Albemarle Corporation (ALB) vs WESCO International, Inc. (WCC)

ALB and WCC are evenly matched — 7 metrics each of 14.

A side-by-side comparison of Albemarle Corporation and WESCO International, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnALB vs WCC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 27y
ALB +1409.3%WCC +1615.9%WCC compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020042009201420192024$1,509$1,716
ALB WCC

ALB vs WCC: by the numbers

  • WCC is the larger company ($16.19B vs $13.54B market cap).
  • WCC is profitable (2.79% net margin) while ALB runs a net loss (-4.24%).
  • ALB grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.29% vs 10.99% CAGR).
  • ALB pays the higher dividend yield (1.41% vs 0.57%).

Which is better, ALB or WCC?

Metric tally: ALB 7 · WCC 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthALB(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeALB(higher dividend yield)
QualityWCC(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricALBWCC
P/E ratio23.63
Forward P/E9.1520.67
P/S ratio2.480.68
P/B ratio1.383.23
PEG ratio0.44
EV / EBITDA15.0214.55
FCF yield4.24%1.31%

Profitability

MetricALBWCC
Gross margin18.53%20.26%
Operating margin5.55%5.39%
Net margin-4.24%2.79%
ROE-2.36%13.25%
ROIC0.64%7.45%

Dividends

MetricALBWCC
Dividend yield1.41%0.57%
Payout ratio14.39%

Growth (annualized)

MetricALBWCC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.29%10.99%
EPS CAGR (5Y)54.03%
FCF CAGR (5Y)92.70%-18.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.52%27.54%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ALB or WCC?
It depends on your goal. growth: ALB (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ALB (higher dividend yield); quality: WCC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Which has grown faster, ALB or WCC?
Over the past five years, ALB grew revenue faster — ALB at a 11.29% CAGR versus WCC at 10.99%.
Does ALB or WCC pay a bigger dividend?
ALB yields 1.41% and WCC yields 0.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ALB or WCC more profitable?
WCC runs the higher net margin — ALB at -4.24% versus WCC at 2.79%.
Which has been the better investment, ALB or WCC?
Over the past 10-year, WCC delivered the higher annualized total return — ALB at 4.45% versus WCC at 20.42%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 25, 2026.