International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) vs Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW)

SW leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics, though IFF is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Smurfit Westrock PLC 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 — IFF vs SW

growth of $100 · last 18y
IFF +81.6%SW +444.3%SW compounded faster
0200400600800Start $100201120142017202020232026$182$544
IFF SW

IFF vs SW: by the numbers

  • SW is the larger company ($23.27B vs $19.07B market cap).
  • IFF trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.85 vs 61.92 P/E).
  • IFF converts more revenue to profit (7.90% vs 1.23% net margin).
  • SW grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.07% vs 11.71% CAGR).
  • SW pays the higher dividend yield (3.98% vs 2.14%).

Which is better, IFF or SW?

Metric tally: IFF 6 · SW 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueIFF(lower P/E)
GrowthSW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeSW(higher dividend yield)
QualitySW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIFFSW
P/E ratio22.8561.92
Forward P/E16.84
P/S ratio1.780.79
P/B ratio1.361.32
PEG ratio0.180.43
EV / EBITDA12.269.22
FCF yield2.07%4.28%

Profitability

MetricIFFSW
Gross margin36.35%18.42%
Operating margin7.56%6.24%
Net margin7.90%1.23%
ROE6.03%2.06%
ROIC3.19%3.59%

Dividends

MetricIFFSW
Dividend yield2.14%3.98%
Payout ratio131.81%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIFFSW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.71%24.07%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-25.13%-16.43%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-13.45%-3.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.37%0.10%

Frequently asked

Which is better, IFF or SW?
It depends on your goal. value: IFF (lower P/E); growth: SW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: SW (higher dividend yield); quality: SW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, SW leads 10 to 6.
Is IFF or SW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, IFF is cheaper: IFF trades at a 22.85 P/E and SW at 61.92.
Which has grown faster, IFF or SW?
Over the past five years, SW grew revenue faster — IFF at a 11.71% CAGR versus SW at 24.07%.
Does IFF or SW pay a bigger dividend?
IFF yields 2.14% and SW yields 3.98% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IFF or SW more profitable?
IFF runs the higher net margin — IFF at 7.90% versus SW at 1.23%.
Which has been the better investment, IFF or SW?
Over the past 10-year, SW delivered the higher annualized total return — IFF at -2.84% versus SW at 4.19%. 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.