Albemarle (ALB) vs Sensient Technologies (SXT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Sensient Technologies (SXT) has outperformed Albemarle (ALB) over the past year, gaining 41.1% versus a gain of 11.4%. Over five years, SXT leads with a +37.2% price change compared with -55.4% for ALB. Albemarle is the larger company by market cap ($12.05 billion vs $5.62 billion), about 2.1 times the size, while Sensient Technologies is growing revenue faster (+3.5% vs -4.4%).
On valuation, Albemarle trades at a lower forward P/E (9.0x vs 26.4x for Sensient Technologies). Albemarle offers the higher dividend yield (1.59% vs 1.24%). Sensient Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.3% 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 | SXT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $102.10 | $132.03 |
| Market cap | $12.05B | $5.62B |
| 1-day change | -0.63% | +0.02% |
| YTD return | -27.81% | +40.53% |
| 1-year return | +11.35% | +41.09% |
| 5-year return | -55.37% | +37.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 378.15 | 35.59 |
| Forward P/E | 9.04 | 26.44 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.27 | $3.71 |
| Dividend yield | 1.59% | 1.24% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.14B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -4.37% | +3.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-510.63M | $134.49M |
| Gross margin | 13.00% | 33.45% |
| Operating margin | -7.14% | 12.85% |
| Net margin | -9.93% | 8.34% |
| 52-week high | $221.00 | $138.82 |
| 52-week low | $88.01 | $82.60 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -53.80% | -4.89% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +65.09% | +9.37% |
| Average volume | 2.31M | 426.21K |
| Shares outstanding | 118.01M | 42.56M |
| Employees | 7,800 | 4,070 |
| 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
- Albemarle is about 2.1 times larger than Sensient Technologies by market value ($12.05B vs $5.62B).
- SXT has outperformed ALB by 29.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Albemarle trades at a higher earnings multiple (378.1x vs 35.6x trailing P/E).
- Sensient Technologies is more profitable, keeping 8.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -9.9 cents for Albemarle.
- Sensient Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.52% 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 Sensient Technologies
SXT stock →Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients worldwide. It operates in three segments: Flavors & Extracts, Color, and Asia Pacific.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 4,070 employees
ALB vs SXT FAQ
Which is bigger, Albemarle or Sensient Technologies?
Albemarle (ALB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.05B compared with $5.62B for Sensient Technologies (SXT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALB or SXT?
SXT returned +41.09% 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 SXT?
SXT has the lower trailing P/E at 35.6, versus 378.1 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 Sensient Technologies?
Albemarle has the higher yield at 1.59%, compared with 1.24% for Sensient Technologies.
Are Albemarle and Sensient Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.