Albemarle downgraded to Hold at Deutsche on near-term lithium price caution

As previously reported, Deutsche Bank downgraded Albemarle to Hold from Buy with a price target of $135, down from $155. The firm says the long-term thesis for lithium “remains strong,” but it believes a more cautious view over the near-to-medium term is prudent given the uncertainty and volatility in lithium prices. While most lithium producers are expecting a rebound in Q2 post Chinese Lunar New Year, details into the magnitude of the rebound “remain meager, at best” and the market appears to be well-supplied at least through 2026, the analyst tells investors.