International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) vs Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD)

A side-by-side comparison of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Steel Dynamics, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIFF vs STLD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IFF -23.0% (-2.6%/yr)STLD +1155.5% (+28.8%/yr)STLD compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$77$1,255
IFF STLD

IFF vs STLD: by the numbers

  • STLD is the larger company ($33.72B vs $21.18B market cap).
  • STLD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.33 vs 76.81 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • STLD converts more revenue to profit (7.83% vs 2.91% net margin).
  • STLD grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.68% vs 4.28% CAGR).
  • IFF pays the higher dividend yield (1.91% vs 0.86%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIFFSTLD
P/E ratio76.8121.33
Forward P/E24.1013.65
P/S ratio2.121.64
P/B ratio1.523.58
EV / EBITDA15.5813.45
FCF yield2.53%2.83%

Profitability

MetricIFFSTLD
Gross margin37.52%14.62%
Operating margin7.78%10.57%
Net margin2.91%7.83%
ROE2.07%17.06%
ROIC2.80%10.79%

Dividends

MetricIFFSTLD
Dividend yield1.91%0.86%
Payout ratio148.15%18.68%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIFFSTLD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.28%9.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-25.13%25.18%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.39%26.72%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.32%31.46%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IFF or STLD?
STLD has the lower trailing P/E: IFF trades at 76.81 and STLD at 21.33. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IFF or STLD?
Over the past five years, STLD grew revenue faster — IFF at a 4.28% CAGR versus STLD at 9.68%.
Does IFF or STLD pay a bigger dividend?
IFF yields 1.91% and STLD yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IFF or STLD more profitable?
STLD runs the higher net margin — IFF at 2.91% versus STLD at 7.83%.
How have IFF and STLD total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IFF delivered -2.30% and STLD delivered 28.36% annualized total return. 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 September 13, 2026.