IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$21.18B
5Y Perf.-37.7%
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Stock Comparison
IFF vs FMC
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
FMC
FMC Corporation
Agricultural Inputs
Market Cap$1.85B
5Y Perf.-85.0%
IFF vs FMC — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | IFF | FMC |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Chemicals - Specialty | Agricultural Inputs |
| Market Cap | $21.18B | $1.85B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $10.79B | $3.43B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $839M | $-2.50B |
| Gross Margin | 35.1% | 35.3% |
| Operating Margin | 8.0% | -59.5% |
| Forward P/E | 18.9x | 8.4x |
| Total Debt | $6.65B | $4.20B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $590M | $585M |
IFF vs FMC — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
IFF
FMC
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Flavo… (IFF) | 100 | 62.3 | -37.7% |
| FMC Corporation (FMC) | 100 | 15.0 | -85.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: IFF vs FMC
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: IFF leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. FMC Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
The Growth Play
IFF carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth -5.2%, EPS growth -253.7%, 3Y rev CAGR -4.3%
- -7.7% 10Y total return vs FMC's -26.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.68, Low D/E 46.9%, current ratio 1.42x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
FMC
FMC Corporation
The Income Pick
FMC is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 7 yrs, beta 1.63, yield 15.7%
- Lower P/E (8.4x vs 18.9x)
- 15.7% yield, 7-year raise streak, vs IFF's 1.9%
Best for: income & stability
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | IFF | -5.2% revenue growth vs FMC's -18.3% |
| Value | FMC | Lower P/E (8.4x vs 18.9x) |
| Quality / Margins | IFF | 7.8% margin vs FMC's -72.9% |
| Stability / Safety | IFF | Beta 0.68 vs FMC's 1.63, lower leverage |
| Dividends | FMC | 15.7% yield, 7-year raise streak, vs IFF's 1.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | IFF | +6.7% vs FMC's -54.8% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | IFF | 3.3% ROA vs FMC's -23.0%, ROIC 3.5% vs -21.2% |
IFF vs FMC — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
IFF vs FMC — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLIFFLAGGINGFMC
FMCFMC Corporation
2leads
IFFInternational Flavors…
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs FMCMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
IFF5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
FMC3/4
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
IFF7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
IFF6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
IFF2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
FMC2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
IFF leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
IFF is the larger business by revenue, generating $10.8B annually — 3.1x FMC's $3.4B. IFF is the more profitable business, keeping 7.8% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to FMC's -72.9%.
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $10.8B | $3.4B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.7B | -$1.9B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $839M | -$2.5B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $400M | -$91M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +35.1% | +35.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +8.0% | -59.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +7.8% | -72.9% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +3.7% | -2.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -3.6% | -4.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +116.6% | -17.8% |
IFF leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
FMC leads this category, winning 3 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $21.2B | $1.8B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $27.2B | $5.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -56.80x | -0.83x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 18.90x | 8.37x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 13.89x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.95x | 0.53x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.50x | 0.88x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 82.75x | — |
FMC leads this category, winning 3 of 4 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
IFF leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
IFF delivers a 5.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $6 in annual profit, vs $-82 for FMC. IFF carries lower financial leverage with a 0.47x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to FMC's 2.00x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), IFF scores 5/9 vs FMC's 2/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +5.9% | -82.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.3% | -23.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.5% | -21.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +4.4% | -25.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 2 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.47x | 2.00x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $6.1B | $3.6B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $590M | $585M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $6.7B | $4.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 5.26x | -0.24x |
IFF leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
IFF leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in IFF five years ago would be worth $6,506 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $2,128 for FMC. Over the past 12 months, IFF leads with a +6.7% total return vs FMC's -54.8%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors IFF at -2.9% vs FMC's -43.0% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +22.5% | +3.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +6.7% | -54.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -8.4% | -81.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.9% | -78.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -7.7% | -26.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -2.9% | -43.0% |
IFF leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
IFF leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
IFF is the less volatile stock with a 0.68 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than FMC's 1.63 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. IFF currently trades 98.5% from its 52-week high vs FMC's 33.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.68x | 1.63x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $84.19 | $44.78 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $59.14 | $12.17 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +98.5% | +33.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 47.3 | 43.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.6M | 3.2M |
IFF leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
FMC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates IFF as "Buy" and FMC as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 5.8% upside for IFF (target: $88) vs 5.3% for FMC (target: $16). For income investors, FMC offers the higher dividend yield at 15.73% vs IFF's 1.93%.
| Metric | IFFInternational Fla… | FMCFMC Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $87.75 | $15.58 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 33 | 42 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.9% | +15.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 7 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.60 | $2.33 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.2% | +0.1% |
FMC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
IFF leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). FMC leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook).
Best OverallInternational Flavors & Fra… (IFF)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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IFF vs FMC: Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is IFF or FMC a better buy right now?
For growth investors, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) is the stronger pick with -5. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -18. 3% for FMC Corporation (FMC). Analysts rate International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) a "Buy" — based on 33 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — IFF or FMC?
Over the past 5 years, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) delivered a total return of -34. 9%, compared to -78. 7% for FMC Corporation (FMC). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: IFF returned -7. 7% versus FMC's -26. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — IFF or FMC?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 68β versus FMC Corporation's 1. 63β — meaning FMC is approximately 140% more volatile than IFF relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 47% versus 2% for FMC Corporation — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — IFF or FMC?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) is pulling ahead at -5. 2% versus -18. 3% for FMC Corporation (FMC). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. grew EPS -253. 7% year-over-year, compared to -757. 4% for FMC Corporation. Over a 3-year CAGR, IFF leads at -4. 3% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — IFF or FMC?
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) is the more profitable company, earning -3. 4% net margin versus -64. 6% for FMC Corporation — meaning it keeps -3. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: IFF leads at 9. 2% versus -54. 4% for FMC. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — FMC leads at 37. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Is IFF or FMC more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, FMC Corporation (FMC) trades at 8.
4x forward P/E versus 18. 9x for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. — 10. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for IFF: 5. 8% to $87. 75.
07Which pays a better dividend — IFF or FMC?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
FMC Corporation (FMC) offers the highest yield at 15. 7%, versus 1. 9% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF).
08Is IFF or FMC better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 68), 1. 9% yield). FMC Corporation (FMC) carries a higher beta of 1. 63 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (IFF: -7. 7%, FMC: -26. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
09What are the main differences between IFF and FMC?
Both stocks operate in the Basic Materials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: IFF is a mid-cap quality compounder stock; FMC is a small-cap income-oriented stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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