International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) vs Linde plc (LIN)

LIN leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though IFF is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Linde plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — IFF vs LIN

growth of $100 · last 30y
IFF +57.5%LIN +2443.8%LIN compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$158$2,544
IFF LIN

IFF vs LIN: by the numbers

  • LIN is the larger company ($238.87B vs $20.01B market cap).
  • IFF trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.96 vs 34.63 P/E).
  • LIN converts more revenue to profit (20.56% vs 7.90% net margin).
  • IFF grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.71% vs 4.55% CAGR).
  • IFF pays the higher dividend yield (2.04% vs 1.19%).

Which is better, IFF or LIN?

Metric tally: IFF 8 · LIN 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueIFF(lower P/E)
GrowthIFF(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeIFF(higher dividend yield)
QualityLIN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIFFLIN
P/E ratio23.9634.63
Forward P/E17.6626.61
P/S ratio1.877.02
P/B ratio1.436.31
PEG ratio0.194.12
EV / EBITDA12.7320.02
FCF yield1.98%2.10%

Profitability

MetricIFFLIN
Gross margin36.35%45.99%
Operating margin7.56%28.79%
Net margin7.90%20.56%
ROE6.03%18.47%
ROIC3.19%8.97%

Dividends

MetricIFFLIN
Dividend yield2.04%1.19%
Payout ratio42.26%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIFFLIN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.71%4.55%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-25.13%25.30%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-13.45%1.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.46%13.80%

Frequently asked

Which is better, IFF or LIN?
It depends on your goal. value: IFF (lower P/E); growth: IFF (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: IFF (higher dividend yield); quality: LIN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LIN leads 9 to 8.
Is IFF or LIN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, IFF is cheaper: IFF trades at a 23.96 P/E and LIN at 34.63.
Which has grown faster, IFF or LIN?
Over the past five years, IFF grew revenue faster — IFF at a 11.71% CAGR versus LIN at 4.55%.
Does IFF or LIN pay a bigger dividend?
IFF yields 2.04% and LIN yields 1.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IFF or LIN more profitable?
LIN runs the higher net margin — IFF at 7.90% versus LIN at 20.56%.
Which has been the better investment, IFF or LIN?
Over the past 10-year, LIN delivered the higher annualized total return — IFF at -2.30% versus LIN at 18.48%. 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 16, 2026.