Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $128.72 (market cap $15.48B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.58 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 5.2× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Albemarle Corp. pays the higher dividend (1.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.48B | $79.73B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $72.58 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $17.96B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.03% |
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) trades at $131.11, up 4.54% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates. The stock shows improved cash flow and lithium demand strength, though valuation metrics like a P/E of 485.59 indicate high expectations. Recent news highlights earnings growth and dividend stability, with support at $127 and resistance at $134.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic with analyst consensus target of $184.50, but risks include volatile lithium prices and high valuation. Investment opportunity lies in sustained demand for energy storage, balanced by margin pressures and debt levels.
ECL trades at $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. The company has a strong hold on the U.S. market and is looking to increase its profitability abroad. Additionally, Ecolab serves customers in water, manufacturing, and life sciences end markets, selling customized solutions.
Read more on ECL →
