SXT
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$5.01B
5Y Perf.+135.1%
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Stock Comparison
SXT vs IFF
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$19.99B
5Y Perf.-41.2%
SXT vs IFF — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | SXT | IFF |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Chemicals - Specialty | Chemicals - Specialty |
| Market Cap | $5.01B | $19.99B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.61B | $10.79B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $134M | $839M |
| Gross Margin | 33.5% | 35.1% |
| Operating Margin | 12.8% | 8.0% |
| Forward P/E | 31.1x | 17.8x |
| Total Debt | $779M | $6.65B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $37M | $590M |
SXT vs IFF — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
SXT
IFF
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensient Technologi… (SXT) | 100 | 235.1 | +135.1% |
| International Flavo… (IFF) | 100 | 58.8 | -41.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: SXT vs IFF
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: SXT leads in 6 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
SXT
Sensient Technologies Corporation
The Income Pick
SXT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 1 yrs, beta 0.63, yield 1.4%
- Rev growth 3.5%, EPS growth 7.5%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.9%
- 101.6% 10Y total return vs IFF's -12.6%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
The Value Play
IFF is the clearest fit if your priority is value.
- Lower P/E (17.8x vs 31.1x)
Best for: value
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | SXT | 3.5% revenue growth vs IFF's -5.2% |
| Value | IFF | Lower P/E (17.8x vs 31.1x) |
| Quality / Margins | SXT | 8.3% margin vs IFF's 7.8% |
| Stability / Safety | SXT | Beta 0.63 vs IFF's 0.68 |
| Dividends | SXT | 1.4% yield, 1-year raise streak, vs IFF's 2.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | SXT | +26.7% vs IFF's +8.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | SXT | 6.1% ROA vs IFF's 3.3%, ROIC 8.6% vs 3.5% |
SXT vs IFF — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
SXT vs IFF — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLSXTLAGGINGIFF
IFFInternational Flavors…
1leads
SXTSensient Technologies…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs IFFMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
IFF6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
SXT7/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
SXT6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
IFF is the larger business by revenue, generating $10.8B annually — 6.7x SXT's $1.6B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 8.3% (SXT) to 7.8% (IFF). On growth, SXT holds the edge at +4.5% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.6B | $10.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $268M | $1.7B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $134M | $839M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $38M | $400M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +33.5% | +35.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +12.8% | +8.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +8.3% | +7.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.4% | +3.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.5% | -3.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -15.5% | +116.6% |
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
IFF leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, IFF's 13.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than SXT's 21.5x.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $5.0B | $20.0B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $5.8B | $26.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 37.29x | -53.60x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 31.06x | 17.84x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 9.19x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 21.46x | 13.28x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 3.11x | 1.84x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 4.21x | 1.41x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 130.53x | 78.09x |
IFF leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
SXT leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
SXT delivers a 11.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $12 in annual profit, vs $6 for IFF. IFF carries lower financial leverage with a 0.47x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to SXT's 0.65x.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +11.6% | +5.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.1% | +3.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.6% | +3.5% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +11.1% | +4.4% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.65x | 0.47x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $742M | $6.1B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $37M | $590M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $779M | $6.7B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 7.00x | 5.26x |
SXT leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
SXT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in SXT five years ago would be worth $14,807 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,190 for IFF. Over the past 12 months, SXT leads with a +26.7% total return vs IFF's +8.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors SXT at 17.3% vs IFF's -4.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +26.6% | +15.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +26.7% | +8.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +61.3% | -13.2% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +48.1% | -38.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +101.6% | -12.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +17.3% | -4.6% |
SXT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
SXT is the less volatile stock with a 0.63 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than IFF's 0.68 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.63x | 0.68x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $129.35 | $84.19 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $82.60 | $59.14 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +91.1% | +93.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 67.8 | 72.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 372K | 1.6M |
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates SXT as "Buy" and IFF as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 21.3% upside for SXT (target: $143) vs 12.1% for IFF (target: $88). For income investors, IFF offers the higher dividend yield at 2.04% vs SXT's 1.39%.
| Metric | SXTSensient Technolo… | IFFInternational Fla… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $143.00 | $87.75 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 12 | 33 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.4% | +2.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.63 | $1.60 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +0.2% |
Evenly matched — SXT and IFF each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
SXT leads in 2 of 6 categories (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). IFF leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 3 tied.
Best OverallSensient Technologies Corpo… (SXT)Leads 2 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
SXT vs IFF: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is SXT or IFF a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) is the stronger pick with 3.
5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -5. 2% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) offers the better valuation at 37. 3x trailing P/E (31. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) a "Buy" — based on 12 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 — SXT or IFF?
On forward P/E, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
is actually cheaper at 17. 8x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — SXT or IFF?
Over the past 5 years, Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) delivered a total return of +48.
1%, compared to -38. 1% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: SXT returned +101. 6% versus IFF's -12. 6%. 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 — SXT or IFF?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
63β versus International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. 's 0. 68β — meaning IFF is approximately 7% more volatile than SXT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 47% versus 65% for Sensient Technologies Corporation — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — SXT or IFF?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) is pulling ahead at 3.
5% versus -5. 2% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Sensient Technologies Corporation grew EPS 7. 5% year-over-year, compared to -253. 7% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, SXT leads at 3. 9% 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 — SXT or IFF?
Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) is the more profitable company, earning 8.
3% net margin versus -3. 4% for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. — meaning it keeps 8. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: SXT leads at 12. 8% versus 9. 2% for IFF. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — SXT leads at 33. 5%, 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 SXT or IFF more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
(IFF) trades at 17. 8x forward P/E versus 31. 1x for Sensient Technologies Corporation — 13. 2x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for SXT: 21. 3% to $143. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — SXT or IFF?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) offers the highest yield at 2. 0%, versus 1. 4% for Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT).
09Is SXT or IFF better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
63), 1. 4% yield, +101. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (SXT: +101. 6%, IFF: -12. 6%), 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 SXT and IFF?
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.
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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Revenue Growth>
%
(SXT: 4.5% · IFF: -3.6%)Net Margin>
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