Balchem (BCPC) vs Element Solutions (ESI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Element Solutions (ESI) has outperformed Balchem (BCPC) over the past year, gaining 40.5% versus a gain of 17.9%. Over five years, ESI leads with a +64.5% price change compared with +10.2% for BCPC. Element Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($9.06 billion vs $5.30 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Balchem is growing revenue faster (+8.8% vs +3.8%).
On valuation, Element Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (17.5x vs 26.5x for Balchem). Element Solutions offers the higher dividend yield (0.86% vs 0.58%). Balchem converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.9% versus 7.5%.
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 | BCPC | ESI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $166.41 | $37.17 |
| Market cap | $5.30B | $9.06B |
| 1-day change | +0.68% | -1.51% |
| YTD return | +8.51% | +48.74% |
| 1-year return | +17.87% | +40.53% |
| 5-year return | +10.23% | +64.47% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 32.76 | 50.23 |
| Forward P/E | 26.53 | 17.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.08 | $0.74 |
| Dividend yield | 0.58% | 0.86% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $0.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.04B | $2.55B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.75% | +3.84% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $154.84M | $190.80M |
| Gross margin | 35.74% | 41.96% |
| Operating margin | 20.18% | 13.41% |
| Net margin | 14.93% | 7.48% |
| 52-week high | $183.90 | $49.25 |
| 52-week low | $139.17 | $22.86 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -9.51% | -24.53% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +25.74% | +25.24% |
| Average volume | 199.60K | 4.83M |
| Shares outstanding | 31.88M | 243.69M |
| Employees | 1,379 | 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 BCPC by 22.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Element Solutions trades at a higher earnings multiple (50.2x vs 32.8x trailing P/E).
- Balchem is more profitable, keeping 14.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 7.5 cents for Element Solutions.
About Balchem
BCPC stock →Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes specialty performance ingredients and products for the nutritional, food, pharmaceutical, animal health, medical device sterilization, plant nutrition, and industrial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 1,379 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
BCPC vs ESI FAQ
Which is bigger, Balchem or Element Solutions?
Element Solutions (ESI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.06B compared with $5.30B for Balchem (BCPC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BCPC or ESI?
ESI returned +40.53% over the past 12 months, compared with +17.87% for BCPC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BCPC or ESI?
BCPC has the lower trailing P/E at 32.8, versus 50.2 for ESI. 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, Balchem or Element Solutions?
Element Solutions has the higher yield at 0.86%, compared with 0.58% for Balchem.
Are Balchem and Element Solutions in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Chemicals industry within the Industrials sector.