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Albemarle (ALB)
NYSE:ALB
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Albemarle (ALB) AI Stock Analysis

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ALB

Albemarle

(NYSE:ALB)

Rating:55Neutral
Price Target:
$72.00
â–Ľ(-4.61% Downside)
Albemarle's overall stock score is primarily influenced by its financial challenges, including declining sales and profitability, and liquidity concerns. Technical analysis provides mixed signals, while valuation is hindered by a negative P/E ratio. However, the earnings call and corporate events offer some optimism with strategic improvements and leadership stability.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Cost cuts and troughed market conditions support the analyst's recommendation to continue buying Albemarle.
Financial Position
A further CapEx cut has been realized, which is expected to positively impact Albemarle's financial position.
Negative Factors
Market Conditions
Temporary market dynamics have led to a shift towards spot volumes, which could imply a weaker performance in the second half of the year.
Market Risks
The lithium market remains oversupplied, which could pose continued price risks for Albemarle.

Albemarle (ALB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Albemarle Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAlbemarle Corporation is a global specialty chemicals company and a leading producer of lithium, bromine, and catalysts. The company operates in three primary segments: Lithium, Bromine Specialties, and Catalysts. Albemarle's lithium operations focus on producing high-quality lithium compounds used in batteries, especially for electric vehicles, as well as other industrial applications. The Bromine Specialties segment provides products used in fire safety, oilfield drilling, and other industrial uses. The Catalysts segment supplies refining solutions to the oil and gas industry, enhancing the production of high-value end products.
How the Company Makes MoneyAlbemarle makes money through the production and sale of specialty chemicals, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from its Lithium segment. The demand for lithium is driven by the growing electric vehicle market, which has been a primary growth driver for the company. Albemarle extracts lithium from its mines and converts it into compounds required for battery production. The Bromine Specialties segment generates revenue by supplying bromine-based products, which are crucial in various industrial applications, including flame retardants and oilfield solutions. The Catalysts segment contributes to earnings by providing refining solutions that improve the efficiency and output of petroleum refineries. Additionally, Albemarle engages in strategic partnerships and long-term supply agreements, particularly in the lithium sector, which enhance its revenue stability and growth potential.

Albemarle Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Analyzes revenue from different business segments, highlighting which areas drive growth and profitability, and indicating potential shifts in strategic focus or market demand.
Chart InsightsAlbemarle's revenue trends reveal a significant shift in its segment performance. While Lithium and Energy Storage segments experienced substantial growth through 2022, they have faced declines since 2023, reflecting challenges in lithium market pricing and energy storage margins. Despite these setbacks, the company remains optimistic about long-term lithium demand, driven by the energy transition. Specialties and Ketjen segments show resilience with improved EBITDA margins, supported by cost and productivity improvements. Albemarle's strategic focus on optimizing operations and financial flexibility is crucial amid an uncertain market environment.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Albemarle Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 9.57%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong volume growth in energy storage, cost and productivity improvements, and a positive free cash flow outlook. However, these were balanced by challenges such as declining lithium prices, high operating costs, and uncertainties in the North American EV market.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Volume Growth in Energy Storage
Increased volumes in energy storage and specialties segments, contributing to net sales of $1.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $336 million.
Cost and Productivity Improvements
Achieved 100% run rate of the $400 million cost and productivity improvement target ahead of schedule, enhancing financial flexibility.
Positive Free Cash Flow Outlook
Company now expects to achieve positive free cash flow for 2025, aided by reduced capital expenditures and strong cash conversion.
Robust Lithium Demand
Global lithium demand up about 35% year-to-date, driven by strong growth in stationary storage and electric vehicles.
Record Production in Jordan
Achieved record production from operations in Jordan, with continued uninterrupted operations despite geopolitical tensions.
Negative Updates
Decline in Lithium Market Pricing
Second quarter net sales declined year-over-year mainly due to lower lithium market pricing, impacting adjusted EBITDA.
High Operating Costs in Energy Storage
Expected second half margin to be lower due to a smaller proportion of lithium salt sales being under long-term agreements.
Challenges in North American EV Market
Uncertainty in North American EV market due to potential tariff impacts and removal of the 30D tax credit in September.
Supply Chain and Inventory Issues
Spodumene sales expected in June were delayed to July, influencing the mix and margin expectations for upcoming quarters.
Company Guidance
During Albemarle Corporation's Q2 2025 earnings call, the company provided several key guidance metrics and outlook considerations. They reported net sales of $1.3 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $336 million, despite lower lithium market pricing. Albemarle maintained its 2025 outlook, expecting to achieve positive free cash flow, assuming persistent low lithium prices. The company has reached a 100% run rate on its $400 million cost and productivity improvement target. Capital expenditures for 2025 are projected to be between $650 million and $700 million, marking a 60% reduction from the previous year. Albemarle also improved financial flexibility by redeeming preferred shares valued at $307 million. Despite macroeconomic challenges, the company remains optimistic about strong lithium demand, which has increased by approximately 35% year-to-date, driven by stationary storage and EV markets. They anticipate a full-year EBITDA margin in the mid-20% range, assuming an average lithium price of $9 per kilogram LCE for the year.

Albemarle Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Albemarle's financial performance reflects significant challenges, particularly in profitability and cash generation. The income statement shows declining sales and profitability, the balance sheet is moderately stable, and cash flow management needs improvement due to high capital expenditure and negative cash flow.
Income Statement
35
Negative
Albemarle's income statement reveals significant challenges in the TTM period with negative EBIT and net income, causing a downturn in profitability. The company's gross profit margin has declined dramatically, reflecting pressure on cost management. Additionally, revenue has decreased on a year-over-year basis, indicating a contraction in sales. These factors contribute to a low score due to weak performance metrics, despite historical periods of profitability.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
Albemarle maintains a moderate balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio around the industry norm, indicating a balanced leverage position. The company's equity ratio remains strong, showcasing a stable asset base backed by shareholder equity. However, the recent decline in equity and assets could signal potential risks if the trend continues.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows Albemarle experiencing negative free cash flow in recent periods, impacted by substantial capital expenditures. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive, suggesting that core operations are generating cash despite net losses. However, the lack of free cash flow growth and persistent negative free cash flow highlight liquidity concerns, warranting a cautious outlook.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.99B5.38B9.62B7.32B3.33B3.13B
Gross Profit387.35M62.54M1.19B3.07B997.97M994.85M
EBITDA-802.61M-1.01B792.75M2.87B875.13M678.62M
Net Income-929.45M-1.18B1.57B2.04B123.67M375.76M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets17.29B16.61B18.27B15.46B10.97B10.45B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.81B1.19B889.90M1.50B439.27M746.72M
Total Debt3.62B3.62B4.31B3.22B2.39B3.57B
Total Liabilities6.79B6.41B8.61B7.27B5.17B5.98B
Stockholders Equity10.24B9.96B9.41B7.98B5.63B4.27B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-54.87M-983.72M-823.96M646.20M-609.41M-51.56M
Operating Cash Flow786.61M702.07M1.33B1.91B344.26M798.91M
Investing Cash Flow-809.24M-1.57B-2.78B-1.42B-666.59M-863.57M
Financing Cash Flow-322.85M1.24B623.91M611.89M50.21M177.26M

Albemarle Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price75.48
Price Trends
50DMA
66.86
Positive
100DMA
64.27
Positive
200DMA
77.09
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.63
Positive
RSI
57.36
Neutral
STOCH
44.03
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ALB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 75.48 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 73.64, above the 50-day MA of 66.86, and below the 200-day MA of 77.09, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.63 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 57.36 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 44.03 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ALB.

Albemarle Risk Analysis

Albemarle disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Albemarle reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Albemarle Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (44)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Neutral
$3.01B25.445.09%3.25%3.28%1.69%
69
Neutral
$11.63B20.0812.13%0.47%-29.03%52.74%
68
Neutral
$3.03B30.535.62%1.63%-0.09%-37.60%
63
Neutral
$7.08B8.6614.52%5.36%1.60%-3.97%
55
Neutral
$8.88B―-8.66%2.15%-33.05%-97.63%
51
Neutral
$10.13B25.36-0.64%2.66%-3.00%-124.79%
44
Neutral
AU$1.47B-5.90-41.17%4.21%-3.35%-41.14%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ALB
Albemarle
75.48
1.03
1.38%
EMN
Eastman Chemical
61.62
-29.59
-32.44%
FUL
H.B. Fuller Company
56.21
-20.98
-27.18%
AVNT
Avient
32.86
-10.81
-24.75%
SQM
Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA
42.22
7.17
20.46%
WLK
Westlake Corporation
79.00
-60.94
-43.55%

Albemarle Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Albemarle Extends CEO J. Kent Masters’ Contract
Positive
Aug 4, 2025

On July 30, 2025, Albemarle Corporation announced an extension of the employment agreement with its CEO, J. Kent Masters, through March 30, 2027. This decision reflects the company’s confidence in Masters’ leadership during a period of restructuring and industry dynamism. The agreement includes provisions for salary, bonuses, and long-term incentives, with specific conditions for termination and vesting. The move is seen as a strategic effort to maintain stability and continuity in Albemarle’s executive leadership as it navigates changes in the specialty chemicals industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (ALB) stock is a Buy with a $140.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Albemarle stock, see the ALB Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Albemarle Shareholders Approve Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Neutral
May 9, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Albemarle held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders where several proposals were voted on. Shareholders elected directors for a term expiring in 2026, approved executive compensation on a non-binding basis, ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025, and approved a shareholder proposal regarding a simple majority vote.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 08, 2025