Albemarle (ALB) vs Hexcel (HXL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Hexcel (HXL) has outperformed Albemarle (ALB) over the past year, gaining 31.8% versus a gain of 11.4%. Over five years, HXL leads with a +38.6% price change compared with -55.4% for ALB. Albemarle is the larger company by market cap ($11.95 billion vs $6.42 billion), about 1.9 times the size, while Hexcel is growing revenue faster (-0.5% vs -4.4%).
On valuation, Albemarle trades at a lower forward P/E (9.0x vs 27.0x for Hexcel). Albemarle offers the higher dividend yield (1.60% vs 0.82%). Hexcel converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.8% 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 | HXL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $101.27 | $84.96 |
| Market cap | $11.95B | $6.42B |
| 1-day change | -0.81% | -0.20% |
| YTD return | -27.81% | +14.97% |
| 1-year return | +11.35% | +31.78% |
| 5-year return | -55.37% | +38.55% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 375.07 | 42.91 |
| Forward P/E | 8.97 | 26.98 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.27 | $1.98 |
| Dividend yield | 1.60% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $0.70 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.14B | $1.89B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -4.37% | -0.48% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-510.63M | $109.40M |
| Gross margin | 13.00% | 22.96% |
| Operating margin | -7.14% | 9.06% |
| Net margin | -9.93% | 5.78% |
| 52-week high | $221.00 | $111.74 |
| 52-week low | $88.01 | $60.82 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -54.18% | -23.97% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +66.45% | +27.71% |
| Average volume | 2.32M | 925.09K |
| Shares outstanding | 118.01M | 75.62M |
| Employees | 7,800 | 5,563 |
| 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
- HXL has outperformed ALB by 20.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Albemarle trades at a higher earnings multiple (375.1x vs 42.9x trailing P/E).
- Hexcel is more profitable, keeping 5.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -9.9 cents for Albemarle.
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 Hexcel
HXL stock →Hexcel Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets advanced lightweight composites technology. It operates through two segments, Composite Materials and Engineered Products.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 5,563 employees
ALB vs HXL FAQ
Which is bigger, Albemarle or Hexcel?
Albemarle (ALB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.95B compared with $6.42B for Hexcel (HXL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALB or HXL?
HXL returned +31.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +11.35% for ALB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ALB or HXL?
HXL has the lower trailing P/E at 42.9, versus 375.1 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 Hexcel?
Albemarle has the higher yield at 1.60%, compared with 0.82% for Hexcel.
Are Albemarle and Hexcel in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.