Price movement over the last 24 hours
Albemarle Corp. vs 3M Company — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $129.89 (market cap $15.22B), while 3M Company trades at $156.16 (market cap $82.41B). The key difference: 3M Company is far larger — about 5.4× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and 3M Company pays the higher dividend (1.97%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | MMM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $82.41B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $174.61 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $141.10 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $90.82B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.97% |
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.
MMM trades at $158.00, down 1.52% today, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages. The company reported three consecutive quarterly EPS beats, with Q2 2026 results expected on July 21, 2026. Strong profitability metrics include a 72.14% ROE and 11.14% net margin, though revenue has declined from 2022 peaks. Recent news highlights partnerships with Airbus and an AI tool launch, supporting operational momentum.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Hold with a $148.75 price target below current levels, citing limited AI exposure. Risks include volatile cash flows and high debt. Upside depends on execution of growth initiatives and margin improvement. The stock offers a dividend yield with the next payment on June 12, 2026.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →3M Company conducts operations in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety, and other markets. The Company businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, marketing channels, and other resources. 3M serves customers worldwide.
Read more on MMM →