Albemarle Corporation (ALB) vs United States Steel Corporation (X)

X leads on 7 of 13 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Albemarle Corporation and United States Steel Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 26, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ALB vs X

growth of $100 · last 29y
ALB +436.6%X +91.5%ALB compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020012006201120162021$537$192
ALB X

ALB vs X: by the numbers

  • ALB is the larger company ($16.63B vs $12.42B market cap).
  • X is profitable (0.64% net margin) while ALB runs a net loss (-4.24%).
  • ALB grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.29% vs 4.51% CAGR).
  • ALB pays the higher dividend yield (1.15% vs 0.36%).

Which is better, ALB or X?

Metric tally: ALB 6 · X 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricALBX
P/E ratio189.10
Forward P/E11.26
P/S ratio3.040.81
P/B ratio1.700.77
EV / EBITDA23.4510.84
FCF yield3.45%

Profitability

MetricALBX
Gross margin18.53%7.57%
Operating margin5.55%-2.36%
Net margin-4.24%0.64%
ROE-2.36%0.61%
ROIC0.64%1.24%

Dividends

MetricALBX
Dividend yield1.15%0.36%
Payout ratio11.70%

Growth (annualized)

MetricALBX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.29%4.51%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.95%-19.55%
FCF CAGR (5Y)92.70%24.58%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.13%47.40%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ALB or X?
It depends on your goal. growth: ALB (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ALB (higher dividend yield); quality: X (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, X leads 7 to 6.
Which has grown faster, ALB or X?
Over the past five years, ALB grew revenue faster — ALB at a 11.29% CAGR versus X at 4.51%.
Does ALB or X pay a bigger dividend?
ALB yields 1.15% and X yields 0.36% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ALB or X more profitable?
X runs the higher net margin — ALB at -4.24% versus X at 0.64%.
Which has been the better investment, ALB or X?
Over the past 10-year, X delivered the higher annualized total return — ALB at 7.40% versus X at 9.88%. 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 June 26, 2026.