7 Best Boring Stocks to Buy

4. Ingredion Inc. (NYSE:INGR)

Beta: 0.75

5 Year Returns: 48.0%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36

Ingredion Inc. (NYSE:INGR) is a global provider of ingredient solutions, specializing in starches, sweeteners, and plant-based proteins for various applications across the food, beverage, and industrial sectors. The company supports industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and personal care by offering ingredients that enhance texture, taste, and nutritional value.

Ingredion Inc. (NYSE:INGR)’s business involves transforming grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for markets including food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial applications. While the company operates in a sizable market, growth in this space is relatively modest and largely influenced by shifting consumer preferences, tastes and dietary trends. Between 2021 and 2024, the company achieved a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 3% in sales, with now a similar growth rate anticipated for 2025. Notably, the company generated an impressive $1.44 billion in operating cash flows in 2024.

In early February, an Oppenheimer analyst reduced his price target for the stock from $178 to $167 while reiterating an Outperform rating. After reporting a strong Q4 result, the stock has seen some pressure because of a slightly lower-than-expected 2025 outlook. However, the analyst remained positive as he noted that expectations were high before the Q4 report. As per him, while the results met those expectations, the broad range of possible outcomes for 2025 dampened investor enthusiasm.