Albemarle Corp. vs Williams Companies Inc — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $132.2 (market cap $15.27B), while Williams Companies Inc trades at $72.84 (market cap $88.45B). The key difference: Williams Companies Inc is far larger — about 5.8× Albemarle Corp.'s market cap, and Williams Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (2.9%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | WMB | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.27B | $88.45B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Energy |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $79.40 |
52-Week Low | $72.58 | $56.51 |
Enterprise Value | $17.75B | $119.07B |
Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.9% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Albemarle (ALB) trades at $131.21, up 0.08% on the day, showing a bullish technical trend with strong support at $129 and resistance at $133. The company reported robust Q2 2026 results, beating EPS estimates with $3.75 versus $3.20 expected, driven by improved lithium pricing and specialties growth. However, net income remains negative for 2025 at -$510.63M, and the P/E ratio is elevated at 479.11, indicating high valuation expectations. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a consensus price target of $184.50 but only 42% buy ratings.
Outlook: ALB benefits from strong lithium demand and cost controls, but faces risks from volatile lithium prices and sequential margin pressure in Q3. The stock offers growth potential if execution continues, yet high valuation and earnings inconsistency warrant caution. Near-term price action hinges on Q3 results and lithium market trends.
Williams Companies (WMB) trades at $71.85, up 2.06% today, with a neutral technical signal and mixed earnings history. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.50, slightly missing estimates, but raised full-year EBITDA guidance. Recent news highlights the $5.5 billion acquisition of Momentum Midstream, enhancing its Gulf Coast presence and supporting long-term growth targets. Financials show strong profitability with a 25.18% net income margin and robust cash flow from operations of $5.90 billion in 2025.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus favoring Buy ratings (79.41%) and a $87.14 price target, though risks include execution of acquisitions and debt levels. The stock offers a dividend yield supported by stable cash flows, positioning it for growth in energy infrastructure demand.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Williams is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Read more on WMB →