Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $127.96 (market cap $15.22B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.23 (market cap $318.26B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 20.9× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $318.26B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $361.68B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 2.64% |
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.
Merck (MRK) trades at $126.78, showing stable recent performance with strong institutional interest. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $65.01B and net income of $18.25B, representing a 28.07% profit margin. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company is actively expanding through strategic acquisitions like Terns Pharmaceuticals. Technical indicators show a bullish trend with moving averages supporting upward momentum, though oscillators suggest some consolidation may be needed.
Merck presents a compelling investment case with strong profitability, consistent earnings beats, and strategic pipeline expansion through M&A. The stock offers 9.9% upside to the consensus price target of $139.33, supported by 67.6% analyst buy ratings. Key risks include patent expirations, competitive pressures in oncology, and integration challenges from recent acquisitions. The company's robust cash flow generation supports continued dividend payments and strategic investments.
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 Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
