Albemarle (ALB) vs Element Solutions (ESI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Element Solutions (ESI) has outperformed Albemarle (ALB) over the past year, gaining 40.5% versus a gain of 13.5%. Over five years, ESI leads with a +64.5% price change compared with -55.1% for ALB. Albemarle is the larger company by market cap ($12.13 billion vs $9.06 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while Element Solutions is growing revenue faster (+3.8% vs -4.4%).
On valuation, Albemarle trades at a lower forward P/E (9.1x vs 17.5x for Element Solutions). Albemarle offers the higher dividend yield (1.58% vs 0.86%). Element Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.5% versus -9.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ALB | ESI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $102.75 | $37.17 |
| Market cap | $12.13B | $9.06B |
| 1-day change | -3.39% | -1.51% |
| YTD return | -27.35% | +48.74% |
| 1-year return | +13.50% | +40.53% |
| 5-year return | -55.09% | +64.47% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 380.56 | 50.23 |
| Forward P/E | 9.10 | 17.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.27 | $0.74 |
| Dividend yield | 1.58% | 0.86% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $0.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.14B | $2.55B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -4.37% | +3.84% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-510.63M | $190.80M |
| Gross margin | 13.00% | 41.96% |
| Operating margin | -7.14% | 13.41% |
| Net margin | -9.93% | 7.48% |
| 52-week high | $221.00 | $49.25 |
| 52-week low | $88.01 | $22.86 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -53.51% | -24.53% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +64.05% | +25.24% |
| Average volume | 2.28M | 4.83M |
| Shares outstanding | 118.01M | 243.69M |
| Employees | 7,800 | 5,200 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Major Chemicals | Major Chemicals |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ESI has outperformed ALB by 27.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Albemarle trades at a higher earnings multiple (380.6x vs 50.2x trailing P/E).
- Element Solutions is more profitable, keeping 7.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -9.9 cents for Albemarle.
- Element Solutions grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.84% vs -4.37%).
About Albemarle
ALB stock →Albemarle Corporation provides energy storage solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Energy Storage, Specialties, and Ketjen.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 7,800 employees
About Element Solutions
ESI stock →Element Solutions Inc operates as a specialty chemicals technology company in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments: MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions and Element Specialties.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 5,200 employees
ALB vs ESI FAQ
Which is bigger, Albemarle or Element Solutions?
Albemarle (ALB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.13B compared with $9.06B for Element Solutions (ESI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALB or ESI?
ESI returned +40.53% over the past 12 months, compared with +13.50% for ALB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ALB or ESI?
ESI has the lower trailing P/E at 50.2, versus 380.6 for ALB. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Albemarle or Element Solutions?
Albemarle has the higher yield at 1.58%, compared with 0.86% for Element Solutions.
Are Albemarle and Element Solutions in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.