Compare Albemarle Corp. (ALB) vs Western Union Co (WU) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Albemarle Corp. vs Western Union Co — how do they compare? Albemarle Corp. trades at $129.03 (market cap $15.22B), while Western Union Co trades at $7.73 (market cap $2.48B). The key difference: Albemarle Corp. is far larger — about 6.1× Western Union Co's market cap, and Western Union Co pays the higher dividend (11.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALB | WU | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $15.22B | $2.48B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Technology |
52-Week High | $215.62 | $10.28 |
52-Week Low | $67.30 | $7.04 |
Enterprise Value | $18.24B | $2.18B |
Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 11.82% |
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.
Western Union (WU) trades at $7.95, down 0.75% on the day, with mixed technical signals but a bullish overall trend. The stock shows strong profitability with a 10.88% net margin and 47.66% ROE, and valuation metrics like a P/E of 5.87 and P/S of 0.63 appear attractive. Recent developments include a partnership with Total Wireless for fee-free money transfers and progress on the Intermex acquisition, signaling digital expansion. However, Q1 2026 earnings missed expectations, and the company faces a high debt load with a debt-to-asset ratio of 34.64% as of 2025.
The outlook for WU is cautiously optimistic, with potential upside from digital growth initiatives and a high dividend yield, but risks include competitive pressures, recent earnings volatility, and significant leverage. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a majority Hold rating, reflecting balanced views on growth prospects versus financial constraints.
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 Western Union Co
Western Union provides domestic and international money transfers through its global network of about 500,000 outside agents. It is the largest money transfer company in the world and one of only a few companies with a truly global agent network.
Read more on WU →
