Albemarle (ALB Quick QuoteALB - Free Report) shares rallied 3.9% in the last trading session to close at $168.56. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 4.3% loss over the past four weeks.

Optimism over improving trends in the lithium business and strength in the bromine unit are driving the stock higher. The company is benefiting from a recovery in lithium prices and higher volumes. Its bromine business is also gaining from higher demand on continued recovery in global economic activities, a rebound in certain end markets and cost-saving actions.

Price and Consensus

This specialty chemicals company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.83 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -3.5%. Revenues are expected to be $793.09 million, up 3.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Earnings and revenue growth expectations certainly give a good sense of the potential strength in a stock, but empirical research shows that trends in earnings estimate revisions are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements.

For Albemarle, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 5.6% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. And a positive trend in earnings estimate revision usually translates into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on ALB going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>