SFL
SFL Corporation Ltd.
Marine Shipping
Market Cap$1.58B
5Y Perf.+20.1%
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Stock Comparison
SFL vs INSW
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
INSW
International Seaways, Inc.
Oil & Gas Midstream
Market Cap$4.46B
5Y Perf.+297.6%
SFL vs INSW — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | SFL | INSW |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Marine Shipping | Oil & Gas Midstream |
| Market Cap | $1.58B | $4.46B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $720M | $676M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-26M | $546M |
| Gross Margin | 33.2% | 40.6% |
| Operating Margin | 23.7% | 44.4% |
| Forward P/E | 351.3x | 8.5x |
| Total Debt | $2.57B | $576M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $151M | $117M |
SFL vs INSW — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
SFL
INSW
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFL Corporation Ltd. (SFL) | 100 | 120.1 | +20.1% |
| International Seawa… (INSW) | 100 | 397.6 | +297.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: SFL vs INSW
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: INSW leads in 6 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. SFL Corporation Ltd. is the stronger pick specifically for dividend income and shareholder returns. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
SFL
SFL Corporation Ltd.
The Income Pick
SFL is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.67, yield 7.9%
- 7.9% yield, vs INSW's 3.2%
Best for: income & stability
INSW
International Seaways, Inc.
The Growth Play
INSW carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth -11.4%, EPS growth -25.7%, 3Y rev CAGR -0.8%
- 10.1% 10Y total return vs SFL's 56.4%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.43, Low D/E 28.5%, current ratio 3.71x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | INSW | -11.4% revenue growth vs SFL's -19.3% |
| Value | INSW | Lower P/E (8.5x vs 351.3x) |
| Quality / Margins | INSW | 80.8% margin vs SFL's -3.7% |
| Stability / Safety | INSW | Beta 0.43 vs SFL's 0.67, lower leverage |
| Dividends | SFL | 7.9% yield, vs INSW's 3.2% |
| Momentum (1Y) | INSW | +160.2% vs SFL's +55.1% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | INSW | 20.1% ROA vs SFL's -0.7%, ROIC 9.4% vs 2.8% |
SFL vs INSW — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
SFL vs INSW — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLINSWLAGGINGSFL
SFLSFL Corporation Ltd.
2leads
INSWInternational Seaways…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs SFLMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
INSW4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
SFL4/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
INSW8/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
INSW6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
SFL1/1
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
INSW leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
SFL and INSW operate at a comparable scale, with $720M and $676M in trailing revenue. INSW is the more profitable business, keeping 80.8% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to SFL's -3.7%. On growth, SFL holds the edge at -24.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $720M | $676M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $414M | $465M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$26M | $546M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $220M | $193M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +33.2% | +40.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +23.7% | +44.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -3.7% | +80.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +30.5% | +28.5% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -24.1% | -91.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -123.3% | +4.8% |
INSW leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
SFL leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, INSW's 10.5x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than SFL's 10.5x.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.6B | $4.5B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.0B | $4.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -59.55x | 14.48x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 351.33x | 8.52x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.52x | 10.48x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.20x | 5.29x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.65x | 2.21x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 7.20x | 117.08x |
SFL leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
INSW leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
INSW delivers a 27.1% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $27 in annual profit, vs $-3 for SFL. INSW carries lower financial leverage with a 0.29x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to SFL's 2.67x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), INSW scores 6/9 vs SFL's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -2.8% | +27.1% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.7% | +20.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +2.8% | +9.4% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +4.4% | +12.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 2.67x | 0.29x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $2.4B | $459M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $151M | $117M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $2.6B | $576M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.18x | 0.90x |
INSW leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
INSW leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in INSW five years ago would be worth $53,809 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $20,259 for SFL. Over the past 12 months, INSW leads with a +160.2% total return vs SFL's +55.1%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors INSW at 40.9% vs SFL's 18.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +53.5% | +96.5% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +55.1% | +160.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +67.6% | +179.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +102.6% | +438.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +56.4% | +1014.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +18.8% | +40.9% |
INSW leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — SFL and INSW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
INSW is the less volatile stock with a 0.43 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than SFL's 0.67 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.67x | 0.43x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $11.96 | $91.58 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $6.73 | $35.60 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +99.5% | +98.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 71.8 | 67.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.3M | 597K |
Evenly matched — SFL and INSW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
SFL leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates SFL as "Hold" and INSW as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 21.7% upside for SFL (target: $15) vs -7.6% for INSW (target: $83). For income investors, SFL offers the higher dividend yield at 7.89% vs INSW's 3.23%.
| Metric | SFLSFL Corporation L… | INSWInternational Sea… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $14.50 | $83.33 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 9 | 13 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +7.9% | +3.2% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.94 | $2.92 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.6% | 0.0% |
SFL leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Key Takeaway
INSW leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). SFL leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook). 1 tied.
Best OverallInternational Seaways, Inc. (INSW)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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SFL vs INSW: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is SFL or INSW a better buy right now?
For growth investors, International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) is the stronger pick with -11. 4% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -19. 3% for SFL Corporation Ltd. (SFL). International Seaways, Inc. (INSW) offers the better valuation at 14. 5x trailing P/E (8. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate International Seaways, Inc. (INSW) a "Buy" — based on 13 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 has the better valuation — SFL or INSW?
On forward P/E, International Seaways, Inc.
is actually cheaper at 8. 5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — SFL or INSW?
Over the past 5 years, International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) delivered a total return of +438. 1%, compared to +102. 6% for SFL Corporation Ltd. (SFL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: INSW returned +1015% versus SFL's +56. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — SFL or INSW?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 43β versus SFL Corporation Ltd. 's 0. 67β — meaning SFL is approximately 56% more volatile than INSW relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, International Seaways, Inc. (INSW) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 29% versus 3% for SFL Corporation Ltd. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — SFL or INSW?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) is pulling ahead at -11. 4% versus -19. 3% for SFL Corporation Ltd. (SFL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: International Seaways, Inc. grew EPS -25. 7% year-over-year, compared to -119. 8% for SFL Corporation Ltd.. Over a 3-year CAGR, SFL leads at 3. 2% 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.
06Which has better profit margins — SFL or INSW?
International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) is the more profitable company, earning 36. 7% net margin versus -3. 7% for SFL Corporation Ltd. — meaning it keeps 36. 7% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: INSW leads at 36. 3% versus 19. 0% for SFL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — SFL leads at 58. 1%, 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.
07Is SFL or INSW more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) trades at 8. 5x forward P/E versus 351. 3x for SFL Corporation Ltd. — 342. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for SFL: 21. 7% to $14. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — SFL or INSW?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
SFL Corporation Ltd. (SFL) offers the highest yield at 7. 9%, versus 3. 2% for International Seaways, Inc. (INSW).
09Is SFL or INSW better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, International Seaways, Inc.
(INSW) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 43), 3. 2% yield, +1015% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (INSW: +1015%, SFL: +56. 4%), 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.
10What are the main differences between SFL and INSW?
These companies operate in different sectors (SFL (Industrials) and INSW (Energy)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: SFL is a small-cap income-oriented stock; INSW is a small-cap deep-value 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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