International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)

IFF's price has jumped roughly 13% in the last month, its fastest climb in a long while.

What is going on right now?

The stock has risen quickly and sits well above where it traded over the past several weeks. Trading activity, though, has been lighter than usual during this run-up.

How is the business itself doing?

IFF makes the flavors, fragrances, and health ingredients found in everyday products, from soap to snacks, employing about 21,500 people. Sales edged up slightly, but earnings dropped sharply, falling over 90% compared to last year, and the company is paying out more in dividends than it currently earns.

What stands out?

The price has climbed unusually fast lately. Streaks this steep have often taken a breather. Meanwhile, the company keeps only about 2.6 cents of profit for every dollar of sales.

What comes next?

According to reports, rising oil prices in the Middle East may push up the cost of the petroleum-based ingredients IFF uses, and that could squeeze those already thin profits further.