Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsInternational Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$117.52
-3.76%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $15.29B
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
$83.61
-0.52%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $22.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc generates 82% more annual revenue ($10.78B vs $5.91B). ALB leads profitability with a 3.8% profit margin vs 2.6%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.79. ALB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
ALB
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
IFF
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-57.7%
Fair Value
$111.22
Current Price
$117.52
$6.30 premium
Margin of Safety
+63.6%
Fair Value
$211.67
Current Price
$83.61
$128.06 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
3.8% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.8% revenue growth
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.79 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : IFF
The strongest argument for IFF centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 479.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : IFF
The primary concerns for IFF are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Thin 2.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB profiles as a hypergrowth stock while IFF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (638M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ALB scores higher overall (63/100 vs 44/100) and 31.1% revenue growth. IFF offers better value entry with a 63.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Albemarle Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Albemarle Corporation is a fine chemical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
International Flavors & Fragrances is an American corporation that produces flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives, which it markets globally. It is headquartered in New York City.
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