Albemarle (ALB) vs Linde (LIN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Albemarle (ALB) has outperformed Linde (LIN) over the past year, gaining 13.5% versus a gain of 3.1%. Over five years, LIN leads with a +57.0% price change compared with -55.1% for ALB. Linde is the larger company by market cap ($223.11 billion vs $12.13 billion), about 18.4 times the size.
On valuation, Albemarle trades at a lower forward P/E (9.1x vs 24.7x for Linde). Albemarle offers the higher dividend yield (1.58% vs 1.28%). Linde converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.3% 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 | LIN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $102.75 | $483.98 |
| Market cap | $12.13B | $223.11B |
| 1-day change | -3.39% | -1.22% |
| YTD return | -27.35% | +13.72% |
| 1-year return | +13.50% | +3.09% |
| 5-year return | -55.09% | +57.01% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 380.56 | 31.24 |
| Forward P/E | 9.10 | 24.72 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.27 | $15.49 |
| Dividend yield | 1.58% | 1.28% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $6.20 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.14B | $33.99B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -4.37% | +2.97% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-510.63M | $6.90B |
| Gross margin | 13.00% | 48.83% |
| Operating margin | -7.14% | 26.25% |
| Net margin | -9.93% | 20.30% |
| 52-week high | $221.00 | $548.20 |
| 52-week low | $88.01 | $387.78 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -53.51% | -11.71% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +64.05% | +12.36% |
| Average volume | 2.27M | 2.08M |
| Shares outstanding | 118.01M | 460.98M |
| Employees | 7,800 | 64,649 |
| Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
| 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
- Linde is about 18.4 times larger than Albemarle by market value ($223.11B vs $12.13B).
- ALB has outperformed LIN by 10.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Albemarle trades at a higher earnings multiple (380.6x vs 31.2x trailing P/E).
- Linde is more profitable, keeping 20.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -9.9 cents for Albemarle.
- Linde grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+2.97% vs -4.37%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Albemarle in Industrials and Linde in Basic Materials.
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 Linde
LIN stock →Linde plc operates as an industrial gas company worldwide. The company offers atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases; and process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
Basic Materials · Major Chemicals · 64,649 employees
ALB vs LIN FAQ
Which is bigger, Albemarle or Linde?
Linde (LIN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $223.11B compared with $12.13B for Albemarle (ALB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALB or LIN?
ALB returned +13.50% over the past 12 months, compared with +3.09% for LIN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ALB or LIN?
LIN has the lower trailing P/E at 31.2, 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 Linde?
Albemarle has the higher yield at 1.58%, compared with 1.28% for Linde.
Are Albemarle and Linde in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.