Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs A O Smith Corp (AOS) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs A O Smith Corp — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $127.92 (market cap $15.22B), while A O Smith Corp trades at $59.78 (market cap $8.45B). The key difference: Albemarle Corp. is the larger of the two by market cap, and A O Smith Corp pays the higher dividend (2.32%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | AOS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $8.45B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $80.47 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $55.78 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $8.90B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 2.32% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Albemarle (ALB) is trading at $129.02, down 4.82% over the past 24 hours amid bearish technical signals. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with a low P/E of 5.12 and negative net income margin of -4.24% for 2025, though Q1 2026 earnings beat expectations. Recent news highlights a focus on debt reduction and energy storage system demand as lithium prices rebound. Cash flow improved in 2025 with net cash flow of $425.77 million, while the balance sheet reflects a debt-to-asset ratio of 19.8%.
The outlook for ALB hinges on lithium price recovery and execution in energy storage markets. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $227.10 price target suggesting significant upside, but risks include volatile lithium markets and ongoing profitability challenges. The stock's current level near key support at $128 may attract value investors, though macroeconomic and commodity pressures remain headwinds.
A.O. Smith (AOS) trades at $61.31, down 2.25% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported a Q1 2026 earnings miss ($0.85 actual vs. $0.94 expected) but maintains strong profitability with a 13.84% net margin and 28.27% ROE. Recent leadership changes include CEO Stephen Shafer becoming chairman as of July 1, 2026 (PRNewswire, June 22, 2026).
The stock shows mixed signals: solid fundamentals and a $68 consensus price target suggest upside, but recent earnings weakness and repeated Zacks Strong Sell ratings (June 18, 2026) indicate near-term headwinds. Investors face risks from China market softness and competitive pressures, though cash flow stability and dividend payments provide support.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Albemarle Corp.
Albemarle is the world's largest lithium producer. Our outlook for robust lithium demand is predicated upon increased demand for electric vehicle batteries. Albemarle produces lithium from its salt brine deposits in Chile and the U.S. and its hard rock joint venture mines in Australia. Albemarle is also a global leader in the production of bromine, used in flame retardants. The company is also a major producer of oil refining catalysts.
Read more on ALB →About A O Smith Corp
A.O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets comprehensive lines of residential and commercial gas, gas tankless, and electric water heaters. Supplementary products include water heating equipment, condensing and noncondensing boilers, and water system tanks. The company's two operating segments are by geographic region: North America (majority of total revenue) and the Rest of the World. A material portion of sales in North America derive from replacing existing products, and the company utilizes a wholesale distribution channel and multiple selling locations. The Rest of the World segment sells primarily to Asian countries and operates sales offices to expand distribution and market its product portfolio.
Read more on AOS →
