12 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

5. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB)

Upside Potential as of February 7: 15.2%

1-Year Return: 111.15%

On January 28, JPMorgan analyst Jeffrey Zekauskas made a big adjustment to his outlook on Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB), lifting his price recommendation to $195 from $80. The analyst maintained a Neutral rating on the stock. The move reflected how quickly sentiment around lithium has shifted after a long period of weakness.

Earlier in the month, Jefferies strategist Steven DeSanctis singled out Albemarle as the best performer among a group of cyclical stocks. He pointed to improving demand out of China, where lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices have jumped about 70% since early 2025. After lagging for much of last year, prices in other regions are now beginning to move higher as well. DeSanctis also noted that lower interest rates and the growing likelihood of stimulus, particularly in the US, could start to release demand that had been delayed during the downturn.

Albemarle is scheduled to report fourth-quarter earnings on February 11. The company has been focused on conserving cash. Capital spending fell to $434 million over the first nine months of the year, down from $903 million in the same period last year. Looking ahead, management expects CapEx of around $600 million in 2025, roughly 65% lower than in 2024. That pullback has helped support the balance sheet, with operating cash flow rising 57% from a year earlier to $356 million.

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) operates as a global specialty chemicals company and is best known as the world’s largest producer of lithium, a key material used in electric vehicle batteries. The company also has exposure to bromine and catalyst markets, which helps provide some diversification when lithium prices swing.