International Flavors & Fragrances reports Q3 2026 results and announces $4.3 bn food ingredients sale

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) posted third‑quarter 2026 revenue of $1.94 billion and adjusted earnings of $0.83 per share, beating expectations. The company highlighted mid‑single‑digit growth in its Taste and Scent segments and modest growth in Health & Biosciences. IFF announced the pending sale of its Food Ingredients business for about $4.3 billion and a $2.5 billion capital return program, including a $500 million accelerated share repurchase. Management warned of near‑term margin pressure and softer fourth‑quarter profitability, especially in Health & Biosciences.

The $4.3 bn divestiture will reduce IFF's revenue base but sharpen its portfolio toward higher‑margin segments, potentially improving long‑term profitability. The $2.5 bn share‑repurchase authorization returns cash to shareholders and may support the stock price amid margin concerns.

  • 1Revenue for Q3 2026 was $1,942 million, a 4% increase on a reported basis and 5% on a comparable currency‑neutral basis.
  • 2Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.83.
  • 3Free cash flow for the nine‑month period through September 2026 was $371 million, up $245 million year‑over‑year.
  • 4IFF announced the sale of its Food Ingredients business for approximately $4.3 billion.
  • 5A $2.5 billion capital return program was announced, including a $500 million accelerated share repurchase that has been completed.
  • 6Adjusted operating EBITDA grew 7% year‑over‑year on a currency‑neutral basis, with margins expanding by 50 basis points to 20.8%.

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