Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $130.26 (market cap $15.48B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is far larger — about 5.4× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.48B | $83.88B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $72.58 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $17.96B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 2.34% |
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.
ITW trades at $296.66, up 0.67% with a bullish technical outlook and strong support at $292. The company maintains robust profitability with 19.39% net margins and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent positive developments include a 7% dividend increase and $6 billion share repurchase authorization announced August 7, 2026.
While valuation metrics appear elevated (P/E 26.87, P/B 29.19), ITW's consistent earnings performance and shareholder-friendly actions support upside to the $316 consensus target. Key risks include construction sector exposure and currency headwinds, but operational strength and margin discipline provide stability.
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 Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Illinois Tool Works is a diversified global manufacturer that produces specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related services. The firm operates 87 global divisions through seven distinct operating segments: automotive OEM, construction products, food equipment, specialty products, test/measurement and electronics, polymers and fluids, and welding. About half of its revenue comes from its operations in North America, with the remainder originating from international markets. ITW takes a bottom-up and decentralized approach to portfolio management, with the exception that each segment must apply its 80/20 operating process modeled on the Pareto principle.
Read more on ITW →
