Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine derivatives, lithium derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives, as well as ingredient in manufacturing of gunpowder. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company operates in Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

SQM looks strong in terms of profitability, but the market is already pricing in a very generous valuation, so the upside from re-rating is limited. A P/E of 8.84 is noticeably below the industry median, which formally supports the idea that the stock is undervalued on earnings. However, P/S of 6.15, P/B of 3.46, and especially P/FCF of 164.73 are significantly above industry benchmarks, which points to an expensive valuation on revenue, equity, and free cash flow. Against this backdrop, high profitability looks convincing: ROE of 22.62%, ROA of 11.27%, and ROI of 32.57% are above the industry median and confirm strong operating returns. Operating margin of 25.79% and net margin of 18.40% are also strong, although the net margin is noticeably below last year’s peak levels, indicating normalization after a stronger period. Gross margin of 31.72% is only slightly above the industry average, meaning there is pricing power, but it does not look extreme. In terms of dynamics, revenue, profit, and equity are growing year over year, while assets and shareholders’ equity are increasing, which supports the business’s fundamental resilience. Liquidity is comfortable: a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.60 provide a solid cushion, and the cash position of 2.83 billion looks healthy. At the same time, leverage is not critical, but a debt/equity ratio of 0.55 and the increase in long-term debt to 4.79 billion call for caution, especially given the volatility of the commodity cycle. The dividend yield of 1.84% has improved, but for materials it is not high enough to meaningfully offset the expensive multiples. Overall, the picture is mixed: the business quality and profitability are good, but the valuation on revenue and cash flow is already stretched, and the debt profile and sector cyclicality do not allow for an aggressive increase in the target price. For an investor, this is more of a story about a high-quality but not cheap asset with limited upside and heightened sensitivity to commodity prices and cash flow trends.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A.

Сильный индекс, незначительно вырос. Быки крепко уверены в своих позициях.

Strong index, slightly up. The bulls are very confident in their positions.

Средний индекс, значительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Medium index, significantly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из лонгов резко увеличился и находится на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly down. The outflow of funds from longs has increased sharply and is at a high level.

SQM’s strong profitability and liquidity are offset by expensive P/S, P/B, and especially P/FCF ratios, so the valuation looks rather cautiously negative.

Albemarle Corporation ALB is strategically executing its projects aimed at boosting its global lithium conversion capacity. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, offering significant opportunities for the company to develop innovative products and expand capacity.
ALB 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 (up 11% year over year) in its Energy Storage unit in the second quarter on the strength of its integrated conversion facilities.
The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50-60% operating rate, and the ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. Albemarle, in March 2026, submitted the environmental assessment permit for a commercial direct lithium extraction (DLE) project at Salar de Atacama. The DLE pilot plant supports future growth at Salar de Atacama and has demonstrated lithium recoveries of more than 90%. The CGP3 expansion at the Greenbushes spodumene mine in Australia is underway and is expected to reach full production in first-quarter 2027.
Among its peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM has a robust balance sheet and generates strong cash flows, which allow it to make investments in driving production capacity. Sociedad Quimica logged record lithium sales volumes of more than 84,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent in the second quarter on strong market demand. The Nova Andino Litio business recorded roughly 47% higher volumes in the second quarter compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by demand strength in battery energy storage systems and capacity expansion actions. Nova Andino achieved a key milestone with the submission of the environmental and technical documentation for the Salar Futuro project. The project represents a major part of SQM’s long-term growth strategy in the Salar de Atacama.
Rio Tinto Group RIO is 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 completed and ramp-up currently in progress, with planned first production in 2028. RIO has achieved first production at the Fénix expansion and Sal de Vida projects in Argentina ahead of plan in the second quarter.
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. First production is planned in 2028.
ALB’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Albemarle has gained 41.5% in the past year compared with the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s decline of 4.2%.
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.13, above the industry. It carries a Value Score of B.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 1,541.8%. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending lower over the past 60 days.
ALB stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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Can Albemarle's Lithium Expansion Fuel Sales Volume Growth?

Albemarle Corporation’s ALB shares have tumbled 29.1% in the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry decline of 7.8% and the S&P 500’s 13.9% increase.
A pullback in lithium prices has weighed on ALB stock. Lithium prices have declined amid softer electric vehicle (EV) demand in China, elevated inventory levels and expectations of increased supply from mine restarts and capacity expansions. EV orders have moderated in China, the world’s largest lithium consumer, while demand from the energy storage market remains resilient. Incremental production from Australian mines has contributed to the added supply. In May 2026, Mineral Resources announced the restart of operations at its fully owned Bald Hill lithium mine in Western Australia. The mine was placed on care and maintenance in November 2024 amid weak lithium market conditions.
ALB’s Six-month Price Performance
ALB stock broke below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on Aug. 9, 2026. It also slipped below its 200-day SMA on June 23, 2026. The 50-day SMA is reading lower than the 200-day SMA, following a death crossover on July 21, 2026, signaling a bearish trend.
Albemarle Trades Below 50-Day SMA
Let’s take a look at ALB’s fundamentals to analyze the stock better.
Growing Lithium Demand and Productivity Aid Albemarle
ALB is poised to benefit from long-term growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, 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.
Albemarle projects lithium demand to witness a CAGR of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030. Stationary storage is expected to be a significant driver for lithium demand along with EVs. Albemarle expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year, with growth already trending near the higher end of the range.
ALB is strategically executing its projects to boost 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.
The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50-60% operating rate, and the ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. Albemarle, in March 2026, submitted the environmental assessment permit for a commercial direct lithium extraction (DLE) project at Salar de Atacama. The DLE pilot plant supports future growth at Salar de Atacama and has demonstrated lithium recoveries of more than 90%. The CGP3 expansion at the Greenbushes spodumene mine in Australia is underway and is expected to reach full production in first-quarter 2027.
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, with $100 million already delivered.
Robust Financial Health Supports ALB’s Capital Allocation
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior year. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, it had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. The company generated an operating cash flow of $710 million and free cash flow of $638 million. Operating cash flow for the first half nearly doubled year over year to roughly $1.1 billion.
Free cash flow in 2026 is expected to be supported by strong cash conversion and productivity measures. ALB achieved an operating cash flow conversion of 83% in the second quarter. First-half 2026 conversion was at the high end of its long-term target range of 60-70%.
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 1.4% 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 2.5% and 4.2%, respectively.
Volume and Margin Pressure Weigh on ALB Stock
ALB’s Energy Storage unit faces volume pressure in 2026, which may affect the segment’s sales. The company’s guidance reflects flat to 4% lower year-over-year Energy Storage sales volumes in 2026. Albemarle expects Energy Storage sales volumes of 225-235 kilotons (kt) compared with 235kt in 2025, as higher Wodgina output partly offsets a delay in the CGP3 ramp-up following the June 9, 2026 fire. Lower sales volumes are expected to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales in the third quarter.
Some impacts of the lithium price retreat are also expected to reflect on the company’s performance in the third quarter. ALB expects sequentially lower prices and volumes to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales and margins compared with the second quarter.
ALB’s Earnings Estimates Moving Lower
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised downward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for third-quarter 2026 has been going down over the same time frame.
A Look at ALB’s Valuation
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.16, above the industry’s 0.88. It is trading at a premium to Rio Tinto and at a discount to Sociedad Quimica. Albemarle has a Value Score of B. Rio Tinto and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of A and C, respectively.
ALB’s P/S F12M Vs. Industry, SQM and RIO
How Should Investors Play ALB Stock?
Albemarle is poised to benefit from project ramp-ups, ongoing efforts to expand its global lithium conversion capacity and productivity improvement initiatives. The company remains well-positioned to gain from the long-term expansion of the battery-grade lithium market. Near-term headwinds include lower Energy Storage volumes, weaker lithium prices and margin pressure. With shares below key moving averages and trading at a premium to the industry, immediate upside appears limited. Also, declining earnings estimates cast a pall on the company's prospects. Considering these factors, holding onto this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock will be prudent for investors who already own it.
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Should You Buy, Sell or Hold ALB Stock After a 29% Dip in 6 Months?

Albemarle Corporation ALB remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging solid liquidity and healthy cash flows. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, it had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. ALB generated an operating cash flow of $710 million and free cash flow of $638 million in the second quarter. Operating cash flow for the first half nearly doubled year over year to roughly $1.1 billion.
Free cash flow in 2026 is expected to be supported by strong cash conversion and productivity measures. ALB delivered $100 million in cost and productivity improvements in the first half of 2026 and expects to attain the top end of its $100-$150 million target for 2026. It achieved an operating cash flow conversion of 83% in the second quarter. First-half 2026 conversion was at the high end of its long-term target range of 60-70%.
Albemarle’s ability to convert improving operating performance into free cash is likely to result in incremental returns to shareholders. 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 1.2% 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.
Among its peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM exited the second quarter with strong liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents being around $3.4 billion. Sociedad Quimica’s solid cash position supports its capital investment in growth projects and shareholder-friendly actions. Sociedad Quimica projects total capital expenditure of roughly $3 billion for the 2026-2028 period, which includes investment in the Salar Futuro project in Chile.
ICL Group Ltd. ICL ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments and deposits of $662 million. Including unutilized revolving credit facility and securitization, ICL Group had cash resources of roughly $2.2 billion at the end of the quarter. ICL generated an operating cash flow of $290 million in the second quarter.
ALB’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Albemarle has gained 70.1% in over a year compared with the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s rise of 4.2%.
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.44, above the industry. It carries a Value Score of B.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 1,607.6%. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending lower over the past 60 days.
ALB stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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Will Albemarle's Cash Strength Support Higher Shareholder Returns?

The following companies are expected to report earnings after hours on 08/18/2026. Visit our Earnings Calendar for a full list of expected earnings releases.
Keysight Technologies Inc. (KEYS)is reporting for the quarter ending July 31, 2026. The electrical instrument company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 2 analysts that follow the stock is $2.16. This value represents a 40.26% increase compared to the same quarter last year. KEYS missed the consensus earnings per share in the 4th calendar quarter of 2025 by -1.79%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for KEYS is 39.99 vs. an industry ratio of 98.40.
Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL)is reporting for the quarter ending July 31, 2026. The building (residential/commercial) company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 6 analysts that follow the stock is $2.90. This value represents a 22.25% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. TOL missed the consensus earnings per share in the 4th calendar quarter of 2025 by -5.95%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for TOL is 11.46 vs. an industry ratio of 10.40, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (JKHY)is reporting for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. The information technology services company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 5 analysts that follow the stock is $1.44. This value represents a 17.71% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year JKHY has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 1st calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 19.58%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for JKHY is 21.88 vs. an industry ratio of 13.70, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Mercury Systems Inc (MRCY)is reporting for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. The aerospace and defense company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 5 analysts that follow the stock is $0.20. This value represents a 52.38% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year MRCY has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 1st calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 244.44%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for MRCY is 343.52 vs. an industry ratio of 41.20, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM)is reporting for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. The chemical company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 3 analysts that follow the stock is $2.03. This value represents a 554.84% increase compared to the same quarter last year. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for SQM is 10.08 vs. an industry ratio of 23.40.
La-Z-Boy Incorporated (LZB)is reporting for the quarter ending July 31, 2026. The furniture company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 2 analysts that follow the stock is $0.48. This value represents a 2.13% increase compared to the same quarter last year. LZB missed the consensus earnings per share in the 3rd calendar quarter of 2025 by -11.32%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2027 Price to Earnings ratio for LZB is 13.93 vs. an industry ratio of 14.80.
Auna SA (AUNA)is reporting for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. The medical services company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 2 analysts that follow the stock is $0.25. This value represents a 24.24% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. AUNA missed the consensus earnings per share in the 1st calendar quarter of 2026 by -73.68%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2026 Price to Earnings ratio for AUNA is 6.81 vs. an industry ratio of -28.10, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.

After-Hours Earnings Report for August 18, 2026 : KEYS, TOL, JKHY, MRCY, SQM, LZB, AUNA

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – August 17, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Albemarle Corporation ALB, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM and Rio Tinto Group RIO.
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
Albemarle Stock Slides 28% in 3 Months: Should You Buy the Dip?
Albemarle Corporation’s shares have tumbled 27.7% in the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry decline of 8.3% and the S&P 500’s 3.2% increase.
Falling lithium market prices have been weighing on ALB stock. Lithium prices have pulled back amid slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China, elevated inventories and expectations for higher supply from mine restarts and capacity expansions. EV orders have moderated in China, the world’s largest lithium consumer, while demand from the energy storage market remains resilient.
Reflecting the retreat in lithium prices, ALB stock broke below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on May 15, 2026. It also slipped below its 200-day SMA on June 23, 2026. The 50-day SMA is reading lower than the 200-day SMA, following a death crossover on July 21, 2026, signaling a bearish trend.
Given the pullback in Albemarle’s shares, investors might be tempted to snap up the stock. But is this the right time to buy ALB? Let’s find out.
Growing Lithium Demand and 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, 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. Albemarle expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year, with growth already trending near the higher end of the range.
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.
The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50-60% operating rate, and the ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. Albemarle, in March 2026, submitted the environmental assessment permit for a commercial direct lithium extraction (DLE) project at Salar de Atacama. The DLE pilot plant supports future growth at Salar de Atacama and has demonstrated lithium recoveries of more than 90%. The CGP3 expansion at the Greenbushes spodumene mine in Australia is underway and is expected to reach full production in first-quarter 2027.
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, with $100 million already delivered.
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.
ALB’s Strong Financial Health Supports Capital Allocation
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior year. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, it had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. The company generated an operating cash flow of $710 million and free cash flow of $638 million in the second quarter. Operating cash flow for the first half nearly doubled year over year to roughly $1.1 billion.
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 1.3% at the current stock price. Its peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. and Rio Tinto Group, have a dividend yield of 3.7% and 5%, respectively.
Volume and Margin Pressure Weigh on ALB Stock
ALB’s Energy Storage unit faces volume pressure in 2026, which may affect the segment’s sales. The company’s guidance reflects flat to 4% lower year-over-year Energy Storage sales volumes in 2026. Albemarle expects Energy Storage sales volumes of 225-235 kilotons (kt), compared with 235kt in 2025, as higher Wodgina output partly offsets a delay in the CGP3 ramp-up following the June 9, 2026 fire. Lower sales volumes are expected to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales in the third quarter.
Some impacts of the lithium price retreat are also expected to reflect on the company’s performance in the third quarter. ALB expects sequentially lower prices and volumes to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales and margins compared with the second quarter.
ALB’s Earnings Estimates Southbound
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised downward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for third-quarter 2026 has been going down over the same time frame.
A Look at ALB’s Valuation
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.38, above the industry’s 0.93. It is trading at a premium to Rio Tinto and in line with Sociedad Quimica. Albemarle has a Value Score of B. Rio Tinto and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of A and C, respectively.
Final Thoughts: Hold Onto ALB Shares
Albemarle is poised to benefit from project ramp-ups, ongoing efforts to expand its global lithium conversion capacity and productivity improvement initiatives. The company remains well-positioned to gain from the long-term expansion of the battery-grade lithium market. Near-term headwinds include lower Energy Storage volumes, weaker lithium prices and margin pressure. With shares below key moving averages and trading at a premium to the industry, immediate upside appears limited. Also, declining earnings estimates cast a pall on the company's prospects. Considering these factors, holding onto this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock will be prudent for investors who already own it.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Albemarle, Sociedad Quimica and Rio Tinto

In trading on Friday, shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (Symbol: SQM) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $73.82, changing hands as high as $74.52 per share. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. shares are currently trading up about 2.6% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of SQM shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, SQM's low point in its 52 week range is $40.58 per share, with $98 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $73.99.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed above their 200 day moving average »
Further SQM Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Breaks Above 200-Day Moving Average - Bullish for SQM

Albemarle Corporation’s ALB shares have tumbled 27.7% in the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry decline of 8.3% and the S&P 500’s 3.2% increase.
Falling lithium market prices have been weighing on ALB stock. Lithium prices have pulled back amid slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China, elevated inventories and expectations for higher supply from mine restarts and capacity expansions. EV orders have moderated in China, the world’s largest lithium consumer, while demand from the energy storage market remains resilient.
ALB’s 3-month Price Performance
Reflecting the retreat in lithium prices, ALB stock broke below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on May 15, 2026. It also slipped below its 200-day SMA on June 23, 2026. The 50-day SMA is reading lower than the 200-day SMA, following a death crossover on July 21, 2026, signaling a bearish trend.
Albemarle Trades Below 50-Day SMA
Given the pullback in Albemarle’s shares, investors might be tempted to snap up the stock. But is this the right time to buy ALB? Let’s find out.
Growing Lithium Demand and 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, 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. Albemarle expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year, with growth already trending near the higher end of the range.
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.
The Salar yield improvement project in Chile has achieved a 50-60% operating rate, and the ramp-up continues to deliver encouraging outcomes. Albemarle, in March 2026, submitted the environmental assessment permit for a commercial direct lithium extraction (DLE) project at Salar de Atacama. The DLE pilot plant supports future growth at Salar de Atacama and has demonstrated lithium recoveries of more than 90%. The CGP3 expansion at the Greenbushes spodumene mine in Australia is underway and is expected to reach full production in first-quarter 2027.
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, with $100 million already delivered.
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.
ALB’s Strong Financial Health Supports Capital Allocation
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior year. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, it had liquidity of around $3.2 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.6 billion. The company generated an operating cash flow of $710 million and free cash flow of $638 million in the second quarter. Operating cash flow for the first half nearly doubled year over year to roughly $1.1 billion.
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 1.3% 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 3.7% and 5%, respectively.
Volume and Margin Pressure Weigh on ALB Stock
ALB’s Energy Storage unit faces volume pressure in 2026, which may affect the segment’s sales. The company’s guidance reflects flat to 4% lower year-over-year Energy Storage sales volumes in 2026. Albemarle expects Energy Storage sales volumes of 225-235 kilotons (kt), compared with 235kt in 2025, as higher Wodgina output partly offsets a delay in the CGP3 ramp-up following the June 9, 2026 fire. Lower sales volumes are expected to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales in the third quarter.
Some impacts of the lithium price retreat are also expected to reflect on the company’s performance in the third quarter. ALB expects sequentially lower prices and volumes to result in a decline in Energy Storage sales and margins compared with the second quarter.
ALB’s Earnings Estimates Southbound
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised downward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for third-quarter 2026 has been going down over the same time frame.
A Look at ALB’s Valuation
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.38, above the industry’s 0.93. It is trading at a premium to Rio Tinto and in line with Sociedad Quimica. Albemarle has a Value Score of B. Rio Tinto and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of A and C, respectively.
ALB’s P/S F12M Vs. Industry, SQM and RIO
Final Thoughts: Hold Onto ALB Shares
Albemarle is poised to benefit from project ramp-ups, ongoing efforts to expand its global lithium conversion capacity and productivity improvement initiatives. The company remains well-positioned to gain from the long-term expansion of the battery-grade lithium market. Near-term headwinds include lower Energy Storage volumes, weaker lithium prices and margin pressure. With shares below key moving averages and trading at a premium to the industry, immediate upside appears limited. Also, declining earnings estimates cast a pall on the company's prospects. Considering these factors, holding onto this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock will be prudent for investors who already own it.
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Albemarle Stock Slides 28% in 3 Months: Should You Buy the Dip?

Albemarle Corporation ALB is strategically executing its projects aimed at boosting its global lithium conversion capacity. The market for lithium batteries and energy storage remains strong, offering significant opportunities for the company to develop innovative products and expand capacity.
ALB 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 (up 14% year over year) in its Energy Storage unit in the first quarter on the strength of 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. ALB has started the environmental permitting process for a commercial direct lithium extraction project at Salar de Atacama. The ramp-up at the Meishan lithium conversion facility in China is also progressing ahead of schedule. The company’s volumes are expected to continue to be supported by these capacity expansion actions going forward.
Among its peers, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM has a robust balance sheet and generates strong cash flows, which allow it to make investments in driving production capacity. SQM logged strong lithium sales volumes of 69,000 metric tons in the first quarter. The Nova Andino Litio business recorded roughly 19% higher volumes compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by capacity expansion actions. SQM is operating at full capacity at the Mt. Holland mine and concentrator in Australia and continues to ramp up the Kwinana refinery.
Rio Tinto Group RIO is 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 ramp-up currently in progress, with full capacity expected by the end of 2026. 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.
ALB’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Albemarle has gained 64.7% in the past year compared with the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s decline of 2.8%.
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.32, above the industry. It carries a Value Score of C.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 1,753.2%. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending higher over the past 60 days.
ALB stock currently carries 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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Will ALB's Expansion Actions Power Stronger Sales Volumes?

Albemarle Corporation’s ALB shares have tumbled 25.5% in the past month, underperforming the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry and the S&P 500’s declines of 6.7% and 0.1%, respectively.
Falling lithium market prices are weighing on the ALB stock lately. Lithium prices have pulled back amid slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China, an inventory glut and prospects of increased supply from mine restarts and capacity additions. EV orders have slowed in China, the world’s biggest lithium consumer, while demand in energy storage systems remains healthy.
Meanwhile, China’s battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has reportedly secured a safety production permit to resume production at its Jianxiawo lithium mine, with operations expected to resume soon. CATL suspended operations at the mine in August 2025, following the expiry of its mining permit. Mineral Resources has also announced the restart of operations at its fully-owned Bald Hill lithium mine in Western Australia. The mine was placed on care and maintenance in November 2024 amid weak lithium market conditions.
ALB’s One-month Price Performance
Reflecting the retreat in lithium prices, ALB stock broke below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) on May 15, 2026. It also slipped below its 200-day SMA on June 23, 2026. Nonetheless, the 50-day SMA is reading higher than the 200-day SMA following a golden crossover on Sept. 3, 2025.
Albemarle Trades Below 50-Day SMA
Let’s take a look at ALB’s fundamentals to analyze the stock better.
Growing Lithium Demand and Productivity 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, 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. Albemarle expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year. Demand indicators stayed positive in the first quarter of 2026, with global Energy Storage Systems production rising 117% year over 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 (up 14% year over year) in its Energy Storage unit in the first quarter on the strength of 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. ALB has started the environmental permitting process for a commercial direct lithium extraction project at Salar de Atacama. 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, with $40 million already delivered this year. 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.
ALB’s Strong Financial Health Supports Capital Allocation
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior-year period. At the end of the first quarter, ALB had liquidity of around $2.7 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.1 billion. ALB generated an operating cash flow of $346 million and free cash flow of $248 million in the quarter.
The company paid down $1.3 billion of outstanding debt in March 2026, reducing annual interest expense by roughly $60 million. This followed the successful divestments of the controlling stake in Ketjen and its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture, which together generated $670 million in pre-tax proceeds.
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 1.3% 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 3.6% and 5.6%, respectively.
ALB’s Earnings Estimates Northbound
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 for ALB has been revised upward over the past 60 days. The consensus estimate for second-quarter 2026 has been going up over the same time frame.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is currently pegged at $13.06, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 1,735.2%. Earnings are expected to increase roughly 2,818.2% in the second quarter.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
A Look at ALB’s Valuation
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.34, above the industry’s 0.88. It is trading at a modest discount to Sociedad Quimica and at a premium to Rio Tinto. Both Albemarle and Sociedad Quimica currently have a Value Score of C, while Rio Tinto has a Value Score of B.
ALB’s P/S F12M Vs. Industry, SQM and RIO
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Should Investors Play ALB Stock?
Albemarle is gaining from increased lithium volumes, supported by project ramp-ups, ongoing efforts to expand its global lithium conversion capacity and productivity improvement initiatives. The company remains well-positioned to benefit from the long-term expansion of the battery-grade lithium market. Robust growth prospects and rising earnings estimates are some other positives. Although ALB trades at a premium valuation, its strong fundamentals and earnings growth potential justify the higher multiple. Notwithstanding the recent pullback in lithium prices, we advise investors to bet on this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock now, as it has solid earnings growth prospects.
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Albemarle Stock Loses 25% in a Month: What Should Investors Do Now?

Albemarle Corporation ALB and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM 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 from the 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 major lithium stocks to determine the better investment option now.
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. Stationary storage is expected to be a significant driver for lithium demand along with EVs. Albemarle expects demand to grow roughly 15-40% this year. Demand indicators stayed positive in the first quarter of 2026, with global Energy Storage Systems production rising 117% year over 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 (up 14% year over year) in its Energy Storage unit in the first quarter on the strength of 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. ALB has started the environmental permitting process for a commercial direct lithium extraction project at Salar de Atacama. 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, with $40 million already delivered this year. 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.
Albemarle remains committed to driving shareholder value by leveraging healthy cash flows and strong liquidity. Its operating cash flow was around $1.3 billion in 2025, up roughly 86% from the prior-year period. At the end of the first quarter, ALB had liquidity of around $2.7 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $1.1 billion. ALB generated an operating cash flow of $346 million and free cash flow of $248 million in the quarter.
The company paid down $1.3 billion of outstanding debt in March 2026, reducing annual interest expense by roughly $60 million. This followed the successful divestments of the controlling stake in Ketjen and its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture, which together generated $670 million in pre-tax proceeds.
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 1.2% at the current stock price.
The Case for SQM
Chile-based Sociedad Quimica produces plant nutrients, iodine, lithium and industrial chemicals. SQM is gaining from the favorable trends in the lithium market underpinned by strong EV sales. Higher demand is expected to continue to support the company’s lithium sales volumes.
SQM logged strong lithium sales volumes of 69,000 metric tons in the first quarter on strong market demand, driven by battery energy storage systems. The Nova Andino Litio business recorded roughly 19% higher volumes compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by capacity expansion actions, and the company expects continued sequential increase.
Nova Andino Litio’s average realized sales price increased roughly 95% year over year in the first quarter, and it expects prices to increase further in the second quarter. SQM is operating at full capacity at the Mt. Holland mine and concentrator in Australia and continues to ramp up the Kwinana refinery.
SQM projects global lithium demand to surpass 1.9 million metric tons of LCE this year, along with a tight supply-demand balance. It raised its sales volume guidance for 2026, increasing expected volume growth from 10% to 15%.
Earlier this year, SQM and Codelco completed their strategic partnership to jointly develop the Atacama salt flat. The partnership was completed through the merger by absorption of Codelco’s subsidiary, Minera Tarar SpA, into SQM’s subsidiary, SQM Salar SpA.
This major milestone paves the way for the production of refined lithium in the Salar de Atacama until 2060 and contributes to making Chile a leader in lithium production. Improvements in process efficiency, the adoption of new technologies and the optimization of operations are expected to lead to incremental lithium production through 2060. The first quarter marked SQM’s first full quarter of operation alongside Codelco through the Nova Andino Litio partnership.
Sociedad Quimica’s robust balance sheet supports its capital investment in growth projects and shareholder-friendly actions. It exited the first quarter with strong liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents of around $2.8 billion. Sociedad Quimica, in early December 2025, issued a hybrid bond for roughly $430 million to refinance debt and fund its investment plan. SQM offers a dividend yield of 3.7% at the current stock price.
ALB & SQM: Price Performance, Valuation & Other Comparisons
The ALB stock has surged 113.3% over the past year, while SQM has rallied 102.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.52. SQM is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.41, slightly below ALB.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB’s long-term debt-to-capitalization is around 15.2%, lower than SQM’s 36.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compares for ALB & SQM
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 18.2%. The same for EPS suggests a 1,743% 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 SQM’s 2026 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year rise of 80.2% and 251.9%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2026 have been trending northward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ALB or SQM: Which Stock Holds the Edge?
ALB and SQM stand to benefit from higher lithium prices driven by EV and energy storage demand. Albemarle is benefiting from higher lithium volumes on project ramp-ups and actions to boost global lithium conversion capacity and productivity. SQM is delivering strong lithium volumes, expanding operations and is expected to benefit from the strategic partnership with Codelco.
ALB's higher earnings growth projections suggest that it may offer better investment prospects in the current market environment. Its lower leverage also suggests lower financial risks. Investors seeking exposure to the lithium space might consider Albemarle as the more favorable option at this time.
ALB currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while SQM has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
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