Group 1 - Moretus Research provides high-quality equity research focused on U.S. public markets, aiming to deliver clarity, conviction, and alpha for serious investors [1] - The research framework identifies companies with durable business models, mispriced cash flow potential, and intelligent capital allocation, emphasizing a structured and repeatable approach [1] - Valuation methods are based on sector-relevant multiples tailored to each company's business model and capital structure, prioritizing comparability, simplicity, and relevance [1] Group 2 - Research coverage focuses on underappreciated companies experiencing structural changes or temporary dislocations, where disciplined analysis can yield asymmetric returns [1] - Moretus Research aims to elevate the standard for independent investment research by providing professional-grade insights and actionable valuation [1]

Core Viewpoint - Retail investors can find opportunities in smaller companies that are often overlooked by larger institutional investors, particularly those with market capitalizations under $8 billion, which allows for less competition and manipulation in the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Albemarle Co. (NYSE: ALB) - Albemarle is currently valued at $7 billion, making it less attractive to larger funds, despite its potential for growth [5]. - The stock has a 12-month price forecast of $91.62, indicating a potential upside of 54.17% from its current price of $59.43 [4]. - Analysts predict a significant increase in earnings per share (EPS) to $2.97 by Q3 2025, up from a current net loss of $0.18 per share, driven by rising oil prices [6][7]. Group 2: Upstart Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: UPST) - Upstart, valued at $5 billion, is positioned to benefit from the current economic climate, helping consumers manage credit amidst inflation [9]. - The stock has a 12-month price forecast of $66.96, suggesting a 13.34% upside from its current price of $59.08 [9]. - Analysts have set a price target of $70 per share, indicating a potential rally of up to 32% from current levels [11]. Group 3: NIO Inc. (NYSE: NIO) - NIO, a $7.2 billion company, is currently out of favor in the market, providing an opportunity for investors to accumulate shares before a potential recovery [12][13]. - The stock has a 12-month price forecast of $4.74, representing a 38.48% upside from its current price of $3.43 [12]. - NIO's recent high double-digit growth rates in net car deliveries position it favorably, with the market willing to pay a premium price-to-book (P/B) multiple of 8.6x compared to the auto sector's average of 1.9x [13].

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corp. is a leading global player in lithium, bromine, and catalysts, with a focus on vertically integrated lithium operations. The company's stock has experienced a significant decline of over 80% from its all-time high (ATH) since a multi-year selloff began in 2022, primarily due to depressed lithium prices [1]. Company Overview - Albemarle Corp. specializes in lithium, bromine, and catalysts, positioning itself as a global leader in these sectors [1]. - The company has vertically integrated lithium operations, which may provide a competitive advantage in the market [1]. Market Performance - The stock of Albemarle Corp. has seen a decline of more than 80% from its ATH, indicating a challenging market environment [1]. - The selloff that began in 2022 has been attributed to falling lithium prices, which have impacted the company's stock performance [1].

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation will release its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 30, 2025, after the NYSE closes, followed by a conference call on July 31, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET to discuss the results [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Release Information - The second quarter 2025 earnings will be announced after the NYSE closes on July 30, 2025 [1]. - A conference call to discuss the earnings will take place on July 31, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET, accessible via webcast or direct dial [2]. - The conference call can be accessed through a dedicated URL and includes participant dial-in numbers for U.S. & Canada and international attendees [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Albemarle Corporation is a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health [4]. - The company focuses on transforming essential resources into critical ingredients and aims to deliver advanced solutions with a reliable global supply of lithium and bromine [4]. - Albemarle emphasizes its commitment to pioneering new ways to move, power, connect, and protect with consideration for people and the planet [4].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry includes manufacturers of basic chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals, and agricultural chemicals, serving various end markets such as automotive, construction, transportation, electronics, aerospace, and agriculture [3] - Basic chemicals produced include petrochemicals, polymers, and inorganic chemicals, while specialty chemicals are used in specific applications based on performance [3] Current Challenges - The industry is facing persistent demand weakness in key markets, particularly in consumer durables and building & construction, due to lower consumer spending driven by inflationary pressures in Europe and a slow recovery in China [1][4] - The U.S. housing market uncertainties and elevated borrowing costs are negatively impacting the building & construction sector, while the consumer electronics market is experiencing a slowdown post-pandemic [4][5] - In China, a sluggish real estate market and slower economic recovery are contributing to reduced chemical demand, compounded by the ongoing economic challenges in Europe due to high inflation and interest rates [5] Strategic Responses - Industry players such as DuPont, Albemarle, and Kronos are implementing strategic measures including cost reductions, productivity improvements, and aggressive price hikes to navigate the challenging environment [2][6] - Companies are focusing on operational efficiency and strengthening their balance sheets to enhance cash flows and sustain margins amid rising costs [6] Market Performance - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry has underperformed both the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector, with a decline of 25.2% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's increase of 9.1% [9] - The industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 208, placing it in the bottom 15% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating bleak near-term prospects [7][8] Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 17.47X, which is below the S&P 500's 21.85X but above the sector's 15.61X [12] - Historical trading ranges for the industry have been between 8.76X and 19.29X over the past five years, with a median of 14.53X [12] Company Highlights - **DuPont**: Focused on technology-based materials and solutions, with a projected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for 2025. The company is benefiting from cost synergy savings and productivity improvements [15][16] - **Albemarle**: A premier specialty chemicals company with expected earnings growth of 28.6% for 2025, well-positioned to capitalize on the growing battery-grade lithium market [19][21] - **Kronos Worldwide**: Expected earnings growth of 20% for 2025, benefiting from higher demand for titanium dioxide (TiO2) products and easing pricing pressure [22][24]

Group 1 - The author has a background in private credit and commercial real estate (CRE) mezzanine financing, indicating expertise in financial analysis and investment strategies [1] - The author has collaborated with prominent CRE developers, suggesting a strong network and industry knowledge that could influence investment decisions [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or financial advice, emphasizing the author's personal opinions and research [2][3][4] - There is no indication of any current stock or derivative positions held by the author, which may suggest an unbiased perspective in the analysis presented [2]

ALB Albemarle $62.28 +2.45 (+4.09%) 52-Week Range $49.43 Albemarle Today ▼ $118.80 Dividend Yield 2.60% Price Target $91.62 Add to Watchlist The commodities market has taken investors by surprise in the past few days, especially as the prices of gold and silver have surged, shaking up most beliefs about where money should be flowing. The sort of conclusions that can be drawn from this behavior are several, but one fact that stands out is that some stocks in the basic materials sector will likely have to pla ...

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, titled "Values-Led, Purpose-Driven," highlighting the company's achievements in sustainability goals and commitment to creating a resilient world [1][3]. Group 1: Sustainability Initiatives - The company emphasizes that sustainability is foundational to its operations, with a commitment to minimizing environmental footprint and engaging with communities [4]. - Albemarle has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint, achieving 24% of total electricity consumption from renewable sources, up from 16% the previous year [7]. - A decarbonization roadmap has been initiated to assess enterprise hot spots and identify intervention approaches, including electrification and renewable energy [7]. Group 2: Water Management - The company is on track to meet its 2030 freshwater intensity target, achieving a 28% reduction in freshwater intensity at its La Negra facility in Chile [7]. - The Jordan Bromine Company joint venture has completed a process upgrade expected to align its freshwater intensity with 2030 targets [7]. Group 3: Product Development and Community Engagement - Albemarle has expanded the development of externally verified Product Carbon Footprints for more bromine and lithium products from the U.S., Jordan, and China [8]. - A human rights assessment was conducted at the Salar de Atacama site in Chile to ensure alignment with global best practices for employee and community rights [9].

Price action is typically a great indicator of a company’s present and future, as the market prices in today's available information, along with the next three to six months of fundamentals. A stock’s price is a consensus view of where the collective thought is for the business in question. However, the price isn’t always right, and big swings might create an opportunity for investors to close the gap and make a profit. Albemarle TodayALBAlbemarle$59.29 -0.92 (-1.53%) 52-Week Range$49.43▼$131.00Dividend Yi ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the potential for investing in undervalued stocks that are mispriced by the market as of the end of May [1] - It suggests that there may be opportunities for beneficial long positions in specific stocks, particularly mentioning ALB [2] - The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities [3] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that past performance is not indicative of future results and does not provide specific investment recommendations [4]