Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Albemarle (NYSE:ALB).And retail traders should know.We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with ALB, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 25 options trades for Albemarle.This isn't norma ...

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) are key players in the lithium market, benefiting from rising lithium prices due to increased demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, alongside supply disruptions, particularly in China [1][8][26] Group 1: Albemarle Corporation (ALB) - ALB is positioned for long-term growth in the battery-grade lithium market, with lithium demand expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030, driven by EV penetration and stationary storage [3][4] - The company has achieved over 30% year-over-year growth in lithium demand and anticipates a further increase of 15-40% in demand for the current year [3] - ALB has implemented cost-saving measures, achieving approximately $450 million in cost and productivity improvements for 2025, exceeding its target of $300-$400 million, and expects an additional $100-$150 million in improvements for 2026 [5] - The company has a liquidity position of around $3.2 billion, with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.6 billion, and generated an operating cash flow of around $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting an 86% increase from the previous year [7] - ALB's stock has surged 155.1% over the past year, indicating strong market performance [17] Group 2: Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) - SQM is benefiting from being a low-cost producer in the lithium market, with record lithium sales volumes reported in the third quarter of 2025, driven by strong demand from EVs and energy storage systems [10][12] - The company has a total capital expenditure projection of $2.7 billion for 2025-2027, aimed at expanding lithium carbonate and hydroxide capacity in Chile and developing projects in Australia [13] - SQM's strategic partnership with Codelco enhances its position in the Atacama salt flat, expected to support lithium production until 2060 [14][15] - The company ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of roughly $1.5 billion and generated an operating cash flow of approximately $756 million in the first nine months of 2025 [16] - SQM's stock has rallied 100.6% over the past year, showcasing robust performance [17] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Both ALB and SQM hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), making it challenging to choose between them [25] - SQM appears to have a valuation edge over ALB, with a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.21 compared to ALB's 4.23, indicating a more attractive investment opportunity [18][20] - SQM's return on equity (ROE) stands at 9.8%, significantly higher than ALB's 0.4%, reflecting more efficient use of shareholder funds [19] - The consensus estimates for 2026 suggest a year-over-year sales growth of 53.1% and EPS growth of 180.1% for SQM, compared to ALB's 7.9% sales growth and 984.8% EPS growth [23][24]

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Albemarle (ALB) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.Albemarle currently has an averag ...

Streak Looks Secure[William Temple | Dec 8, 2025 at 8:47 AM EST Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) has paid dividends for 68 consecutive years, but can the industrial automation giant maintain that streak?…]## ITT Has Raised Its Dividend for 14 Years and Retains 77% of Profits[William Temple | Dec 9, 2025 at 8:16 AM EST ITT Inc (NYSE: ITT) pays a modest dividend that won't excite income investors chasing yield, but the numbers behind it…]## Income Investors Can Sleep Well With MSA's Dividend Despite 2023 Cash Flo ...

Construction underway at Thacker Pass. Credit: Lithium Americas.Lithium Americas (TSX, NYSE: LAC) says it is targeting a capital spend of between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion for Phase 1 of its Thacker Pass project in Nevada this year. A majority of that capex will be used on project construction, with an estimated cost of $1.2-$1.5 billion.Construction of Phase 1 is progressing, with detailed engineering design at 93% completion and procurement at 60% by the end of 2025, the Vancouver-based lithium develo ...

Investment Wave Overview - A significant investment wave from Japan is focusing on U.S. energy and industrial markets, with a commitment of $550 billion targeting LNG exports, power generation, and critical minerals [1] LNG Exporters - U.S. liquefied natural gas exporters are poised to benefit, particularly with a new LNG facility in Texas aimed at expanding export capacity and enhancing America's energy dominance [2] - Japan, as one of the largest LNG importers, is expected to establish long-term supply agreements with U.S. exporters, which is crucial for the investment strategy [2] Power Infrastructure - GE Vernova, specializing in power generation equipment and energy infrastructure, is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing global demand for reliable gas-based electricity generation [3] Critical Minerals - The focus on critical minerals is intensifying, as they are vital for defense systems, energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, making domestic production a national priority [4] - The influx of foreign capital into strategic U.S. industries is boosting positive sentiment across sectors such as LNG exporters, power infrastructure providers, and rare earth producers, which are seen as essential to America's economic and energy future [4]

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) has decided to idle Train 1 at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Western Australia, placing it into care and maintenance immediately. This follows the idling of Train 2 and the halting of expansion plans for Trains 3 and 4 in 2024 [1][8]. Group 1: Company Operations - The Kemerton facility processes spodumene from the Greenbushes mine, which is recognized as one of the world's best lithium deposits. Albemarle has a stake and half of the offtake rights from Greenbushes through a joint venture [2]. - The decision to idle the trains is part of Albemarle's ongoing efforts over the past two and a half years to reduce operating costs amid price volatility in the lithium market. The recent improvements in lithium prices have not been sufficient to address the challenges faced by Western hard-rock lithium conversion operations [3]. Group 2: Financial Outlook - The company anticipates that the idling of Train 1 will provide higher flexibility and optionality, benefiting adjusted EBITDA starting in the second quarter of 2026. There is no expected impact on projected sales volumes for 2026 [4]. - Albemarle's stock has seen a significant increase of 104.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 13.3% decline in the industry [6]. Group 3: Market Position - Albemarle currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable market position. Other top-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector include Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE), Fortuna Mining Corp. (FSM), and Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM) [7].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding the company or industry [1]

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) reported an adjusted loss of 53 cents per share in Q4 2025, compared to a loss of $1.09 per share a year ago, which was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 40 cents [1] Revenue Performance - Revenues increased by approximately 15.9% year over year to $1,428 million in the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,349.8 million, driven by higher volumes in Energy Storage and Ketjen, as well as increased pricing in Energy Storage [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $268.7 million, up from $250.7 million in the prior-year quarter, fueled by higher pricing in Energy Storage and increased volumes in Ketjen [2] Segment Highlights - Sales from the Energy Storage unit rose around 23.1% year over year to $759.1 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $717 million, attributed to higher volumes and pricing [3] - The Specialties segment recorded sales of $348.9 million, up around 4.8% year over year, in line with the consensus estimate, benefiting from higher volumes and pricing [3] - The Ketjen unit generated revenues of $320.1 million, up roughly 13.5% year over year, beating the consensus estimate of $296 million, driven by higher fluidized catalytic cracking volumes and timing of Clean Fuels technology [4] Financial Position - Albemarle ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,618 million, an increase from $1,192.2 million reported in the prior-year quarter, while long-term debt remained around $3,119.5 million [5] - Cash from operations for the year ended December 31, 2025, was around $1.3 billion, reflecting an 85% increase from the prior-year period [5] 2026 Outlook - Albemarle anticipates energy storage sales volumes to be roughly flat in 2026 following inventory drawdowns in 2025, with modest volume growth expected in the Specialties segment, projecting net sales to be flat to down year over year [6] - The sale of the Ketjen unit is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [6] Expenses Forecast - Depreciation and amortization expenses are expected to be between $660 million and $680 million for 2026, with capital expenditures projected at $550 million to $600 million, and interest and financing expenses forecasted at $150 million to $170 million for the full year [7] Stock Performance - Albemarle's shares have increased by 116.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 11.9% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]