ALB vs ECL
Albemarle (ALB) and Ecolab (ECL) compared side by side. Ecolab (ECL) is larger, with a market cap of $80.9B versus $11.1B for Albemarle, about 7.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, ECL is cheaper at 38.7x versus 346.9x for ALB.
Head to head
| Metric | ALB | ECL |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $11.1B | $80.9B |
| P/E (TTM) | 346.9x | 38.7x |
| Forward P/E | 8.7x | 30.8x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $5.9B | $16.8B |
| Revenue growth | 31.1% | 9.7% |
| Gross margin | 24.0% | 44.2% |
| Operating margin | 27.7% | 18.5% |
| Free cash flow | $1.3B | $1.9B |
| Dividend yield | 1.75% | 1.01% |
| 1-year return | -2.7% | +6.1% |
| 5-year return (annual) | -15.5% | +6.6% |
| Max drawdown | -84% | -69% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
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ALB vs ECL FAQ
Which is bigger, ALB or ECL?
Ecolab (ECL) is larger, with a market cap of $80.9B versus $11.1B for Albemarle, about 7.3 times the size.
Is ALB or ECL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ECL is cheaper at 38.7x versus 346.9x for ALB. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, ALB or ECL?
ECL returned +6.1% over the past year including dividends, versus -2.7% for ALB, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, ALB or ECL?
ALB yields 1.75% versus 1.01% for ECL.