ALB vs. CLF: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ALB and CLF, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Albemarle Corporation | Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. |
| Country | United States | United States |
| GICS Sector | Materials | Materials |
| GICS Industry | Chemicals | Metals & Mining |
| Market Capitalization | 9.19 billion USD | 5.06 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| Listing Date | February 22, 1994 | February 21, 1973 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ALB and CLF by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -4.06% | -3.22% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 31.87% | 38.86% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -1.43% | -10.27% |
| 52-Week Price Return | -5.63% | -19.53% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 15.14% | -2.85% |
| Year-to-Date Return | -9.25% | 8.72% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 5.29M | 17.08M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 4.08M | 28.74M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 60.63% | 80.62% |
| Beta | 1.69 | 1.96 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ALB
-9.19%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 26.17%
- Q3
- 13.48%
- Median
- 8.13%
- Q1
- 2.52%
- Min
- -11.86%
ALB has a negative Return on Equity of -9.19%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
CLF
-26.06%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 31.09%
- Q3
- 16.14%
- Median
- 7.01%
- Q1
- 1.15%
- Min
- -19.85%
CLF has a negative Return on Equity of -26.06%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
ALB
-18.61%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 21.80%
- Q3
- 9.57%
- Median
- 4.44%
- Q1
- 1.14%
- Min
- -11.30%
ALB has a negative Net Profit Margin of -18.61%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
CLF
-9.03%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 40.97%
- Q3
- 17.87%
- Median
- 7.03%
- Q1
- 1.82%
- Min
- -20.01%
CLF has a negative Net Profit Margin of -9.03%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
ALB
-20.78%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 27.33%
- Q3
- 13.97%
- Median
- 8.08%
- Q1
- 4.46%
- Min
- -8.10%
ALB has a negative Operating Profit Margin of -20.78%. This signifies the company is unprofitable at the operational level, as its core business expenses exceed its revenue.
CLF
-9.54%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 59.48%
- Q3
- 26.06%
- Median
- 10.50%
- Q1
- 2.89%
- Min
- -21.46%
CLF has a negative Operating Profit Margin of -9.54%. This signifies the company is unprofitable at the operational level, as its core business expenses exceed its revenue.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | -9.19% | -26.06% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | -5.44% | -8.44% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | -18.61% | -9.03% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | -20.78% | -9.54% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 7.76% | -5.29% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ALB
2.31
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 3.38
- Q3
- 2.23
- Median
- 1.73
- Q1
- 1.39
- Min
- 0.55
ALB’s Current Ratio of 2.31 is in the upper quartile for the Chemicals industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
CLF
2.04
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 4.81
- Q3
- 2.86
- Median
- 1.94
- Q1
- 1.45
- Min
- 0.13
CLF’s Current Ratio of 2.04 aligns with the median group of the Metals & Mining industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
ALB
0.35
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 1.65
- Q3
- 0.94
- Median
- 0.65
- Q1
- 0.41
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Chemicals industry, ALB’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.35 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
CLF
1.33
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 1.11
- Q3
- 0.52
- Median
- 0.29
- Q1
- 0.12
- Min
- 0.00
With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.33, CLF operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Metals & Mining industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
ALB
-6.46
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 56.43
- Q3
- 26.33
- Median
- 9.38
- Q1
- 3.10
- Min
- -9.39
ALB has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -6.46. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
CLF
-1.55
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 65.47
- Q3
- 29.91
- Median
- 5.88
- Q1
- 0.91
- Min
- -26.49
CLF has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -1.55. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 2.31 | 2.04 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.47 | 0.61 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.35 | 1.33 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -6.46 | -1.55 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ALB
3.88%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 6.56%
- Q3
- 4.04%
- Median
- 2.47%
- Q1
- 1.45%
- Min
- 0.00%
ALB’s Dividend Yield of 3.88% is consistent with its peers in the Chemicals industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
CLF
0.00%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 9.36%
- Q3
- 3.78%
- Median
- 1.41%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
CLF currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
ALB
192.00%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 181.25%
- Q3
- 95.01%
- Median
- 53.52%
- Q1
- 26.59%
- Min
- 0.00%
At 192.00%, ALB’s Dividend Payout Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical range for the Chemicals industry. While this provides a significant return to shareholders, it may limit funds for reinvestment and could be difficult to sustain.
CLF
0.00%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 138.08%
- Q3
- 63.28%
- Median
- 38.78%
- Q1
- 12.84%
- Min
- 0.00%
CLF has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 3.88% | 0.00% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 192.00% | 0.00% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ALB
--
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 42.94
- Q3
- 29.77
- Median
- 20.37
- Q1
- 14.27
- Min
- 6.19
P/E Ratio data for ALB is currently unavailable.
CLF
--
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 57.44
- Q3
- 32.87
- Median
- 18.04
- Q1
- 9.84
- Min
- 0.00
P/E Ratio data for CLF is currently unavailable.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
ALB
1.84
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 4.36
- Q3
- 2.23
- Median
- 1.01
- Q1
- 0.55
- Min
- 0.16
ALB’s P/S Ratio of 1.84 aligns with the market consensus for the Chemicals industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
CLF
0.27
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 6.52
- Q3
- 3.19
- Median
- 1.97
- Q1
- 0.59
- Min
- 0.14
In the lower quartile for the Metals & Mining industry, CLF’s P/S Ratio of 0.27 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
ALB
0.72
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 4.92
- Q3
- 2.56
- Median
- 1.54
- Q1
- 0.97
- Min
- 0.30
ALB’s P/B Ratio of 0.72 is in the lower quartile for the Chemicals industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
CLF
0.65
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 3.92
- Q3
- 2.15
- Median
- 1.40
- Q1
- 0.84
- Min
- 0.25
CLF’s P/B Ratio of 0.65 is in the lower quartile for the Metals & Mining industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | ALB | CLF |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | -- | -- |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 1.84 | 0.27 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 0.72 | 0.65 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 25.35 | 3.48 |