Upside case
Bull case
$54-66.6%
The bull case prices ALB at 4x on FY1 earnings, assuming continued execution and no meaningful deceleration in the core business.
Analysis OverviewHoldUpdated Jun 18, 2026
Albemarle Corporation (ALB) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Hold
Covering
45
analysts
18 bullish · 6 bearish · 45 covering ALB
Strong Buy
0
Buy
18
Hold
21
Sell
6
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$210
+30.8% vs today
Scenario Range
$26 – $54
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
45
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
13.2x
Forward P/E · Market cap $18.9B
ALB price targets
Three scenarios for where ALB stock could go
Current
~$160
Confidence
45 / 100
Updated
Jun 18, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $160
Bear
$26
Base
$41
Bull
$54
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
$41-74.7%
At 3x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
Stress case
Bear case
$26-84.0%
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 11x multiple contraction could push ALB down roughly 84% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
Albemarle Corporation
ALB · NYSEBasic MaterialsChemicals - SpecialtyDecember year-end
Albemarle is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, primarily lithium compounds used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. The company generates most of its revenue from lithium sales—roughly 70%—with the remainder coming from bromine-based flame retardants and catalysts for refining and petrochemicals. Its key competitive advantage lies in owning low-cost lithium brine assets in Chile and hard rock resources in Australia, giving it scale and cost leadership in a supply-constrained market.
Market Cap
$18.9B
Revenue TTM
$5.5B
Net Income TTM
-$233M
Net Margin
-4.2%
ALB Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
58%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
58%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
+7.2%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q3 2025
Q4 2025
Q1 2026
Q2 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 3 of 4Q3 2025
EPS
$0.11/$-0.83
Revenue
$1.3B/$1.3B
Q4 2025
EPS
$-0.19/$-0.86
Revenue
$1.3B/$1.3B
Q1 2026
EPS
$-0.53/$-0.42
Revenue
$1.4B/$1.3B
Q2 2026
EPS
$2.95/$1.19
Revenue
$1.4B/$1.3B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $0.11/$-0.83 | +113.3% | $1.3B/$1.3B | +4.6% |
| Q4 2025 | $-0.19/$-0.86 | +77.9% | $1.3B/$1.3B | +2.4% |
| Q1 2026 | $-0.53/$-0.42 | -26.8% | $1.4B/$1.3B | +6.0% |
| Q2 2026 | $2.95/$1.19 | +147.9% | $1.4B/$1.3B | +6.6% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$5.8B
+5.7% YoY
FY2
$6.3B
+8.5% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$3.46
+276.4% YoY
FY2
$4.06
+17.3% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$577M
FCF Margin: 10.5%
Next Earnings
July 29, 2026
Expected EPS
$3.08
Expected Revenue
$1.6B
ALB beat EPS estimates in 3 of 4 tracked quarters. A strong delivery record supports forward estimate credibility.
ALB Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2025
Total disclosed revenue $5.1B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Energy Storage
52.7%
-10.1% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
UNITED STATES
100.0%
-1.3% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Energy Storage is the largest disclosed segment at 52.7% of FY 2025 revenue, down 10.1% YoY.
UNITED STATES is the largest reported region at 100.0%, down 1.3% YoY.
ALB Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Fair versus peers
Fair value est. $170 — implies +6.3% from today's price.
Upside to Fair Value
6.3%
potential upside
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
ALB
-27.9x
vs
S&P 500
24.4x
214% discount
vs Basic Materials Trailing P/E
ALB
-27.9x
vs
Basic Materials
23.6x
218% discount
vs ALB 5Y Avg P/E
Today
-27.9x
vs
5Y Average
10.2x
375% discount
Forward PE
13.2x
S&P 500
18.8x
-30%
Basic Materials
14.9x
-12%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
-27.9x
S&P 500
24.4x
-214%
Basic Materials
23.6x
-218%
5Y Avg
10.2x
-375%
PEG Ratio
—
S&P 500
1.66x
—
Basic Materials
1.23x
—
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
27.3x
S&P 500
15.2x
+79%
Basic Materials
11.0x
+148%
5Y Avg
25.4x
+7%
Price/FCF
27.3x
S&P 500
20.7x
+32%
Basic Materials
29.0x
-6%
5Y Avg
31.8x
-14%
Price/Sales
3.7x
S&P 500
3.1x
+19%
Basic Materials
1.9x
+95%
5Y Avg
3.7x
-1%
Dividend Yield
1.01%
S&P 500
1.91%
-47%
Basic Materials
1.41%
-28%
5Y Avg
1.10%
-8%
| Metric | ALB | S&P 500 | Basic Materials | 5Y Avg ALB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 13.2x | 18.8x-30% | 14.9x-12% | — |
| Trailing PE | -27.9x | 24.4x-214% | 23.6x-218% | 10.2x-375% |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.66x | 1.23x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 27.3x | 15.2x+79% | 11.0x+148% | 25.4x |
| Price/FCF | 27.3x | 20.7x+32% | 29.0x | 31.8x-14% |
| Price/Sales | 3.7x | 3.1x+19% | 1.9x+95% | 3.7x |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.91% | 1.41% | 1.10% |
ALB trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 3 of 5 measured multiples — is elevated on some multiples, but competitive on others — a mixed valuation picture.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolALB Financial Health
Verdict
Stressed
ALB generates $577M in free cash flow at a 10.5% margin — returns 1.0% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$5.5B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
+7.9%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
18.5%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
5.6%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
-4.2%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
$-1.96
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$577M
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
10.5%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
0.6%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
-1.4%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$1.6B
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$1.7B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
2.9× FCF
~2.9 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
-2.3%
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
1.0%
Dividend
1.0%
Buyback
0.0%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$0
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$1.62
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
—
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count
118M
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageALB Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated June 18, 2026
High Risk
Lithium demand disruption
Solid-state batteries reducing lithium intensity or sodium-ion batteries capturing significant market share could drop Albemarle's 10-year Revenue CAGR to below +4%.
High Risk
Cyclical lithium pricing
Albemarle faces cyclical risk from volatile lithium prices, as seen during the recent 'lithium winter' that caused prices to plummet from historic highs.
Medium
Valuation concerns
Despite long-term EV growth potential, Albemarle's current losses and high valuation pose risks to investor returns.
Medium
Technology substitution
Advancements in alternative battery technologies could reduce reliance on lithium, negatively impacting Albemarle's core business.
Lower
Operational concentration
Albemarle's heavy reliance on lithium and flame retardant chemicals exposes it to sector-specific downturns and regulatory changes.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why ALB Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated June 18, 2026
World-class lithium resources
Albemarle operates advanced hard-rock and brine lithium resources, along with state-of-the-art conversion facilities, positioning it as a leader in lithium production.
Regulatory-driven tailwinds
The company's investment thesis remains strong due to regulatory tailwinds, despite recent market headwinds affecting stock performance.
Diverse specialty chemicals portfolio
Albemarle produces critical chemicals for medicines, disinfectants, and food/water safety, showcasing a resilient and diversified business model.
Global flame retardant leadership
The company is a major developer of flame retardant technologies with a global production footprint across key markets.
Sustainability commitment
Albemarle emphasizes transparency and sustainability in its operations, aligning with growing investor demand for responsible practices.
Lithium cycle upside potential
The bullish case for Albemarle hinges on the lithium cycle, though investors must assess how much is already priced in after recent rallies.
Upcoming earnings catalyst
The Q1 2026 earnings report will test Albemarle's ability to translate the structural lithium deficit thesis into financial results.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
ALB Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$160.35
52W Range Position
63%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$55.90
+186.9% from the low
52-Week High
$221.00
-27.4% from the high
1 Month
-8.76%
3 Month
-3.30%
YTD
+11.4%
1 Year
+169.9%
3Y CAGR
-11.6%
5Y CAGR
+0.3%
10Y CAGR
+6.8%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
ALB vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
13.2x
vs 15.4x median
-14% below peer median
Revenue Growth
+5.7%
vs +6.8% median
-16% below peer median
Net Margin
-4.2%
vs -13.1% median
+68% above peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ALB ALB Albemarle Corporation | $18.9B | 13.2x | +5.7% | -4.2% | Hold | +30.8% |
SQM SQM Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | $22.8B | 12.1x | +12.3% | 15.4% | Hold | +14.2% |
LAC LAC Lithium Americas Corp. | $976M | — | +10.0% | — | Hold | +60.2% |
ECL ECL Ecolab Inc. | $76.0B | 32.4x | +6.8% | 12.9% | Buy | +21.5% |
ASH ASH Ashland Inc. | $3.1B | 18.7x | -5.3% | -39.0% | Buy | -2.6% |
FMC FMC FMC Corporation | $1.4B | 6.8x | +2.7% | -72.9% | Hold | +39.4% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
ALB Dividend and Capital Return
ALB returns 1.0% total yield, led by a 1.01% dividend, raised 32 consecutive years.
Dividend UnknownFCF Well Covered
Total Shareholder Yield
1.0%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
0.0%
Dividend Yield
1.01%
Payout Ratio
—
How ALB Splits Its Return
Div 1.01%
Dividend 1.01%Buybacks 0.0%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$1.62
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
32Y
3Y Div CAGR
0.8%
5Y Div CAGR
1.0%
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Quarterly
4 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$0
Estimated Shares Retired
0
Approx. Share Reduction
0.0%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
118M
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.81 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $1.62 | +0.6% | 0.0% | 1.1% |
| 2024 | $1.61 | +0.6% | 0.0% | 1.9% |
| 2023 | $1.60 | +1.3% | 0.0% | 1.1% |
| 2022 | $1.58 | +1.3% | 0.0% | 0.7% |
FAQ
7 questionsALB Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is Albemarle Corporation (ALB) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 45 analysts covering the stock, 18 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 21 rate it Hold, and 6 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $210, implying +30.8% from the current price of $160. The bear case scenario is $26 and the bull case is $54.
02What is the ALB stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for ALB is $210 based on 45 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $264 (+64.6% from today), and the low-end target is $153 (-4.6%). The base case model target is $41.
03Is Albemarle Corporation (ALB) stock overvalued in 2026?
ALB trades at 13.2x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals fair versus peers. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for Albemarle Corporation (ALB) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for ALB in 2026 are: (1) Lithium demand disruption — Solid-state batteries reducing lithium intensity or sodium-ion batteries capturing significant market share could drop Albemarle's 10-year Revenue CAGR to below +4%. (2) Cyclical lithium pricing — Albemarle faces cyclical risk from volatile lithium prices, as seen during the recent 'lithium winter' that caused prices to plummet from historic highs. (3) Valuation concerns — Despite long-term EV growth potential, Albemarle's current losses and high valuation pose risks to investor returns. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is Albemarle Corporation's revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates ALB will report consensus revenue of $5.8B (+5.7% year-over-year) and EPS of $3.46 (+276.4% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $6.3B in revenue.
06When does Albemarle Corporation (ALB) report its next earnings?
Albemarle Corporation is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-07-29. Consensus expects EPS of $3.08 and revenue of $1.6B. Over recent quarters, ALB has beaten EPS estimates 58% of the time.
07How much free cash flow does Albemarle Corporation generate?
Albemarle Corporation (ALB) generated $577M in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 10.5%. ALB returns capital to shareholders through dividends (1.0% yield) and share repurchases ($0 TTM).