Компания Rio Tinto Plc демонстрирует неоднозначные результаты по фундаментальным метрикам. С одной стороны, её net profit margin и operating margin значительно выше медианы отрасли, что свидетельствует о хорошей операционной эффективности. Однако, компания сталкивается с серьезными проблемами, так как такие ключевые показатели, как ROE, ROA, EPS и выручка, находятся на нулевом уровне, что указывает на отсутствие прибыли и роста. Долговая нагрузка (debt-equity ratio) находится на приемлемом уровне, но снижение текущих коэффициентов ликвидности говорит о возможных проблемах с краткосрочными обязательствами. Дивидендная доходность также падает, что может негативно сказаться на привлекательности акций для инвесторов. В целом, отсутствие значительных финансовых показателей и рост долговой нагрузки может ограничить возможности компании в будущем, что негативно сказывается на её оценке на рынке.

Rio Tinto Plc

(RTTNews) - Rio Tinto (RIO, RIO.L) reported 9% year-over-year copper equivalent production growth across its portfolio for the first quarter. Global iron ore sales were up 2% from last year. The company reported second highest first quarter Pilbara production since 2018, up 13% from prior year. Rio Tinto said its 2026 production/sales guidance is unchanged. Also, 2026 unit cost guidance is unchanged.
With regard to Middle East conflict, the company noted that, to date, on the supply-side, the direct impacts on operations have been limited, while its commodity prices have responded favourably.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rio Tinto Q1 Copper Production Up 9%; 2026 Production Guidance Unchanged

Key Points
QSM Asset Management Ltd bought 611,003 shares of Mobileye, with an estimated trade value of $5.54 million based on quarterly average pricing.
The quarter-end value of the new Mobileye stake was $4.13 million.
This trade represented a 2.71% shift in QSM Asset Management Ltd’s 13F reportable assets under management.
At quarter-end, QSM held 611,003 shares of Mobileye, valued at $4.13 million.
The Mobileye position accounted for 2.02% of the fund’s 13F AUM, placing it outside the fund's top five holdings.
QSM Asset Management Ltd initiated a new position in Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY) during Q1 2026, according to an SEC filing dated April 15, 2026.
What happened
According to an SEC filing dated April 15, 2026, QSM Asset Management Ltd reported a new position in Mobileye Global Inc. The fund acquired 611,003 shares during the first quarter, with the estimated transaction value at $5.54 million based on the mean unadjusted close price for the quarter. The value of the position at quarter-end was $4.13 million, reflecting price movements during the period.
What else to know
This new position made up 2.02% of QSM Asset Management Ltd’s total 13F reportable assets as of March 31, 2026.
Top holdings after the filing:
NYSE: OXY: $14.03 million (6.9% of AUM)
NYSE: PFE: $13.74 million (6.7% of AUM)
NYSE: ZBH: $13.65 million (6.7% of AUM)
NASDAQ: VTRS: $13.27 million (6.5% of AUM)
NYSE: RIO: $12.42 million (6.1% of AUM)
As of April 14, 2026, Mobileye shares were priced at $7.62, down 41.1% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 71.07 percentage points.
The company had a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 30.08 and an enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 35.72 as of the latest filings.
Company Overview
Price (as of market close 2026-04-14)
$7.62
Market capitalization
$6.41 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$1.89 billion
Net income (TTM)
$-392.00 million
Company Snapshot
Develops and sells advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving solutions, and related automotive technologies, including Mobileye SuperVision and Mobileye Drive.
Engages in selling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies and solutions to automotive manufacturers and related industry customers worldwide.
Serves global automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and mobility service operators seeking to implement safety and automation features in vehicles.
Mobileye Global Inc. is a leading provider of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies, operating at scale with a global customer base and a strong presence in the automotive supply chain. The company leverages proprietary vision and mapping technologies to deliver safety and automation features that are critical to the evolution of next-generation vehicles. Its strategic partnerships and continuous innovation position Mobileye as a key enabler of the transition toward safer, more autonomous mobility solutions worldwide.
What this transaction means for investors
QSM is buying Mobileye as it endures its most brutal sell-off in the stock’s short history. Although Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) owns the majority of Mobileye shares, it seems to have so far missed the upside that has benefited its parent.
However, given the success with autonomous driving that companies such as Tesla and Alphabet’s Waymo have experienced recently, it is conceivable that the AI stock could also experience some upside.
Moreover, while funds may sell stocks for a variety of reasons, a purchase almost always signals bullish sentiment.
Indeed, QSM may be buying at an opportune time. The stock is down by more than 80% from its all-time high. Also, while it reported a loss for the year, analysts estimate its forward P/E ratio is 30.
That indicates it will not only turn profitable, but also be inexpensive since newly profitable companies tend to grow their net incomes rapidly. Such conditions bode well for Mobileye stock and its future.
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Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Intel, and Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends Mobileye Global and Occidental Petroleum and recommends the following options: short May 2026 $8 puts on Mobileye Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

QSM Asset Management Loads Up 611,000 Mobileye Shares

Albemarle Corporation’s ALB shares have gained roughly 21.9% year to date. The upside has been driven by the company’s solid earnings performance, supported by strong growth in the Energy Storage segment, cost-reduction initiatives and a rebound in lithium prices amid strengthening demand and tighter supply conditions. ALB has underperformed the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s rise of around 32.9%.
ALB’s YTD Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB stock broke above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on March 24, 2026. It is also currently trading above its 200-day SMA, suggesting a long-term uptrend.
Albemarle Trades Above 50-Day SMA
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let’s take a look at ALB’s fundamentals to analyze the stock better.
Lithium Project Expansion & Productivity Aid Albemarle
Albemarle is well-placed to gain from long-term growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, especially for EVs, offering significant opportunities for the company to develop innovative products and expand capacity. Lithium demand is expected to grow on the back of significant global EV penetration. ALB expects lithium demand to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030. Stationary storage is expected to be a significant driver for lithium demand along with EVs. Lithium demand increased more than 30% year over year, and the company expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year.
The company is strategically executing its projects aimed at boosting its global lithium conversion capacity. It remains focused on investing in high-return projects to drive productivity. Healthy customer demand, capacity expansion and plant productivity improvements are supporting its volumes. ALB saw higher sales volumes in its Energy Storage unit in the fourth quarter of 2025 on strong production from its integrated conversion facilities. The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50% operating rate, and the ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. The ramp-up at the Meishan lithium conversion facility in China is also progressing ahead of schedule.
Albemarle is taking aggressive cost-saving and productivity actions in the wake of tumbling lithium prices. The company delivered roughly $450 million in cost and productivity improvements for full-year 2025, having surpassed its initial target of $300-$400 million. It expects additional cost and productivity improvements of $100-$150 million in 2026. ALB is taking actions to maintain its competitive position, including the initiation of a comprehensive review of cost and operating structure, optimization of the conversion network and reduction of capital expenditure. Its capital expenditures of $590 million for 2025 decreased 65% year over year.
ALB, in February 2026, announced that it will idle Train 1, the remaining operating train at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Western Australia, and place it into care and maintenance effective immediately. This move follows earlier actions in 2024 to idle Train 2 for care and maintenance and stop expansion plans for Trains 3 and 4. The Kemerton facility processes spodumene from the Greenbushes mine, one of the world’s best deposits. The move is a result of the ongoing efforts over the past two and a half years to reduce operating costs. The company expects higher flexibility and optionality to benefit adjusted EBITDA starting in the second quarter of 2026.
Higher lithium prices, driven by strong demand from EVs and energy storage systems, along with supply disruptions due to recent supply reductions in China, should also aid ALB’s performance. Lithium prices have rebounded lately from trough levels, supported by tightening supply and strong demand in China and globally.
Robust Financial Health Supports ALB’s Capital Allocation
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. At the end of 2025, ALB had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior-year period. ALB expects generated free cash flow of $692 million for full-year 2025, driven by strong cash conversion, lower capital spending and productivity measures.
The company remains focused on maintaining its dividend payout. It has raised its quarterly dividend for the 30th straight year. ALB offers a dividend yield of 0.9% at the current stock price. Its peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM and Rio Tinto Group RIO have a dividend yield of 0.2% and 5.2%, respectively.
Volume & Demand Headwinds Ail ALB
While the Energy Storage unit is expected to benefit from higher lithium prices in 2026, it faces volume pressure, which may affect the segment’s sales. The company expects energy storage sales volumes to be roughly flat in 2026, following inventory drawdowns in 2025. The normalization of inventories is likely to impact volumes in 2026.
The Specialties unit also faces challenges from softness in building and construction. High interest rates continue to curb spending in residential construction. Weaker demand in oil and gas applications is also expected to weigh on the segment’s sales and margins.
ALB’s Estimates Reflect Positive Sentiment
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised upward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for 2027 has been going up over the same time frame.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is currently pegged at $8.15, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 1,131.7%. Earnings are expected to increase roughly 17.7% in 2027.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB: An Expensive Stock
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.54, well above the industry. It is trading at a premium to Sociedad Quimica and Rio Tinto. Albemarle and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of D, while Rio Tinto has a Value Score of A.
ALB’s P/S F12M Vs. Industry, SQM and RIO
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion: Hold Onto ALB Stock for Now
Albemarle is benefiting from its initiatives to expand global lithium conversion capacity and enhance productivity. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the substantial growth opportunity in the battery-grade lithium market, supported by the global transition toward EVs. Higher lithium prices amid robust demand and tight supply conditions also provide a tailwind.
Rising earnings estimates and a strong growth outlook are other positives. However, volume pressures in Energy Storage and demand headwinds in Specialties could dampen its prospects. Its stretched valuation also might not offer an attractive entry point at this time. Considering these factors, holding onto this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock will be prudent for investors who already own it.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Should You Buy, Sell or Hold Albemarle Stock After a 22% YTD Rally?

(RTTNews) - Rio Tinto (RIO, RIO.L, RIO1.DE, RIO.AX) said its iron ore port operations have resumed after Tropical Cyclone Narelle passed over Western Australia's Pilbara region. Port closures at four Pilbara iron ore port terminals commenced on 24 March 2026. Ship loading at East Intercourse Island, Parker Point and Cape Lambert B recommenced on 28 March. The damage to Cape Lambert A is being repaired, and shipping at the facility is expected to recommence in the coming days.
Rio Tinto said recent weather events are estimated to have impacted iron ore shipments by approximately 8 million tonnes. The company has identified a pathway to recover around half of the losses. The company noted that its Pilbara iron ore shipment guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at 323 to 338 million tonnes.
Rio Tinto shares on Australian Securities Exchange are currently trading at A$160.78, up 4.93%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rio Tinto: 2026 Guidance For Pilbara Iron Ore Shipment Remains Unchanged

(RTTNews) - Rio Tinto (RIO. RIO.L,RIO1.DE,RIO.AX), the Queensland Government, and the Commonwealth Government have entered into a partnership to secure the long-term future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone, ensuring it remains internationally cost-competitive beyond its current power contract.
The agreement builds on Rio Tinto's recent power purchase agreements (PPAs), which have underwritten A$7.5 billion in new renewable energy and storage projects across Queensland. Under the new deal, the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments will jointly invest A$2 billion over 10 years to 2040. This finalizes the terms of a previously announced partnership between Queensland and Rio Tinto and forms part of the Federal Government's Future Made in Australia initiative.
The partnership supports the transition to long-term competitive power for the smelter and secures manufacturing jobs in Central Queensland. It ensures Boyne Smelters Limited, majority-owned by Rio Tinto, will continue aluminium production beyond the expiry of its current power contract in 2029, extending operations through at least 2040.
RIO.AX was trading at A$150.12, reflecting an increase of A$2.56 or 1.73%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rio Tinto And Governments Secure Long-Term Future For Boyne Aluminium Smelter

Albemarle Corporation ALB and Rio Tinto Group RIO are prominent players in the lithium space. Both are well-placed to benefit from higher lithium prices driven by strong demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, along with supply disruptions partly due to supply reductions in China. Lithium prices have rebounded lately from trough levels seen last year, supported by tightening supply and strong demand in China and globally.
Let’s dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of these two lithium producers to determine which one is a better investment option now amid improving lithium market conditions.
The Case for ALB
Albemarle is well-placed to gain from long-term growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, especially for EVs, offering significant opportunities for the company to develop innovative products and expand capacity. Lithium demand is expected to grow on the back of significant global EV penetration. ALB expects lithium demand to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030 and sees stationary storage as a significant driver for lithium demand along with EVs. Lithium demand increased more than 30% year over year, and the company expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year.
The company is strategically executing its projects aimed at boosting its global lithium conversion capacity. It remains focused on investing in high-return projects to drive productivity. Healthy customer demand, capacity expansion and plant productivity improvements are supporting its volumes. ALB saw higher sales volumes in its Energy Storage unit in the fourth quarter of 2025 on strong production from its integrated conversion facilities. The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50% operating rate, and ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. The ramp-up at the Meishan lithium conversion facility in China is also progressing ahead of schedule.
Albemarle is taking aggressive cost-saving and productivity actions in the wake of tumbling lithium prices. The company delivered roughly $450 million in cost and productivity improvements for full-year 2025, having surpassed its initial target of $300-$400 million. It expects additional cost and productivity improvements of $100-$150 million in 2026. ALB is taking actions to maintain its competitive position, including the initiation of a comprehensive review of cost and operating structure, optimization of the conversion network and reduction of capital expenditure. Its capital expenditures of $590 million for 2025 decreased 65% year over year.
ALB recently announced that it will idle Train 1, the remaining operating train at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Western Australia, and place it into care and maintenance effective immediately. This move follows earlier actions in 2024 to idle Train 2 for care and maintenance and stop expansion plans for Trains 3 and 4. The Kemerton facility processes spodumene from the Greenbushes mine, one of the world’s best deposits. The move is a result of ongoing efforts over the past two and a half years to reduce operating costs. The company expects higher flexibility and optionality to benefit adjusted EBITDA starting in the second quarter of 2026.
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. At the end of 2025, ALB had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior-year period. ALB expects generated free cash flow of $692 million for full-year 2025, driven by strong cash conversion, lower capital spending and productivity measures.
The company remains focused on maintaining its dividend payout. It has raised its quarterly dividend for the 30th straight year. ALB offers a dividend yield of 1% at the current stock price. Backed by healthy cash flows and sound financial health, the company's dividend is perceived as safe and reliable.
While the Energy Storage unit is expected to benefit from higher lithium prices in 2026, it faces volume pressure, which may affect the segment’s sales. The company expects energy storage sales volumes to be roughly flat in 2026, following inventory drawdowns in 2025. The normalization of inventories is likely to impact volumes in 2026.
The Specialties unit also faces challenges from softness in building and construction. High interest rates continue to curb spending in residential construction. Weaker demand in oil and gas applications is also expected to weigh on the segment’s sales and margins.
The Case for RIO
Rio Tinto holds one of the world’s largest lithium portfolios and a robust pipeline of development projects, positioning it well to benefit from the growing demand for lithium. RIO produces lithium using several established methods, including direct lithium extraction (“DLE”) from brines, traditional pond-based brine extraction and hard-rock mining. The company also manufactures a broad suite of lithium products, including lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and spodumene concentrate.
RIO is also expanding its lithium extraction capabilities through a new partnership with ILiAD Technologies, a leader in DLE technology. The collaboration supports the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency while improving sustainability and cost effectiveness. ILiAD’s technology allows the extraction of high-purity lithium chloride from a wide range of lithium-rich brine resources and complements RIO’s existing DLE operations at Fénix and Rincon.
In 2025, RIO delivered higher production from its lithium operations. Its operating assets in Argentina achieved record quarterly production in the fourth quarter. Per RIO, lithium carbonate price increased 55% in the fourth quarter, driven by growing battery energy storage systems demand and strong shipment activity out of China. Rio Tinto’s Fénix lithium carbonate facility in Argentina operated at full capacity and delivered record lithium carbonate production. The Olaroz facility, also situated in Argentina, reached record production on strong operational performance.
The Bessemer City site in the United States achieved record lithium hydroxide production. Being RIO’s longest-running operational lithium site, it has a capacity to produce 15,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide annually.
RIO is also making progress with its high-value lithium projects. The fully owned Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina remains on track with commissioning of the starter plant already being completed and start-up currently in progress, with full capacity expected by the end of 2026. RIO is investing $2.5 billion to expand Rincon, which has a capacity of 60,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually with a 40-year mine life. First production from the project is expected in 2028, followed by a three-year ramp-up to full capacity. Rio Tinto recently secured a $1.175 billion financing package from international lenders to support the development of the Rincon project.
The Fénix expansion project and Sal de Vida in Argentina, with a capital cost of $0.7 billion each, are mechanically complete with first production expected in second-half 2026. The Nemaska Lithium project, in which Rio Tinto now holds a 53.9% stake with the Government of Québec retaining the balance, is a fully integrated spodumene-to-lithium hydroxide development project comprising the lithium hydroxide plant in Bécancour and the Whabouchi spodumene mine with a production capacity of 32,000 tons. RIO initially acquired a 50% interest in Nemaska Lithium through the buyout of Arcadium in March 2025.
At Bécancour, engineering has been completed with construction at more than 70%. RIO recently stated that it has decided to slow the pace of construction of the project during 2026, but remains fully committed to advancing the project. It expects construction to ramp up following optimization works and does not envision major changes to the project’s overall timeline. Commissioning of the Bécancour plant was planned to start this year, with first production in 2028.
RIO has a robust balance sheet and generates strong cash flows, which allow it to make investments in projects while driving shareholder returns. The company ended 2025 with cash and cash equivalents and other short-term highly liquid investments of $9.2 billion. RIO generated an operating cash flow of $16.8 billion in 2025, increasing 8% year over year. Rio Tinto has a policy of returning 40-60% of its underlying earnings, with a 10-year track record of dividend payout at the top end of the range. It offers a dividend yield of 6.1% at the current stock price.
Price Performance and Valuation of ALB & RIO
The ALB stock has surged 102.1% over the past year, while RIO has gained 33.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.22. RIO is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.72, below ALB.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RIO’s return on equity of 16.22% is higher than ALB’s 0.41%. This reflects RIO’s efficient use of shareholder funds in generating profits.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compares for ALB & RIO
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 8.5%. The same for EPS suggests a 1,131.7% year-over-year rise. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending higher over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The consensus estimate for RIO’s 2026 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year rise of 11.3% and 25.9%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending northward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB or RIO: Which Stock Holds the Edge?
ALB and RIO stand to benefit from rebounding lithium prices driven by EV and energy storage demand. RIO appears to have an edge over ALB due to its more attractive valuation. In addition, RIO’s higher ROE indicates that it is more effectively utilizing shareholder funds. Investors seeking exposure to the lithium space might consider Rio Tinto as the more favorable option at this time.
ALB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while RIO has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

ALB vs. RIO: Which Lithium Producer Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio?

(RTTNews) - Rio Tinto Group (RIO), a mining company, Thursday announced that it is partnering with Prysmian, a cable manufacturer, on an industrial trial to produce low-carbon aluminum cables for the data center market.
The trial saw Rio Tinto manufacture aluminum rod using a blend of low-carbon aluminum from Rio Tinto's hydro powered Alma smelter in Quebec and produced aluminum using the ELYSIS technology.
By combining low-carbon aluminum production with advanced cable manufacturing, utilizing the ELYSIS technology, which eliminates all direct greenhouse gas emissions from the aluminum smelting process and produces oxygen instead, Rio Tinto and Prysmian hope to support the data center industry's growth.
Previously, both the companies had signed a five-year supply agreement in 2023, bringing together their respective technologies and research and development capabilities, introducing lower-carbon aluminum solutions across a range of applications including energy transmission and data centers.
Currently, RIO shares are trading at $91.52, down 0.61% on the New York Stock Exchange.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rio Tinto, Prysmian Partner To Produce Low-carbon Aluminum Cables For Data Centers

(RTTNews) - Rio Tinto (RTNTF, RIO, RIO.L, RTPPF, RIO1.DE, RIO.AX) Tuesday said it has secured a $1.175 billion financing package from four international lenders to support development of its Rincon lithium project in Salta Province, Argentina.
The financing includes loans from the International Finance Corporation, IDB Invest, Export Finance Australia and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The funding will support development of the $2.5 billion Rincon lithium project, which aims to produce about 60,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually.
Construction of the facility began last year and includes expansion of worker camps and development of site infrastructure. First production is expected in 2028, followed by a three-year ramp-up to full capacity.
Rio Tinto said the project is expected to have a mine life of about 40 years and will form part of the company's strategy to expand its lithium portfolio amid growing demand driven by the global energy transition.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rio Tinto Secures $1.175 Bln Financing For Rincon Lithium Project In Argentina

Albemarle Corporation’s ALB shares have popped 121.3% in the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s rise of 2.7% and the S&P 500’s increase of 4%. The rally has been fueled by the company’s forecast-topping earnings performance, supported by volume growth in the Energy Storage segment, ongoing cost-reduction initiatives and a rebound in lithium prices amid strengthening demand and tighter supply conditions.
ALB’s peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM and Rio Tinto Group RIO, have rallied 68.1% and 45.2%, respectively, over the same period.
ALB’s 6-month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB stock slipped below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on March 5, 2026. It is currently trading above its 200-day SMA, suggesting a long-term uptrend. Following a golden crossover on Sept. 3, 2025, the 50-day SMA is reading higher than the 200-day SMA, indicating a bullish trend.
Albemarle Trades Below 50-Day SMA
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let’s take a look at ALB’s fundamentals to analyze the stock better.
Growing Lithium Demand, Productivity & Higher Prices Aid ALB
Albemarle is well-placed to gain from long-term growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, especially for electric vehicles (EVs), offering significant opportunities for the company to develop innovative products and expand capacity. Lithium demand is expected to grow on the back of significant global EV penetration. ALB expects lithium demand to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030 and sees stationary storage as a significant driver for lithium demand along with EVs. Lithium demand increased more than 30% year over year, and the company expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year.
The company is strategically executing its projects aimed at boosting its global lithium conversion capacity. It remains focused on investing in high-return projects to drive productivity. Healthy customer demand, capacity expansion and plant productivity improvements are supporting its volumes. ALB saw higher sales volumes in its Energy Storage unit in the fourth quarter of 2025 on strong production from its integrated conversion facilities. The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50% operating rate, and ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. The ramp-up at the Meishan lithium conversion facility in China is also progressing ahead of schedule.
Albemarle is taking aggressive cost-saving and productivity actions. The company delivered roughly $450 million in cost and productivity improvements for full-year 2025, having surpassed its initial target of $300-$400 million. It expects additional cost and productivity improvements of $100-$150 million in 2026. ALB is taking actions to maintain its competitive position, including the initiation of a comprehensive review of cost and operating structure, optimization of the conversion network and reduction of capital expenditure. Its capital expenditures of $590 million for 2025 decreased 65% year over year.
ALB recently announced that it will idle Train 1, the remaining operating train at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Western Australia, and place it into care and maintenance effective immediately. This move follows earlier actions in 2024 to idle Train 2 for care and maintenance and stop expansion plans for Trains 3 and 4. The Kemerton facility processes spodumene from the Greenbushes mine, one of the world’s best deposits. The move is a result of ongoing efforts over the past two and a half years to reduce operating costs. The company expects higher flexibility and optionality to benefit adjusted EBITDA starting in the second quarter of 2026.
Higher lithium prices, driven by strong demand from EVs and energy storage systems, along with supply disruptions due to recent supply reductions in China, should also aid ALB’s performance. Lithium prices have rebounded lately from trough levels, supported by tightening supply and strong demand in China and globally.
ALB’s Capital Allocation Backed by Strong Financial Health
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. At the end of 2025, ALB had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from a year ago. ALB generated free cash flow of $692 million for full-year 2025, driven by strong cash conversion, lower capital spending and productivity measures. It expects to generate meaningful free cash flow in 2026.
ALB recently completed the divestment of a controlling stake in its Ketjen Corporation’s refining catalyst solutions business to affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP. The transaction was followed by Albemarle’s divestment of its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture to Axens SA, completed in January 2026. The two deals combined generated $670 million in pre-tax proceeds, which are expected to be used for debt reduction and other general corporate purposes, enhancing its financial flexibility.
The company remains focused on maintaining its dividend payout. It has raised its quarterly dividend for 30 consecutive years. ALB offers a dividend yield of 1% at the current stock price. Backed by healthy cash flows and sound financial health, the company's dividend is perceived to be safe and reliable.
ALB’s Estimates Reflect Positive Sentiment
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised upward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for 2027 has been going up over the same time frame.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is currently pegged at $7.87, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 1,096.2%. Earnings are expected to increase roughly 21.5% in 2027.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
A Look at ALB’s Valuation
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.35, well above the industry. It is trading at a premium to Sociedad Quimica and Rio Tinto. Albemarle and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of C, while Rio Tinto has a Value Score of A.
ALB’s P/S F12M Vs. Industry, SQM and RIO
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Final Thoughts: Buy ALB Shares
Albemarle is benefiting from higher lithium volumes driven by project ramp-ups, as well as initiatives to expand global lithium conversion capacity and enhance productivity. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the substantial growth opportunity in the battery-grade lithium market, supported by the global transition toward EVs. Higher lithium prices amid robust demand and tight supply conditions also provide a tailwind.
Rising earnings estimates and a strong growth outlook further strengthen Albemarle’s investment case. Although the stock trades at a premium valuation, it appears justified given the company’s solid fundamentals and earnings potential. With robust growth prospects ahead, investors may consider betting on this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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Rio Tinto PLC (RIO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Albemarle Surges 121% in 6 Months: Here's How to Play the Stock

Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, on 3/6/26, Rio Tinto plc (Symbol: RIO) will trade ex-dividend, for its semi-annual dividend of $2.54, payable on 4/16/26. As a percentage of RIO's recent stock price of $95.31, this dividend works out to approximately 2.66%, so look for shares of Rio Tinto plc to trade 2.66% lower — all else being equal — when RIO shares open for trading on 3/6/26.
In general, dividends are not always predictable; but looking at the history above can help in judging whether the most recent dividend from RIO is likely to continue, and whether the current estimated yield of 5.33% on annualized basis is a reasonable expectation of annual yield going forward. The chart below shows the one year performance of RIO shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, RIO's low point in its 52 week range is $51.67 per share, with $101.53 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $96.14.
Free Report: Top 8%+ Dividends (paid monthly)
In Wednesday trading, Rio Tinto plc shares are currently down about 4.3% on the day.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.