February 05, 2026 a 04:38 pm
ALB: Analysts Ratings - Albemarle Corporation
Albemarle Corporation, a leader in the specialty chemicals industry, showcases a robust market presence with a strong focus on the lithium segment. Recent analyst ratings indicate a cautious yet optimistic stance with an emphasis on the 'Hold' category. The strategic positioning in lithium and catalysts for electric vehicles suggests potential growth, especially in the context of the expanding EV market.
Historical Stock Grades
As of February 2026, the latest analyst ratings for Albemarle Corporation are displayed below:
| Rating | Number | Score Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 2 | |
| Buy | 10 | |
| Hold | 14 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment Development
The sentiment towards Albemarle has experienced some fluctuations over recent months. There has been a notable shift from 'Strong Buy' to 'Hold'. This reflects a more cautious sentiment among analysts:
- Strong Buy ratings showed a slight decrease over the months.
- There is a steady increase in Hold ratings, indicating cautious optimism.
- Sell and Strong Sell ratings remain negligible, suggesting no major bearish sentiment.
Percentage Trends
In recent months, the distribution of stock ratings for Albemarle shows significant percentages:
- Strong Buy comprised approximately 10% of total ratings in February 2026 compared to higher numbers in earlier months.
- The 'Hold' category captures a significant 46% of total ratings as of February 2026, highlighting a preference for maintaining positions.
- A decrease in Buy ratings from the previous peak suggests a shift to a more conservative outlook.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
Recent analyst updates for Albemarle Corporation are as follows:
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | Neutral | Neutral | JP Morgan |
| 2026-01-28 | Buy | Buy | Jefferies |
| 2026-01-26 | Equal Weight | Equal Weight | Wells Fargo |
| 2026-01-21 | Buy | Hold | Truist Securities |
| 2026-01-21 | Outperform | Outperform | Oppenheimer |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
The following shows changes in analyst opinions for Albemarle Corporation:
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-21 | Buy | Hold | Truist Securities |
| 2026-01-13 | Buy | Hold | Deutsche Bank |
| 2026-01-12 | Sector Outperform | Sector Perform | Scotiabank |
| 2026-01-07 | Outperform | Neutral | Baird |
| 2025-12-05 | Buy | Neutral | UBS |
Interpretation
The current analyst sentiment for Albemarle indicates a predominately neutral to positive outlook, with most ratings gravitating towards 'Hold' or 'Buy'. This conservative stance could be attributed to macroeconomic uncertainties affecting the specialty chemicals market or specific industry challenges. However, the upward revisions from Hold to Buy reflect confidence in Albemarle's strategic direction, particularly in the lithium sector.
Conclusion
Albemarle Corporation's position in the specialty chemicals market remains strong, with opportunities predominantly in the lithium and EV sectors. The current analyst ratings highlight a shift towards cautious optimism, reflecting confidence in its growth potential despite broader market uncertainties. This dynamic presents both opportunities and risks, underscoring the importance of monitoring both sector-specific trends and macroeconomic factors impacting this industry leader.