Upside case
Bull case
$743+950.5%
IFF would need investors to value it at roughly 169x earnings — about 153x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Analysis OverviewBuyUpdated May 1, 2026
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Buy
Covering
33
analysts
24 bullish · 1 bearish · 33 covering IFF
Strong Buy
0
Buy
24
Hold
8
Sell
1
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$88
+24.0% vs today
Scenario Range
— – $743
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
33
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
16.1x
Forward P/E · Market cap $18.1B
IFF price targets
Three scenarios for where IFF stock could go
Current
~$71
Confidence
36 / 100
Updated
May 1, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $71
Bull
$743
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
—
The base case reflects analyst consensus expectations — steady delivery without requiring a major catalyst or re-rating.
Stress case
Bear case
—
The bear case reflects a scenario where earnings shortfalls or multiple compression combine to materially reduce the stock from its current level.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
IFF · NYSEBasic MaterialsChemicals - SpecialtyDecember year-end
International Flavors & Fragrances is a global creator of taste, scent, and nutrition ingredients for consumer products. It generates revenue primarily through its Nourish segment (flavors and food ingredients), Scent segment (fragrance compounds and ingredients), and Health & Biosciences segment (enzymes and probiotics) — with each contributing roughly one-third of sales. The company's competitive advantage lies in its extensive R&D capabilities, proprietary ingredient libraries, and deep customer relationships across the food, beverage, fragrance, and personal care industries.
Market Cap
$18.1B
Revenue TTM
$10.8B
Net Income TTM
$839M
Net Margin
7.8%
IFF Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
58%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
92%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
+5.0%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q2 2025
Q3 2025
Q4 2025
Q1 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 3 of 4Q2 2025
EPS
$1.20/$1.13
Revenue
$2.8B/$2.8B
Q3 2025
EPS
$1.15/$1.12
Revenue
$2.8B/$2.7B
Q4 2025
EPS
$1.05/$1.02
Revenue
$2.7B/$2.6B
Q1 2026
EPS
$0.80/$0.83
Revenue
$2.6B/$2.5B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | $1.20/$1.13 | +6.2% | $2.8B/$2.8B | +0.5% |
| Q3 2025 | $1.15/$1.12 | +2.7% | $2.8B/$2.7B | +2.3% |
| Q4 2025 | $1.05/$1.02 | +2.9% | $2.7B/$2.6B | +2.3% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.80/$0.83 | -3.4% | $2.6B/$2.5B | +3.0% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$11.2B
+1.2% YoY
FY2
$11.6B
+3.8% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$0.07
+104.5% YoY
FY2
$-0.55
-866.8% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$400M
FCF Margin: 3.7%
Next Earnings
—
Expected EPS
—
Expected Revenue
—
IFF beat EPS estimates in 3 of 4 tracked quarters. A strong delivery record supports forward estimate credibility.
IFF Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2025
Total disclosed revenue $10.9B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Food Ingredients
30.1%
YoY unavailable
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
EMEA
26.7%
-2.9% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Food Ingredients is the largest disclosed segment at 30.1% of FY 2025 revenue, with no year-over-year comparison yet.
EMEA is the largest reported region at 26.7%, down 2.9% YoY.
IFF Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Significantly Overvalued
Fair value est. $47 — implies -33.2% from today's price.
Premium to Fair Value
33.2%
above fair value
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
IFF
-48.5x
vs
S&P 500
25.1x
293% discount
vs Basic Materials Trailing P/E
IFF
-48.5x
vs
Basic Materials
22.3x
318% discount
vs IFF 5Y Avg P/E
Today
-48.5x
vs
5Y Average
113.0x
143% discount
Forward PE
16.1x
S&P 500
19.1x
-15%
Basic Materials
15.2x
+6%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
-48.5x
S&P 500
25.1x
-293%
Basic Materials
22.3x
-318%
5Y Avg
113.0x
-143%
PEG Ratio
—
S&P 500
1.72x
—
Basic Materials
1.17x
—
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
12.3x
S&P 500
15.2x
-19%
Basic Materials
11.0x
+12%
5Y Avg
18.9x
-35%
Price/FCF
70.6x
S&P 500
21.1x
+235%
Basic Materials
25.6x
+175%
5Y Avg
40.2x
+76%
Price/Sales
1.7x
S&P 500
3.1x
-47%
Basic Materials
1.9x
-12%
5Y Avg
2.1x
-21%
Dividend Yield
2.26%
S&P 500
1.87%
+21%
Basic Materials
1.32%
+71%
5Y Avg
2.72%
-17%
| Metric | IFF | S&P 500 | Basic Materials | 5Y Avg IFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 16.1x | 19.1x-15% | 15.2x | — |
| Trailing PE | -48.5x | 25.1x-293% | 22.3x-318% | 113.0x-143% |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.72x | 1.17x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 12.3x | 15.2x-19% | 11.0x+12% | 18.9x-35% |
| Price/FCF | 70.6x | 21.1x+235% | 25.6x+175% | 40.2x+76% |
| Price/Sales | 1.7x | 3.1x-47% | 1.9x-12% | 2.1x-21% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.87% | 1.32% | 2.72% |
IFF trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 1 of 5 measured multiples — appears modestly priced relative to the S&P 500 on most measures.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolIFF Financial Health
Verdict
Stressed
IFF returns 2.5% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$10.8B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
-5.6%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
35.1%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
8.0%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
7.8%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
—
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$400M
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
3.7%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
3.5%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
3.3%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$590M
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$6.1B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
15.2× FCF
~15.2 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
5.9%
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
2.5%
Dividend
2.3%
Buyback
0.2%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$38M
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$1.60
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
—
Shares Outstanding
Declining as buybacks retire shares
255M
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageIFF Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
High Risk
Legal and Regulatory Risks
IFF is exposed to potential violations of U.S. and foreign laws, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations. Ongoing antitrust investigations and class-action lawsuits pose significant risks to the company's operations and financial health.
High Risk
Debt Load
As of December 2024, IFF has a substantial net debt of $8.51 billion, with a weak interest coverage ratio of 2.5. This high leverage could limit financial flexibility and increase vulnerability to economic downturns.
High Risk
Shrinking Operating Margin
IFF's trailing 12-month operating margin was negative 3.5%, indicating rising costs that the company has been unable to pass on to customers. This trend could significantly impact profitability and investor confidence.
Medium
Slow Organic Growth
Despite a rising demand for its products, IFF's organic sales growth has averaged only 4.5% year-on-year, lagging behind the broader sector. This slower growth could hinder revenue expansion and market competitiveness.
Medium
Dividend Sustainability
IFF's relatively high payout ratio suggests it may be distributing more in dividends than it earns, raising concerns about the sustainability of its dividend payments in the long term.
Medium
Impact of Divestitures on Financials
Ongoing divestitures, including the sale of Pharma Solutions, have negatively impacted IFF's sales and adjusted operating EBITDA growth. These changes could complicate financial forecasting and investor expectations.
Lower
Market Volatility and Economic Conditions
Fluctuations in market conditions and economic factors can adversely affect the specialty chemicals sector, impacting IFF's performance and stock price. Investors should remain cautious of external economic influences.
Lower
Inaccurate Accounting Judgments
IFF's operating results may be adversely affected by inaccurate accounting judgments and estimates related to asset valuations. This could lead to potential impairment charges, impacting financial statements.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why IFF Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Strategic Focus and Innovation
IFF is concentrating on higher-margin, R&D-backed offerings while divesting commodity-like businesses. This strategic shift emphasizes innovation, blending science and creativity to enhance product offerings.
Market Position and Growth Potential
IFF maintains a strong presence in the specialty chemicals sector, which is projected to grow. The increasing demand for health-focused products and expansion into emerging markets are significant growth drivers.
Financial Improvements and Guidance
Despite a revenue decrease and net loss in 2025, IFF met its full-year financial commitments. For 2026, the company projects sales between $10.5 billion and $10.8 billion, with adjusted operating EBITDA expected to be between $2.05 billion and $2.15 billion.
Analyst Sentiment
A significant majority of Wall Street analysts have issued 'Buy' ratings for IFF. Some analysts have raised their price targets, indicating a potential for double-digit upside.
Portfolio Actions
IFF has completed several divestitures and is currently exploring the sale of its Food Ingredients business, which has attracted interest from potential buyers.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
IFF Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$70.77
52W Range Position
46%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$59.14
+19.7% from the low
52-Week High
$84.19
-15.9% from the high
1 Month
-1.48%
3 Month
-3.62%
YTD
+4.0%
1 Year
-10.6%
3Y CAGR
-9.8%
5Y CAGR
-13.3%
10Y CAGR
-5.0%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
IFF vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
16.1x
vs 19.4x median
-17% below peer median
Revenue Growth
+1.2%
vs +2.9% median
-59% below peer median
Net Margin
7.8%
vs 2.5% median
+210% above peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IFF IFF International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. | $18.1B | 16.1x | +1.2% | 7.8% | Buy | +24.0% |
SHW SHW The Sherwin-Williams Company | $77.1B | 26.6x | +2.9% | 10.9% | Buy | +24.6% |
FMC FMC FMC Corporation | $1.9B | 8.4x | -7.4% | -72.9% | Hold | +4.8% |
AVN AVNT Avient Corporation | $3.4B | 12.2x | +0.5% | 2.5% | Buy | +30.3% |
BCP BCPC Balchem Corporation | $5.2B | 31.2x | +6.6% | 15.0% | Buy | +0.5% |
SEN SENS Senseonics Holdings, Inc. | $206M | — | +51.5% | -196.0% | Buy | +80.0% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
IFF Dividend and Capital Return
IFF returns 2.5% total yield, led by a 2.26% dividend.
Dividend UnknownFCF Stretched
Total Shareholder Yield
2.5%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
0.2%
Dividend Yield
2.26%
Payout Ratio
—
How IFF Splits Its Return
Div 2.26%
Dividend 2.26%Buybacks 0.2%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$1.60
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
0Y
3Y Div CAGR
-20.6%
5Y Div CAGR
-12.0%
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Quarterly
4 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$38M
Estimated Shares Retired
537.0K
Approx. Share Reduction
0.2%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
255M
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.40 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $1.60 | 0.0% | 0.2% | 2.6% |
| 2024 | $1.60 | -50.6% | 0.1% | 2.4% |
| 2023 | $3.24 | +1.3% | 0.0% | 4.0% |
| 2022 | $3.20 | +2.6% | 0.0% | 3.0% |
FAQ
7 questionsIFF Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 33 analysts covering the stock, 24 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 8 rate it Hold, and 1 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $88, implying +24.0% from the current price of $71.
02What is the IFF stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for IFF is $88 based on 33 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $97 (+37.1% from today), and the low-end target is $75 (+6.0%).
03Is International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) stock overvalued in 2026?
IFF trades at 16.1x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals significantly overvalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for IFF in 2026 are: (1) Legal and Regulatory Risks — IFF is exposed to potential violations of U. (2) Debt Load — As of December 2024, IFF has a substantial net debt of $8. (3) Shrinking Operating Margin — IFF's trailing 12-month operating margin was negative 3. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.'s revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates IFF will report consensus revenue of $11.2B (+1.2% year-over-year) and EPS of $0.07 (+104.5% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $11.6B in revenue.
06When does International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) report its next earnings?
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for IFF is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
07How much free cash flow does International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. generate?
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) generated $400M in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 3.7%. IFF returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.3% yield) and share repurchases ($38M TTM).