Albemarle: UBS upgrades Neutral from Sell, raises PT to $89 from $62.

Albemarle: UBS upgrades Neutral from Sell, raises PT to $89 from $62.

In a significant move, UBS Group has upgraded Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) from a "Sell" rating to a "Neutral" rating, raising its price target from $62 to $89. The upgrade comes amidst a broader review of the company's strategic direction and market positioning.

The upgrade reflects UBS's assessment of Albemarle's potential to benefit from increasing demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Albemarle has been a significant player in the lithium market, with a strong focus on producing high-purity lithium carbonate and hydroxide.

The company's stock price has been volatile in recent quarters, with a 52-week low of $66.83 and a high of $89.73. The upgrade by UBS suggests a potential upside of 37.6% from the current price, indicating a more favorable outlook on the company's prospects.

Albemarle's CEO, Kent Masters, recently admitted that the company's stalled lithium refinery plans would not move forward without government support. The UBS upgrade could signal a shift in investor sentiment, particularly if the company secures the necessary backing.

The upgrade comes on the heels of several other analyst upgrades, including Needham & Company LLC, which raised its price target on shares of Albemarle from $60 to $70. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its price objective from $58 to $65, reflecting a growing consensus among analysts on the company's potential.

Despite the upgrade, Albemarle faces significant challenges, including geopolitical risks and the need to secure government support for its refinery plans. However, the upgrade by UBS suggests that the company's strategic direction is being taken more seriously by the investment community.

References:
[1] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/ssc-technologies-nasdaqssnc-given-new-11000-price-target-at-ubs-group-2025-08-22/
[2] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/ubs-group-upgrades-antero-resources-nysear-to-buy-2025-08-20/