by tax benefits related to supply chain optimization and credits.
Excluding the $127 million tax benefit associated with the pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments, the adjusted effective tax rate for 2021 was 20.0%. For 2020, the adjusted effective tax rate was 17.6% excluding the $33 million tax benefit associated with the pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments. The year-over-year increase was largely due to an unfavorable mix of earnings, higher repatriation costs and cost of GILTI, partially offset by tax benefits related to supply chain optimization and credits.
Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA Results by Business Unit
Effective in the first quarter of 2021, management elected to change the profit or loss measure of the Company's reportable segments from Segment Operating Profit to Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA for internal reporting and performance measurement purposes. Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA is defined as Income Before Taxes before depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, restructuring and other charges and certain non-recurring items. Prior period amounts have been recast to reflect these changes in segment profitability measures. Our determination of reportable segments was made on the basis of our strategic priorities within each segment and corresponds to the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates operating performance to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. In addition to our strategic priorities, segment reporting is also based on differences in the products and services we provide. As a result, we added two new reportable segments - Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions. Nourish is composed of most of IFF’s legacy Taste division and N&B’s Food & Beverage division. The Scent and Health & Biosciences segments include a component of the legacy Taste segment.
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| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA | ||||||
| Nourish | $ | 1,172 | $ | 599 | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 625 | 40 | ||||
| Scent | 463 | 416 | ||||
| Pharma Solutions | 165 | — | ||||
| Total | 2,425 | 1,055 | ||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | (1,156) | (325) | ||||
| Interest Expense | (289) | (132) | ||||
| Other income, net | 58 | 7 | ||||
| Frutarom Integration Related Costs | (4) | (10) | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (41) | (17) | ||||
| Gains (Losses) on Sale of Assets | 1 | (4) | ||||
| Shareholder Activism Related Costs | (7) | — | ||||
| Business Divestiture Costs | (42) | — | ||||
| Employee Separation Costs | (29) | (3) | ||||
| Frutarom Acquisition Related Costs | (2) | (1) | ||||
| Compliance Review & Legal Defense Costs | — | (3) | ||||
| N&B Inventory Step-Up Costs | (368) | — | ||||
| N&B Transaction Related Costs | (91) | (29) | ||||
| N&B Integration Related Costs | (101) | (97) | ||||
| Income Before Taxes | $ | 354 | $ | 441 | ||
| Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA margin: | ||||||
| Nourish | 18.7 | % | 20.8 | % | ||
| Health & Biosciences | 26.8 | % | 29.9 | % | ||
| Scent | 20.5 | % | 20.2 | % | ||
| Pharma Solutions | 20.4 | % | — | % | ||
| Consolidated | 20.8 | % | 20.8 | % |
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Nourish Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $573 million to $1.172 billion (18.7% of segment sales) in 2021 from $599 million (20.8% of segment sales) in the comparable 2020 period. The increase primarily reflected the inclusion of N&B, along with volume increases in the operating segment. The decrease in segment adjusted operating EBITDA margin, as a percentage of sales, was due to the difference in product portfolio mix of the new Nourish operating segment, as a result of the Merger with N&B, compared to the legacy Taste operating segment, and higher input costs.
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Health & Biosciences Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $585 million to $625 million (26.8% of segment sales) in 2021 from $40 million (29.9% of segment sales) in the comparable 2020 period. The increase primarily reflected the inclusion of N&B, which comprises most of this segment.
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Scent Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA increased $47 million to $463 million (20.5% of segment sales) in 2021 from $416 million (20.2% of segment sales) in the comparable 2020 period. The increase primarily reflected volume increases in the operating segment.
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA
Pharma Solutions Segment Adjusted Operating EBITDA was $165 million (20.4% of segment sales) in 2021. This was a new operating segment of the Company as a result of the Merger with N&B and did not exist in the comparable 2020 period.
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2020 IN COMPARISON TO 2019
For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $711 million at December 31, 2021 compared to $650 million at December 31, 2020 and of this balance, a portion was held outside the United States. Cash balances held in foreign jurisdictions are, in most circumstances, available to be repatriated to the United States.
In connection with the Merger with N&B, the Company's cash balance increased by approximately $246 million, which included the cash acquired of $193 million and approximately $53 million related to the Special Cash Payment made in accordance with the Merger Agreement.
Effective utilization of the cash generated by our international operations is a critical component of our strategy. We regularly repatriate cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to fund financial obligations in the U.S. As we repatriate these funds to the U.S. we will be required to pay income taxes in certain U.S. states and applicable foreign withholding taxes during the period when such repatriation occurs. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2021, we have a deferred tax liability of approximately $81 million for the effect of repatriating the funds to the U.S.
Restricted Cash
At December 31, 2021 we had a balance of $5 million (of which $4 million is included in Current Assets and $1 million is included in Other Assets) compared to $10 million at December 31, 2020.
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operations in 2021 were $1.437 billion, or 12.3% of sales, compared to $714 million, or 14.0% of sales, in 2020 and $699 million in 2019. The increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by higher cash earnings, excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization and amortization of N&B inventory step-up costs, and changes related to accounts payable, inventories and accounts receivable. The increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2019 to 2020 was primarily driven by changes related to accounts receivable, inventories, incentive compensation and accrued expenses, largely offset by lower cash earnings in 2020.
Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) totaled $3.354 billion at year-end 2021 compared to $1.156 billion at year-end 2020. The increase in working capital was due to the Merger with N&B.
We have various factoring agreements in the U.S. and The Netherlands under which we can factor up to approximately $250 million in receivables with a financial institution. Additionally, we maintain factoring programs that are sponsored by certain customers. Under all of the arrangements, we sell the receivables on a non-recourse basis to unrelated financial institutions and account for the transactions as a sale of receivables. The applicable receivables are removed from our Consolidated Balance Sheets when the cash proceeds are received.
The impact on cash provided by operations from participating in these programs increased approximately $19 million, $43 million and $38 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, compared to each respective prior year period. The cost of participating in these programs was approximately $6 million, $4 million, and $7 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively (see Note 1 for additional information).
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities in 2021 were $18 million compared to $187 million and $226 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in cash used in investing activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by the increase in cash provided by the Merger with N&B and higher net proceeds received from the sale of the fruit preparation business, largely offset by higher spending on property, plant and equipment in the current year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities from 2019 to 2020 was primarily driven by lower payments for acquisitions and lower spending on property, plant and equipment, partially offset by lower proceeds from disposal of assets in 2020 and cash paid on settlement of derivative instruments in 2020 versus proceeds in 2019.
Additions to property, plant and equipment were $393 million, $192 million and $236 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively (net of grants and other reimbursements from government authorities). These investments largely arise from our ongoing focus to align our manufacturing facilities with customer demand, primarily in emerging markets, and new technology consistent with our strategy.
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We have evaluated and re-prioritized our capital projects and expect that capital spending in 2022 will be approximately 5.0% of sales (net of potential grants and other reimbursements from government authorities).
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2021 were $1.304 billion compared to $512 million and $505 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in cash used in financing activities from 2020 to 2021 was primarily driven by higher repayments of both short-term and long-term debt and higher cash dividend payments, partially offset by proceeds from issuance of commercial paper. The increase in cash used in financing activities from 2019 to 2020 was primarily driven by higher repayments of debt and higher cash dividend payments, largely offset by cash proceeds from issuance of new long-term debt in 2020.
We paid dividends totaling $667 million, $323 million and $314 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The cash dividend declared per share in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $3.12, $3.04 and $2.96, respectively.
Our capital allocation strategy is primarily focused on debt repayment to maintain our investment grade rating. We will also prioritize capital investment in our businesses to support the strategic long term plans. We are also committed to maintaining our history of paying a dividend to investors determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors.
We currently have a board approved stock repurchase program with a total remaining value of $280 million. As of May 7, 2018, we have suspended our share repurchases.
Capital Resources
Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds for capital investment needs, dividends paid to shareholders and debt service repayments. We anticipate that cash flows from operations and availability under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our investing and financing needs. We regularly assess our capital structure, including both current and long-term debt instruments, as compared to our cash generation and investment needs in order to provide ample flexibility and to optimize our leverage ratios. We believe our existing cash balances are sufficient to meet our debt service requirements.
Transaction with Nutrition & Biosciences, Inc.
On February 1, 2021, the N&B Term Loan Facility was funded, which provided for a senior unsecured term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.250 billion, comprised of a $625 million three-year tranche (“2024 Term Loan Facility”) and a $625 million five-year tranche (“2026 Term Loan Facility”). Following the Merger, we assumed the indebtedness incurred by N&B in the debt financings, which included (i) the 2024 Term Loan Facility and 2026 Term Loan Facility and (ii) a series of Senior Notes in the aggregate amount of $6.250 billion with maturities ranging from 2 to 30 years. N&B’s indebtedness raised prior to the Merger was used to finance the Special Cash Payment to DuPont, which has been paid, and for the satisfaction of the related transaction fees and expenses.
Immediately after the closing of the merger with N&B on February 1, 2022, DuPont shareholders owned approximately 55.4% of the shares of IFF, and existing IFF shareholders owned approximately 44.6% of the shares of IFF.
Refer to Notes 3 and 9 for additional information.
In connection with the N&B Transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF merged with and into N&B in exchange for 141,740,461 shares of IFF common stock, par value $0.125 per share (“IFF Common Stock”), which had been approved in the special shareholder meeting that occurred on August 27, 2020 where IFF shareholders voted to approve the issuance of shares of IFF common stock in connection with the N&B Transaction pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In connection with the N&B Transaction, DuPont received a one-time $7.359 billion special cash payment (the “Special Cash Payment”). The shares issued in the Merger represented approximately 55.4% of the common stock of IFF on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to the Merger, as of February 1, 2021 (see Note 3 for additional information).
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facilities
The Credit Agreements contain various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers, including the requirement for us to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of net debt for borrowed money to Credit Adjusted EBITDA in respect of the previous 12-month period. On and after the Closing Date of the N&B Transaction, the Company’s maximum permitted ratio of net debt to Credit Adjusted EBITDA under the Credit Agreements is 4.75 to 1.0, stepping down to 3.50 to 1.0 over time (with a step-up if the Company consummates certain qualified acquisitions).
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As of December 31, 2021, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $2.000 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The amount that we are able to draw down under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by financial covenants as described in more detail below. As of December 31, 2021, our borrowing capacity was approximately $1.025 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our Credit Agreements.
Debt Covenants
At December 31, 2021 and 2020 we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants, including the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio. At December 31, 2021 our Net Debt to Credit Adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio was 4.11 to 1 as defined by our Credit Agreements, which is below the maximum levels in the financial covenants in our existing outstanding credit facilities.
_______________________
(1)Credit Adjusted EBITDA and Net Debt, which are non-GAAP measures used for these covenants, are calculated in accordance with the definition in the debt agreements. In this context, these measures are used solely to provide information on the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and may not be comparable to Credit Adjusted EBITDA and Net Debt used by other companies. Reconciliations of Credit Adjusted EBITDA to net income and net debt to total debt are as follows:
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net income | $ | 336 |
| Interest expense | 302 | |
| Income taxes | 28 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,206 | |
| Specified items(1)(3) | 682 | |
| Non-cash items(2)(3) | 53 | |
| Credit Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,607 |
_______________________
(1)Specified items for the 12 months ended December 31, 2021 of $682 million consist of Frutarom integration related costs, restructuring and other charges, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, gains on business disposal, employee separation costs, pension income adjustment, pension settlement, Frutarom acquisition related costs, N&B inventory step-up costs, N&B transaction related costs, N&B integration related costs and other N&B specified items.
(2)Non-cash items represent all other adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations as presented on the Statement of Cash Flows, including gains on disposal of assets and stock-based compensation.
(3)Specified and non-cash items may not include all eligible add-back items from the Merger with N&B, for the purposes of the Credit Adjusted EBITDA calculation, due to availability of the information.
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | December 31, 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt(1) | $ | 11,418 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (711) | |
| Net debt | $ | 10,707 |
_______________________
(1)Total debt used for the calculation of Net debt consists of short-term debt, long-term debt, short-term finance lease obligations and long-term finance lease obligations.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2021, we had $9.721 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding in senior unsecured notes, with $1.471 billion principal amount denominated in EUR and $8.250 billion principal amount denominated in USD, which includes the N&B Senior Notes assumed as a result of the Merger. The notes bear interest ranging from 0.69% per year to 5.12% per year, with maturities from September 15, 2022 to December 1, 2050. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Tangible Equity Units - Senior Unsecured Amortizing Notes
On September 14, 2021, the Company notified holders of the tangible equity units (“TEUs”) that the final settlement rate in respect of each of the prepaid stock purchase contracts (“SPCs”) was 0.330911 shares of IFF's common stock. On September 15, 2021, 5,460,031 shares of IFF's common stock were issued in settlement of the SPCs. See Note 8 for further information on the TEUs.
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Other Contingencies
See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Other Contingencies.
Other Commitments
Compliance with existing governmental requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our operations, earnings or competitive position. In 2021 and 2020, we spent approximately $64 million and $7 million on capital projects and approximately $78 million and $29 million in operating expenses and governmental charges, respectively, for the purpose of complying with such regulations. Expenditures for these purposes will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are party to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or similar state statutes. It is expected that the impact of any judgments in or voluntary settlements of such proceedings will not be material to our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
The Company believes its balances of cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $711 million as of December 31, 2021, along with cash generated by ongoing operations and continued access to debt markets, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements and capital return program over the next 12 months and beyond. The Company's material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Borrowings and Interest on Borrowings
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding floating and fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.971 billion (collectively the "Notes"), with $300 million payable within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the Notes total approximately $4.259 billion, with $253 million payable within 12 months. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various borrowing facilities.
The Company also issues unsecured short-term promissory notes ("Commercial Paper") pursuant to a commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $324 million of Commercial Paper outstanding, all of which is payable within 12 months.
Leases
The Company has lease arrangements for certain corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, and certain transportation and office equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of approximately $937 million, with $134 million payable within 12 months. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our various lease arrangements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had pension funding obligations of approximately $811 million, with $74 million payable within 12 months. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of our retirement plans.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had postretirement obligations of approximately $37 million, with $4 million payable within 12 months.
Purchase Commitments
The Company has various purchase commitments that include agreements for raw material procurement and contractual capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had purchase commitment obligations of approximately $299 million, with $169 million payable within 12 months.
U.S. Tax Reform Toll-Charge
The Company has obligations related to a U.S. tax reform "toll-charge" that is payable in installments over 8 years beginning in 2018. As of December 31, 2021, there are four installments and the Company had toll-charge obligations of approximately $39 million, with $5 million payable within 12 months.
The information above does not include approximately $130 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, $36 million of associated accrued interest and $81 million associated with the deferred tax liability on deemed repatriation. Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of potential cash flows, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount and period in which the remaining liabilities might be paid.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best judgment of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Those areas requiring the greatest degree of management judgment or deemed most critical to our financial reporting involve:
Business Combinations. From time to time we enter into strategic acquisitions in an effort to better service existing customers and to attain new customers. When we acquire a controlling financial interest in an entity or group of assets that are determined to meet the definition of a business, we apply the acquisition method described in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the acquisitions we have completed are reflected in our financial statements from the date of acquisition forward.
We allocate the purchase consideration paid to acquire the business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. If during the measurement period (a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date) we receive additional information that existed as of the acquisition date but at the time of the original allocation described above was unknown to us, we make the appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation in the reporting period in which the amounts are determined.
Significant judgment is required to estimate the intangibles and fair value of fixed assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. Accordingly, we typically engage third-party valuation specialists, who work under the direction of management, to assist in valuing significant tangible and intangible assets acquired.
The fair value estimates are based on available historical information, future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates, discount rates and profitability), royalty rates used in the relief of royalty method, customer attrition rates, product obsolescence factors, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires significant judgment. All of our acquired intangible assets (e.g., trademarks, product formulas, non-compete agreements and customer relationships) are expected to have finite useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets are based on a number of factors including competitive environment, market share, brand history, operating plans and the macroeconomic environment of the regions in which the brands are sold.
The costs of finite-lived intangible assets are amortized through expense over their estimated lives. The value of residual goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment as described in the following note. For acquired intangible assets, the remaining useful life of the trade names and trademarks, product formulas, and customer relationships was estimated at the point at which substantially all of the present value of cumulative cash flows have been earned.
The periodic assessment of potential impairment of goodwill. As of December 31, 2021, we have goodwill of $16.414 billion. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of November 30 every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component) to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded.
We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each operating segment regularly reviews the operating results of those components. We have identified seven reporting units under the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent and Pharma Solutions segments: (1) Nourish, (2) Fragrance Compounds, (3) Fragrance Ingredients, (4) Cosmetic Actives, (5) Health & Biosciences, (6) Microbial Control and (7) Pharma Solutions.
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For the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2021, we utilized Step 0 of the guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which allows for the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Based on a review of qualitative factors, we determined that for four of the reporting units, a quantitative (Step 1) impairment analysis was not necessary to determine if the carrying values of the reporting unit exceeded their fair values. For the other three reporting units (Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions), we determined that a Step 1 test was necessary.
We assessed the fair value of the reporting units primarily using an income approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value by using a discounted cash flow method at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the projected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value. We use the most current actual and forecasted operating data available. Key estimates and assumptions used in these valuations include revenue growth rates and profit margins based on our internal forecasts and historical operating trends, and our specific weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows.
In performing the quantitative test, we determined that the fair value of the three reporting units exceeded their carrying values and, taken together with the results of the qualitative test, we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill at any of our seven reporting units in 2021. Based on the quantitative impairment test performed at November 30, 2021, we determined that the excess of fair values over their respective carrying values were 62%, 44% and 29% for the Nourish, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions reporting units, respectively.
If current long-term projections for these reporting units are not realized or materially decrease, we may be required to write-off all or a portion of the goodwill. Such charge could have a material effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
The periodic assessment of potential impairment of long-lived assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business conditions indicate that their full carrying value may not be recovered. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by an asset or group of assets is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If assets are determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on an estimate of fair value using various valuation techniques, including a discounted estimate of future cash flows.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures in this Form 10-K, including: (i) currency neutral metrics, (ii) adjusted gross profit, (iii) adjusted selling and administrative expenses (adjusted S&A), (iv) adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin, (v) adjusted effective tax rate, (vi) adjusted net income and (vii) adjusted diluted EPS. We also provide the non-GAAP measure net debt solely for the purpose of providing information on the extent to which the Company is in compliance with debt covenants contained in its debt agreements. Our non-GAAP financial measures are defined below.
These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information regarding our underlying operating results and comparable year-over-year performance. Such information is supplemental to information presented in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with GAAP. In discussing our historical and expected future results and financial condition, we believe it is meaningful for investors to be made aware of and to be assisted in a better understanding of, on a period-to-period comparable basis, financial amounts both including and excluding these identified items, as well as the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s results under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ calculation of such metrics.
Adjusted gross profit excludes employee separation costs, Frutarom acquisition related costs, N&B inventory step-up costs and N&B integration related costs.
Adjusted selling and administrative expenses excludes Frutarom integration related costs, restructuring and other charges, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, employee separation costs, Frutarom acquisition related costs, compliance review & legal defense costs, N&B transaction related costs and N&B integration related costs.
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Adjusted operating EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA margin exclude depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other income (expense), net, restructuring and other charges and certain non-recurring items such as Frutarom integration related costs, (gains) losses on sale of assets, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, employee separation costs, Frutarom acquisition related costs, compliance review & legal defense costs, N&B inventory step-up costs, N&B transaction related costs and N&B integration related costs.
Adjusted effective tax rate excludes Frutarom integration related costs, restructuring and other charges, (gains) losses on sale of assets, shareholder activism related costs, business divestiture costs, gains on business disposal, employee separation costs, pension income adjustment, pension settlement, Frutarom acquisition related costs, compliance review & legal defense costs, N&B inventory step-up costs, N&B transaction related costs and N&B integration related costs.
Net Debt to Credit Adjusted EBITDA is the leverage ratio used in our credit agreements and defined as Net Debt divided by Credit Adjusted EBITDA. However, as Credit Adjusted EBITDA for these purposes was calculated in accordance with the provisions of the credit agreements, it may differ from the calculation used for adjusted operating EBITDA.
A. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Metrics
| Reconciliation of Gross Profit | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Reported (GAAP) | $ | 3,735 | $ | 2,086 | ||
| Employee Separation Costs (d) | 1 | — | ||||
| Frutarom Acquisition Related Costs (g) | — | 1 | ||||
| N&B Inventory Step-Up Costs | 368 | — | ||||
| N&B Integration Related Costs (j) | 4 | — | ||||
| Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4,108 | $ | 2,087 |
| Reconciliation of Selling and Administrative Expenses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Reported (GAAP) | $ | 1,749 | $ | 949 | ||
| Frutarom Integration Related Costs (a) | (2) | (8) | ||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | (1) | — | ||||
| Shareholder Activism Related Costs (b) | (7) | — | ||||
| Business Divestiture Costs (c) | (42) | — | ||||
| Employee Separation Costs (d) | (27) | (3) | ||||
| Frutarom Acquisition Related Costs (g) | (2) | (1) | ||||
| Compliance Review & Legal Defense Costs (h) | — | (3) | ||||
| N&B Transaction Related Costs (i) | (91) | (29) | ||||
| N&B Integration Related Costs (j) | (97) | (97) | ||||
| Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,480 | $ | 808 |
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| Reconciliation of Net Income and EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) | Income before taxes | Taxes on income (l) | Net Income Attributable to IFF (m) | Diluted EPS | Income before taxes | Taxes on income (l) | Net Income Attributable to IFF (m) | Diluted EPS (n) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported (GAAP) | $ | 354 | $ | 75 | $ | 270 | $ | 1.10 | $ | 441 | $ | 74 | $ | 363 | $ | 3.21 | ||||||||||||||
| Frutarom Integration Related Costs (a) | 4 | — | 4 | 0.01 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and Other Charges | 41 | 9 | 32 | 0.13 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) Losses on Sale of Assets | (1) | — | (1) | — | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholder Activism Related Costs (b) | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0.02 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business Divestiture Costs (c) | 42 | 10 | 32 | 0.12 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains on Business Disposal | (13) | (14) | 1 | 0.01 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee Separation Costs (d) | 29 | 2 | 27 | 0.11 | 3 | — | 3 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension Income Adjustment (e) | (17) | (4) | (13) | (0.05) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension Settlement (f) | 2 | — | 2 | 0.01 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frutarom Acquisition Related Costs (g) | 2 | — | 2 | 0.01 | 1 | — | 1 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compliance Review & Legal Defense Costs (h) | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | 3 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| N&B Inventory Step-Up Costs | 368 | 79 | 289 | 1.19 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| N&B Transaction Related Costs (i) | 91 | 19 | 72 | 0.29 | 29 | 2 | 27 | 0.23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| N&B Integration Related Costs (j) | 101 | 24 | 77 | 0.32 | 97 | 23 | 74 | 0.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption value adjustment to EPS (k) | — | — | — | 0.01 | — | — | — | (0.02) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,010 | $ | 202 | $ | 799 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 609 | $ | 107 | $ | 498 | $ | 4.38 |
| (a) | Represents costs related to the integration of the Frutarom acquisition. For 2021, costs primarily related to performance stock awards. For 2020, costs primarily related to advisory services, retention bonuses and performance stock awards. |
|---|---|
| (b) | Represents shareholder activist related costs, primarily professional fees. |
| (c) | Represents costs related to the Company's sales and planned sales of businesses, primarily legal and professional fees. |
| (d) | Represents costs related to severance, including accelerated stock compensation expense, for certain employees and executives who have been separated or will separate from the Company. |
| (e) | Represents catch-up of net pension income from prior periods that had been excluded from their respective periods. |
| (f) | Represents pension settlement charges incurred in one of the Company's UK pension plans. |
| (g) | Represents transaction-related costs and expenses related to the acquisition of Frutarom. For 2021, amount primarily includes earn-out payments, net of adjustments. For 2020, amount primarily includes earn-out payments, net of adjustments, amortization for inventory "step-up" costs and transaction costs primarily related to the 2019 Acquisition Activity. |
| (h) | Costs related to reviewing the nature of inappropriate payments and review of compliance in certain other countries. In addition, includes legal costs for related shareholder lawsuits. |
| (i) | Represents transaction costs and expenses related to the transaction with N&B, primarily legal and professional fees. |
| (j) | Represents costs primarily related to advisory services for the integration of the transaction with N&B, primarily consulting fees. |
| (k) | Represents the adjustment to EPS related to the excess of the redemption value of certain redeemable noncontrolling interests over their existing carrying value. |
| (l) | The income tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments are calculated based on the applicable statutory tax rate for the relevant jurisdiction, except for those items which are non-taxable or subject to valuation allowances for which the tax expense (benefit) was calculated at 0%. The tax benefit for amortization is calculated in a similar manner as the tax effects of the non-GAAP adjustments. |
| (m) | For 2021 and 2020, net income is reduced by income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $9 million and $4 million, respectively. |
| (n) | The sum of these items does not foot due to rounding. |
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Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements in this Form 10-K, which are not historical facts or information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations and include statements concerning (i) the impacts of COVID-19 and our plans to respond to its implications; (ii) the expected impact of global supply chain challenges; (iii) expectations regarding sales and profit for the fiscal year 2022, including the impact of foreign exchange, pricing actions, raw materials, and sourcing, logistics and manufacturing costs; (iii) expectations of the impact of inflationary pressures and the pricing actions to offset exposure to such impacts; (iv) the impact of high input costs, including raw materials, transportation and energy; (v) our ability to drive cost discipline measures and the ability to recover margin to pre-inflation levels; (vi) the divestiture of our Microbial Control business and the progress of our portfolio optimization strategy, through non-core business divestitures; (vii) our combination with N&B, including the expected benefits and synergies of the N&B Transaction and future opportunities for the combined company; (viii) the success of our integration efforts and ability to deliver on our synergy commitments as well as future opportunities for the combined company; (ix) our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Frutarom acquisition, including $145 million of expected synergies; (x) the growth potential of the markets in which we operate, including the emerging markets, (xi) expected capital expenditures in 2022; (xii) the expected costs and benefits of our ongoing optimization of our manufacturing operations, including the expected number of closings; (xiii) expected cash flow and availability of capital resources to fund our operations and meet our debt service requirements; (xiv) our ability to innovate and execute on specific consumer trends and demands; and (xv) our ability to continue to generate value for, and return cash to, our shareholders. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “outlook”, “may”, “estimate”, “should”, “predict” and similar terms or variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following:
•inflationary trends in the price of our input costs, such as raw materials, transportation and energy;
•supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments or climate-change related events that may affect our suppliers or procurement of raw materials;
•disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from COVID-19 and other public health crises;
•risks related to the integration of N&B and the Frutarom business, including whether we will realize the benefits anticipated from the acquisitions in the expected time frame;
•our ability to successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnerships, or the failure to close strategic transactions or divestments;
•our ability to successfully market to our expanded and diverse customer base;
•our substantial amount of indebtedness and its impact on our liquidity and ability to return capital to its shareholders;
•our ability to effectively compete in our market and develop and introduce new products that meet customers’ needs;
•our ability to retain key employees;
•changes in demand from large multi-national customers due to increased competition and our ability to maintain “core list” status with customers;
•our ability to successfully develop innovative and cost-effective products that allow customers to achieve their own profitability expectations;
•disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from natural disasters, public health crises, international conflicts, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political crisis, accidents and similar events;
•volatility and increases in the price of raw materials, energy and transportation;
•the impact of a significant data breach or other disruption in our information technology systems, and our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, regulatory requirements and industry standards, including regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environmental impact;
•our ability to meet increasing customer, consumer, shareholder and regulatory focus on sustainability;
•defect, quality issues (including product recalls), inadequate disclosure or misuse with respect to the products and capabilities;
45
•our ability to react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and demands, including increased awareness of health and wellness;
•our ability to benefit from our investments and expansion in emerging markets;
•the impact of currency fluctuations or devaluations in the principal foreign markets in which we operate;
•economic, regulatory and political risks associated with our international operations;
•the impact of global economic uncertainty on demand for consumer products;
•our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws;
•our ability to successfully manage our working capital and inventory balances;
•the impact of the failure to comply with U.S. or foreign anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
•any impairment on our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill associated with the acquisition of Frutarom;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
•the impact of the outcome of legal claims, regulatory investigations and litigation;
•changes in market conditions or governmental regulations relating to our pension and postretirement obligations;
•the impact of changes in federal, state, local and international tax legislation or policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with respect to transfer pricing and state aid, and adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes;
•the impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union;
•the impact of the phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on interest expense; and
•risks associated with our CEO transition, including the impact of employee hiring and retention.
The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results.
Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.