Berenberg Lifts Albemarle Price Target to $153 from $135, Idles Kemerton Plant, Raises $0.405 Dividend
Berenberg Bank raised Albemarle’s price target to $153 from $135 while keeping a Hold rating and noted lithium prices have more than doubled producer stock valuations since mid-2025. Albemarle will idle Train 1 at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant to boost Q2 2026 EBITDA and declared a $0.405 quarterly dividend (annualized $1.62).
1. Price Target Increase
Berenberg Bank increased Albemarle’s price target to $153 from $135 while keeping its Hold rating, citing a more than doubling of lithium prices and elevated stock valuations among major producers since mid-2025.
2. Kemerton Plant Care and Maintenance
Effective February 11, Albemarle will place Train 1 at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide facility into care and maintenance to reduce costs and enhance financial flexibility; adjusted EBITDA is expected to benefit in Q2 2026 with no change to full-year volume guidance as demand is met through other assets.
3. Quarterly Dividend Declaration
The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share, payable April 1 to shareholders of record by March 13, representing an annualized payout of $1.62 and underscoring the company’s commitment to shareholder returns.