** BofA raises PT on Albemarle ALB.N to $118 from $110
** New PT represents marginal upside to stock's last close
** Brokerage expects lithium market to be in deficit next year, driven by production discipline, lower rock recoveries and stronger Energy Storage Systems demand
** "We remain Neutral-rated on ALB given limited upside, but recent strength appears more justified," brokerage says
** Brokerage says higher market prices, if realized, may also allow ALB to reignite the capex engine, reaccelerating volume growth
** Adding that brokerage suspects ALB to remain cautious on this in near-term
** 8 of 27 brokerages rate stock "buy" or higher, 16 "hold" and 3 "sell" or lower; median PT is $100 - data compiled by LSEG
** Up to last close, shares up 35.7% YTD
(Reporting by Varun Sahay in Bengaluru)
((Varun.sahay@thomsonreuters.com;))