Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, specialty chemicals company Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Albemarle's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Albemarle facts

Headquarters (Founded) Baton Rouge, La. (1993)
Market Cap $5.6 billion
Industry Specialty chemicals
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $2.9 billion
Management CEO Luther Kissam (since 2011)
CFO Scott Tozier (since 2011)
Return on Equity (Average, Past 3 Years) 23.4%
Cash/Debt $481.3 million / $891.2 million
Dividend Yield 1.2%
Competitors Chemtura
ICL Industrial Products
W.R. Grace and Co.

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 95% of the 228 members who have rated Albemarle believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.  

Just last month, one of those bulls, All-Star BSHumphreyII, touched on the tailwinds working in Albemarle's favor:

Oilfield chemicals and lithium? What's not to love with that one-two punch? No matter where future energy policy goes, we're going to be seeing an onshore drilling boom, and we're going to be seeing a steadily increasing demand for heavy batteries.

Add to that Albemarle's solid financials and strong [return on equity], and I think this is a strong long-term play going forward. Even if market takes another hit, Albemarle could be a tempting takeover target.

If you want to retire rich, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Albemarle may not be your top choice.

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