**Key Highlights for Investors:**
- Albemarle (ALB, Financial) leads as the most shorted stock in the materials sector, with 17.06 million shares shorted.
- S&P 500 materials index saw a significant rise of nearly 5% last month.
- Albemarle's current price presents potential upside based on GuruFocus and analysts' estimates.
High Short Interest in Albemarle (ALB)
Albemarle (ALB) topped the list of most shorted materials stocks as of the end of April, with a notable 17.06 million shares shorted. This figure represents 14.58% of its float, indicating a substantial bearish sentiment among investors. Despite this, the broader materials sector has experienced gains, marked by an almost 5% increase in the S&P 500 materials index last month. Investors are closely watching to see if the upward trend in the sector will influence the performance of Albemarle in coming months.
Wall Street Analysts Forecasts for Albemarle
Wall Street analysts have presented varied expectations for Albemarle Corp (ALB, Financial). With insights from 25 analysts, the consensus one-year average target price is $80.94. The estimates range broadly, from a high of $155.00 to a low of $58.00. The average target suggests a promising upside potential of 37.41% from the current trading price of $58.90. For more detailed projections, visit the Albemarle Corp (ALB) Forecast page.
Brokerage Recommendations and GF Value
Consistent with these price targets, 29 brokerage firms have collectively ranked Albemarle Corp (ALB, Financial) with an average recommendation of 2.7, translating to a "Hold" rating. The scale ranges from 1, indicating a Strong Buy, to 5, signaling a Sell recommendation.
Additionally, GuruFocus has projected the estimated GF Value for Albemarle Corp (ALB, Financial) to be $79.45 in one year. This suggests a 34.89% upside from its current price point at $58.9. The GF Value is a critical metric, calculated based on Albemarle's historical trading multiples, past growth, and future business performance projections. Investors seeking a comprehensive analysis can explore further on the Albemarle Corp (ALB) Summary page.
