Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a leading figure in the global lithium market, with its operations pivotal to the electric vehicle (EV) industry due to its lithium mining and processing capabilities. Despite facing challenges such as fluctuating lithium prices and a slowdown in EV investment growth, Albemarle's stock has shown remarkable resilience and growth potential.

On January 18, 2026, HSBC set a price target of $200 for Albemarle, indicating a potential increase of 22.67% from its trading price at the time. This optimism is supported by the stock's recent performance, which saw a 31.8% surge over the past month, significantly outpacing the Basic Materials sector's 8.62% gain. Such performance is noteworthy, especially when contrasted with the broader market movements, including the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Nasdaq.

Investors are keenly awaiting Albemarle's earnings report due on February 11, 2026, with expectations set for an EPS of -$0.62, marking a 43.12% improvement year-over-year. Revenue forecasts suggest an 11.18% increase to $1.37 billion. The company's strategic focus on cost reductions and divestitures to streamline its core operations, coupled with a positive outlook on the lithium market, positions Albemarle for a potential rebound in 2026. Analysts are projecting a significant recovery in earnings, with Wall Street consensus estimates indicating a robust rebound in EBITDA for the years 2025-2027.

• HSBC sets a price target of $200 for Albemarle, suggesting a potential increase of 22.67%.
• Albemarle's stock has surged by 31.8% over the past month, outperforming the Basic Materials sector.
• Anticipated recovery in the lithium market and strategic cost reductions are expected to drive a sharp recovery in earnings.