Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $127.46 (market cap $15.22B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $279.06 (market cap $79.05B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 5.2× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.8%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $79.05B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Energy |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $270.32 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $84.81B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.8% |
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.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $266.22, down 0.58% on the day, with strong technical momentum showing bullish moving averages and key resistance at $270. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 expected at $10.08 EPS. Fundamentals show solid profitability with 17.72% ROE and attractive valuation metrics including P/E of 19.75 and P/S of 0.66. Recent news highlights VLO's refining strength and renewable fuels growth potential.
VLO presents a compelling investment case with strong analyst support (58% buy ratings) and a consensus price target of $258.25. The company's Gulf Coast refining advantage and clean-fuel initiatives support long-term growth, though investors face risks from energy market volatility and declining revenue trends from $176.4B in 2022 to $122.7B in 2025. The current price near resistance levels suggests potential for breakout or consolidation.
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 Valero Energy Corporation
Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →
