International Flavors & Fragrances 10-K 2020-12-31
Filed 2021-02-22. 22 sections, 575K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| ☑ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
| For the transition period from to |
Commission File Number 1-4858
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| New York | 13-1432060 | ||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
521 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-2960
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 765-5500
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share | IFF | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
| 6.00% Tangible Equity Units | IFFT | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
| 0.500% Senior Notes due 2021 | IFF 21 | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
| 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 | IFF 24 | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
| 1.800% Senior Notes due 2026 | IFF 26 | New York Stock Exchange |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | o | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | o | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $13,567,537,235 as of June 30, 2020.
As of February 15, 2021, there were 248,726,256 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “IFF 2021 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
In this report, we use the terms “IFF,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” to refer to International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Item 1. BUSINESS.
On February 1, 2021, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with DuPont de Nemours, Inc. ("DuPont"), a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF merged with and into Nutrition & Biosciences, Inc. (“N&B”), a subsidiary of DuPont formed to hold the Nutrition and Biosciences business (the “N&B Business”, and such transaction, the "N&B Transaction"). 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.
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.
As the information provided throughout this report is historical, it primarily reflects information about the Company as of December 31, 2020, without giving effect to the N&B Transaction or the N&B Business.
Sales in 2020 were approximately $5.1 billion, which management believes, made us the second largest company in the taste, scent, nutrition and specialty ingredient industry during the period. During the past few years, we have diversified our customer base and leveraged our technical expertise to significantly expand our global small and mid-sized customer base. Based on 2020 sales, approximately 35% were global consumer products companies and approximately 65% were small and mid-sized companies. During 2020, our 25 largest customers accounted for 39% of our sales. In 2020, no customer accounted for more than 10% of sales.
Our business is geographically diverse, with sales in the U.S. representing approximately 20% of sales in 2020. No other country represented more than 6% of sales.
In 2020, we operated our business across two segments: Taste and Scent. As a result of the N&B Transaction, our business is now organized in four business segments: Nourish (a combination of IFF’s Taste business with N&B’s Food & Beverage business), Scent, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions.
Our Product Offerings
As of December 31, 2020, our business consisted of our Taste and Scent segments.
Taste
As a leading creator of flavor offerings, we help our customers deliver on the promise of delicious and healthy foods and drinks that appeal to consumers. While we are a global leader, our Taste business operates regionally in nature, with different formulas that reflect local taste preferences. Consequently, we manage our Taste business geographically, creating products in our regional creative centers which allows us to satisfy local taste preferences, while also helping to ensure regulatory compliance and production standards. We develop thousands of different flavors and taste offerings for our customers, most of which are tailor-made, and we continually develop new formulas to meet changing consumer preferences and customer needs.
Our Taste business comprises a diversified portfolio across flavor compounds, savory solutions, inclusions, nutrition and specialty ingredients and flavor ingredients.
Flavor Compounds. Our flavor compounds provide unique flavors that are ultimately used by our customers in 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.).
Savory Solutions. Savory solutions include marinades or powder blends of flavors, natural colors, seasonings, functional ingredients and natural anti-oxidants that are primarily designed for the meat and fish industry.
Inclusions. Inclusions provide taste and texture by, among other things, combining flavorings with fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients for a wide range of food products, such as health snacks, baked goods, cereals, pastries, ice cream and other dairy products.
Nutrition and Specialty Ingredients. Our nutrition and specialty ingredients primarily consist of natural health ingredients, natural food protection, natural colors and flavor ingredients. Natural health ingredients include natural ingredients derived from plants and herbs, which provide, or are perceived as providing, health benefits. These ingredients are used in dietary supplements, functional food, infant and elderly nutrition, cosmetics, personal care and other over-the-counter products. Natural
food protection ingredients consist of natural antioxidants and anti-microbials used for natural food preservation and shelf life extension to beverages, cosmetic and healthcare products, and pet food and feed additives. These ingredients reduce the oxidative deterioration and/or microbiology load that leads to rancidity or loss of flavor, color, and nutritional value. Natural colors comprise a wide array of natural colors and fruit and vegetable concentrates for food, beverage and cosmetics.
Flavor Ingredients. The flavor ingredients market includes natural flavor extracts, specialty botanical extracts, distillates, essential oils, citrus products, aroma chemicals and natural gums and resins. Such ingredients are used for food, beverage and flavors, and are often sold directly to food and beverage manufacturers who use them in producing consumer products.
Scent
Our global Scent business creates fragrance compounds and fragrance ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. We believe our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, deep consumer insight and customer intimacy make us a market leader in scent products.
Our Scent business is a vertically integrated operation, originating in our research facilities with the development of natural, synthetic and proprietary molecules and innovative delivery systems, progressing to our creative centers, application laboratories and consumer insight teams where our perfumers partner with our customers to create unique fragrance compounds for use in a variety of end-use products. We produce these products in our manufacturing facilities in a consistent, high-quality and cost-effective manner. We also produce cosmetic active and functional ingredients for use in cosmetics. By providing our fragrance development teams with an extensive portfolio of innovative, high-quality and effective ingredients to support their creativity, we are able to provide our customers with a unique identity for their brands. These ingredients or fragrance compounds can then be combined with our innovative delivery systems which are key differentiators in the growth of our consumer fragrance portfolio.
Fragrance Compounds. Fragrance compounds are unique and proprietary combinations of multiple ingredients that are ultimately used by our customers in their consumer goods. Our creative and commercial teams within fragrance compounds are organized into two broad categories, fine fragrances and consumer fragrances.
Our fine fragrances focus on perfumes and colognes. Our scientists and perfumers collaborate to develop new molecules, new natural extractions and innovative processes to create unique and inspiring fragrances. We have created some of the industry-leading fine fragrance classics as well as cutting-edge niche fragrances, as evidenced by the number of top sellers and award winners.
Our consumer fragrances include three end-use categories of products:
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Fabric Care, including laundry detergents, fabric softeners and specialty laundry products;
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Home Care, including household cleaners, dishwashing detergents and air fresheners; and
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Body Care, including personal wash, hair care and toiletries products.
Ingredients. Fragrance ingredients consist of natural and synthetic, and active and functional ingredients that are used internally and sold to third parties, including competitors, for use in the preparation of compounds. While the principal role of our fragrance ingredients facilities is to support our fragrance compounds business, we utilize our excess manufacturing capacity to manufacture and sell certain fragrance ingredients to third parties. We believe that this business allows us to leverage our fixed costs while maintaining the security of our supply for our perfumers and ultimately our customers. Fragrance ingredients available for sale to third parties include innovative ingredients that leverage our manufacturing experience as well as a limited amount of cost-competitive, commodity ingredients. Fragrance ingredients also include our cosmetic active and functional ingredients, which provide biologists and cosmetic chemists with innovative solutions to address cosmetic challenges such as skin aging and hair protection. With our separate fragrance and active and functional ingredients, plus additional botanicals and delivery systems, we believe we are a leader in the industry with the breadth of our product portfolio.
Organization in 2021, following the N&B Transaction
As a result of the N&B Transaction, we will now be organized in four segments: Nourish, Scent, Health & Biosciences, and Pharma Solutions.
The Nourish segment consists of most of our legacy Taste segment, N&B’s Food & Beverage division and the food protection business of N&B’s Health & Biosciences division. This segment comprises 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.
The Scent segment consists of our legacy Scent segment as well as, effective January 2, 2021, our Flavor Ingredients business.
The Health & Biosciences segment contains N&B’s Health & Biosciences division, with the exception of food protection, which is part of our Nourish division, as well as parts of our Nutrition and Specialty Ingredients offerings. This segment is the biotechnology driven portfolio of the N&B Business, where enzymes, food cultures, probiotics and specialty ingredients for food and non-food applications are developed and produced. The Health & Biosciences business includes a biotechnology-driven probiotics portfolio, that produces cultures for use in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese and fermented beverages. It also uses industrial fermentation to produce enzymes and microorganisms that provide product and process performance benefits to household detergents, animal feed, ethanol production and brewing.
The Pharma Solutions segment consists of N&B’s Pharma Solutions division, which is one of the world’s largest producers of cellulosics and alginates-based pharma excipients, and is used to improve the functionality and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including controlled or modified drug release formulations, and enable the development of more effective pharma solutions.
Consumer Insights, Research and Product Development Process
The markets in which we compete require constant innovation to remain competitive. Consumer preferences tend to drive change in our markets, and as science evolves and sustainability continues to be a key factor to customers and consumers, we must continue to strengthen our research and development platforms and adapt our capabilities to provide differentiated products.
Consumer Insights
We believe that the first step to creating an innovative and unique product experience begins with gaining insight into the consumer and emerging trends. By developing a deep understanding of what consumers value and prefer through our consumer insight programs, we are better able to focus our research and development and creative efforts.
Our consumer science, insight and marketing teams interpret trends, monitor product launches, analyze quantitative market data and conduct numerous consumer interviews annually. Our sensory experts direct research programs exploring topics such as fragrance performance, the psychophysics of sensory perception (including chemesthetic properties such as warming, cooling and tingling), the genetic basis for flavor and fragrance preference and the effects of aromas on mood, performance, health and well-being.
Based on this information, we develop innovative and proprietary programs to evaluate potential products that enable us to understand the emotional connections between a prospective product and the consumer. We believe this ability to pinpoint the likelihood of a product’s success translates into stronger brand equity, resulting in increased returns and greater market share gains for our customers as well as for IFF.
Research and Development
We consider our research and development infrastructure to be one of our key competencies and critical to our ability to provide differentiated products to our customers. We focus and invest substantial resources in the research and development of new and innovative molecules, compounds, formulations and technologies and the application of these to our customers’ products. Using the knowledge gained from our consumer insights programs and business unit needs, we strategically focus our resources around key research and development platforms that address or anticipate consumer needs or preferences. By aligning our capabilities and resources to these platforms, we ensure the proper support and focus for each program so that they can be further developed and eventually accepted for commercial application.
As of December 31, 2020, we have been granted 430 patents in the United States, since 2000, and have 564 pending patent applications. We have developed many unique molecules and delivery systems for our customers that are used as the foundations of successful flavors and fragrances around the world.
We have historically conducted our principal basic research and development activities in Union Beach, New Jersey, where we employ scientists and application engineers who collaborate with our other research and development centers around the world, to support the:
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discovery of new materials;
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development of new technologies, such as delivery systems;
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creation of new compounds; and
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enhancement of existing ingredients and compounds.
Following the N&B Transaction, we expect that our principal basic research and development activities will continue in Union Beach, New Jersey, as well as in Wilmington, Delaware, Palo Alto, California, Barbrand, Denmark, and Leiden, The Netherlands. The N&B Business has strong product and application development pipelines built upon a global network that includes research and development, as well as regulatory and product stewardship capabilities.
As of December 31, 2020, we employed approximately 2,600 people globally in research and development activities, including in key basic research and development centers in Union Beach, New Jersey, Tilburg, The Netherlands, Neuilly and Grasse, France, and Nanjing, China.
Our ingredients research program discovers molecules found in natural substances and creates new molecules that are subsequently tested for their sensorial value. To broaden our offerings of natural, innovative and unique products, we have established a number of collaborations with research institutions and other companies throughout the world. We may also consider acquiring companies that could provide access to new technologies.
The development of new and customized flavor and fragrance compounds is a complex process calling upon the combined knowledge of our scientists, flavorists and perfumers. Scientists from various disciplines work in project teams with flavorists and perfumers to develop flavor and fragrance compounds with consumer preferred performance characteristics. The development of new flavor and fragrance compounds requires (i) an in-depth knowledge of the flavor and fragrance characteristics of the various ingredients we use, (ii) an understanding of how the many ingredients in a consumer product interact and (iii) the creation of controlled release and delivery systems to enhance flavor and fragrance performance. To facilitate this process, we have a scientific advisory board that provides external perspectives and independent feedback on our research and development and sustainability initiatives.
Creative Application
Through our global network of creative centers and application laboratories, we create or adapt the basic flavors or fragrances compounds that we have developed in the research and development process to commercialize for use in our customers’ consumer products. Our global creative teams consist of perfumers, fragrance evaluators and flavorists, as well as marketing, consumer science, consumer insights and technical application experts, from a wide range of cultures and nationalities. In close partnership with our customers’ product development groups, our creative teams create the sensory experiences that our customers are seeking in order to satisfy consumer demands in each of their respective markets.
New flavor and fragrance development is driven by a variety of sources including requests from our customers, who are in need of specific flavors and fragrances for use in a new or modified consumer product, or as a result of internal initiatives stemming from our consumer insights program. Our product development team works in partnership with our scientists and researchers to optimize the consumer appeal and relevance of our flavors and fragrances. We use a collaborative process between our researchers, our product development team and our customers to perfect the flavors and fragrances so they are ready to be included in the final consumer product.
In addition to creating new flavors and fragrances, our researchers and product development teams advise customers on ways to improve their existing products by moderating or substituting current ingredients with more readily accessible or less expensive materials enhancing their yield. This often results in creating a better value proposition for our customers.
Our flavors and fragrances compound formulas are treated as trade secrets and remain our proprietary assets. Our business is not materially dependent upon any individual patent, trademark or license.
Supply Chain
We strive to provide our customers with consistent and quality products on a timely and cost-effective basis by managing all aspects of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing through manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and distribution.
Procurement
In connection with the manufacture of compounds, we use natural ingredients and, primarily in our fragrance compounds, synthetic ingredients. As of December 31, 2020, we purchased approximately 124,500 different raw materials sourced from an extensive network of domestic and international suppliers and distributors.
The N&B Transaction will significantly increase the number of natural products that we will source, and the percentage of our ingredients that are natural or crop-related. Natural ingredients are derived from flowers, fruits and other botanical products, as well as from animal and marine products, and commodity crops like wheat, corn and soy. They contain varying numbers of organic chemicals that are responsible for the fragrance, flavor, antioxidant properties and nutrition of the natural products. Natural products are purchased directly from farms or in processed and semi-processed forms. Some natural products are used in compounds in the state in which they are obtained and others are used after further processing. Natural products, together with various chemicals, are also used as raw materials for the manufacture of synthetic ingredients by chemical processes.
In order to ensure our supply of raw materials, achieve favorable pricing and provide timely transparency regarding inflationary trends to our customers, we continue to focus on:
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purchasing under contract with fixed or formula-based pricing for set time periods;
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entering into supplier relationships to gain access to supplies we would not otherwise have;
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implementing indexed pricing;
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reducing the complexity of our formulations;
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evaluating the profitability of whether to buy or make an ingredient; and
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sourcing from local countries with our own procurement professionals.
Manufacturing and Distribution
As of December 31, 2020, we had 242 manufacturing facilities, creative centers and application laboratories located in 47 different countries. Our major manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, The Netherlands, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Slovenia, China, India, and Singapore. Based on the regional nature of the Taste business and the logistical concerns regarding the fragile nature of transporting raw materials, we have typically established smaller manufacturing facilities in our local markets that are focused on local needs. Products within the Scent business are typically composed of compounds that are more stable and more transportable. Consequently, we have fewer manufacturing facilities within our Scent business, which produce compounds and ingredients for global distribution.
During the last few years, we undertook an initiative to optimize our global operations footprint to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver value to our global customers. During 2020, we announced the closure of eleven sites, of which five sites were in Europe, Africa and Middle East, four sites were in North America and two sites were in Greater Asia. As a continuation of this initiative, we expect to close approximately nine additional manufacturing sites by the end of 2021.
Our supply chain initiatives are focused on increasing capacity and investing in key technologies. Within our more mature markets, we tend to focus on consolidation and cost optimization as well as the implementation of new technologies. In addition to our own manufacturing facilities, we develop relationships with third parties, including contract manufacturing organizations, that expand our access to the technologies, capabilities and capacity that we need to better serve our customers.
Sustainability
Over the past several years, we have redefined the way we envision sustainability. Moving from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, we have embraced the circular economy model - one that is restorative and regenerative by design, which we believe is key in safeguarding the well-being of consumers, the health of our planet and the integrity of our business.
Customers and consumers of our products want to know if the products they are purchasing are responsibly sourced and produced in an environmentally conscious manner. Our sustainability vision and strategy are designed to address these global trends, and we are committed to making real progress happen at every opportunity. Following the N&B Transaction and the Frutarom acquisition, we have been working on evaluating our expanded environmental footprint and integrating and updating the N&B Business and Frutarom's sustainability practices to align them with legacy IFF sustainability practices.
In line with our purpose of applying science and creativity for a better world, our sustainability goals include:
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Reducing Our Environmental Footprint - we seek to leverage synergies to reduce our operational impact in ways that will mitigate climate change, conserve water and reduce waste.
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Strengthening Responsible Sourcing - we seek to ensure ethical practices in our supply chain, reduce impact to the environment and support workers and grower communities.
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Driving Sustainable Innovation - we seek to embed regenerative approaches and circular design principles into our products, processes and R&D pipeline.
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Embracing People and Communities - we seek to nurture an inclusive culture where we celebrate diversity and give back to the communities where we source and operate.
In 2020, we were named for the first time to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, a family of best-in-class benchmarks for investors who recognize that sustainable business practices are critical to generating long-term shareholder value. Named to both the 2020 World Index and the North America Index, this distinction validates IFF’s leadership position in sustainability performance and underscores our commitment to executing on key environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. We were also awarded the 2020 EcoVadis platinum sustainability rating, a highly selective designation by EcoVadis, a leading platform for monitoring sustainability in global supply chains. This distinction places IFF in the top 1% of companies assessed in the areas of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. In addition, among other distinctions, in 2019 we were named one of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the third consecutive year and listed in the FTSE4Good Index series as well as in the Euronext Vigeo World 120 Index for ESG performance.
Our commitment to good governance starts with our Board and Executive Committee and is supported by a strong governance framework. This framework is implemented through our organization with frequent communications and trainings on best practices in governance, risk management, business conduct, compliance and ethics. Moreover, we adhere to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, honesty and respect in our dealings with each other and our business partners. To maintain those relationships and our strong reputation, we have a robust program to ensure compliance with our Codes.
For more detailed information about our sustainability programs and performance, please refer to our annual sustainability report.
Governmental Regulation
We develop, produce and market our products in a number of jurisdictions around the world and are subject to federal, regional and local legislation and regulations in various countries. Our products, which among other industries, are intended for use in food, beverage, pharmaceutical industries, home and personal care are subject to strict quality and regulatory standards and environmental laws and regulations. We in turn are required to meet strict standards which, in recent years, have become increasingly stringent and affect both existing as well as new products. While the cost of compliance with such laws and regulations leads to higher overall capital expenditure, which can be significant in certain periods, we do not know of any material capital expenditures necessary to comply with such laws and regulations. We continue to monitor existing and pending laws and regulations and while the impact of regulatory changes cannot be predicted with certainty, compliance has not had, and is not expected to have a material adverse effect on capital expenditure, earnings or competitive position.
Our products and operations are subject to regulation by governmental agencies in each of the markets in which we operate. These agencies include (1) the Food and Drug Administration and equivalent international agencies that regulate flavors, pharmaceutical excipients and other ingredients in consumer products, (2) the Environmental Protection Agency and equivalent international agencies that regulate our manufacturing facilities, as well as fragrance products (including encapsulation systems) and microbial products, (3) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and equivalent international agencies that regulate the working conditions in our manufacturing, research laboratories and creative centers, (4) local and international agencies that regulate trade and customs, (5) the Drug Enforcement Administration and other local or international agencies that regulate controlled chemicals that we use in our operations, (6) the Chemical Registration/Notification authorities that regulate chemicals that we use in, or transport to, the various countries in which we manufacture and/or market our products, and (7) the U.S. Department of Agriculture and equivalent international authorities with respect to, among other things, labeling of consumer products. We have seen an increase in registration and reporting requirements concerning the use of certain chemicals in a number of countries, such as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”) regulations in the European Union, as well as similar regulations in other countries. The acquisitions of Frutarom and N&B will broaden the landscape of regulatory compliance requirements applicable to IFF.
In addition, we are subject to various rules relating to health, work safety and the environment at the local and international levels in the various countries in which we operate. Our manufacturing facilities throughout the world are subject to environmental standards relating to air emissions, sewage discharges, the use of hazardous materials, waste disposal practices and clean-up of existing environmental contamination. In recent years, there has been an increase in the stringency of environmental regulation and enforcement of environmental standards, and the costs of compliance have risen significantly, a trend we expect will continue in the future.
Competition
The markets for taste and scent are part of a larger market that supplies a wide variety of ingredients and compounds used in consumer products. The broader market includes functional foods and food additives, including seasonings, texturizers, spices, enzymes, certain food-related commodities, and fortified products, as well as nutritional ingredients, supplements and active cosmetic ingredients.
The global market for taste and scent has expanded, primarily as a result of an increase in demand for, and an increase in the variety of, consumer products containing flavors and fragrances.
The market for taste and scent is highly competitive. Based on annual sales, our main competitors consist of (1) other large global flavor and fragrance manufacturers, Givaudan, Firmenich and Symrise, (2) mid-sized companies, (3) numerous regional and local manufacturers and (4) consumer product companies who may develop their own flavors or fragrances.
We believe that our ability to create products with the sustainability related attributes customers expect and compete successfully in the flavors and fragrances sub-market is based on:
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our in-depth understanding of consumers,
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vertical integration,
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innovation and technological advances from our research and development activities and our perfumers and flavorists,
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our ability to tailor products to customers’ needs,
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our ability to manufacture products on a global scale, and
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broad-based regulatory capabilities.
Large multi-national customers and, increasingly, mid-sized customers, may limit the number of their suppliers by placing some on “core lists,” giving them priority for development and production of their new or modified products. To compete more successfully, we must make continued investments in customer relationships and tailor our research and development efforts to anticipate customers’ needs, provide effective service and secure and maintain inclusion on these “core lists.”
Private label manufacturers, mostly medium-sized, local or small food manufacturers, constitute a growing segment in the flavor market. Over the last decade, with the strengthening of supermarket chains, online platforms and growing consumer price consciousness, consumption of private label products has grown at a faster rate than the brand food industry rate. We believe that new business opportunities will continue to arise from these clients as they are increasing their demand for products that are similar to existing products in the market, distinctive premium products, as well as more innovative products.
The global demand for functional foods, food additives, natural ingredients, nutritional ingredients and supplements and active cosmetic ingredients is also growing. With our recent acquisitions, we have expanded our offerings to include products within the functional food ingredient market, including ingredients focused on improving the health and wellness characteristics of a consumer good, the nutritional supplement and infant nutrition markets and the cosmetic actives market. While the three other large global flavor and fragrance manufacturers, Givaudan, Firmenich and Symrise, are active in these areas, we also compete with specialty chemical companies, other large multi-national companies and smaller regional and local participants that offer products that address these same needs.
Our People
The success of our business is built on our talented employees. At December 31, 2020, we had approximately 13,700 employees worldwide, of whom approximately 2,000 are employed in the United States. With the completion of the N&B Transaction, we added more than 10,000 employees around the world, of whom approximately 30% are employed in the United States.
Culture and Values
Our culture is based on our five corporate values of empowerment, expertise, innovation, integrity and responsibility, and the expression of these values can be seen and felt throughout our history. Our employees appreciate that they contribute to products that touch and enhance the lives of millions of people around the world. In 2020, we implemented a high-performing culture employee engagement initiative designed to further underscore three key attributes of our culture: extreme accountability, bias toward action and effective collaboration. Throughout the year, we engaged with employees around the world as part of this initiative, including senior leader speakers, employee training, employee recognition programs and designating a large number of local employee ambassadors.
Leadership and Development
Our leadership development efforts empower employees to become forward-looking, inspiring and capable decision-makers, agents of change and great leaders. To cultivate our employees’ talent and build sustainable long-lasting careers at IFF, we offer specialized courses for employees globally by partnering with leading institutions and universities to help provide the latest training and development offerings at all levels. We also offer to our employees an extensive library of on-demand courses and materials on leadership, management and professional skills development. These offerings complement our talent acquisition strategy and organized and personalized feedback process, supported by industry-leading assessment tools.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe that our differences make us great, as captured in our diversity and inclusion (D&I) vision: “Your Uniqueness Unleashes Our Potential.” To that end, we are dedicated to nurturing a truly inclusive and fair culture through the three pillars of our D&I mission:
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Our People embody the mosaic of the markets we serve and are empowered to transform the future
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Our Spirit nurtures an inclusive and fair culture where every voice is valued and heard
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Our World embraces diversity of thought and strives to do more good, creating a better future for all
In 2020, IFF developed and delivered a broad range of initiatives to support our D&I vision. As part of IFF’s journey to gender parity, the Company in 2020 underwent a rigorous global verification process and attained the Economic Dividends for Gender Equity (EDGE) certification at the MOVE level in 21 countries worldwide, which included an examination of our gender balance across our talent pipeline, gender pay equity, the effectiveness of our framework of policies and practices that ensure equitable career flows and our ability to foster an inclusive workplace culture for all employees. IFF also achieved 100% scores in the Disability Equality Index and achieved the title of best employer for LGBTQ+ employees rating with 100% scores in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index and the HRC Equidad Mexico. At the same time, employee resource groups known as “colleague communities” continue to thrive and grow with women@iff and pride@iff opening new chapters at our offices around the world and new colleague communities launching in 2020, such as Soul Black (Brazil), Black Excellence (USA), as well as SERVE, which supports veteran and first responder issues.
Occupational Health & Safety
Employee safety is one of the cornerstones of our business. Our occupational health and safety management system requires and encourages employees and supervised contractors at sites globally to uphold IFF’s protocols, report any incidents and suggest improvements that will increase the safety of work sites. Our safety management system in each country is based on local regulations. In the absence of country-specific requirements, IFF guidelines are implemented, which are based on U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. To work toward a safer workplace, we have put in place a set of protocols and programs related to three areas of focus: (a) safety governance (setting and updating comprehensive safety policies and procedures), (b) safety training of employees on local requirements and IFF policies, and (c) safety culture characterized by awareness and communication. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been following the requirements of governmental authorities and taking additional preventative and protective measures to ensure the safety of our workforce. Moreover, we have developed return-to-workplace protocols and mandatory site guidelines to continue to protect the health and safety of employees at each location and to promote an orderly and phased return for employees who have been working from home.
Availability of Reports
We make available free of charge on or through the “Investors” link on our website, www.iff.com, all materials that we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such materials with, or furnishing them to, the SEC. During the period covered by this Form 10-K, we made all such materials available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such materials with the SEC.
The SEC maintains an Internet website, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file electronically with the SEC.
A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors are posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.iff.com.
Our principal executive offices are located at 521 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 (212-765-5500).
Executive Officers of Registrant
The current executive officers of the Company, as of February 22, 2021, are listed below.
| Name | Age | Position | ||||||||||||
| Andreas Fibig | 58 | Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||
| Rustom Jilla | 59 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||
| Kathy Fortmann | 53 | President, Nourish | ||||||||||||
| Simon Herriott | 57 | President, Health & Biosciences | ||||||||||||
| Nicolas Mirzayantz | 58 | President, Scent | ||||||||||||
| Angela Strzelecki | 54 | President, Pharma Solutions | ||||||||||||
| Francisco Fortanet | 52 | Executive Vice President, Global Operations Officer | ||||||||||||
| Jennifer Johnson | 46 | Executive Vice President, General Counsel | ||||||||||||
| Susana Suarez-Gonzalez | 51 | Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion Officer | ||||||||||||
| Vic Verma | 52 | Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer | ||||||||||||
| Gregory Yep | 55 | Executive Vice President, Chief Research & Development, Global Integrated Solutions & Sustainability Officer | ||||||||||||
| Michael DeVeau | 40 | Senior Vice President, Chief Investor Relations & Communication Officer | ||||||||||||
| Etienne Laurent | 55 | Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Cost Synergies | ||||||||||||
| Greg Soutendijk | 52 | Senior Vice President, Commercial Excellence |
Andreas Fibig has served as our Chair since December 2014 and Chief Executive Officer since September 2014. Mr. Fibig has been a member of our Board of Directors since 2011. Mr. Fibig joined us from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical division of Bayer AG, where he served as President and Chairman of the Board of Management. Prior to Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Fibig held a number of positions of increasing responsibility at Pfizer Inc., a research-based pharmaceutical company, including as Senior Vice President in the US Pharmaceutical Operations group and as President, Latin America, Africa and Middle East.
Rustom Jilla has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2020. From July 2015 to January 2020, Mr. Jilla served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., a US-listed distributor of metalworking and maintenance repair operations products. Prior to this, Mr. Jilla held group CFO roles with the Dematic Group, a global automated systems solutions provider, and with Ansell Limited, an Australian-listed global leader in protective solutions. Earlier, Mr. Jilla worked at PerkinElmer Inc. and The BOC Group in various finance & product management leadership roles, and he began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He is member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, United Kingdom.
Kathy Fortmann has served as our President, Nourish since October 2020. From April 2020 to October 2020, Ms. Fortmann served as Global Head of Strategy & Cross-Fertilization for the Taste Division (now Nourish). Ms. Fortmann joined us from FrieslandCampina Ingredients at Royal FrieslandCampina, a multinational dairy cooperative, where she served as Business Group President from September 2017 to March 2020. Prior to that, Ms. Fortmann served as a member of the Cargill Executive Team from January 2014 to September 2017 and, earlier, as President, running Food Ingredients Businesses and setting up Cargill Global Business Services to provide IT, Human Resources, Finance, Transportation & Logistics, and Procurement services. Ms. Fortmann started her career as a chemical engineer with DuPont, where she held a number of positions in the U.S.A. and Europe.
Simon Herriott has served as President, Health & Biosciences since February 2021. From 2019 to February 2021, Mr. Herriott was Vice President and Global Business Director, Health & Biosciences for the N&B Business and from 2016 to 2019, he served as Global Business Director, Bioactives, Industrial Biosciences and Vice President, Danisco Inc. Mr. Herriott was employed by DuPont’s predecessor or formerly affiliated companies for 15 years and held a variety of roles, including Global Business Director, Biomaterials, Industrial Biosciences and leadership positions for various businesses that are currently part of DuPont’s Non-Core segment.
Nicolas Mirzayantz has served as our President, Scent since October 2018. Mr. Mirzayantz originally joined our Company in 1988 and was our Group President, Fragrances from January 2007 to October 2018. Mr. Mirzayantz has also served as a member of our Temporary Office of the Chief Executive Officer, our Senior Vice President, Fine Fragrance and Beauty Care and Regional Manager, North America, our Senior Vice President, Fine Fragrance and Beauty Care, and our Vice President Global Fragrance Business Development.
Angela Strzelecki has served as President, Pharma Solutions since February 2021. From 2019 to February 2021, Dr. Strzelecki was Platform Leader, Pharma Solutions for the N&B Business. From 2013 to 2019, Dr. Strzelecki held a variety of leadership positions at Dupont or its formerly affiliated companies, including Platform Leader, Pharma Solutions for the Nutrition and Health business, Planning Director – Corporate Planning and M&A , Global Business Director – Electronics & Communications, and the North America Business Director – Building Innovations.
Francisco Fortanet has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Operations Officer since August 2015. Prior to his current role, Mr. Fortanet held various leadership positions within the Company, including serving as Frutarom Integration lead and Senior Vice President, Operations, Vice President, Global Manufacturing Compounding, Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Regional Director of North America Operations, the Project Manager of a special project in Ireland, and as Plant Manager in Hazlet, New Jersey. Mr. Fortanet started his career in IFF-Mexico.
Jennifer Johnson has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel since February 2021. From 2019 to February 2021, Dr. Johnson served as Associate General Counsel for the N&B Business. Dr. Johnson joined DuPont’s predecessor or formerly affiliated companies in 2013, where she led the legal team for DuPont’s former Industrial Biosciences business as Associate General Counsel and subsequently served as Assistant Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for Industrial Biosciences. Prior to joining DuPont, Dr. Johnson was a Partner at the law firm of Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
Susana Suarez-Gonzalez has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion Officer since February 2021. From November 2016 to February 2021, Dr. Suarez-Gonzalez served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. From 2014 to 2016, Dr. Suarez-Gonzalez was Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Centers Expertise, Human Resources of Fluor Corporation, an engineering construction company. Dr. Suarez-Gonzalez began her career at Fluor Corporation in 1991, and during her 25 years with the company, she held various leadership positions across several business groups and functions including construction, marketing, sales, project engineering and human resources.
Vic Verma has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer since February 2021 and had previously served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer from 2016 to February 2021. Before joining the Company, Mr. Verma served as Vice President of Global Infrastructure Operations at American Express, a multinational financial services company. Prior to that, Mr. Verma held several other leadership positions at American Express as well as Vice President, Division CIO and management consulting roles with GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers Squibb and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Gregory Yep has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Research & Development, Global Integrated Solutions & Sustainability Officer since February 2021. From June 2016 to February 2021, he serves as our Executive Vice President, Chief Research & Development and Sustainability Officer. From January 2015 to June 2016, Dr. Yep was Senior Vice President of Research, Development & Applications with The Kerry Group, a taste and nutrition company. Prior to The Kerry Group, Dr. Yep was Senior Vice President of R&D at PepsiCo, a multinational food, snack and beverage corporation, and was Global Vice President, Application Technologies at Givaudan Flavors and Fragrances, a multinational manufacturer of flavors, fragrances and active cosmetic ingredients. Earlier in his career, Dr. Yep was at McCormick & Company, a flavor, seasonings and spices company, where he held executive roles of increasing responsibility in food science.
Michael DeVeau has served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Investor Relations & Communications Officer since February 2021 and had previously served as our Vice President, Investor Relations, Communications, and Chief of Staff from September 2014 to February 2021, as well as divisional Chief Financial Officer, Scent from 2018 to 2020 and head of Corporate Strategy from 2016 to 2018. Since joining the Company in 2009 as head of investor relations, Mr. DeVeau has held various roles of increasing scope and responsibility in communications, finance and strategy. Prior to joining the Company, he served in leadership positions in investor relations, finance and corporate development at PepsiCo, a multinational food, snack and beverage company. Mr. DeVeau began his career as an Equity Research Analyst at Citigroup Investment Research.
Etienne Laurent has served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Cost Synergies since February 2021. From 2014 to February 2021, Mr. Laurent served as Divisional CFO for the N&B Business. Earlier, he held a variety of positions at DuPont’s predecessor or formerly affiliated companies, including EMEA regional CFO, Leader of Sourcing and Logistics for the EMEA region, and multiple roles in Treasury, Controllership, Audit and FP&A.
Greg Soutendijk has served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Excellence since February 2021. From 2015 to February 2021, Mr. Soutendijk was Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Soutendijk joined the Company in The Netherlands as Vice President, Global Fragrance Ingredient Sales in 2006 and subsequently served as Regional General Manager for Fragrances, Greater Asia and Regional General Manager, Greater Asia. Earlier in his career, Mr. Soutendijk held various positions at IFF and Bush Boake Allen, a company acquired by IFF. Prior to joining IFF, Mr. Soutendijk worked in Investment Banking for Credit Suisse Group.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Risk Factor Summary
The following summary highlights some of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. This summary is not complete and the risks summarized below are not the only risks we face. These risks are discussed more fully further below in this section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. of this report. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
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The COVID-19 pandemic may materially and adversely impact our operations, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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The integration of the N&B Business may present significant challenges, and we may not realize anticipated synergies and other benefits of the N&B Transaction.
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We have a substantial amount of indebtedness following the N&B Transaction, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition.
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We have incurred, and will incur, substantial direct and indirect costs as a result of the N&B Transaction.
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In connection with the N&B Transaction, we are required to abide by potentially significant restrictions which could limit our ability to undertake certain corporate actions (such as the issuance of common stock or the undertaking of a merger or consolidation) that otherwise could be advantageous.
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We may be unable to provide (or obtain from third-parties) the same types and level of services to the N&B Business that historically have been provided by DuPont, or may be unable to provide (or obtain) them at the same cost.
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Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected if we cannot negotiate terms that are as favorable as those DuPont has received when we replace contracts after the closing of the N&B Transaction.
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Our success will also depend on relationships with third parties and our pre-existing customers and the pre-existing customers of the N&B Business, which relationships may be affected by customer or third-party preferences or public attitudes about the N&B Transaction. Any adverse changes in these relationships could adversely affect the our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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We may not realize all the synergies and other benefits anticipated from the Frutarom acquisition, which could adversely affect our business.
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If we are unable to successfully market to our expanded and diverse customer base, our operating results and future growth may be adversely affected.
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Failure to successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnerships could adversely affect our growth.
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Our business is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively our sales and results of operations will suffer.
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Our success depends on attracting and retaining talented people within our business. Significant shortfalls in recruitment or retention could adversely affect our ability to compete and achieve our strategic goals.
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A significant portion of our sales is generated from a limited number of large multi-national customers, which are currently under competitive pressures that may affect the demand for our products and profitability.
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We may not successfully develop and introduce new products that meet our customers’ needs, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
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Natural disasters, public health crises (such as the COVID-19 outbreak), international conflicts, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political crisis, accidents and other events could adversely affect our business and financial results by disrupting development, manufacturing, distribution or sale of our products.
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A disruption in our supply chain, including the inability to obtain ingredients and raw materials from third parties, could adversely affect our business and financial results.
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Volatility and increases in the price of raw materials, energy and transportation, including due to climate change, could harm our profits.
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A significant data breach or other disruption to our information technology systems could disrupt our operations, result in the loss of confidential information or personal data, and adversely impact our reputation, business or results of operations.
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We have made investments in and continue to expand our business into emerging markets, which exposes us to certain risks.
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The impact of currency fluctuation or devaluation in the international markets in which we operate may negatively affect our results of operations.
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International economic, political, legal, compliance and business factors could negatively affect our financial statements, operations and growth.
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Economic uncertainty may adversely affect demand for our products which may have a negative impact on our operating results and future growth.
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Increasing awareness of health and wellness are driving changes in the consumer products industry, and if we are unable to react in a timely and cost-effective manner, our results of operations and future growth may be adversely affected.
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We are subject to increasing customer, consumer and regulatory focus on sustainability issues, which may result in additional costs in order to meet new requirements or integrate the N&B Business and Frutarom with our sustainability practices.
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Our performance may be adversely impacted if we are not successful in managing our inventory and/or working capital balances.
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Any impairment of our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill, may adversely impact our profitability.
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Our funding obligations for our pension and postretirement plans could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows.
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The expected phase out of the London Interbank Office Rate (“LIBOR”) could impact the interest rates paid on our variable rate indebtedness and cause our interest expense to increase.
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Our business may be negatively impacted as a result of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.
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If we are unable to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards, including those regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environmental impact, we could incur significant costs and suffer reputational harm which could adversely affect results of operations.
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Failure to comply with environmental protection laws may cause us to close, relocate or operate one or more of our plants at reduced production levels, and expose us to civil or criminal liability, which could adversely affect our operating results and future growth.
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We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar U.S. or foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
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Defects, quality issues, inadequate disclosure or misuse with respect to the products and capabilities could adversely affect our business, reputation and results of operations.
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Our ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights.
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Our results of operations may be negatively impacted by the outcome of uncertainties related to litigation.
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Changes in our tax rates, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation, or changes in existing tax laws could expose us to additional tax liabilities that may affect our future results.
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The N&B Transaction could result in significant tax liability, and we may be obligated to indemnify DuPont for any such tax liability imposed on DuPont.
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If we fail to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad, we may be subject to fines, penalties and other costs.
Risk Factors
*We routinely encounter and address risks in conducting our business. Some of these risks may cause our future results to be different - sometimes materially different - than we presently anticipate. Below are material risks we have identified that could adversely affect our business. How we react to material future developments, as well as how our competitors and
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Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
Item 2. PROPERTIES.
IFF principal properties as of December 31, 2020, are as follows:
| Location | Operation | ||||
| United States | |||||
| Carrollton, TX(1) | Production of flavor compounds; flavor laboratories. | ||||
| Hazlet, NJ | Production of fragrance compounds. | ||||
| Jacksonville, FL | Production of fragrance ingredients. | ||||
| New York, NY(1) | Fragrance laboratories; corporate headquarters. | ||||
| South Brunswick, NJ(1) | Production of flavor compounds and ingredients; flavor laboratories. | ||||
| Holmdel, NJ(1) | Research and development center. | ||||
| Union Beach, NJ | Research and development center. | ||||
| Philadelphia, PA | Production of flavor compounds; flavor laboratories. | ||||
| France | |||||
| Neuilly(1) | Fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Grasse | Production of fragrance compounds and cosmetic ingredients. | ||||
| Great Britain | |||||
| Haverhill | Production of flavor compounds and ingredients, and fragrance ingredients; flavor laboratories. | ||||
| Netherlands | |||||
| Hilversum | Flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Tilburg | Production of flavor compounds and ingredients, and fragrance compounds. | ||||
| Spain | |||||
| Benicarló | Production of fragrance ingredients. | ||||
| Argentina | |||||
| Garin | Production of flavor and fragrance compounds; flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Brazil | |||||
| Rio de Janeiro | Production of fragrance compounds. | ||||
| Taubate | Production of flavor compounds and ingredients. | ||||
| Mexico | |||||
| Tlalnepantla | Production of flavor and fragrance compounds; flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| India | |||||
| Mumbai(2) | Flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Sri City | Production of flavor and fragrance compounds and laboratories. | ||||
| Australia | |||||
| Dandenong | Production of flavor compounds and flavor ingredients. | ||||
| China | |||||
| Guangzhou(2) | Production of fragrance compounds and flavor compounds. | ||||
| Shanghai(1)(2) | Flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Zhangjiagang(2) | Production of flavor compounds. | ||||
| Yungpu(2) | Production of flavor compounds. | ||||
| Jiande(2) | Production of fragrance ingredients. | ||||
| Indonesia | |||||
| Jakarta | Production of flavor compounds and ingredients; flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Thailand | |||||
| Bangkok(1) | Production of savory solutions. | ||||
| Japan |
| Location | Operation | ||||
| Gotemba | Production of flavor compounds. | ||||
| Singapore | |||||
| Jurong(1) | Production of flavor and fragrance compounds. | ||||
| Science Park(1) | Flavor and fragrance laboratories. | ||||
| Turkey | |||||
| Gebze(1) | Production of flavor compounds. | ||||
| Slovenia | |||||
| Skofja(1) | Production of flavor, food systems and savory powders. | ||||
| Israel | |||||
| Kibbutz Givat-Oz(1)(3) | Production of fragrance ingredients. | ||||
| Midgal H'aemeq(1) | Production of health products. | ||||
| Haifa(1) | Production of flavor compounds. | ||||
| Russia | |||||
| Moscow(1) | Production of savory solutions. | ||||
| Germany | |||||
| Stadthagen | Production of health products. | ||||
| Emmerich | Production of food systems. | ||||
| Sittensen | Production of savory solutions. | ||||
| Freilassing | Production of savory solutions. |
(1)Leased.
(2)Land is leased and building, machinery and equipment are owned.
(3)We have a 93.4% interest in the subsidiary company that owns this facility.
The IFF principal executive offices and New York laboratory facilities are located at 521 West 57th Street, New York City.
The N&B Business’s corporate headquarters is currently located in Wilmington, Delaware. Its manufacturing, processing, marketing and research and development facilities, as well as regional purchasing offices and distribution centers, are located throughout the world.
The N&B Business’s manufacturing sites, innovation centers and principal offices are located worldwide with about 20 sites in Asia Pacific, 47 in Europe, Africa and Middle East, 13 in Latin America and 25 in the United States and Canada.
Our principal sites include facilities which, in the opinion of its management, are suitable and adequate for their use and have sufficient capacity for its current business needs and expected near-term growth.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of our business.
Litigation Matters
On August 12, 2019, Marc Jansen filed a putative securities class action against IFF, its Chairman and CEO, and its then-CFO, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit was filed after IFF disclosed that preliminary results of investigations indicated that Frutarom businesses operating principally in Russia and Ukraine had made improper payments to representatives of customers. On December 26, 2019, the Court appointed a group of six investment funds as lead plaintiff and Pomerantz LLP as lead counsel. On March 16, 2020, lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which added Frutarom and certain former officers of Frutarom as defendants. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that defendants made materially false and misleading statements or omissions concerning IFF’s acquisition of Frutarom, the integration of the two companies, and the companies’ financial reporting and results. The amended complaint asserts claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5, and under the Israeli Securities Act-1968, against all defendants, and under Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the individual defendants, on behalf of a putative class of persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired IFF securities on the New York Stock Exchange between May 7, 2018 and August 12, 2019 and persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired IFF securities on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange between October 9, 2018 and August 12, 2019. The amended complaint seeks an
award of unspecified compensatory damages, costs, and expenses. IFF, its officers, and Frutarom filed a motion to dismiss the case on June 26, 2020.
Two motions to approve securities class actions were filed in the Tel Aviv District Court, Israel, in August 2019, similarly alleging, among other things, false and misleading statements largely in connection with IFF’s acquisition of Frutarom and the above-mentioned improper payments. One motion ("Borg") asserts claims under the U.S. federal securities laws against IFF, its Chairman and CEO, and its former CFO. On November 8, 2020, IFF and its officers filed their response to the Borg motion. The other motion ("Oman") (following an initial amendment) asserted claims under the Israeli Securities Act-1968 against IFF, its Chairman and CEO, and its former CFO, and against Frutarom and certain former Frutarom officers and directors, as well as claims under the Israeli Companies Act-1999 against certain former Frutarom officers and directors. On October 4, 2020, the Oman plaintiff filed a motion to remove IFF and its officers from the motion and to add factual allegations from the U.S. amended complaint. Responses to the motion to amend the Oman motion were filed during November 2020. The court granted the motion to amend the Oman motion on February 17, 2021.
On October 29, 2019, IFF and Frutarom filed a claim in the Tel Aviv District Court, Israel, against Ori Yehudai, the former President and CEO of Frutarom, and against certain former directors of Frutarom, challenging the bonus of US $20 million granted to Yehudai in 2018. IFF and Frutarom allege, among other things, that Yehudai was not entitled to receive the bonus because he breached his fiduciary duty by, among other things, knowing of the above-mentioned improper payments and failing to prevent them from being made. The parties agreed, pursuant to the court’s recommendation, to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation, which is still ongoing, during which the proceedings relating to this claim are stayed.
On March 11, 2020, an IFF shareholder filed a motion to approve a class action in Israel against, among others, Frutarom, Yehudai, and Frutarom’s former board of directors, alleging that former minority shareholders of Frutarom were harmed as a result of the US $20 million bonus paid to Yehudai. The parties to this motion agreed to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation to take place regarding the aforesaid claim against Yehudai, which as noted is still ongoing, during which the proceedings relating to this motion are stayed.
Investigation
On June 3, 2020, the Israel Police’s National Fraud Investigation Unit and the Israeli Securities Authority commenced an investigation into Frutarom and certain of its former executives, based on suspected bribery of foreign officials, money laundering, and violations of the Israeli Securities Act-1968. The National Fraud Investigation Unit and the Israeli Securities Authority have provided IFF and Frutarom with various orders. IFF is working to ensure compliance with such orders, all in accordance with, and subject to, Israeli law.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information.
Our common stock is principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "IFF".
Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders.
| Title of Class | Number of shareholders of record as of February 15, 2021 | ||||
| Common stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share | 3,865 |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
None.
Performance Graph.
The following graph compares a shareholder’s cumulative total return for the last five fiscal years as if such amounts had been invested in: (i) our common stock; (ii) the stocks included in the S&P 500 Index; and (iii) a customized Peer Group. The graph is based on historical stock prices and measures total shareholder return, which takes into account both changes in stock price and dividends. The total return assumes that dividends were reinvested daily and is based on a $100 investment on December 31, 2015.

SOURCE: S&P Capital IQ
Due to the international scope and breadth of our business, we believe that a Peer Group comprising international public companies, which are representative of the customer group to which we sell our products, is the most appropriate group against which to compare shareholder returns. See the table below for the list of companies included in our Peer Group.
| Peer Group Companies | |||||
| Campbell Soup Company | Kellogg Company | ||||
| Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | ||||
| The Clorox Company | McCormick & Company, Incorporated | ||||
| The Coca-Cola Company | McDonald’s Corporation | ||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | Nestle SA | ||||
| Conagra Brands, Inc. | PepsiCo, Inc. | ||||
| Edgewell Personal Care Company(1) | The Procter & Gamble Company | ||||
| General Mills, Inc. | Unilever N.V. | ||||
| The Hershey Company | YUM! Brands, Inc. | ||||
| Hormel Foods Corporation | Symrise AG | ||||
| Givaudan SA |
(1)Edgewell Personal Care has been included starting from July 1, 2015 when it spun off from Energizer Holdings.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(UNAUDITED)
This data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 1,347,317 | $ | 1,198,773 | $ | 1,268,076 | $ | 1,270,073 | $ | 5,084,239 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit* | 565,867 | 481,842 | 524,427 | 513,730 | 2,085,866 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 153,508 | 103,065 | 105,500 | 79,298 | 441,371 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 127,211 | 87,366 | 86,231 | 66,564 | 367,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to IFF stockholders* | 124,607 | 86,204 | 84,828 | 67,589 | 363,228 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share — basic* | 1.16 | 0.75 | 0.76 | 0.57 | 3.25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share — diluted* | 1.15 | 0.74 | 0.75 | 0.57 | 3.21 |
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 1,297,402 | $ | 1,291,568 | $ | 1,267,345 | $ | 1,283,769 | $ | 5,140,084 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit* | 531,259 | 546,239 | 533,088 | 502,162 | 2,112,748 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 134,576 | 169,481 | 156,866 | 96,529 | 557,452 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 111,214 | 138,869 | 129,807 | 80,378 | 460,268 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to IFF stockholders* | 108,829 | 136,377 | 127,124 | 83,543 | 455,873 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share — basic* | 0.97 | 1.21 | 1.15 | 0.71 | 4.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share — diluted* | 0.96 | 1.20 | 1.13 | 0.70 | 4.00 |
***The key variances quarter-over-quarter relate to the volume of restructuring, acquisition and integration related charges which are included in the total of Non-GAAP adjustments. Refer to the Non-GAAP reconciliation in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.
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 a leading innovator of sensory, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, health & wellness, home & personal care integrated solutions and ingredients that move the world. Our creative capabilities, global footprint, regulatory and technological know-how provide us a competitive advantage in meeting the demands of our global, regional and local customers around the world.
Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, we operated our business across two segments: Taste and Scent. Following the recent closing of the N&B Transaction, our business is organized in four business segments: Nourish, Scent, Health & Biosciences and Pharma Solutions.
As a leading creator of flavor offerings, we help our customers deliver on the promise of delicious and healthy foods and drinks that appeal to consumers. While we are a global leader, our Taste business operates regionally in nature, with different formulas that reflect local taste preferences. Consequently, we manage our Taste business geographically, creating products in our regional creative centers which allows us to satisfy local taste preferences, while also helping to ensure regulatory compliance and production standards.
Our global Scent business creates fragrance compounds and fragrance ingredients that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known household and personal care products. We believe our unique portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients, global footprint, innovative technologies and know-how, deep consumer insight and customer intimacy make us a market leader in scent products.
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, including the closure of non-essential businesses, reduced travel, the closure of retail establishments, the promotion of social distancing and remote working policies where appropriate. IFF has been designated an essential business in most locations given that both its Taste and Scent products are used in the manufacture of food products as well as the manufacture of a range of cleaning and hygiene products. Accordingly, although there continue to be minor 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. Accordingly, the Company continues to take the threat from COVID-19 seriously even as the adverse financial impact of COVID-19 on the Company has lessened.
For 2020, revenue was largely flat but this overall performance reflected strength in Consumer Fragrances, offset by declines in Fine Fragrances and most Taste categories, especially those in the food service area. The impact that COVID-19 will have on our consolidated results of operations in 2021 remains uncertain. Based on the length and severity of COVID-19, we experience continued volatility as a result of retail and travel, consumer shopping and consumption behavior. 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 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, including, but not limited to, equity investments, goodwill and intangibles. Any of these events could potentially result in a material adverse impact on IFF’s business and results of operations.
Transaction with Nutrition & Biosciences, Inc.
On February 1, 2021, pursuant to the Merger Agreement with DuPont, a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF merged with and into the N&B Business. 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 relating to the N&B Transaction.
2020 Financial Performance Overview
For a reconciliation between reported and adjusted figures, please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section.
Sales
Sales in 2020 decreased 1% on a reported basis and were flat on a currency neutral basis (which excludes the effects of changes in currency by restating exchange ratios in effect for the current year based on the currency of the underlying transaction). Scent sales increased 2% on a reported basis and 3% on a currency neutral basis. Taste sales decreased 3% on a reported basis and 2% on a currency neutral basis. The change in consolidated reported and currency neutral sales was driven by strength in Consumer Fragrances and a slight increase in Fragrance Ingredients, offset by volume reductions in most Taste product categories and Fine Fragrances. The year-on-year declines in sales of many product categories was partially due to travel and shelter-in-place restrictions, in certain regions, as a result of COVID-19. The additional week of sales, or a 53rd week, in 2019 also contributed to the year-on-year decline in sales.
Exchange rate variations had an unfavorable impact on net sales for 2020 of approximately 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.
Our 25 largest customers accounted for approximately 39% of total sales in 2020. In 2020, 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 within Taste and Scent.
Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased to 41.0% in 2020 from 41.1% in 2019, principally driven by unfavorable price versus input costs and mix and sales volume reductions on existing business due, principally, to COVID-19, largely offset by the impact of productivity, integration and cross selling initiatives.
Operating profit
Operating profit decreased $98.8 million to $566.5 million (11.1% of sales) in 2020 compared to $665.3 million (12.9% of sales) in 2019. Foreign currency had a 2% unfavorable impact on operating profit in both the 2020 and 2019 periods. Adjusted operating profit was $729.7 million (14.4% of sales) for 2020, a decrease from $793.1 million (15.4% of sales) for 2019, principally driven by unfavorable price versus input costs and mix and sales volume reductions on existing business due, principally, to COVID-19, partially offset by the impact of productivity, integration and cross selling initiatives.
Results of Operations
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| *(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHAR |
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We operate on a global basis and are exposed to currency fluctuation related to the manufacture and sale of our products in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The major foreign currencies involve the markets in the European Union, Great Britain, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Australia, Russia and Japan, although all regions are subject to foreign currency fluctuations versus the U.S. dollar. We actively monitor our foreign currency exposures in all major markets in which we operate, and employ a variety of techniques to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, including foreign currency hedging activities.
We have established a centralized reporting system to evaluate the effects of changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and other relevant market risks. Our risk management procedures include the monitoring of interest rate and foreign exchange exposures and hedge positions utilizing statistical analyses of cash flows, market value and sensitivity analysis. However, the use of these techniques to quantify the market risk of such instruments should not be construed as an endorsement of their accuracy or the accuracy of the related assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, our exposure to market risk was estimated using sensitivity analyses, which illustrate the change in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument assuming hypothetical changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts with the objective of reducing exposure to cash flow volatility associated with foreign currency receivables and payables, and with anticipated purchases of certain raw materials used in operations. These contracts, the counterparties to which are major international financial institutions, generally involve the exchange of one currency for a second currency at a future date, and have maturities not exceeding twelve months. The gain or loss on the hedging instrument and services is recorded in earnings at the same time as the transaction being hedged is recorded in earnings. At December 31, 2020, our foreign currency exposures pertaining to derivative contracts exist with the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Australian Dollar and Indonesian Rupiah. Based on a hypothetical decrease or increase of 10% in the applicable balance sheet exchange rates (primarily against the U.S. dollar), the estimated fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts would increase by approximately $7.0 million. However, any change in the value of the contracts, real or hypothetical, would be significantly offset by a corresponding change in the value of the underlying hedged items.
We use derivative instruments as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. We have entered into certain cross currency swap agreements in order to mitigate a portion of our net European investments from foreign currency risk. As of December 31, 2020, these swaps were in a net liability position with an aggregate fair value of $23.4 million. Based on a hypothetical decrease or increase of 10% in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, the estimated fair value of our cross currency swaps would change by approximately $34.7 million.
At December 31, 2020, the fair value of our EUR fixed rate debt was €2.1 billion. Based on a hypothetical decrease or increase of 10% in foreign exchange rates, the estimated fair value of our EUR fixed rate debt would change by approximately $216.3 million.
At December 31, 2020, the fair value of our USD fixed rate debt was $2.5 billion. Based on a hypothetical decrease or increase of 10% in interest rates, the estimated fair value of our US fixed rate debt would change by approximately $245.5 million.
We purchase certain commodities, such as natural gas, electricity, petroleum based products and certain crop related items. We generally purchase these commodities based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process. In general, we do not use commodity financial instruments to hedge commodity prices.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 55. See Item 6 on page 35 for supplemental quarterly data.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of other members of our management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K.
We have established controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in its 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework.
Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of January 1, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2021 as stated in their report which is included herein.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information relating to directors and nominees of the Company is set forth in the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference herein. The information relating to Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance that appears in the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement is also incorporated by reference herein. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K for information relating to the Company’s Executive Officers.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our employees, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer. We have also adopted a Code of Conduct for Directors and a Code of Conduct for Executive Officers (together with the Code of Conduct, the “Codes”). The Codes are available through the Investors — Governance link on our website at https://ir.iff.com/governance.
Only the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board may grant a waiver from any provision of our Codes in favor of a director or executive officer, and any such waiver will be publicly disclosed. We will disclose substantive amendments to and any waivers from the Codes provided to our chief executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer, as well as any other executive officer or director, on the Company’s website: www.iff.com.
The information regarding the Company’s Audit Committee and its designated audit committee financial experts is set forth in the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
The information concerning procedures by which shareholders may recommend director nominees is set forth in the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The items required by Part III, Item 11 are incorporated herein by reference from the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed on or before May 1, 2021.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The items required by Part III, Item 12 are incorporated herein by reference from the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed on or before May 1, 2021.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The items required by Part III, Item 13 are incorporated herein by reference from the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed on or before May 1, 2021.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The items required by Part III, Item 14 are incorporated herein by reference from the IFF 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed on or before May 1, 2021.
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
| (a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: The following consolidated financial statements, related notes, and independent registered public accounting firm’s report are included in this Form 10-K: | |||||
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 56 | ||||
| Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 | 58 | ||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 | 59 | ||||
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 | 60 | ||||
| Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 | 61 | ||||
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 62 | ||||
| (a)(3) EXHIBITS | 108 | ||||
| (a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES | |||||
| Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 | S-1 |
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 1, 2021 and January 3, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, of shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 1, 2021, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control -Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 1, 2021 and January 3, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 1, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) rel
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Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Rustom Jilla | |||||||
| Name: | Rustom Jilla | |||||||
| Title: | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: February 22, 2021
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Andreas Fibig | Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Andreas Fibig | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Rustom Jilla | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Rustom Jilla | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Robert Anderson | Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Robert Anderson | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Kathryn J. Boor | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Kathryn J. Boor | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Edward D. Breen | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Edward D. Breen | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Carol Anthony (John) Davidson | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Carol Anthony (John) Davidson | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Michael Ducker | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Michael Ducker | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ John F. Ferraro | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| John F. Ferraro | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Christina Gold | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Christina Gold | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Ilene Gordon | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Ilene Gordon | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Matthias Heinzel | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Matthias Heinzel | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Dale F. Morrison | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Dale F. Morrison | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Kåre Schultz | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Kåre Schultz | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Stephen Williamson | Director | February 22, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Stephen Williamson |
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(IN THOUSANDS)
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | Additions charged to costs and expenses | Acquisitions | Accounts written off | Translation adjustments | Other**(2)** | Balance at end of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 16,428 | $ | 5,918 | $ | — | $ | (825) | $ | (513) | $ | — | $ | 21,008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance on credit and operating loss carryforwards and other net deferred tax assets | 203,765 | 35,555 | — | — | 17,851 | — | 257,171 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | Additions (deductions) charged to costs and expenses | Acquisitions | Accounts written off | Translation adjustments | Other**(2)** | Balance at end of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 9,173 | $ | 1,262 | $ | — | $ | (2,024) | $ | (180) | $ | 8,197 | $ | 16,428 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance on credit and operating loss carryforwards and other net deferred tax assets | 200,280 | 5,659 | — | — | (2,174) | — | 203,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | Additions charged to costs and expenses | Acquisitions | Accounts written off | Translation adjustments | Other**(2)** | Balance at end of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 13,392 | $ | 1,286 | $ | — | $ | (4,642) | $ | (863) | $ | — | $ | 9,173 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance on credit and operating loss carryforwards and other net deferred tax assets | 207,483 | (1,821) | (1) | 3,887 | — | (9,269) | — | 200,280 |
(1)The 2018 amount includes an adjustment to the 2017 foreign net operating loss carryforwards in the amount of $5.9 million.
(2)The amount relates to an adjustment to reflect the correct classification of amounts between the allowance for bad debts and Trade Receivables.
S-1