Albemarle CorporationNYSE: ALB
Materials · Specialty Chemicals
$193.55
-1.60%
Vol: 2.4M
Research Digest
Friday, May 1, 2026
Albemarle expects Q1 EPS surge with mixed analyst sentiment on lithium demand outlook
Albemarle Corporation reported major CFO transition as Donald LaBauve Jr. retires June 1 after 36+ years. The company is expanding lithium conversion capacity amid rising prices and demand from EVs. Q1 earnings expected May 6 with analysts projecting 533% YoY EPS increase to $0.78. However, mixed sentiment prevails: major banks raised price targets to $222-245 range, while Baird downgraded to Neutral citing 47% year-to-date rally and valuation concerns. Rothschild & Co flagged oversupply risks and potential price downside through 2027.
Previous Market Intelligence
13 daysApr 30Albemarle is poised for May 6 earnings with analyst forecasts of 788.9% YoY EPS increase to $1.24 and 23.1% revenue growth to $1.33B, driven by lithium price recovery and expanded capacity.Positive▶
Albemarle expects strong earnings on May 6 with forecasted EPS surge of 788.9% YoY to $1.24 and revenue growth of 23.1% to $1.33B. Stock jumped 5.42% on upbeat lithium demand forecasts with major banks raising price targets into $220-$245 range. HSBC lifted PT to $220 with Buy rating. The company expects EBITDA margins above 50% and annual free cash flow above $1.5B when lithium prices stabilize. Stock climbed from low $170s in early April to near $198.54 on April 27, though Rothschild & Co Redburn warns on potential lithium oversupply.
Apr 29Morgan Stanley, Truist raise Albemarle price targets on strong lithium demand; RBC maintains Outperform as energy storage earnings remain underappreciatedPositive▶
Albemarle shares gained 5.42% on upbeat lithium demand forecasts. Multiple major banks raised price targets into $222–$245 range, with Truist at $245 (Buy) and RBC at $245 (Outperform) citing stronger lithium pricing and long-term energy storage demand. However, Baird downgraded from Outperform to Neutral on valuation concerns after 47% YTD rally, warning that rising global lithium supply and high-cost projects may cap pricing. Company is poised for strong May 6 earnings with consensus expecting 788.9% YoY EPS growth to $1.24. Mixed analyst views reflect lithium market debate.
Apr 16Albemarle idled Train 1 lithium hydroxide plant; UBS raised price target to $230 on strong Q1 2026 EPS projection of $0.78.Positive▶
Albemarle Corporation completed dewatering at its Kings Mountain Mine open pit in North Carolina. The company announced it will idle Train 1 at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide facility in Australia effective immediately, expected to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA beginning Q2 2026. Q1 2026 earnings will be released May 6, 2026 with projected EPS of $0.78, marking 533% year-over-year increase. UBS raised price target from $220 to $230 with Buy rating. CMC Financial Group purchased 2,922 shares valued at $413,000 in Q4. Stock currently at $185.25 with market cap of 21.84B.
Apr 15UBS raises Albemarle price target to $230 on lithium market fundamentals as Q1 earnings approach May 6.Positive▶
UBS maintained a Buy rating on Albemarle on April 9 while raising the price target from $220 to $230. The stock slid 4.3% on April 6 amid shifting lithium pricing sentiment. Q1 2026 earnings due May 6 with expected EPS of $0.78 (up 533% YoY) and revenue of $1.28 billion. Stock has gained 28.83% year-to-date.
Apr 14UBS raised ALB price target to $230 on April 9 as lithium prices rebound to ~CNY 160k/tonne; stock up 7.4%.Positive▶
Albemarle surged 7.4% on April 13 as lithium market sentiment improved. UBS maintained Buy and raised target to $230. Company executing $650M cash tender offer for outstanding notes. Expects EBITDA margins above 50% and annual FCF above $1.5B when lithium stabilizes. Q1 earnings May 6.
Apr 13UBS raises price target to $230; Q1 2026 earnings due May 6 with 533% projected EPS growth.Mixed▶
UBS analyst confirmed Buy rating and raised price target from $220 to $230 on April 9. Q1 2026 earnings May 6 with analysts projecting 533% YoY EPS growth (consensus EPS $0.78 vs. prior year loss of -$0.18). Idling Train 1 at Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant. Consensus Moderate Buy from 24 analysts with PT $191.91.
Apr 10UBS Raises Price Target to $230; Q1 2026 Earnings May 6Mixed▶
UBS raised target from $220 to $230 on April 9 with Buy rating. Q1 earnings May 6. Analysts expect 533% YoY EPS growth. Stock declined 4.3%.
Apr 9Albemarle completes Ketjen sale and appoints new board members amid portfolio reshapingPositive▶
Albemarle completed sale of controlling stake in Ketjen refining catalyst business to KPS Capital Partners on March 2, 2026, receiving $670M in combined proceeds (including January Eurecat 50% sale) for debt reduction. Company appointed Michelle T. Collins and Mark R. Widmar to Board effective February 26, 2026. Declared quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share. Q1 2026 earnings scheduled for May 6, 2026. Stock soared 11.6% on enhanced lithium production capacity news with 19 analysts giving Buy consensus.
Apr 8Albemarle announces Q1 2026 earnings release May 6 amid lithium downturn headwinds.Negative▶
Albemarle navigating lithium price crash from cooled demand and ramped supply. Cut guidance and spending. Q1 earnings May 6.
Apr 7Albemarle Idles Kemerton Train 1; Q1 Earnings May 6; Divestitures UnderwayNeutral▶
Albemarle announced it will idle Train 1 at Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant in Western Australia effective immediately, improving financial flexibility and accretive to adjusted EBITDA from Q2 2026. Q1 2026 earnings release scheduled for May 6 after close. Company divesting Ketjen refining catalyst business and 50% Eurecat stake.
Apr 6Albemarle reports mixed Q4 results while positioning for U.S. supply chain initiative benefits.Neutral▶
Albemarle reported mixed fourth-quarter results with earnings missing expectations but revenue exceeding forecasts. Director James O'Brien will retire at the May 2026 annual meeting. The company completed the sale of a controlling stake in its Ketjen refining catalyst solutions business to emphasize core competencies and reduce debt. On March 24, the U.S. administration announced a $1 trillion international consortium for energy, minerals, and semiconductor supply chain investments, expected to benefit critical minerals producers like Albemarle. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share payable April 1. Current stock price is $184.44 with average 12-month target of $188.74.
Apr 3Albemarle declared $0.405 per share quarterly dividend; stock up 2.31% on strong sector performance.Positive▶
Albemarle's Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share. The stock rose 2.31% on strong sector momentum, trading at $184.44. 13 analysts recommend buying with average target of $188.74. Next earnings expected May 6, 2026.
Apr 2Albemarle idles Kemerton lithium plant operations and sells Ketjen refining catalyst business for flexibilityPositive▶
Albemarle rose 2.31% on strong lithium sector performance and positive earnings expectations. The company announced idling of Train 1 at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant in Western Australia effective immediately, improving financial flexibility and expected to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2026. Albemarle agreed to sell a controlling stake in Ketjen refining catalyst business to KPS Capital Partners and plans to sell its 50% stake in Eurecat joint venture to Axens SA to focus on core businesses. The company declared quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share payable April 1, 2026. Stock reached new 52-week high of $151.
Sector Peers
| Company | Price | Day | 1M | Fwd P/E | Beta | Mkt Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHWSHERWIN | $317.83 | -1.18% | +1.6% | 24.2x | 1.27 | $79.3B |
| ECLECOLAB | $259.78 | -0.31% | -2.4% | 27.2x | 1.02 | $73.6B |
| PPGPPG | $107.42 | -1.00% | +4.5% | 12.4x | 1.16 | $24.3B |
| LYBLYONDELLBASELL | $74.91 | +0.42% | -5.1% | 13.1x | 0.44 | $24.1B |
| ALBALBEMARLE | $193.55 | -1.60% | +13.7% | 21.8x | 1.43 | $23.2B |
| DDDUPONT | $46.29 | +1.38% | +0.2% | 17.9x | 1.12 | $18.7B |
Key Fundamentals
RSI (14-Day)
52-Week Range
Moving Averages
Price above both MAs — bullish structure.