ALB vs. VMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
UpdatedHere’s a clear look at ALB and VMC, comparing key factors like performance, valuation metrics, dividends, and financial strength. It’s built for investors or anyone curious to see how these two stocks match up.
Company Overview
VMC towers over ALB with a market cap of 35.74 billion USD, roughly 5.38 times the 6.64 billion USD of its peer.
ALB rides a wilder wave with a beta of 1.71, hinting at bigger swings than VMC’s steadier 0.83.
| Symbol | ALB | VMC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Albemarle Corporation | Vulcan Materials Company |
| Country | US | US |
| Sector | Basic Materials | Basic Materials |
| Industry | Chemicals - Specialty | Construction Materials |
| CEO | Mr. Jerry Kent Masters Jr. | Mr. James Thomas Hill |
| Price | 56.44 USD | 270.54 USD |
| Market Cap | 6.64 billion USD | 35.74 billion USD |
| Beta | 1.714 | 0.834 |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| IPO Date | February 22, 1994 | January 2, 1957 |
| ADR | No | No |
Performance Comparison
This chart compares the performance of ALB and VMC over the past year by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each (starting one year ago).
Hover over the lines to see the investment’s value and total return (%) at specific dates.
Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Valuation Metrics Comparison
The section examines key financial ratios to assess the valuation of ALB and VMC based on earnings, cash flow, sales, and book value. Pay attention to the following notable points where extreme values stand out.
- ALB has a negative P/E of -5.82, indicating it’s been unprofitable over the past year with no net earnings to support its stock price. On the other hand, VMC at 38.18 has maintained positive earnings, showing a healthier profit profile.
- ALB shows a negative Price-to-Free Cash Flow of -47.57, meaning it’s been burning through cash faster than it can produce it over the past twelve months—a troubling sign for its financial resilience. On the flip side, VMC at 41.13 has managed to keep its cash flow in positive territory.
| Symbol | ALB | VMC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E, TTM) | -5.82 | 38.18 |
| Forward PEG Ratio (TTM) | 31.25 | 2.55 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (P/S, TTM) | 1.30 | 4.76 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B, TTM) | 0.66 | 4.40 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (P/FCF, TTM) | -47.57 | 41.13 |
| EV-to-EBITDA (TTM) | -10.79 | 19.83 |
| EV-to-Sales (TTM) | 1.72 | 5.46 |
| EV-to-Free Cash Flow (TTM) | -62.77 | 47.21 |
Dividend Comparison
Both ALB at 2.86% and VMC at 0.69% pay dividends, blending income with growth in their strategies. Yet ALB’s 2.86% yield, 314% above VMC’s 0.69%, suggests a focus on generous payouts—possibly from stronger profits—while VMC leans toward reinvestment, perhaps due to tighter margins.
| Symbol | ALB | VMC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 2.86% | 0.69% |
Financial Strength Metrics Comparison
This section dives into the financial resilience of ALB and VMC, spotlighting key metrics like liquidity, leverage, and debt coverage. Check out the standout observations below where notable differences or extremes pop up.
- ALB clocks in at -9.99 below 1.5, earnings just keeping ahead of interest—dicey if profits stumble. By contrast, VMC’s 6.72 sails through with plenty of cushion.
| Symbol | ALB | VMC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (TTM) | 2.11 | 2.42 |
| Quick Ratio (TTM) | 1.26 | 1.51 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (TTM) | 0.36 | 0.67 |
| Debt-to-Assets Ratio (TTM) | 0.21 | 0.33 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -9.99 | 6.72 |