Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Centene Corp (CNC) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Centene Corp — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $128.78 (market cap $15.22B), while Centene Corp trades at $67.34 (market cap $32.65B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 2.1× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Albemarle Corp. pays a 1.26% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | CNC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $32.65B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $68.34 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $25.21 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $25.28B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | — |
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.
Centene (CNC) trades at $66.12, down 2.56% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages despite recent weakness. The stock shows attractive valuation ratios (P/E 8.06, P/S 0.16) but faces profitability challenges with negative net income margin (-3.25%) and ROE (-26.12%). Recent earnings beats and strong analyst support (62.79% buy ratings) contrast with operational headwinds in Medicaid margins and cost pressures.
Investment outlook balances deep value against execution risks. The consensus price target of $63.29 suggests limited upside, but improving cash flow trends and AI-driven cost initiatives could support recovery. Key risks include regulatory changes, adverse selection in insurance pools, and margin sustainability amid healthcare sector volatility.
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 Centene Corp
Centene is a managed-care organization focused on government-sponsored healthcare plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. Centene served 22 million medical members as of September 2021, mostly in Medicaid (68% of membership), the individual exchanges (10%), Medicare Advantage (6%), and the balance in Tricare (West region), correctional facility, and international plans. The company also serves 4 million users through the Medicare Part D pharmaceutical program.
Read more on CNC →
