CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) vs Dow Inc. (DOW)

CF leads on 11 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. and Dow Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CF vs DOW

growth of $100 · last 7y
CF +142.7%DOW -39.1%CF compounded faster
100200300Start $100202120232025$243$61
CF DOW

CF vs DOW: by the numbers

  • DOW is the larger company ($21.86B vs $15.70B market cap).
  • CF is profitable (23.73% net margin) while DOW runs a net loss (-7.02%).
  • CF grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.01% vs -0.66% CAGR).
  • DOW pays the higher dividend yield (4.62% vs 1.96%).

Which is better, CF or DOW?

Metric tally: CF 11 · DOW 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthCF(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeDOW(higher dividend yield)
QualityCF(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCFDOW
P/E ratio9.18
Forward P/E8.909.49
P/S ratio2.130.56
P/B ratio2.951.43
PEG ratio0.26
EV / EBITDA4.6844.52
FCF yield10.27%

Profitability

MetricCFDOW
Gross margin40.41%6.16%
Operating margin35.68%-2.31%
Net margin23.73%-7.02%
ROE32.91%-18.11%
ROIC14.27%0.51%

Dividends

MetricCFDOW
Dividend yield1.96%4.62%
Payout ratio22.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCFDOW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.01%-0.66%
EPS CAGR (5Y)43.52%-20.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.13%-24.60%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.31%-8.83%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CF or DOW?
It depends on your goal. growth: CF (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: DOW (higher dividend yield); quality: CF (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CF leads 11 to 3.
Which has grown faster, CF or DOW?
Over the past five years, CF grew revenue faster — CF at a 12.01% CAGR versus DOW at -0.66%.
Does CF or DOW pay a bigger dividend?
CF yields 1.96% and DOW yields 4.62% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CF or DOW more profitable?
CF runs the higher net margin — CF at 23.73% versus DOW at -7.02%.
Which has been the better investment, CF or DOW?
Over the past 5-year, CF delivered the higher annualized total return — CF at 17.11% versus DOW at -8.83%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 24, 2026.